Two boys drown off Negombo beach

Two young boys drowned while bathing in the sea off the beach close to the Negombo town last evening, Police said.

IMF pushes for new tax on SL homeowners, vacant properties by 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest report on Sri Lanka has proposed an imputed rental income tax from owner-occupied and vacant residential property to be introduced by April 1, 2025, with an exemption threshold and a graduated tax rate schedule.

CCTV evidence leads to issue over 4,500 fines for traffic violations

Traffic fines have been issued to more than 4,500 motorists who violated traffic rules, identified through the CCTV system in Colombo.

Shooting at Uddika’s vehicle: Police seek court order to arrest ASP

The Ministry of Public Security said that the police will seek a court order for the arrest of Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanjeeva Mahanama, who has been accused of shooting at the vehicle of actor turned MP Uddika Premaratne.

Police hunt Vedda members, foreign national for slaughtering peacock

The police are on the lookout for the arrest of five persons of the Vedda community and a foreign national for slaughtering a peacock, roasting its meat and consuming it inside the Maduru-Oya National Park.

Contempt of court: Legal battle on against Hirunika

A contempt of court application filed against former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was today fixed for September 11 by the Court of Appeal.

Pakistan crash out of T20 World Cup 2024; USA enter ’Super 8’

The United States scripted history on Friday, June 14, by qualifying for the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup 2024 after their match against Ireland was abandoned due to rain.

Navy intercepts vessel with 150 kgs of heroin off Southern Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Navy seized a multi-day fishing craft suspected be transporting heroin during a deep-sea operation conducted approximately 400 nautical miles (740 km) south of Sri Lanka.

'Ceylon Women' to empower women

The press conference to shed light on a project to be launched by the Ceylon Women Organization on empowering women was held in Colombo today under the patronage of Education Minister, Susil Premajayantha. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

University non-academic staff continues strike

The university non-academic employees have decided to continue the strike, driven by demands including the rectification of a 15% salary cut.

World Bank projects SL’s economic growth to reach 3% by 2026

The World Bank has projected a notable upswing in Sri Lanka’s economic growth, forecasting a robust 3% expansion by 2026.

Sri Lankan delegation to visit Russia for repatriation of ex-military personnel

A high level delegation is scheduled to visit Russia to arrange for the repatriation of Sri Lankan ex-military personnel deployed in Russia for military purposes, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry.

Presidential election on October 05?

Minister Harin Fernando today (14) revealed that an election is scheduled to take place on October 05 this year.

Keheliya further remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested over the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was further remanded until June 28 by the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Mahindananda to file defamation case against Gunathilaka Rajapaksha

The alleged fisticuffs between MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Gunathilaka Rajapaksha is being converted into a legal battle with the former slated to file a defamation case against his colleague.

Several countries working to file cases against Sri Lankan military leaders: Committee reveals

Several countries are currently working together to file cases in the relevant countries and international courts under the universal jurisdiction against the military leaders of Sri Lanka who were found to have committed war crimes, a Parliamentary Committee has revealed.

Another postal strike in the offing if no response by June 24

After the 24-hour postal trade union strike, the United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) has decided to resume another countrywide trade union action on June 24 if a favorable response is not received from the Finance Ministry, UPTUF convener Chinthaka Bandara said.

Nalin Bandara expresses regret over fatal accident involving his vehicle

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha expressed his regrets to the family of the young man who was killed in a recent road accident involving his vehicle.

A group of retired Police seniors express disapproval of two fmr. senior officers joining NPP

A group of retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) and retired Senior DIGs yesterday voiced their disapproval of the decision made by former Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne and former Director of Criminal Investigation Department former SSP Shani Abeysekera to join the National People’s Power (NPP).

Future Minds at BMICH

The Future Minds exhibition was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), building on strong relationships with the Higher Education community. The exhibition aims to foster a highly productive exchange on all aspects of Higher Education in 2024. The education fair will run till June 16. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

How Sri Lanka and New Zealand got knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2024?

Sri Lanka and New Zealand were considered strong contenders to make it to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, but their disappointing performances resulted in an early exit from the event.

Sri Lanka unveils roadmap to ease vehicle import restrictions by 2025: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Sri Lankan authorities have formulated an initial roadmap to ease restrictions on motor vehicle imports by 2025.

Train services on upcountry line restored

Train services on the upcountry line between Talawakele and Watagoda have been restored after the derailment of an express train yesterday.

Tesla investors back record-breaking Musk pay deal

Tesla shareholders have backed a record-breaking pay package for boss Elon Musk and approved a plan to move the firm’s legal headquarters to Texas.

Afghanistan thrash PNG to qualify for Super 8, dump New Zealand out

Fazalhaq Farooqi starred with the ball as Afghanistan pumped Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets to qualify for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

Crypto aliens might be living among us disguised as humans

The longstanding fascination with extraterrestrial life has taken a new turn with a recent study from Harvard University suggesting that alien beings could be living covertly alongside humans on Earth.

Tragedy in the wild as 150 jumbos perish in five months

Sri Lanka has witnessed a staggering 150 elephant deaths within the last five months due to an array of tragic causes, reflecting the escalating conflict between humans and wildlife.

Endless cycle of empty talks on new Constitution

The amendments to the existing Constitution or the creation of a new Constitution with a new one have always been key electoral topics starting from at least since 1994.

IMF approves second review, but cautions economy still vulnerable

Sri Lanka was able to let out a sigh of relief yesterday with the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) announcing the approval of the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme which will release US$ 337 million.

Government to establish 25 District Industries Promotion Councils

The government is set to establish 25 District Industries Promotion Councils covering the entire island in support of local Micro, Small and Medium Industries (MSMEs).