Sri Lanka struggles with surge in international drug smuggling

Containment of the trafficking of drugs, originating from Afghanistan and transported by sea in Iranian dhows from the Makran Coast, had become increasingly challenging for the Sri Lankan authorities given the modus-operandi of drug cartels, a top source here said yesterday.

Colombo Port’s transshipment growth slows to single digits in April

In April, the Port of Colombo saw its transshipment volume growth slowing down to single digits, after experiencing double-digit growth rates in the past four months, backed by the disruptions in the Red Sea, caused by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Exports continue to do well in April narrowing trade deficit

The growth in merchandise exports outstripped the growth in imports to help narrow the trade deficit in April compared to a year ago levels, but the cumulative four months deficit stands higher compared to the corresponding period of last year signalling an expanding economy.

Construction sector upbeat over rising activities

Participants in the construction sector said they remain buoyant over the rising opportunities for tenders for new development projects in the country as the economy is now equipped with both foreign currency and rupee liquidity.

West Indies survive scare in tense win over Papua New Guinea in ICC T20 World Cup

West Indies were on the back foot against Papua New Guinea but Rostan Chase and Andre Russell added important runs to win the game for the co-hosts.

Politicians who backed away after ’Aragalaya’ raising their heads again: Anura Kumara

Claiming that corrupt and rowdy politicians who backed away after the ’Aragalaya’ have started to raise their heads again, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that if the true aspirations of the Aragalaya are to be fulfilled, a government which maintains the true objective of the people’s uprising should be established.

President orders emergency funds for weather relief

President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a directive for immediate financial support to be distributed to the impacted regions in light of the severe weather conditions affecting several parts of the country.

Death toll due to extreme weather rises to 10

The death toll from the extreme weather conditions in the country has climbed to 10 in the past 24 hours as confirmed by State Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon.

Police emergency hotlines amidst adverse weather conditions

In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions affecting most region, Police have set up two dedicated lines, 0112 421 820 and 0112 421 111, for individuals to contact for urgent assistance.

Driver arrested for driving bus along railway track

The driver who drove a private bus along the Kelani Valley railway track at Puwakpitiya has been arrested in Embilipitiya, Police said.

Floods malfunction railway signal system

Railway services have been disrupted due to the inundation of several stations, the Railways Department said.

Potential power suspensions due to inclement weather

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) issued a public advisory over the suspending of power supply to several areas from time to time to avoid risking valuable lives.

Appointment letters to UNP zonal organizers

President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters Sirikotha today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Several areas in Colombo inundated...

Several areas around Colombo went under water due to heavy rains experienced in the city. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Extreme weather claims seven lives in past 24 hours

The Disaster Management Center reported seven fatalities due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions in the past 24 hours.

Kaduwela-Biyagama interchange closed on Southern Expressway

The Kaduwela-Biyagama interchange on the Southern Expressway has been closed for traffic to and from Kadawatha until further notice.

Bridge collapse disrupts Kelani Valley railway services

Train services on the Kelani Valley line have been severely disrupted following the collapse of a bridge between Waga and Kosgama.

’SJB will have to decide whether it wants me or not’:Hirunika

Former MP Hirunika Premachandra said today that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will have to decide whether it wants her or not if it gets into a deal to grant a pardon to Duminda Silva.

Patients at Neluwa Hospital to be airlifted due to floods

Steps have been taken to airlift all pregnant mothers and patients who need emergency care at Neluwa Hospital, Galle to the Udugama Hospital, as all entry roads to the Neluwa Hospital have gone under water, Galle District Community Specialist Dr. Amila Chandrasiri said.

Traffic disruption on Colombo-Kandy main road

Traffic on the Colombo-Kandy main road came to a standstill after a tree collapsed near the Warakapola town.

Power interruptions in multiple districts amid torrential rains

The Ministry of Power and Energy announced the disconnection of power supply to several areas in the Galle, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Colombo and Kegalle districts.

Holiday for schools tomorrow

The Education Ministry has announced tomorrow as a school holiday due to the prevailing heavy rainy weather.

Landslide warning for nine areas; public urged to be precautious

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) today issued early warnings for landslides in Colombo, Hambantota, Kalutara, Kandy, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

Live updates : Adverse weather - 10 persons killed, 5 missing

Heavy rains are expected to continue in many parts of the country today and the Disaster Management Centre is ready for an emergency and major flood situation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ambassador Kananathan meets Guinea-Bissau President on investment talks

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Kenya, Kananathan, met with the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló on the sidelines of the investiture ceremony of Chad’s President.

SriLankan flight to Singapore delayed for 5 hours

SriLankan Airlines said that flight UL 309 from Singapore to Colombo, carrying 204 passengers, was diverted to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport this morning (2 June 2024) due to adverse weather conditions at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Sri Lankan High Commissioner invites King Charles III to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Rohitha Bogollagama, extended an invitation to King Charles III to visit Sri Lanka, while presenting his Letter of Credence at Buckingham Palace.

China lands on Moon’s far side in historic sample-retrieval mission

The Chang’e 6 touched down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin at 06:23 Beijing time on Sunday morning (22:23 GMT Saturday), the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

Two Sri Lankans held in fake passport scam in Hyderabad

During the ongoing probe into Sri Lankan refugees illegally obtaining Indian passports, the Crime Investigation Department (CID) officials on Saturday arrested two Sri Lankan nationals and an Indian agent who provided the passports.

Three members in same family swept away in floods

Three members of a same family, including a seven-year-old girl, lost their lives after being swept away by floodwaters in Puwakpitiya, Avissawella.