Train strike called off

Following discussions with Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to call off their ongoing train strike starting tonight.

Kenyan president dismisses entire cabinet after weeks of protests

Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Thursday the dismissal of almost his entire cabinet and consultations to form a ’’broad-based government’’ following widespread anti-government protests.

Railway strike continues amidst government warning

The Railway Station Masters’ Union has announced its decision to prolong the ongoing strike initiated on Wednesday (10), asserting that the action will persist despite government warnings.

Narcotics worth Rs 7B destroyed

The Sri Lankan Police, Special Task Force (STF), and Navy collaborated to seize a cache of cocaine valued at nearly Rs. 7.829 billion, which was subsequently destroyed using an incinerator in Wanathawilluwa, Puttalam District on July 11, 2024. The disposal took place in the presence of Colombo Magistrate Tilina Gamage, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

CEYPETCO assures sufficient jet fuel for flights despite train strike

Despite 12 train services with fuel carriages not operating between Kolonnawa and Bandaranaike International Airport, CEYPETCO Aviation unit assures sufficient JET A-1 fuel for daily flights.

Wanindu Hasaranga steps down from T20I captaincy

Wanindu Hasaranga has decided to resign as the captain of the National Men’s T20I, the Sri Lanka Cricket said.

Japan wants to make it easier to shoot bears as attacks rise

Facing an alarming rise in bear attacks, Japan wants to make it easier to shoot the animals in residential areas - but hunters say it is too risky.

Athupandalama ritual at Kataragama Temple

The ritual known as ‘Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Temple in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place every year. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Legal luminaries criticise police for leaking suspect’s confession to media

Legal luminaries have questioned the conduct of the police regarding a video being shared on mainstream media and social media in relation to a confession made by a tattoo shop owner in connection with the murder of Surendra Wasantha Perera, alias ‘Club Wasantha’.

Twelve train services with fuel carriages cancelled due to strike

Due to the ongoing railway strike, a total of 12 train services with fuel carriages were not operated between Kolonnawa and the Katunayake International Airport.

Nearly 1,000 railway termination letters sent for print

Nearly 1,000 letters announcing the termination of positions of Station Masters and Railway Controllers who participated in the trade union action despite the railway services being deemed essential services, are ready to be issued.

Second phase of Kompannavidiya flyover inaugurated

President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the second phase of the flyover connecting Kompannavidiya (Slave Island) and Justice Akbar Mawatha today.

Ranil not a ’game man’ like Mahinda: Anura Kumara

Claiming that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is not a ’game man’ or crafty man like former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today all games hatched by Ranil Wickremesinghe so far had been failures and that all his plans to prevent the Presidential election too will be a failure.

Flight makes emergency landing at Karachi airport after death of Sri Lankan woman

A foreign airline flight en route from Dubai to Colombo made an emergency landing at Karachi airport following the sudden deterioration of a female passenger’s health.

495 centenarians in Sri Lanka: Siyambalapitiya

There are 495 persons who are more than one hundred years old in Sri Lanka, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told Parliament today.

Sri Lankan throw-down specialist awarded ₹2 crore by BCCI to India’s T20 victory

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to award ₹125 crore as prize money for the Indian T20 World Cup players, coaches, and staff, which includes Sri Lankan throw-down specialist coach Nuwan Seneviratne.

Amaraweera weakening Animal Welfare Bill: Veterinarians’ association

The Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association has claimed that Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera is attempting to weaken the new Animal Welfare Bill with amendments they argue are unconstitutional.

England reach Euro 2024 final after beating the Netherlands

Gareth Southgate’s team scored a late goal in the game, allowing them to take the lead after a tough start. England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday.

How did tattoo man’s confession go on air: MPs question

MPs of both sides in Parliament today questioned the airing of the video clip on the confession made by the tattoo shop owner who is held in connection with the killing of ’Club Wasantha’ in Athurugiriya on Tuesday.

New Zealand MPs visit Gangaramaya

Hirunika’s bail application fixed for inquiry on July 15

An application requesting former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra be enlarged on bail, in bail pending appeal, was today fixed for inquiry by the Colombo High Court.

Govt. not ready to compromise Adani wind power project despite environmental concerns

Despite environmental concerns raised over the Adani green energy project in the north, the Power and Energy Ministry is insistent that the project site cannot be compromised but only steps for mitigation of damage can be taken, according to a top source.

Bus topples injuring 37 passengers in Nuwara Eliya

At least 37 passengers were injured this morning when a bus carrying a group of people on a trip overturned at the Toppass area in Nuwara Eliya, police said.

Police sergeant found dead with gunshot injuries in Anuradhapura

A 55-year-old police sergeant was found dead with a gunshot wound at the Ruwanweliseya Police post in Anuradhapura.

IGP’s attention drawn to suspect’s confession video in Athurugiriya shooting case

Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon’s attention has been drawn to a video of a confession made by a suspect in the Athurugiriya shooting in which two persons including ’Club Wasantha’ were killed, being released to the media.

Hales knock helps Galle Marvels come back to winning terms

An unbeaten knock of 86 in 55 balls with seven boundaries and four sixes by Alex Hales helped Galle Marvels beat Kandy Falcons by eight wickets and bounce back from the previous day’s defeat to the Dambulla Sixers, in 14th match of the fifth Lanka Premier League tournament played under floodlights at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

SL's new visa fee does not discourage int’l visitors: VFS Global

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has expressed serious concerns over the government’s decision to outsource visa issuance, making entry slightly more expensive.

Govt. to assess estate companies’ ability to pay new wages

The plantation companies that have been avoiding the recently approved Rs.1,700 daily wage for the workers will soon have to justify their stance.

Cabinet nod for more secondary businesses at Port City

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday gave the greenlight to designate 13 more entities as businesses of strategic importance, under the provisions of Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No.11 of 2021.

Urgent need for SL to integrate into global value chain: Economist

As Sri Lanka grapples with the ongoing global economic challenges, a senior economist asserted the urgent need for the island nation to integrate into the global value chain, so that it can achieve its ambitious growth plans.