All presidential candidates should reveal their educational qualifications: Navin Dissanayake

All presidential candidates should show the public their apparent qualifications, whether they engage in public debates or not, former Minister Navin Dissanayake said.

No permission granted for rice imports: Siyambalapitiya

No permission has been granted for the import of rice, other than Basmati rice for the needs of tourist hotels, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

15,000 security personnel deployed for Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations

Special security measures have been implemented for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations across the island, with around 4,500 events planned, including music shows and carnivals, Police said.

Heavy showers on the cards in multiple provinces

The Meteorology Department has issued a weather advisory forecasting heavy showers of about 75 mm in some areas of the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces, as well as in the Galle and Matara districts.

Sri Lanka’s Rupee leads emerging markets in 1st quarter of 2024

Sri Lanka’s Rupee (LKR) has distinguished itself as the top-performing currency among emerging markets in the first quarter of 2024, said the President’s Media Division based on Bloomberg market data.

Train derailed at Kalutara station

A train derailed this morning at the Kalutara railway station when the Maradana-bound Kalutara train entered the station, the Railways Department said.

Kristalina Georgieva to serve second term as IMF managing director

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday selected Kristalina Georgieva to serve as IMF managing director for a second five-year term starting on October 1, 2024.

Two injured in shooting in Hambegamuwa

Two people were injured in a shooting in Hambegamuwa last night, police said.

Holding Presidential and Parliamentary polls on same day impossible: Election Commission

In the wake of calls by some people for the conduct of both the Presidential and Parliamentary polls on the same day, the Election Commission says it is something impossible due to practical difficulties.

National Hospital gets new cutting-edge CT scanner

The Colombo National Hospital’s Neurosurgery Department welcomed a new addition to its arsenal of medical equipment with the installation of a state-of-the-art CT scan machine.

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Tim Tense, a Belgian traveller exploring Sri Lanka, recently shared a troubling encounter from his visit to Kalutara.

Elections could dent Sri Lanka’s recovery: ADB

Sri Lanka’s recovery could be stalled by abrupt policy changes after elections later this year even as the economy showed signs of stabilising, the Asian Development Bank warned Friday.

Germany eases gender change rules

The German parliament has passed a law making it easier for citizens and residents to legally change gender.

Police offer Rs. 5,000 reward for arresting drunk drivers

Police officers who arrest a drunk driver will receive a reward of Rs. 5,000, the police said today.

Confusion remains if April 15 is a bank holiday

People remain confused since the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs and Provincial has not defined the additional holiday declared on April 15 as a banking and mercantile holiday.

Biden urged to ban China-made electric vehicles

President Joe Biden has been urged to ban imports of Chinese-made electric cars to the US.

Gift parcels to children at 336 child development centres tomorrow

The distribution of annual gift parcels to children under the care of 336 child development centres throughout the country will be made tomorrow, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Ven. Gnanasara Thera not among prisoners to be released tomorrow

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera is not on the list among the prisoners to be released under the special State amnesty tomorrow.

10 suspects arrested with 200 kgs of heroin in SL waters

Two Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessels carrying a stock of 200 kgs of drugs suspected to be heroin and ice were seized by the Navy on the deep sea.

Two COVID-19 deaths reported from Kurunegala Teaching Hospital?

Recent PCR tests conducted on two female patients who had passed away during treatment at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital have confirmed to be Covid-19.

Excise deny fake reports circulating about liquor shops opened on April 13

The Excise Department today denied fake news circulating on social media that liquor shops will be opened on April 13.

South Korean singer Park Bo-ram passes away at 30

Singer Park Bo-ram died on Thursday, according to her management agency, Friday.

CPC assures uninterrupted fuel supply during festive season

In anticipation of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced robust measures to ensure a seamless flow of fuel from Ceypetco filling stations.

No political interference in providing 10kgs of rice to low-income families

There is no political interference in the programme of providing 10 kgs of rice to about 3 million low-income families at the cost of Rs. 12 billion, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Immigration officials stage symbolic protest

The Sri Lanka Immigration & Emigration Officers’ Association (SLIEOA) has launched a 24-hour symbolic strike against steps taken to change the service system by cancelling the more efficient service system without any reasons and causing serious hardships to the serving officers.

Thundershowers, severe lightning forecast across the island

The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather alert, warning of thundershowers and severe lightning expected to sweep across various parts of the island in the imminent hours.

SLPP to take disciplinary action against GL, others

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is to take disciplinary action against MP Prof. G.L. Peiris and others who have signed an agreement with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Preparing for New Year

People were buying goods even today to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, with most seen buying firecrackers. Pix by Nisal Baduge

917 prisoners to get State amnesty tomorrow

A special State amnesty has been granted to prisoners in view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year tomorrow (13), Prisons Commissioner and media spokesman Gamini B. Dissanayaka said.

SLTB’s daily earnings surge to over Rs. 20M in New Year rush

The daily earnings of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) have surged by over Rs. 20 million due to increased demand for transport services during the New Year period, SLTB Deputy General Manager Panduka Swarnahansa said.