SL ranked at 76th spot in Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024

Sri Lanka is ranked at the 76th spot in Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), as the country scored poorly in the tourism services and infrastructure, cultural resources and non-leisure resources categories.

Sri Lankan-born Olympic champion swimmer Wilkie dies aged 70

British Olympic swimming champion David Wilkie has died at the age of 70. Born in Sri Lanka to Scottish parents, Wilkie won his first major medal with a bronze at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

SJB trying to copy our economic policies: Hadunnetti

Claiming that they have no issues in haiving a debate with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) economic council, NPP economic council member Sunil Handunetti said today the SJB was trying to convince society that they are also ready to implement the economic policies of the NPP.

Theft ring supplying motorcycle to underworld uncovered

Following the arrest of two young men found in possession of eleven stolen motorcycles, Minuwangoda police have uncovered a motorcycle theft ring supplying stolen bikes to the underworld.

In tears...

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh in tears during a condolence programme held at the Kollupitiya Jumu’ah Mosque today on the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

No health risks from cow measles: Expert

Consuming milk and meat from animals infected with cow measles poses no health risks to humans, Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, Director General of the Department of Animal Production and Health said.

LPL terminates contract with Dambulla franchise owners

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) today announced the termination/retraction of rights of the Dambulla Thunders franchise, effective immediately following the arrest of Bangladeshi national Tamim Rahman, CEO of the Imperial Sports Group over alleged match-fixing.

Finance ministry to revise customs rewards after audit reveals Rs. 24,220 million payout

In response to a recent report from the National Audit Office, which revealed that over Rs. 24,220 million has been paid to customs officials and informants as reward money over the past eleven years, the Finance Ministry has decided to revise the distribution of customs fines, the compensation fund, and the rewards for customs officers.

Dansals in Colombo

Several dansals were conducted around the Colombo city to mark the Vesak full moon Poya Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sri Pada Pilgrim Season ends

Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/2024 ends with the dawn of Vesak full moon Poya tomorrow.

Over 67,000 people affected by extreme weather

A total of 67,865 people from 17,325 families across thirteen districts have been affected by adverse weather conditions, with two deaths reported, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Gnanasara Thera not among inmates to be released on Vesak Day

Ven. Gnanasara Thera is not among the 278 prison inmates to be released under the Presidential pardons in view of Vesak Poya which falls tomorrow (22), the Prisons Department said.

Parliament sessions suspended due to lack of quorum

Parliament sessions came to an abrupt end as sessions were suspended due to a lack of quorum.

Grade 5 examination date announced

The Examinations Department today announced the date of the holding of the Grade Five Scholarship Examination for 2024.

Russel Arnold among Australia’s Multicultural Ambassadors

Cricket Australia on Wednesday named International Cricket Commentator Russel Arnold among the 54 representatives of its ’Multicultural Ambassadors Program’.

Update: Aura Lanka Chairman remanded

Aura Lanka Chairman Viranjith Thambugala has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Presidential election to be held first, President informs Cabinet

Despite speculations that a General Election will precede a Presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the Cabinet today that the Presidential election will be held first this year.

Preparing for Vesak...

People are buying lanterns in Colombo to celebrate the Vesak festival which commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and demise. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Bangladeshi LPL team owner arrested over match-fixing allegations

A Bangladeshi national, who owns a team in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport over the allegations of match-fixing.

Norway, Ireland, Spain to recognise Palestinian state

The leaders of Norway, Ireland and Spain have said their countries will formally recognise Palestine as a state for the sake of “peace in the Middle East“.

Sil programme at Lindsay Girls’ School

A sil programme was held at Lindsay Girls’ School, Colombo 03 to mark the occasion of Vesak tomorrow, . Teachers and students together observed sil by engaging in Dana, Seela and Bhavana. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Elderly person beaten to death with stick

A 67-year-old person was beaten to death with a stick at his residence on Jampettah Street, Colombo 13, police said.

Police sergeant arrested for alleged sexual assault at canteen

A police sergeant stationed at the Bingiriya Police has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman working in the police canteen.

Police respond to video on interprovincial travel concerns

In response to a recent social media clip depicting a driver being fined for not transferring vehicle ownership and for not carrying a vehicle registration certificate, which has sparked confusion among the public, the police have issued a clarification on the incident.

Donate to save lives...

A blood donation camp was launched today at the Head quarters of the Sri Lanka Saukyadana Movement in observance of Vesak Poya Day. This marks the fourteenth time the organization has held this event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

COPF wants action against officers who failed to attend committee meeting

The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to take action against officials of the Immigration and Emigration and those in the Ministry of Public Security who failed to attend the committee meeting on May 14.

Economic Transformation Bill presented to Parliament

The Economic Transformation Bill which provides provision for the establishment of the Economic Commission of Sri Lanka, investment zones, establishment of Sri Lanka Institute of Economics and International Trade and for the repeal of the Board of Investment Law was presented to Parliament a short while ago.

SL Parliament observe one minute silence for Iranian President

The Sri Lankan Parliament observed one minute’s silence for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and others who were killed in a helicopter crash recently.

Schoolgirl run over by bus in Gampola

A schoolgirl died after being hit by a private bus travelling from Berawila to Gampola at New Kurunduwatta, Gampola this morning.

Filipino woman arrested at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 200 Mn

A 47-year old Filipino woman was arrested at the Katunayake International Airport for attempting to smuggle over 2 kgs of cocaine worth Rs. 200 million into Sri Lanka.