Experts warn Economic Transformation Bill may deter foreign investments

The Economic Transformation Bill could create an oasis in an island of bad governance, sparking uncertainty among foreign investors and threatening the flow of crucial investments, warn legal and investment experts.

Countrywide liquor banned on Poson Poya Day, seven days in Anuradhapura

The sale of all alcoholic beverages will be banned countrywide on Friday, June 21st in view of the Poson Full Moon Poya Day and the sale of booze is prohibited from two to seven days in selected sacred zones by order of the Excise Commissioner General.

CEA organises ghee rice dansala for Poson

The Central Environment Authority (CEA) is to organise a special ghee rice dansala today from 12.00 noon onwards at its premises at No. 104, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha in Battaramulla in line with the Poson full moon Poya day.

China, Sri Lanka conduct diplomatic consultations

Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong and Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Aruni Yasodha Wijewardane held the 13th round of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic consultations in Beijing.

SC justifies termination of employment on financial misconduct

The Supreme Court today, in its judgement on an industrial dispute case, justified the termination of an employee’s employment on the grounds of financial misconduct.

UNP zonal leaders spring into action

President Ranil Wickremesinghe distributed letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters, Sirikotha, today (June 18). UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Chairman Vajira Abeywardana and National Organiser Sagala Ratnayake were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Netball star Tharjini Sivalingam marries R. Prasad in Chennai

Former Sri Lanka Netball Captain Tharjini Sivalingam married R. Prasad, a popular Indian businessman, in Chennai on Monday. The ceremony was attended by several Sri Lankan netball players, friends, and well-wishers.

Donkey population in Kalpitiya at risk

The unique donkey population native to the Kalpitiya Peninsula, which contributed to the area’s biodiversity, is facing the threat of extinction, causing concern among environmentalists.

Biden offers citizenship to immigrant spouses of U.S. citizens

President Joe Biden on Tuesday will announce a program offering a path to citizenship to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are married to U.S. citizens, a large-scale legalization effort that contrasts sharply with Republican rival Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations.

Senior citizens demand...

The National Federation of Public Service Pensioners’ Association staged a protest at Polduwa Junction, Battaramulla today, demanding a 15% senior citizens’ fixed deposit interest rate and at least 70% of the increased allowance provided to state employees.

Educating schoolchildren on road safety...

The annual art exhibition and drawing competition was held, targeting schools in the Northern Province, under the guidance of the National Transport Commission. The main event was held last Saturday (15) at the Jaffna Hindu College. The primary purpose of the art competition is to educate schoolchildren on road safety and improve their creative abilities in the Northern Province.

Special security programmes for Poson Poya day

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshbandu Tennakoon has instructed the relevant authorities to implement special security programmes to ensure the safety of religious and cultural events for this year’s Poson festival.

Constitutional Council rejects President’s proposal to extend AG’s term

The Constitutional Council has rejected President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal to extend the term of office for Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam (PC) by another six months.

Sudden railway trade union action called off

The sudden railway trade union action scheduled to be launched by the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) was decided to be called off as their demands are being considered by the Public Service Commission.

Fulfill our demands...

The University Trade Union Collective held a protest in front of the Finance Ministry today demanding the fulfillment of their employee salaries and the provision of the wages they are entitled to.

What next for Sri Lanka in T20s?

Sri Lanka ended their T20 World Cup campaign on a high note when they hammered Netherlands in their final game.

Vacancy in National Police Commission; Applications called from interested individuals

Applications have been called from interested individuals to fill in a vacancy in the post of a member of the National Police Commission, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Responding with water...

Police fired water cannons to disperse protestors near the parliament entry road at Polduwa Junction a short while ago. The protest was organized by the Western Province Unemployed Graduates Union.

Station Masters decide on instant trade union action

The Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) has decided to engage in a sudden trade union action due to not taking up their demands for discussion today.

First property will be exempted from Imputed Rental Income Tax: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe gave an assurance in Parliament that the first property will be exempted from taxation under the Imputed Rental Income Tax.

Give suitable salary to face tax burden...

The Sri Lanka Bank Employees Union (SLBEU) today staged a protest in front of the People’s Bank head office in Colombo, demanding that State Bank employees be given a salary commensurate with their tax burden.

Highlanders’ Garden-Bachop dies at 25 after 'medical event'

Otago Highlanders outside back Connor Garden-Bachop died on Monday following a medical event, New Zealand Rugby said. He was 25.

Police fire water cannons to disperse protesters

Police fired water cannons to disperse protesters near the parliament entry road at Polduwa Junction a short while ago. The protest was organized by unemployed graduates.

Supreme Court has engaged in judicial cannibalism: President

While highlighting in Parliament today that the Supreme Court has engaged in judicial cannibalism with regard to its determination on the Gender Equality Bill, President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed appointing a select committee to look into the judgment.

Lotus Road blocked due to protest

Vehicular movements on Lotus Road in Colombo has been obstructed due to a protest by the university non-academic staff, the police said.

90 percent of property owners will not be affected: President

No one should be alarmed by the proposed Imputed Rental Income Tax, as 90 percent of the house and property owners will not be affected by it, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today.

Emotional Boult calls T20 World Cup exit his 'last day' for New Zealand

Left-arm paceman Trent Boult said he had played his ’’last day’’ of international cricket after New Zealand’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign ended with a seven-wicket win over Papua New Guinea in Trinidad on Monday.

Japan on high alert after 1,000 cases of flesh-eating bacteria infection reported

Health officials in Japan are on high alert after close to 1,000 cases of a deadly infection were reported across the country. The disease, known as Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS), or ‘flesh-eating bacteria’, is spreading rapidly, resulting in deaths within a short period.

West Indies thrash Afghanistan in final T20 World Cup group game

Nicholas Pooran was run out agonisingly short of a maiden T20 World Cup hundred as a rampant West Indies humbled Afghanistan by 104 runs in a clash of unbeaten teams on Monday.

Certain sections of Telecommunication Amendment Bill inconsistent with Constitution: SC

The Supreme Court has informed that some sections of the Telecommunication Amendment Bill are inconsistent with the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena announced in Parliament today.