Supreme Court declares sections of two Bills inconsistent with Constitution

The Supreme Court has observed that certain sections of Immigration Bill and Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements are inconsistent with the Constitution, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa announced today.

Cost of transport, booze, tobacco increase for Sri Lankans

With Sri Lanka’s inflation increasing to 2.4 per cent in June from 1.6 per cent reported in May according to the national consumer price index, people appeared to have been compelled to spend more on transport, alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

UAE jails 57 Bangladeshis over protests against own government

A court in the United Arab Emirates has handed 57 Bangladeshis long prison terms for holding protests in the Gulf state against their own country’s government.

Water cutting ceremony ends Kataragama Esala festival

The Esala festival in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala ended after the water cutting ceremony last morning at Jeewamali ferry in Menikganga. The Kapurala performing the rite was brought to the venue of the ceremony in a palanquin. The first pot of water collected from the site was taken to Valliamma Devala after performing traditional rites.

Man found stabbed in three-wheeler at Town Hall

A man was found dead in a three-wheeler near the dental hospital in Town Hall, Colombo, police said.

UDA irked by CMC’s failure to act against unauthorised construction on sanctioned street line

Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) deliberate failure to take legal action against an unauthorised construction on a sanctioned street line in Colombo 6, has irked the Urban Development Authority (UDA)

22A to Constitution unlikely to see the light of day

The enactment of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in Parliament is heading to be unrealistic because it is all set to deny two-thirds for the ruling party in case a vote is taken.

Teaching profession issues reviewed, salary increments possible

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said that issues in the teaching profession are being reviewed and resolved, making it possible to grant salary increments without delay.

Colombo Port congestion lowers transshipment volumes for second consecutive month

The transshipment volumes declined for the second straight month in June this year, as some services rerouted to avoid the heavy congestion at the Port of Colombo.

National prices accelerate to 2.4% in June

Sri Lanka’s inflation, measured by the National Consumer Price Index, gained pace in June to 2.4 percent from a year ago, from 1.6 percent through May, as the food prices rose in June, largely due to the weather-related disruptions to the crops.

SLTDA inks MoUs with key agencies to boost tourism

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) together with the Tourism Ministry yesterday signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four key stakeholder agencies, to further strengthen the recovering tourism sector.

Charlie Cassell breaks Rabada’s record for best bowling figures on ODI debut

Scotland’s Charlie Cassell broke Kagiso Rabada’s record for best bowling figures on ODI debut. Cassell ended with magical figures of 7/21 in 5.4 overs in the ODI match against Oman.

Ministry to import eggs if prices not lowered soon: Minister

Due to numerous complaints from consumers, Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando announced today that the Ministry will take strict measures to import eggs if local producers do not bring down the price of eggs.

ICC puts USA Cricket on notice for 'non-compliance'

The International Cricket Council put USA Cricket on notice Monday to comply with the world body’s membership rules, just weeks after the country co-hosted the T20 World Cup.

Skipper Atapattu guides Sri Lanka Women to second win

Sri Lanka Women skipper Chamari Atapattu continued her batting prowess when she slammed a 69 ball unbeaten knock of 119 inclusive of 14 boundaries and seven towering sixes to guide her side coast to a comfortable 144 run win over Malaysia Women in the seventh match of the Women’s Asia Cup tournament played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

Price control on bread within two days: Trade Minister

A decision will be taken within two days to announce a controlled price on all bread varieties if the bakery association does not take a decision to reduce the price of a 450 gram loaf of bread, including other bakery items, Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said today.

Indian team arrives in Sri Lanka for white-ball tour

Gautam Gambhir was leading the way as Team India landed in Sri Lanka ahead of the 3-match T20I series. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will play the series starting July 27, which will go on until July 30.

A sheikh revealed information about possible attacks: Gnanasara Thera

Considering their speeches on political stages about the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, all these political leaders should be in prison and have no moral right to preach or talk about the incident, Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera said today.

Tea time turns tipsy in Kandy hotel

People passing by a hotel in the Kandy central market thought people were enjoying a simple cup of tea or soft drinks.

SJB lodges complaint against IGP, Ministries

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) formally lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against IGP Deshabandu Thennekoon, accusing him of politicizing the police force.

Villagers oppose harming forest reserve to build road in Sinharaja

The villagers living around the Lankagama entrance of the world heritage Sinharaja forest strongly oppose the politically backed efforts of Neluwa Divisional Secretariat to harm the forest reserve to facilitate a road to a single domestic compound, when an alternative route already exists, the Daily Mirror learns.

Chamari Athapaththu becomes first to hit hundred in Women’s T20 Asia Cup

Chamari Athapaththu became the first batter to score a hundred in the history of the tournament. She achieved the feat in the match against Malaysia on Monday.

Stop brutal killing of students...

A protest was launched by several unions, including the Inter University Students’ Union Federation (IUSF), condemning the brutal killing of students in Bangladesh. The protest was held in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

India alert after boy dies from Nipah virus in Kerala

Health authorities in India’s Kerala state have issued an alert after a 14-year-old boy died of the Nipah virus.

Agarkar explains why Suryakumar was chosen as T20I captain over Hardik

Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir answered burning questions in a press conference ahead of India’s tour of Sri Lanka

Jeewan Thondaman to be arrested

The acting Magistrate of Nuwara Eliya has instructed the Nuwara Eliya Police to arrest and produce Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) General Secretary Minister Jeevan Thondaman to court.

MRI under fire for not performing sufficient testing

The Medical Research Institute (MRI), the apex institute which performs laboratory testing, laboratory diagnosis and consultations has come under fire for neglecting a significant number of its testing.

UNICEF donates nine refrigerated trucks to Health Ministry

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) donated nine refrigerated trucks to the Ministry of Health to further improve the delivery system of vaccines to all children across Sri Lanka.

I will announce my candidacy at the right time: RW

In response to Minister Prasanna Ranatunga’s plea for an immediate candidacy announcement, President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured yesterday that he plans to reveal his decision at the opportune moment.

Hirunika released on bail

Former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra, who was sentenced to a three-year jail term in connection with an abduction case in 2015, was granted bail today by the Colombo High Court pending appeal.