Laundrywatte...

Laundrywatte, a locality in the heart of Colombo, is home to the dhobi community, who have been engaged in washing loads of dirty linen collected from various places for generations. This community, residing around the Beira Lake, has been in this profession since 1928, according to historical records. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ready to work with all who back my candidacy at the presidential poll: Ranil

Responding to a request made by some government ministers that he should contest for the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he is ready to work with everyone who made this request.

1 million tourist arrival marked

Sri Lanka tourism reached a key milestone on Saturday, welcoming its one millionth tourist for 2024. The millionth tourist was Patricia Roe and her husband Paul from Ireland, who arrived on 29 June on UL 504 from London. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), this is their first visit to the island nation.

Health Ministry in limbo as exodus of doctors makes a comeback

With the medical brain drain back on the increase after a period of decline, the Health Ministry is in a tight spot as they run out of options to tackle the matter.

Explosion at Turkish restaurant

Five people were killed and at least 63 injured in a gas explosion at a restaurant in Turkey on Sunday, the country’s interior minister said.

Sri Lanka crosses 1 million tourist arrival mark

Sri Lanka tourism reached a key milestone on Saturday, welcoming its one millionth tourist for 2024.

No immediate impact on nominal debt stock via restructuring: Finance Min.

Since official creditors provide debt relief through maturity extensions and interest rate reductions, there is no immediate impact on the nominal debt stock through restructuring, the Ministry of Finance said.

Former TNA Leader R. Sampanthan no more

Veteran Tamil politician and parliamentarian R. Sampanthan passed away at a private hospital in Colombo today evening, aged 91.

MAS Holdings launches Sri Lanka’s largest Public-Private Partnership for developing future Olympians

MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka’s leading apparel-tech conglomerate, has received Cabinet approval to establish the MAS Athlete Training Academy, the nation’s first and largest Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at fostering next-generation Olympians.

Teachers, principals alliance to launch school protests tomorrow against President’s threats

Following discussions, the Teachers and Principals Alliance, has decided to launch protests in front of schools tomorrow against the threats by the President instead of providing solutions to issues in the education system, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said.

Fuel prices reduced from tonight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced its fuel prices with effect from tonight.

Mayhem as Referees assaulted

In today heated rugby match between Science College and S. Thomas’ College, a controversial call led to post-match mayhem. Towards the end of play, a Science player appeared to have scored a try, but the main referee, uncertain of the play, sought the line referee’s opinion, and ruled it out.

Chamari Athapatthu to flag off LPL 2024

Sri Lanka Women’s Team Captain, Chamari Athapaththu, will flag off the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 during a vibrant opening ceremony scheduled for tomorrow at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.

Boy, 13, shot dead by New York police had replica gun, authorities say

Police in New York state have shot dead a 13-year-old boy after he ran from police while holding a replica handgun, authorities said.

Drunk train driver abandons Colombo-Kandy train

The driver of a Colombo to Kandy train, who was reportedly intoxicated and agitated, abruptly stopped the train at Suduhumpola near the Kandy city and fled the scene.

Customs arrests passenger with gold jewellery worth Rs. 20 million

Officers from the Narcotics Control Unit of Sri Lanka Customs at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport arrested a Sri Lankan national arriving from France for attempting to smuggle undeclared 24k gold jewellery through the green channel.

Two Naval Intelligence officers arrested for alleged involvement in drug trade

Two Sri Lanka Navy personnel attached to the Intelligence Unit have been arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Investigation Unit over their alleged involvement in a large-scale drug smuggling racket.

Fuel price revision tonight, no bus fare revision again

A fuel price revision will take place tonight, the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Update: Five dead after fishermen consume unknown substance at sea

The death toll in an incident where Sri Lankan fishermen consumed an unknown substance found in a bottle floating in the sea has risen to five, the Sri Lanka Navy said.

Train derails between Galaboda and Inguru Oya stations

Upcountry train services have been disrupted due to the derailment of the Badulla night mail train this morning, the Railways Department said.

Transport services declared essential services

A Gazette notification was issued yesterday, declaring public transport services as an essential service

Kohli and Rohit retire from T20 internationals after India triumph

India greats Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma announced they had played their last Twenty20 internationals after India’s thrilling seven-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday.

India win T20 World Cup in thrilling final

India won the T20 World Cup title with a thrilling 7-run victory over South Africa in a classic final at Kensington Oval on Saturday.

JSA convenes special meeting to address criticisms of Judicial System

The Judicial Service Association of Sri Lanka (JSASL), the organization representing all the District Court Judges and Magistrates in the country, has decided to call a Special General Meeting tomorrow (30) to discuss unwarranted criticisms directed at the judicial system, the Daily Mirror learns.

Missing Israeli tourist found at Sallikovil

The 25-year-old Israeli tourist, Tamar Amitai, who went missing on Wednesday (26) while visiting Sri Lanka, has been found, according to police.

Mahinda Rajapaksa meets Xi Jinping

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Saturday on the sidelines of the 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

EC mobilises key institutions for upcoming election

As the call for an election approaches, the Election Commission has informed several key institutions to prepare for the upcoming Presidential election.

Travel ban issued against Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige over alleged sexual abuse

Kollupitiya Police have obtained a travel ban against Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Validity of expired passports extended by one year until e-passport issuance

The Department of Immigration and Emigration has extended the validity of all passports that expire from June end by one year until the issuance of the e-passport project takes off in January next year.

Grama Niladhari strike continues

The Grama Niladhari Trade Union Alliance (GNTUA) has decided to continue with their work-to-rule campaign today.