Committee to conduct threat assessments on Presidential candidates

President Ranil Wickremesinghe submitted a Cabinet Paper proposing the appointment of a committee to conduct threat assessments on Presidential candidates and former Presidents to ensure their required security in view of the forthcoming Presidential election, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

E-passports from next year

The Immigration and Emigration Department today announced the launch of a new, efficient and safe e-passport for Sri Lankans, with effect from January 1, 2025.

Rise in wheezing cases among children

Medical experts have noticed a notable surge in pediatric cases exhibiting wheezing symptoms following a viral infection akin to an influenza-like illness.

Prices of fertilizers for cinnamon, tea, coconut to be reduced

The State Fertilizer Company was advised to reduce the prices of fertilizers used for plantation crops such as cinnamon, tea and coconut, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Executive Presidency should be changed even if Sajith wins: Eran

The present system of governance which is based on the Executive Presidency should be changed even if Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emerges victorious at this year’s Executive Presidency, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Eran Wickramaratne said today.

Legendary Rolls-Royce designer assassinated at luxury home

A nationwide manhunt is in full swing and an upper-crust lakeside town in shock after a mystery man stabbed and killed the former design boss of Rolls-Royce at his front door on Friday evening.

Six foreign nationals found dead in Bangkok hotel

Thai police are investigating the deaths of six foreign nationals whose bodies were found in a room at an upmarket hotel in Bangkok on Tuesday, including looking for a seventh person in connection with the incident.

Samurdhi officers in protest...

Samurdhi officers staged a protest outside the Sethsiripaya in Battaramulla today over several demands. Pix Nisal Baduge

Diana withdraws expulsion case against SJB

The expulsion petition filed by former State Minister Diana Gamage challenging the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) decision to expel her from party membership was today withdrawn by her before the Supreme Court.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan visits confirmed as New Zealand reveal packed summer schedule

New Zealand have confirmed they will host white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan this summer alongside their previously announced ICC World Test Championship series against England at the end of this year.

Call for ban on bringing mobile phones to cinemas

With reference to an illegal recording and uploading his film ‘ Sinhabahu’ on social media, Film Director and President of Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka (FDGSL) Somaratne Dissanayake yesterday called for the banning of brining mobile phones into cinemas.

Messi becomes most decorated player of all time

Lionel Messi won his 45th senior trophy after winning the 2024 Copa America title with Argentina, surpassing Dani Alves as the player with the most number of trophies in football history.

Visa free travel to Thailand now in effect for Sri Lankans

Thailand has implemented the visa exemption for 60 days for Sri Lankan nationals along with those of 92 other countries.

What went wrong for Kusal Mendis?

Sri Lanka top order batsman Kusal Mendis is set to be dropped from the white ball cricket according to the reports. It is also said that middle order batsman Charith Asalanka is set to take over the captaincy in both ODIs and T20s following the resignation of Wanindu Hasaranga as the skipper in the shortest format.

Sri Lanka engages Liberia for furthering economic ties

Sri Lankan Ambassador Kana Kananathan met President Joseph Boakai of the Republic of Liberia at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia yesterday afternoon.

100% increase in President’s Fund payments for heart, kidney patients

The government will increase the amount paid under the President’s Fund for heart and kidney patients by 100% and will pay within a week of receiving the application, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Global economy in sticky spot: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global growth to be in line with the April 2024 World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast, at 3.2 percent in 2024 and 3.3 percent in 2025.

Three Sri Lankans among 16 missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman coast

Sixteen crew members including three Sri Lankans, were missing after their Comorian-flagged oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, the sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) said Tuesday.

Former cricketer shot dead in Ambalangoda

Former Sri Lankan cricketer was shot dead following a shooting in Ambalangoda last night.

Public keener than ever on Presidential election: EC

As the Presidential election is around the corner, the Election Commission said it has observed an unprecedented level of interest and enthusiasm from both the general public and institutional bodies towards the election.

Excessive use of Air Force helicopters by MR and Sirisena revealed

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa made 978 flights using Air Force helicopters under presidential privilege for domestic flights between 2005 and 2015, while former President Maithripala Sirisena flew 557 times during his five-year tenure, information obtained from the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters under the Right to Information has revealed.

Muthu Raja’s overall health improving

Muthu Raja, the Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka repatriated to his home country for medical treatment a year ago, is on gradual recovery of his overall health - inflammation cured and gait adjustment being done - an official said.

Govt. urges businesses to pass on benefits of electricity tariff drop to consumers

Businesses were yesterday urged to pass on the benefits from the recent electricity tariff reduction to consumers, who are grappling with the country’s high cost of living.

Fitch halts rating for SriLankan Airlines

Fitch Ratings yesterday announced it has chosen to withdraw the rating of SriLankan Airlines for commercial reasons and therefore will no longer provide ratings or analytical coverage for the national carrier.

Consumer confidence hits record high in June

Sri Lanka’s consumer confidence expanded in June, reaching an all-time high, a report from the Institute for Health Policy (IHP) showed.

Local manufacturers now benefit from a much more competitive electricity tariff rate: JAAF

Sri Lankan manufacturers will now benefit from a tariff rate that is much more competitive, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector said, commending the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for slashing charges that were unbearable to the business community.

Teachers, principals to launch work-to-rule campaign

The Teacher-Principal Trade Union Alliance has announced plans to initiate a work-to-rule campaign beginning July 22, lasting for a duration of two weeks.

Prices of goods, services can be reduced by 20%: Kanchana

The prices of goods and services in the market can be reduced by approximately 20% following the revision of the electricity tariff, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said today.

Anura responds to Lohan: Says happy to see him live to witness NPP’s victory

In the wake of a statement by State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that he would like to see State Minister Lohan Ratwatte living at the time of the NPP’s victory.

Heavy rains kill 35 in eastern Afghanistan

At least 35 people were killed and 230 injured on Monday after heavy rain in eastern Afghanistan, a local official said.