Work on flyover...

A group of construction workers on the flyover leading to the Colombo-Slave Island railway line. This flyover is scheduled to be opened next week. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

SJB denies association with petitioner seeking Presidential poll postponement

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today denied any association with Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who filed a petition calling for the postponement of the Presidential election by one year.

Construction Expo 2024 opens in Colombo

The Construction Power and Energy Expo 2024 organized by the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) kicked off today at the BMICH, Colombo. The Construction Power & Energy Expo is Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition in the construction, interior products, power, and energy-related sectors. On this occasion, Sri Lanka Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong attended as a special guest. The exhibition will be held until July 7. Pix by Kithsiri

Against ilmenite mining, shrimp farming

Fishermen and the people in Vakarai, Batticaloa today held a protest march from Kaddumurivu Junction to Puchchakkerni Post Office protesting against the rapid removal of ilmenite from the coastal regions and the impacts of shrimp farming on their livelihood and the environment.

African state Sierra Leone offers investment opportunities for Sri Lanka

As part of ongoing efforts to promote economic diplomacy in Africa, Sri Lankan ambassador Kana Ambassador Kananathan met with Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio in Freetown and discussed investment opportunities yesterday.

Sixteen FD accounts with Rs.93mn of Keheliya’s family members frozen for 3 months

The Colombo High Court today further extended its order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella for three months.

Do not pay tax if monthly income does not exceed Rs. 100,000: Finance Ministry

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya clarified that individuals who have received letters or text messages from the Inland Revenue Department requesting tax payments need not comply if their monthly income does not exceed Rs. 100,000.

Veterinarians to support MPs backing ’Animal Welfare Bill’

The Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population Association said today that they will only support parliamentary members who support the Animal Welfare Bill.

UK PM Rishi Sunak concedes defeat with Labour set for landslide election win

The U.K.’s opposition Labour Party is on course to win a huge parliamentary majority in the country’s general election, unseating the incumbent Conservatives after 14 years.

PHI murder in Elpitiya was a case of mistaken identity

Following the arrest of the gunman linked to the murder of Public Health Inspector (PHI) Deepal Roshan Kumara in Elpitiya last February, investigations revealed that the fatal shooting was a case of mistaken identity, as the slain PHI was inadvertently shot instead of a police officer in the area, police sources said.

Fire forces temporary closure of A-9 Road in Akurana

The Kandy-Matale main road (A9) has been temporarily closed due to a fire at a bakery and restaurant in Akurana, Police said.

Whitening cream endorsed by Piumi Hansamali not registered with NMRA

The beauty products, including skin whitening creams endorsed by model Piumi Hansamali are not registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Daily Mirror learns.

No new yen loan from Japan until suspended project implementation is successful

Hot on the heels of the successful conclusion of bilateral debt restructuring, Japan has taken up the position that any new yen loan will be considered for Sri Lanka depending on the successful implementation of the projects suspended due to the economic crisis and subsequent confidence building, a top source said.

Pvt. sector slams authorities for poor handling of Customs disruption

Sri Lanka’s private sector delivered a scathing critique yesterday, slamming authorities for their sluggish response in shielding industries from disruptions caused by key institutions such as Sri Lanka Customs.

SLTDA urges action against over-tourism threat to country’s biodiversity

Sri Lanka is experiencing a steady increase in international visitors, but the industry authority emphasises the need for urgent action to protect the country’s biodiversity and environment.

Assault on referees during Science College vs. S. Thomas' Rugby match; Three more surrenders

Three more suspects have been arrested by the Mount Lavinia Police today in connection with the assault on three referees during the rugby match between Science College and S. Thomas’ College at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana on Sunday (June 30).

Vishmi Gunaratne among ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees for June

Sri Lanka skipper in the 2023 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Vishmi Gunaratne, is among the ICC Women’s Player of the Month nominees for June.

Kusal Perera makes mockery of WC omission

Kusal Janith Perera, who was shockingly axed from the Sri Lankan T20 World Cup Squad last month made a mockery of the omission when he hammered a stunning century for Dambulla Sixers in their Lanka Premier League (LPL) game against Jaffna Kings on Wednesday.

SC fuller bench to hear FR petition against holding Presidential election

The Chief Justice has nominated a fuller bench comprising five judges of the Supreme Court to hear the Fundamental Rights petition seeking an order restraining the Election Commission from taking any further steps to conduct the Presidential election in 2024.

Remains of R. Sampanthan brought to Jaffna

Remains of former Opposition Leader and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan were brought to Jaffna today for public to pay their last respects.

Tragedy strikes as infant dies due to hospital refusal in Matara

A 2-month-old baby died after choking on milk, reportedly because she was denied treatment at Matara District New Hospital in Kamburugamuwa.

Colombo suburbs to experience 18-hour water cut

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) has announced an 18-hour water cut in multiple areas starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight due to urgent repairs on a transmission pipeline.

Sixteen FD accounts of Keheliya’s family members frozen

On an application made by the Bribery Commission, the Colombo High Court issued an order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Elon Musk’s X alternative Koo to shut down services

India’s microblogging platform, Koo, has announced plans to shut down services, leaving millions of users stranded.

Georgian Ex-Minister and Tiran Alles discuss on anti-corruption measures

Former Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Justice Eka Tkeshelashvili engaged in talks with Public Security Minister Tiran Alles at the Ministry of Public Security regarding the adaptation of international anti-corruption measures for Sri Lanka.

Colombo Port to become Green Port by 2025

The government has decided to expedite the transformation of the Colombo Port into a green port by 2025.

Customs officials suspend trade union action

The Customs Union Alliance has announced the suspension of their trade union action which involved mass reporting of sick leave.

Gunman wanted for murder of Karandeniya PHI arrested in Mount Lavinia

Police arrested the gunman wanted in connection with the murder of Public Health Inspector (PHI) Deepal Roshan Kumara in Elpitiya.

25 passengers injured in Madampe accident

At least 25 passengers have been hospitalised following a collision between a cement-loaded lorry and a passenger bus at Madampe on the Chilaw-Colombo main road this morning.

AG objects to bail for Hirunika Premachandra

The Attorney General today raised objections to former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra being enlarged on bail, in a bail pending appeal.