Doubts arise over timely payment of pensions

Concerns have arisen among pensioners regarding the timely disbursement of pensions for July amidst the ongoing strike by public sector employees.

Sri Lanka Telecommunications Bill passed in Parliament

The Sri Lanka Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill was passed without a vote in Parliament today with amendments.

Pathum Nissanka smashes highest individual score in LPL history

The group-stage round of Lanka Premier League 2024 is halfway-through. Jaffna Kings led by Charith Asalanka are top of the table with 6 points in 4 games, while Wanindu Hasaranga-led Kandy Falcons are last with just 2 points in four matches.

Russia to discharge Indians from military

Russia has agreed to discharge all Indian nationals working in its army following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin during Modi’s visit to Moscow, news agency ANI reported citing unnamed sources.

Seven including Tattoo Shop owner arrested over Athurugiriya shooting

Police have apprehended seven individuals, including the owner of the tattoo shop in connection with the shooting incident in Athurugiriya resulting in the deaths of two individuals, including Club Wasantha.

Special payment for employees who reported to work amid strike

The Government has announced a special pay increment for non-executive government officials who reported for duty on July 8 and 9, 2024, despite the ongoing strike action.

Ven. Sobitha Thera urges PUCSL for 50% electricity tariff cut

During a public consultation on the second electricity tariff revision, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera requested the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) to reduce the electricity tariff by at least 50 percent.

Two million SIM cards in use without proper identities: Minister

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath revealed that some two million SIM cards without proper identifications were in use in the country which had posed serious issues in tracing certain incidents of crimes.

Census for 2nd phase of ’Aswasuma’ to be conducted from July 15 to 30

The Welfare Benefits Board is to conduct an information census for the second phase of the ’Aswasuma’ programme from July 15 to 30 to identify those eligible for these welfare payments, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

If China’s toque monkey programme successful, it may attract interest from other countries

If the programme to provide toque monkeys to zoos in China proves successful, other countries may also request toque monkeys, which will help in reducing crop damage caused by these animals, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

200 more public sector unions on strike today

Over 200 public sector unions launched a sick leave campaign yesterday (8), which continues today (9), according to the Provincial Public Service Unions Collectiv

Coastal line train services disrupted

Train services on the coastal line have been disrupted due to a derailment between Maradana and Fort Railway stations this morning, the Railways Department said.

Kadiravel Shanmugam sworn in as MP

Kadiravel Shanmugam was sworn in as an MP before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today.

Athurugiriya tattoo shop owner questioned over Rs. 1 Mn deposit from Dubai

Athurugiriya Police recorded statements from six persons regarding yesterday’s shooting incident, which resulted in the deaths of two persons, including ’Club Wasantha’.

PUCSL calls for public consultation on second electricity tariff revision

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) today called for an oral public consultation over the second Electricity Tariff Revision.

Memorable welcome

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed his ’memorable welcome’ in Moscow.

More than 60 percent of MPs are my friends - Club Wasantha

Suresh Wasantha Perera, also known as Club Wasantha, who was shot dead yesterday (08), shared the following sentiments in an interview with Danu Innasithamby on the Lankadeepa YouTube channel on November 18, 2022:

Overseas link to Athurugiriya shooting, notorious criminal suspected

Several police teams are investigating the broad daylight shooting at Oruwala Junction in Athurugiriya, where two persons, including businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera alias ’Club Wasantha,’ were killed and four others, including popular singer K. Sujeewa, were injured.

Presidential Election to be declared at July end: EC Chairman

The Election Commission will declare the Presidential Elections only at the end of this month, enabling polling to be taken on a day between September 17 and October 17, an official said.

Govt. throws tax net to 14 more fields

In a bid to increase the tax revenue, the government has registered 14 fields, which were previously overlooked, for mandatory tax payments, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announced.

Make biodiversity conservation a development priority: Dr. Pillapitiya

Despite boasting about the highest biodiversity per unit area in Asia, Sri Lanka has failed to recognise its conservation as a mandatory development priority, former Wildlife Conservation Department Director General Dr. Sumith Pillapitiya said.

Marine expert calls for sustainable shift in SL’s tourism focus

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry requires a major shift towards long-term thinking and a collective approach to protect and promote the country’s natural resources, a prominent marine scientist said.

Table leaders Jaffna Kings face Kandy Falcons tomorrow

Two key matches of the fifth Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament will be played tomorrow (09) with the table leaders Jaffna Kings meeting the wooden spoonists Kandy Falcons at 3.00 p.m. and Galle Marvels - occupying second spot - confronting fourth placed Dambulla Sixers at 7.30 p.m.

Six Sri Lankans obtain golden spots at Paris Olympics

The 15-member Paris-bound Sri Lankan Olympic contingent was officially recognised by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) during a ceremony held at the NOCSL Auditorium in Colombo.

African Serval Cat at BIA

An African Serval Cat was brought to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) air cargo terminal by Aeroflot flight SU-288 from Moscow, Russia yesterday morning (7), the airport Customs officers said.

Jay Shah to be next ICC Chairman?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will hold its Annual Conference in Colombo later this month but the election for the chairman position will not be on the agenda.

Mail tains to operate without mail compartments due to postal strike

Although the mail train services are scheduled to operate as usual, the Railways Department has decided to remove the mail compartments from the trains due to the two-day strike by postal workers.

CTU questions - VAT hike for public servants’ salaries while MPs enjoy benefits?

The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) questioned if the government needs to raise the current Value Added Tax (VAT) to meet the salary increase demands of public servants, then from whom do parliamentarians receive their salaries, benefits and daily spending allowances for Parliamentary sessions.

Treasury Secretary warns of VAT increase

Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana announced today that meeting the salary increase demands of striking public servants would necessitate raising the current Value Added Tax (VAT) from 18% to 20-21%.

E-ticketing for public transport to be launched this year

An electronic ticketing (E-ticketing) system for public transport services, including trains, will be introduced before the end of this year.