Heavy rainfall, strong winds on the cards

The Meteorology Department has issued a weather advisory for several regions in Sri Lanka, warning of heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next few days.

Blood saves lives...

A blood donation camp was held today at the Sri Lanka Blood Bank in Colombo, organized by the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society, in observance of Poson Poya day. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Over 280 prisoners get presidential pardon on Poson Day

A total of 289 prisoners are to be released today (21) on a presidential pardon in line with the Poson Poya Day.

Actor Donald Sutherland dies aged 88

The Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, star of films including The Hunger Games and Don’t Look Now, has died at 88 after a long illness.

Government to rebuild houses damaged by adverse weather

The Government is taking necessary measures to either rebuild or provide compensation, subject to a maximum limit, for houses that have been completely damaged by the recent adverse weather conditions.

Lankadeepa Aloka Pooja commences today

Lankadeepa Poson Aloka Pooja illumination in Thanthirimale Rajamaha Vihara organized by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd will be held on June 21, 22 and 23.

Applications for 2024 GCE A/L close on July 10

The Examinations Department has announced the deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations online.

Religious observances on Poson Poya

The Buddhist devotees were seen engaging religious activities at Gangarama Temple on Poson Full moon poya day. Poson Poya is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century. The most important festivals of the festival are held in Anuradhapura and Mihinthalee.Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Fresh research underway with NBRO to identify non-risky city trees: CMC

A fresh research to identify non-risky trees in Colombo is underway by the authorities to determine the hazard posed to the public, as the recent inclement weather mostly led to the collapse of trees that were not previously identified as risky, the Daily Mirror learns.

Jaishankar seeks non-derailment of India-funded projects under incoming government

With the prospect of elections in Sri Lanka, visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reportedly said in his meetings here that it is important that India-funded projects such as renewable energy projects are not derailed by any incoming government.

“If you don’t want us once, we don’t want you hundred times” Basil lashes out in presence of President

Founder of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa is reported to have told his party’s breakaway group at a meeting even attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that the Rajapaksas were not ready to cow down to any pressure.

Dansala for stray animals in Mannar

The ‘Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population’ will launch a dansala for stray dogs, donkeys and monkeys living on Mannar Island tomorrow, in observance of Poson Poya.

Veterinary faculty explores nutritious dairy and medicine from donkey milk

An experiment is underway at the Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty to explore the possibility of producing nutritious dairy products, including cheese, as well as medicine for skin diseases, from the milk of domesticated donkeys.

Increasing women’s political representation can eradicate corruption

Increasing the representation of women in the political field without party differences will make it possible to create a country free from corruption and fraud, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Suspect remanded for defrauding millions of rupees using others’ mobile SIM cards

A suspect who had allegedly defrauded over millions of rupees by using other people’s mobile SIM cards was remanded till July 4 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate.

India defeat Afghanistan by 47 runs at T20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav smashed a fine half-century before India’s bowlers slammed the brakes on Afghanistan’s flamboyant shot-makers to romp to a 47-run win in the T20 World Cup on Thursday.

COPA slams Labor Department officials over stalled digital data system

The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) expressed concern to the officials of the Department of Labour over the significant delays in implementing a digital data system, despite substantial financial allocations by the government.

Sri Lanka pursues PTA with Thailand, Indonesia: Jayanath Colombage

Sri Lanka is making significant strides in strengthening its economic ties within the South Asian region, with a focus on finalizing Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with Thailand and Indonesia, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage said.

Philippines extend support for Sri Lanka’s naval, aviation activities

The Philippines Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Leo Tito L. Ausan, said today that comprehensive support will be provided for Sri Lanka’s future naval and aviation activities.

Envoy Kananathan engages in strategic discussions with Niger

High Commissioner Kananathan met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Wesley in hot water for fielding ineligible rugby player

The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) has initiated an inquiry following a complaint alleging that a rugby player, who left school due to failing the GCE O/L Examination, represented the Wesley College Under-19 Rugby Team.

Hajj pilgrimage death toll climbs to 1,000 as temperature soars

More than 1,000 people have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia – with temperatures having reached a peak of 51.8C in Mecca in recent days.

Jaishankar engages with President

Women’s Empowerment Bill approved

Parliament approved the Women’s Empowerment Bill with amendments today.

Water Board responds to pictures of water pipeline filled with gunk

Responding to images circulated on social media depicting a water pipeline filled with gunk, claimed to be in Sri Lanka, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) denied the existence of such pipelines in Sri Lanka.

Afghan players forced to cook their own meals ahead of clash against India

The Afghanistan cricket team is facing a bizarre issue in Barbados as they struggle to find halal food forcing them to cook their own meals.

Over 100 houses unveiled under Indian Housing Project

A total of 106 houses were inaugurated under the Indian Housing Project during the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia forge partnership to boost investment

Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a bid to bolster economic ties and attracting direct investments.

Fonseka slams Sajith in Parliament

Coming up with allegations against higher-ups of his own party, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka today said he was questioned by a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) higher-up whether he will support Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa if he wants time to speak in Parliament.

Special opportunity to visit prison inmates on Poson Poya day

The Prisons Department has decided to provide a special opportunity for relatives of inmates to visit the prison for two days on the occasion of Poson Poya day, tomorrow, Prisons Commissioner and spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayaka said.