Sarath Fonseka to split from SJB; to run for President

Former Army Commander, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, has decided to contest for Presidency at the upcoming Presidential election, the Daily Mirror learns.

Political parties brace for polls

With the presidential elections pending, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is planning to conduct a major rally in Anuradhapura on May 26 and a series of grassroots level meetings afterwards while the minority allies of the opposition weigh in the situation before making a final decision on their support to any prospective candidate.

Hindu Federation requests Presidential pardon for Ven. Gnanasara Thera

The Hindu Federation of Sri Lanka requested President to grant a Presidential Pardon for Ven. Galagodatte Gnanasara Thera.

Lotus Tower to be illuminate during Vesak season

The Lotus Tower will be illuminated in the colors of the Buddhist flag to honour Vesak Poya, Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Private) Limited said.

National consumer prices rise 2.7% in April as both food & non-food prices remain soft

Consumer prices measured nationally rose by 2.7 percent in April from a year ago, slightly higher from 2.5 percent in through March as the non-food prices rose somewhat faster.

Court of Appeal issues orders to suspend Minimum Room Rate

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued interim orders suspending the operation of the Extraordinary Gazette Notification published on 11th September 2023 which imposed a Minimum Room Rate (MRR) for corporate and free independent tourist hotel rooms located within the limits of the Colombo Municipal Council area.

Starc stars as Kolkata thrash Hyderabad to reach IPL final

Mitchell Starc struck three early blows to help Kolkata Knight Riders storm into the IPL final with a eight-wicket thrashing of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad’s searing heat on Tuesday.

Dulan shatters world record at Para Meet

Sri Lanka’s Samitha Dulan stole the limelight with a world-record performance on the second day of the World Para Athletic Championships, continued in Kobe, Japan today.

High-level delegation visits Tehran to attend Iranian President’s state funeral

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry will lead a high-level delegation to attend the state funeral of late President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdollahian of the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled to be held tomorrow, 22 May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Low-pressure area in Bay of Bengal likely to turn into depression by Friday

A low-pressure area over the south-west Bay of Bengal is likely to move initially north-eastward and concentrate into a depression over the central parts of the Bay of Bengal by Friday (24), the Meteorology Department said today.

Corrine Almeida obtains enjoining order against Romaine Willis and DJ Mass on song ’’Eh Yaye’’

The Commercial High Court has issued an enjoining order restraining singer Romaine Willis and Mass Ramli Miskin alias DJ Mass from performing, reproducing and distributing the songs titled ’’Eh Yaye’’ and “Api Natamu’’.

New laws to use uncultivated lands for agricultural purposes: Minister

New laws are being introduced to facilitate the use of uncultivated land for agricultural purposes as land is vital for social empowerment, State Minister for Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual said today.

Adverse weather affects daily chores

People engaged in their daily chores have been affected by the adverse weather. Depicted here are individuals working in Pettah suffering due to the adverse conditions as several roads in the Fort area experienced minor flooding. Pix by Nisal Baduge and Waruna Wanniarachchi

One dead as London-Singapore flight hit by turbulence

One person has been killed and several others injured on a Singapore Airlines flight from London that was hit by severe turbulence.

Chongqing Airlines resumes flights from June 24

Chongqing Airlines will resume operations between Chongqing, China and Colombo from June 24, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

One injured in Padaviya shooting, suspect arrested

A 41-year-old resident of Omarakada, Padaviya, was hospitalized after sustaining serious leg injuries in a shooting incident.

Move to sell LSD-infected cattle amid disease outbreak

With the outbreak of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) among cattle in the Nuwara Eliya District, there is a growing tendency among dairy farmers to sell off their affected livestock.

Russia cirticises western pressure on Sri Lanka over human rights

The Russian embassy expressed concerns over the western pressure on Sri Lanka regarding human rights while the very same forces are having a separate stand on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan etc.

Sri Lankan ambassador to China Majintha Jayesinghe assumes duties

Ambassador-designate to China Majintha Jayesinghe assumed duties on May 20, 2024 at the Embassy in Beijing, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Schools will function as usual tomorrow

Rumours spread on social media that schools will be closed tomorrow are false, the Education Ministry announced today.

Ranil to officially announce his Presidential candidacy next month

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe will officially announce his candidacy for the Presidential election next month, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said today.

Diana Gamage granted bail

Former State Minister Diana Gamage was today ordered to be released on bail after she appeared before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with a magisterial inquiry over a complaint that she had obtained a Sri Lankan passport after furnishing false information.

Bad weather uproots trees in Colombo

Due to the inclement weather, several trees in the Colombo city areas were uprooted last night. However, no injuries were reported. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Francisco receiving UNP membership

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Mulkirigala Organizer Nimal Francisco who joined United National Party (UNP) receives his membership from party Chairman Vajira Abeywardene at Sirikotha today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lanka mourns

Flags at half mast after Sri Lanka declared today as a day of mourning in view of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Nisal Baduge

New liquor licenses based on population and tourist arrivals

New liquor licenses are awarded only on the basis of factors such as the population of the country and the arrival of tourists, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

LPL auction: Matheesha Pathirana breaks record as most expensive player

Matheesha Pathirana has shattered records by becoming the most expensive player ever sold in the history of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) auction. The 21-year-old fast bowler was snapped up by the Colombo Strikers for an astounding USD 120,000, surpassing previous records and setting a new benchmark for player acquisitions in the league.

Black flags at Iranian Cultural Centre

Black flags were displayed at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Colombo mourning the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Contempt of Court application filed against Diana Gamage

A contempt of court application has been filed before the Supreme Court against former State Minister Diana Gamage, alleging that she has committed the offence of contempt of court through her statements at a media conference held on May 9 this year.

All teams retained and pre-signed maximum players ahead of LPL auction

Over 400 players, both Sri Lankan and overseas, are poised to go under the hammer during the Player Auction of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) T20 Cricket Tournament on May 21 in Colombo. All five teams have either retained or pre-signed six players ahead of the auction.