Sri Lanka launches ’’Act2Prevent’’ campaign to combat Leprosy stigma

Leprosy, a long-neglected disease, continues to impact the psychological well-being of those affected and imposes an unseen burden on Sri Lanka’s economy.

Probe launched into alleged murder contract at Galle Prison

The Galle Police has launched an investigation following a complaint alleging that a Jailor at the Galle Prison engaged a female inmate to assassinate a fellow female warden within the prison premises.

Diana denies reports on migration plan

Former State Minister Diana Gamage today denied reports that she is planning to migrate to the UK.

End of Lee era for Singapore as PM steps down

Singapore’s long-serving Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is stepping down, marking the end of a political era for the island nation.

Immigration and Emigration officials fail to attend COPF meeting

Officials of the Immigration and Emigration Department failed to attend the meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) yesterday.

Showers expected to continue further

Due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the country heavy showers about 100mm are likely in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces after 1.00 p.m, the forecasting division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

US State Dept. gets involved in drafting local NGO law

The U.S. State Department has sought to intervene in the drafting of Sri Lanka’s new piece of legislation that, if enacted, will provide for the registration of both local and international NGOs in the country, a top source said yesterday.

VRS scheme for NSB subsidiary employees gets Cabinet nod

The Cabinet green lighted the proposal to introduce a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for employees of Sri Lanka Savings Bank (SLSBL), a fully-owned subsidiary of National Savings Bank.

FX Global Code to be rolled out by end 2024

In line with the objectives to foster a deeper and more liquid foreign exchange market and develop adequate systems for managing exchange rate risks, the Central Bank (CB) plans to implement the FX Global Code (FXGC) in the domestic forex market by the end of this year.

Sri Lankans have right to commemorate war dead: Vijitha

Claiming that relatives and comrades have a right to commemorate the war dead, NPP MP Vijitha Herath said today that the government must take steps to protect their rights.

Landslide early warning issued for four districts

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) today issued early warnings for landslides in Badulla, Galle, Ratnapura and Kegalle districts.

Despite torrential rains...

People walking along the streets of Colombo on May 14, 2024 with umbrellas as heavy showers were experienced during the day.

A leading hotel in Derby, UK sold to Sri Lankan company

A leading hotel in Derby, in the United Kingdom - Cathedral Quarter Hotel - has been sold to a Sri Lankan company, Derbyshire Live news agency reported.

Opposition leader’s proposal raises doubts over MPs’ loyalty amid liquor license issue

If the MPs who have applied for liquor licenses are to face punishment, as the Opposition Leader suggests, it raises suspicions on how many MPs will remain loyal to him, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Return to work prioritising welfare of students: UGC Chairman

All non-academic employees are requested to return to work, prioritising the welfare of the students, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Sampath Amaratunge said.

Police foil illegal LTTE commemoration in Eastern Province

The Sampur Police Station has obtained a court order from the Muthur Magistrate’s Court to prohibit planned celebrations in several Eastern Province areas to commemorate deceased members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), particularly those who died in Vellamulli Vaikkal in 2009.

Up in the sky...

The Base Jump event from the Colombo Lotus Tower took place for third day today. A total of 35 International Base Jumpers exhibited their adrenaline-fueled skills. The event was launched on Sunday (12). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

India extends ban imposed on LTTE for five years

India on May 14 extended the ban imposed on the LTTE for five more years as it continues to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for it in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu.

Duminda challenges Wijeyadasa’s appointment

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Parliamentarian Duminda Dissanayake today instituted legal action before the Colombo District Court challenging the appointment of Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Keerthi Udawatta as SLFP Chairman and Acting General Secretary respectively.

Iran granted Uma Oya project due to huge recognition for MR: Hakeem

Claiming that the Uma Oya multipurpose development project was granted to Sri Lanka by the Iranian government because of the huge recognition for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa those days, Parliamentarian Rauf Hakeem said today the current government is looking to take the credit for it.

Lightning strikes four cattle

Three cows and a bull of a dairy farm were killed after being struck by lightning in the Galamuduna Estate during the thundershowers experienced in the Nawalapitiya area.

Fourteen killed and dozens injured after Mumbai billboard collapse

At least 14 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a giant billboard collapsed during a sudden storm in the Indian city of Mumbai.

Athapaththu climbs T20I rankings after stellar performance

Sri Lanka opener Chamari Athapaththu and England bowlers Sarah Glenn and Lauren Bell have made notable progress in the ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after some fine performances over the past week.

Governemnt approves Technology Promotion Act

The government today approved the Technology Promotion Act by cancelling the Information and Communication Technology Act and directing the Legal Draftsmen to prepare a draft bill based on the concept paper already prepared.

Cabinet approves commencing A/L classes soon after O/L exam ends

Cabinet approval was granted today to commence the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) classes immediately after the completion of the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examinations.

Keheliya’s writ petition challenging magistrate’s order to be heard on May 31

The writ application filed by former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella seeking an order directing the Maligakanda Magistrate to release him on bail in connection with the alleged purchase of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was today fixed for a fresh hearing by the Court of Appeal.

Shanto to lead Bangladesh’s squad for T20 World Cup

Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was appointed as Bangladesh captain in all formats earlier this year, is poised to lead his team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Only 6,000 out of 34,000 pre-school teachers are diploma holders: Susil

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha revealed today that only 6,000 out of 34,000 pre-school teachers and assistant teachers in Sri Lanka are diploma holders.

Twenty more sacred areas to be gazetted this year

Twenty more places of religious worship are expected to be gazetted this year as sacred areas, while nine places have already been gazetted so far, the National Physical Planning Department said.

Consider withdrawing diplomatic ties with Israel: Hakeem

Opposition MP Rauff Hakeem today urged the Sri Lankan government to consider withdrawing diplomatic ties with Israel if it fails to stop iys military offensives in Gaza.