Daily wage for plantation workers increased

A gazette notification has been issued announcing the increase in the minimum daily wage of tea plantation workers to Rs. 1,700.

Late President Premadasa commemorated

The 31st memorial ceremony of former President late Ranasinghe Premadasa was held today at Aluthkade near his statue. Religious leaders, all family members, Members of Parliament led by Sajith Premadasa, paid their tributes. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Weather today: Rain after 2 p.m in several areas

Thundershowers will occur at several places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m, the Meterology Department said.

Cement price reduced by Rs. 50

Resulting from the fuel price revision from last night, the cement manufacturing companies have decided to reduce the retail price of a 50 kg bag of cement.

Sinopec also reduces fuel prices

In conjunction with the fuel price revision that took place last night by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Sinopec Energy Lanka today announced its price revision with effect from today.

Singers arrive from India for National May Day rally

A group of singers from India arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday (April 30) to perform in the music concert organized in conjunction with the National May Day rally of the government. Vijay Balakrishnan, Ramya Nagercovil, Daniel Jayaram and Reshma Sundaram are among several other Indian musicians, such as Dharmar Satya Prakash and Nurani Varsha, also scheduled to visit the country today for the concert. Pix by T.K.G

Rusty Sri Lanka subdue gritty India

Sri Lanka put up a brave effort in two weeks of training as a XV a side outfit to outclass India by 45 points (7 tries, 5 conversions) to 10 points (1 try, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) at the Racecourse ground in Colombo last night.

Big names miss out as Australia reveal squad for T20 World Cup

A host of big names have missed selection as Australia announced their 15-player group for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Working to earn their living

Though it is May Day or workers’ day today, people still struggle to earn their living at Colombo Fort. This makes it obvious that everyone who works must do so to make ends meet. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Sajith surprises all, wants to play mediatory role in Indo-China conflict

In a surprising move, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa, in a meeting with a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC), has offered to play a mediatory role between two Asian giants implying India and China, the Daily Mirror learns.

Parties gear up for usual political showpieces

Political parties are gearing up for the usual political showpieces on May Day with no exception this year as well with more than 22 rallies being organized across the country today.

Over 1,100 HQIs, OICs permanently reside in their assigned divisions: Study

It has been revealed that out of the 5,308 Headquarters Police Inspectors (HQIs), Station Officer In-charges (OICs), and sectional OICs (Crimes, Administration, etc.), a total of 1,106 officers permanently reside within the police division where they are stationed, accounting for 7.2% of the total.

Tourism Minister to fix new visa system issues by May 7

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has pledged to address technical issues of the new visa system by May 7. This comes amid concerns of potential losses of 230,000 tourist arrivals and US$ 425 million in tourism earnings for the year.

Colombo Consumer Price Index dips 0.8% in April despite festive demand

Colombo district prices have declined by 0.8 percent in April from a month ago. This was helped by the drop in both food and non-food prices in the month, in what appeared to be an idiosyncrasy as typically prices get a bump up during the festive month.

‘Serenade of the Seas’ makes maiden call at H’tota port

Cruise ship ‘Serenade of the Seas’ made her maiden call at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) this Monday (29).

Fuel prices reduced from tonight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced its fuel prices with effect from tonight.

Vehicle imports can ease before elections for political gain: Merinchige

Vehicle imports may be relaxed either before January next year or before the elections, potentially for political gain during the upcoming election period, Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) President Indika Sampath Merinchige said.

Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia ink MoU on investment promotion

Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote investments, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said.

Media felicitated for preserving Jathika Namal Uyana

The electronic and print media in Sri Lanka were felicitated for their efforts in conserving the Jathika Namal Uyana at an event hosted by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane at Temple Trees. Pix by Jayamal Chandrasiri

Over 2,400 new private companies incorporated in March 2024

A total of 2,440 new private limited companies have been incorporated between 1 to 31 March, according to the Department of the Registrar of Companies.

Kazakhstan edge Qatar in Racecourse thriller

Kazakhstan had a great start to the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship opening encounter when they edged out a spirited Qatar outfit by 33 points (five tries and four conversions) to 31 points (one penalty try, three tries, three conversions and one penalty) in a thriller at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo.

Geologists team to visit Uma Oya area to assess reports on cracks: Minister

Claiming that there have been no reported landslides or other issues since the Uma Oya Project was opened, State Minister of Power and Energy Indika Anuruddha said a team of geologists will embark on an inspection tour of the Uma Oya region tomorrow to assess and document any reported cracks and floods in the area.

Using drone cameras to cover May Day rallies without permission prohibited

Police request people to obtain proper permission if drone cameras are to be used to take photographs or video recordings of the May Day rallies and processions tomorrow.

Only SLPP will conduct May Day rally at a playground: Kariyawasam

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is the only party that will conduct its May Day rally at a playground, maintaining tradition, while other political parties have been unable to secure similar venues, SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam said.

SC restricts President from nominating judges to SC, other than Chief Justice

The Supreme Court today issued an interim order preventing the President from nominating judges to the Supreme Court, other than the Chief Justice. This order will be effective till October 4.

Parties gear up for May Day rallies...

Main parties such as the United National Party (UNP), Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and National People’s Power (NPP) preparing for their respective May Day rallies to be held in Colombo tomorrow. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

India announce squad for T20 World Cup

The Senior Selection Committee on Tuesday picked India’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be hosted in the West Indies and USA.

GCE O/L tuition classes banned from tonight: Exams Dept

Conducting coaching or tuition classes aimed at the 2023 (2024) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination aspirants will be prohibited from tonight till the exams are concluded, the Department of Examinations said.

Archer named in England’s T20 World Cup squad

Jofra Archer has been recalled to the England squad for their defence of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June.

South Africa announce T20 World Cup 2024 squad

South Africa named their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday, 30 April.