Celebrating Hajj...

Muslim devotees around the country gathered at the Galle Face Green this morning to engage in Eid Ul Adha prayers in celebration of Hajj. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Fixtures, dates and venues confirmed for Super Eight stage of T20 World Cup

As the initial group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 comes to a close, we move to the next chapter in the event, which will see eight remaining teams battle it out for four semi-final spots.

Increase in coconut oil price

The price of a litre of coconut oil has been increased by more than Rs. 100, the National Consumer Front (NCF) said today.

Certain fraudsters appear as entrepreneurs: Champika Ranawaka

United Republican Front (URF) leader MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said certain fraudsters appear before the people as entrepreneurs but his party is committed to building a genuine class of entrepreneurs.

Woman arrested over Rs. 4 million Qatar job scam

Officers from the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) arrested a woman who had allegedly collected over Rs. 4 million by falsely promising jobs in Qatar.

Verify identity of plainclothes officers to avoid scams: Police advice public

To avoid falling victim to criminals impersonating police officers, the public is advised by the police to verify the identity of individuals in plain clothes who claim to be police officers, before consenting to any checks of individuals or property.

New railway line to Anuradhapura, Mihintale inaugurated today

A new and upgraded railway line up to Anuradhapura and Mihintale junctions will be inaugurated today, the Transport Ministry said.

Bangladesh into Super Eights with win over Nepal

Bangladesh qualified for the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup after a 21-run victory over Nepal on Sunday secured their place in the next round.

Sri Lanka deliver big win over Dutch as they bow out of T20 World Cup

An eliminated Sri Lankan team overwhelmed the Netherlands by 83 runs in the final Group D match of the T20 World Cup at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Sunday.

Water supply in several areas in Homagama suburb disrupted

The water supply for several areas in Homagama suburb was disrupted due to the bursting of the transmission pipeline from the Kalatuwawa treatment plant, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Ukraine tight lipped on Sri Lankans fighting there

Ukraine remains tight-lipped despite repeated requests by Sri Lanka to submit details about Sri Lankans fighting there, a top source said.

Transferring from blackboard to smart boards is not digitization of education: Minister

Digitization of education is not just transferring from the blackboard to smart boards, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Tax policy measures last push to get revenue to 15% of GDP: IMF

While businesses and individuals in Sri Lanka are likely to witness more pain as plans are underway to bring in more taxes, the International Monetary Fund...

Babar delivers captain’s knock as Pakistan bow out with win over Ireland

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam guided his team to victory over Ireland on Sunday, with an unbeaten 32, in their final game at the T20 World Cup, avoiding another embarrassing loss for his already eliminated side.

Student shortage will give teachers VRS in five years: Minister

Due to not having students in schools for Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) classes, all teachers will be able to enjoy a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) after five years, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Pakistani man sold minor daughter to marry 72-year-old, police foil attempt

(India today) - Police in Peshawar, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, arrested a 72-year-old man for attempting to marry a 12-year-old girl, according to local newspaper Express Tribune.

Lotus Tower to shine in vibrant green, white tomorrow

The Colombo Lotus Tower will be illuminated in vibrant green and white tomorrow (17), as the country celebrates the Eid al-Adha Hajj Festival, the Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Private) Limited announced.

Cash rewards to traffic police officers increased

Cash rewards to traffic police officers have been increased through a special circular issued by IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon.

School student stabs fellow student in Kandy

A student of a leading school at Ampitiya in Kandy was stabbed by another student causing him serious injuries.

Working for a living

As Father’s Day is celebrated today, many fathers continue to work hard to support their loved ones.

President awards land deeds in Mannar under ‘Urumaya’ programme

President Ranil Wickremesinghe symbolically awarded 442 out of the allotted 5,000 land deeds to the residents of the Mannar district today.

Man kills youth for dancing with his wife at musical show

A 20-year-old youth died after being attacked and his throat slit following an argument at a music concert in Kalutara.

Sri Lanka Navy seizes over 600kg of drugs worth Rs. 13 Billion in 2024

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized over 600 kg of narcotics valued at over Rs. 13 billion during naval operations conducted so far in 2024.

'We let country down' at T20 World Cup: Mathews

Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews admitted Saturday that ’’we’ve let the entire nation down’’ as the former champions suffered a first round exit at the T20 World Cup.

England through to Super 8s after Australia beat Scotland

Australia saw off a determined challenge from Scotland to claim a five-wicket victory in a decisive final Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for both teams at the Daren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Saturday.

Hajj Shopping Festival 2024 opens

The Hajj Shopping Festival 2024 commenced yesterday at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), featuring over 100 shopping stalls offering a wide range of products and services under one roof, accompanied by exciting discounts and offers. The festival will remain open to the public until 10 p.m. today.

No future leader can rebuild alone; current systems insufficient: Namal Uyana Rahula Thera

No matter who comes to power in the future, no leader can achieve anything alone and none of the current leaders in this country have a system to rebuild it, the founder of the National Namal Uyana, Wanawasi Rahula Thera said.

Six Hajj pilgrims die from heatstroke in Mecca

Six people have died from heatstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, amid warnings from Saudi officials that temperatures during the annual gathering could reach 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) this year.

Guard falls off train between Ganemulla and Bulugahagoda

The guard on the Colombo Fort to Trincomalee train fell off the train between Ganemulla and Bulugahagoda stations this morning, the Railways Department reported.

Tikiri Menike derails

The ’Tikiri Menike’ train, which travels to Nanu Oya via Kandy from Colombo, was derailed between Talawakelle and Watagoda last night, crippling upcountry train services.