Fits Air launches new direct flights between Colombo and Dhaka from today

Fits Air is expanding its wings, adding Colombo-Dhaka direct flights from today, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Pvt) Limited announced.

Tax payers poised to cough up Rs.45 Mn on another debate on Easter attack

Tax payers will have to cough up as much as Rs. 45 million as the cost of conducting yet another three-day parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack for the fourth time, with uncertainty looming whether it will be a meaningless exercise with key questions unanswered once again.

Addressing gender inequality key priority for Sri Lanka: ADB

As Sri Lanka looks to reach higher growth aspirations, addressing gender inequality is a key priority, the Asian Development Bank said.

March PMI indicates faster expansion in economic activities

Further strengthening the health of the economy, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed continuous expansion in activities across manufacturing and services sectors, rekindling hopes that the ongoing recovery is going to be durable and solid.

Advance Passenger Information could do wonders tracking drug smugglers – border agencies

The border surveillance agents will have to rely on traditional methods that enabled the recent arrest of a female Madagascar national with swallowed cocaine worth over Rs.34 million, whereas an Advance Passenger Information system at airport could do wonders in tracking down drug smugglers, the Daily Mirror learns.

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

The street food vendor who attempted to charge a foreign customer an exorbitant amount for a Kottu Roti and verbally harassed him, was arrested by the Police.

Keheliya’s official vehicles not handed over yet?

Since the remanding of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the two official vehicles provided to him while he was Minister are still being used by his family members, a Health Ministry official alleged.

Parliament’s Budget Officer to get handsome salary of Rs 665,000

Parliament is offering a total monthly salary of Rs 665,000 to a ‘budget officer’ which is a newly created post in the House.

New Visa procedure implemented

The Immigration and Emigration Department today announced the implementation of new Visa procedures and the launch of an online Visa issuing system starting tomorrow, Immigration and Emigration Conroller General I.S.H.J. Illukpitiya said.

Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement Founder A.T. Ariyaratne passes away

Dr. Ahangamage Tudor Ariyaratne, the founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement passed away at the age of 92.

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana delivered another match-winning performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday when they defeated Mumbai Indians fairly comfortably.

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Former Deputy Minister Palitha Thewarapperuma has died from electrocution this evening.

Tesla laying off more than 10% of staff globally as sales fall

Tesla, opens new tab is laying off more than 10% of its global workforce, an internal memo seen by Reuters on Monday shows, as it grapples with falling sales and an intensifying price war for electric vehicles (EVs).

President at Court Lodge Estate

President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Court Lodge Estate, owned by the Udupusellawa Plantation Company in Nuwara Eliya this morning (16) to explore opportunities for the revival of the tourism industry around the picturesque hills of Nuwara Eliya. Notably, the President embarked on this journey by traversing the Pekoe Trail.

Court of Appeal orders re-allocation of Haj quotas

The Court of Appeal has ordered the suspension of the previous allocation of quotas for Haj pilgrims for 2024 and to include an aggrieved travel agent for proper allocation.

Meetotumulla Tragedy: Relatives light lamps in remembrance

Relatives of the victims of the Meetotumulla tragedy paid tribute to their deceased loved ones by lighting lamps at the monument erected at the site. The tragedy, which occurred earlier, claimed the lives of around 32 individuals. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Maxwell makes surprise request ahead of T20 World Cup

Experienced Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has revealed he asked to sit out a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match to give himself a ’mental and physical break’ ahead of June’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Thailand’s ambassador in Kenya meets with Kananathan

Ambassador of Thailand to Kenya Ms. Morakot Janemathukorn, paid a visit to Kenya’s High Commissioner, Kana Kananathan, at the High Commission Offices in Nairobi .Both participated in constructive talks concerning bilateral affairs of shared importance. The dialogue focused on bilateral matters that hold significance for both countries.

NextGenSL facilitates cross-party collaboration

Marking a landmark initiative aimed at fostering cross-party cooperation, NextGenSL, a platform dedicated to empowering young leaders from the main political camps, convened representatives from 15 political parties for a two-day consultation session.

UNP calls on all parties to join hands

Stressing that it is time to forget party politics, the United National Party (UNP) today invited all political parties to join hands to create a stable nation.

Train crashing on platform: Driver suspended

The service of the driver of the train that crashed on to the railway platform at the Colombo Fort railway station has been suspended, Railways Deputy General Manager N.J. Indipolage said.

Sydney knife attack hero welcome to stay in Australia, PM says

A French national who confronted a knife-wielding attacker during a rampage in a mall in the Sydney suburb of Bondi is welcome to stay in Australia for as long as he wants, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Tuesday.

Singapore offers 200 auxilary police officer vacancies for Sri Lankans

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employement Agency (SLFEA) has announced 200 vacancies in the Singapore auxilary police for Sri Lankans.

No shortages of eggs, chicken in country

Despite an abundance of eggs and chicken in the country, prices have surged due to the inadequate supply to meet the demand, All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) President Ajith Gunasekara said.

Gujarat businessman, wife donate Rs 200 crore wealth to become monks

An affluent Jain couple from Gujarat, India has donated nearly ₹ 200 crore and adopted monkhood, and now plans to set out on a journey for salvation.

Sri Lanka cannot be pushed into global conflict: SJB MP

Sri Lanka cannot be pushed and bumped into a global conflict and therefore it should be diligent in its dealings with various nations, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP said today.

Sri Lanka commences IMF/WBG Spring meeting with productive bilateral discussion: Semasinghe

Sri Lanka commenced the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group (IMF/WBG) Spring meeting with a very productive bilateral discussion with Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managjng Director of the IMF, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

Guidance on MD 2 pineapple cultivation in Sri Lanka

The Agriculture Department is set to provide urgent recommendations for the cultivating one of the world’s most popular pineapple varieties, MD 2 or Super Sweet Pineapple (Ananas comosus) in Sri Lanka.

Iranian President to inaugurate Uma Oya project

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in May where he is expected to inaugurate the Uma Oya Multipurpose project, Iranian media reported.

FBI opens criminal probe into deadly Baltimore bridge collapse

The FBI has opened a federal criminal investigation into the deadly collapse of a Baltimore bridge last month when a ship crashed into one of its supports, the bureau said on Monday.