GMOA warns of terminal hospital closures if doctor shortage not addressed

If the responsible parties do not intervene in increasing the approved number of doctors for the hospital system in the country, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) today warned that they will take a decision on the closure of terminal hospitals that are crippled without doctors.

Extending President’s term - will explain on Monday: Range Bandara

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said today he will explain on Monday his proposal of extending the terms of the President and Parliament by two years.

Underworld figure Midigama Ruwan to be extradited to Sri Lanka

Ruwan Jayasekara alias Midigama Ruwan, a notorious underworld figure allegedly involved in planning an attack on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Colombo to free drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka alias ’Harak Kata’, is to be extradited to Sri Lanka today.

Martin Wickramasinghe’s folklore collection to public

A folklore collection of Sri Lankan journalist and author Martin Wickramasinghe was vested with the public by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana. The ceremony was held at the National Library & Documentation Services Board. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Powerful western country concerned over SL ex-soldiers joining the Russian military

A powerful western country remains concerned over Sri Lankan ex-soldiers joining the Russian military in the war against Ukraine, an informed source said.

Jewellers fined for importing gold illegally

Five leading jewellers who imported gold illegally hav been fined, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday.the total fine amounted to Rs 1,243 million according to the minister.

Thailand approves visa-free travel for Sri Lankan tourists

Thailand’s cabinet approved a range of visa promotions to attract more tourists from other countries, including Sri Lanka, Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry said.

Nun arrested for assaulting 11 girls at Kayts hostel

A 52-year-old nun from a hostel in Kayts has been arrested on charges of assaulting a group of girls residing at the hostel.

Election Commission slams election delay moves

The Election Commission has expressed strong dismay over any attempts to delay the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections, insisting they proceed as scheduled.

Central Bank hopeful of faster recovery in credit to private sector

Although the private sector credit growth hasn’t so far picked up to the desired levels, the Central Bank said it is hopeful that the pace of growth would improve along with the recovery in the economy as well as the easing of credit conditions, alongside the easing of interest rates.

Iraq seeks enhanced ties with Sri Lanka, requests for business links in Baghdad, Kurdistan

Trade Minister Nalin Fernando met with Iraqi envoy Mohammed Obaid Jabur Zahir Al-Masoudi today and discussed the conducting of the ninth session of the Iraq-Sri Lanka for Economic and Technical Cooperation in Sri Lanka this November, which is a greater platform for the bilateral relations between both countries, a statement from the Ministry sa

Is hypertension the reason for some SLTB bus drivers to drive recklessly?

In a recent health checkup by the Kuliyapitiya MOH office, it was revealed that SLTB employees including drivers and traders in the Kuliyapitiya bus stand were at high risk for hypertension, a condition often referred to as a ‘silent killer.’

Teachers, principals to launch two-day islandwide sick leave campaign tomorrow

The National Teachers’ Power (NTP) has decided to launch an islandwide two-day sick leave campaign starting tomorrow (30), demanding the government to resolve the salary anomalies of school principals and teachers.

Ninety lawyers maintain those responsible for misconduct involving JICA should step down

Ten Presidents’ Counsels and 80 other members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) have sent a letter to the five-member Inquiry Committee and the BASL Executive Committee maintaining that anyone allegedly responsible for misconduct regarding activities involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the BASL, who is not inclined to voluntarily resign from their positions in the association, should be required to immediately

Vehicle catches fire on Cotta Road

A vehicle caught fire at Ruhunukala Mawatha on Cotta Road, Borella a short while ago, Police said.

Our pleas ignored but we will not give up: Cardinal

The request by the church to conduct a proper investigation into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks is being ignored by the authorities. But they will renew their struggle and will fight for justice, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said.

SJB ready for debate even with government leaders

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today said it is ready to have a public debate even with government leaders other than the National Peoples Power (NPP).

Ranil will never go for referendum: AKD

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who cannot win the presidential election will never go for a referendum, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Netball, rugby, cycling and motorsports elections brought under DG

Sports Minister Harin Fernando today instructed the relevant authorities to put off the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) 2024-2026 elections, scheduled at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo tomorrow.

President says presidential election to be held as planned

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the presidential election will definitely be held in the future and financial allocations have already been allocated for it.

Daily Mirror, Lankadeepa article on poverty stricken mother gets tremendous response

Following a report in the Daily Mirror of a mother of four children from Kebithigolleva, who was struggling after her husband’s sudden passing, numerous donors reached out to the Daily Mirror office, offering their support to the family.

Defence Ministry clearance mandatory for ex-servicemen traveling to Russia

Sri Lanka has announced that Russia will now require clearance from the Sri Lanka Defence Ministry for issuing visit visas to ex-servicemen.

Singapore team in Colombo to study immigration system in SL

A six-member delegation from Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is on a week-long visit to Sri Lanka.

Presidential Election this year - Prime Minister emphatically states

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena emphatically said that the Presidential Election will be held this year in accordance with the constitutional provisions as already announced by the Elections Commission.

Protest by United Trade Union Alliance...

The United Trade Union Alliance staged a peaceful protest today in front of the Fort Railway Station against several issues such as the selling of state property and the proposed education policy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Lecturer arrested for false remarks on ISIS granted bail

The lecturer attached to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), who was arrested for making false statements to the media regarding the ISIS members in India was granted bail.

GCE (A/L) results to be released by Monday

The results of the 2023 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examination will be released before Monday (June), Education Minister Susil Peremajayantha said.

Australia forced to field coach, selector in warm-up game vs Namibia

Australia were forced to use four support staff members while fielding during their T20 World Cup warm-up match vs Namibia as only nine players were available.

Lecturer arrested for false remarks on ISIS arrests in India

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested a lecturer attached to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) for making false statements to the media regarding the ISIS members arrested in India.

CBSL optimistic of easing vehicle restrictions

In light of the Central Bank’s ability to manage foreign reserve, the governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe stressed the importance of easing vehicle restrictions.