Govt clarifies Arugam Bay incident as organized crime, not extremism

The government in a meeting with US embassy officials in Colombo on Wednesday has reportedly ruled out any links between the recent incident in Arugam Bay and ‘extremism’, categorizing it instead as an incident of ‘organized crime’.

Chennai Super Kings retain Matheesha Pathirana for INR 13 crore

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have retained Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana for a staggering INR 13 crore, equivalent to approximately USD 1.56 million ahead of the IPL player auction.

Lohan Ratwatte remanded

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte who was arrested by police, has been remanded until November 07 by the Nugegoda Additional Magistrate.

Over 1,000 complaints related to General Election

A total of 93 fresh complaints related to the upcoming parliamentary election were received, taking the total number of complaints to over 1,000.

Fuel prices revised; Octane 95, Super Diesel prices to be slashed

Ceypetco has revised its fuel prices, effective from midnight today (October 31).

Ranil Wickremesinghe to be summoned to provide evidence on bond scam: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya announced that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be summoned to provide evidence pertaining to the Central Bank bond scam that took place in 2015.

Namal calls on RW, AKD to stop misleading public sector employees

SLPP National List member Namal Rajapaksa called on both President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, to clarify their stance over their promised salary increments.

Russian Customs sign MoU with Sri Lankan counterpart to curb illegal trade

The Sri Lanka Customs entered into a mutual agreement with its Russian counterpart to counter illegal trading activities and to boost legal trade facilities between the two nations in the future, an official said.

Spanish floods kill 95 as year of rain falls in a day

At least 95 people have been killed in possibly the deadliest flooding to hit Spain in its modern history after torrential rain battered the eastern region of Valencia, sweeping away bridges and buildings, local authorities said on Wednesday.

Bat-watching...

Thousands of fruit bats hang from trees around Tissamaharama Lake, creating a mesmerising sight as they prepare to take flight just as the sun sets. The 45-minute walk around the lake offers scenic views of Tissa Wewa and a relaxed bat-watching experience, perfect for an evening adventure. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Failing to represent client as assigned counsel: Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years

In a landmark disciplinary action, the Supreme Court suspended a lawyer from practicing law for five years following findings that he failed to appear before the High Court in a criminal matter where he was appointed as the assigned counsel by court.

’’Why should I take advice from someone rejected by people 17 times?’’: Harini responds to Ranil

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said she will never take advice from someone like former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was rejected by the people 17 times.

Lohan Ratwatte arrested

Former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte was arrested by police a short while ago.

Happy Deepavali!

Many Hindu devotees engaged in religious observances at Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil Kochchikade to celebrate Deepavali festival this morning. Hindus in Sri Lanka celebrated Deepavali also known as the festival of lights. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Examinations Department must assure smooth conduct of 2024 A/L exams: CTU

The Examinations Department must assure students and parents that the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations will be conducted smoothly, without any issues, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said.

Light Diwali of wisdom this year: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his Diwali message emphasised the importance of a cultural, political, and attitudinal transformation if Sri Lankans are to realize hope of a prosperous country and a fulfilling life for all.

Rice prices average above rate stipulated by Govt

Despite the government regulating prices for Nadu rice at Rs. 220, prices have averaged Rs.235 a kilo in the market, according to recent reports.

Bird flu detected in a pig for the first time in the U.S., raising concerns

Bird flu has been found in at least one pig at a backyard farm in Oregon, the first detection of the H5N1 virus in swine in the United States, the U.S. Agriculture Department said Wednesday.

Defence Secretary on inspection visit to CDRD

’Army Chooty’ arrested for managing Harak Kata’s drug operations

The Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested an underworld figure known as ’Army Chooty’ who manages the drug operations of Nandun Chintaka Wickremaratne, alias ‘Harak Kata,’ revealing an extensive drug trafficking network.

Over half of drugs failing quality tests are in India

More than half of the drugs that have failed quality tests so far in 2024 originated from India, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Some politicians, media institutions spreading false news to create anarchy: President

Some politicians and media institutions are spreading false news to create anarchy in the country with an intention to create instability without giving the new government strong power, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday.

Ex-President misled state employees on salary hike says Prime Minister

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya recently claimed that the former President deliberately misled state employees by promising them a salary hike.

Govt will decide on PTA or new Anti-Terrorism Bill in its place after new Parliament convenes

Despite pressure being mounted from the opposition, the new government will consider any decision on the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) or the Anti-Terrorism Bill introduced by the previous government only after the next Parliament convenes, a top source said.

Happy Diwali

RPCs raise Deepavali festival advances for plantation workforce by up to 25%

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) yesterday said that the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have raised the festival advances for their workers, with the increase beginning ahead of this year’s Deepavali holiday.

Price drops continue to cool Colombo inflation in October

Inflation in Sri Lanka’s Colombo district fell further in October, marking the third consecutive month of easing, with both food and non-food prices declining amid the improved supply conditions and reduced administrative costs, according to the data from the Census and Statistics Department.

Customs achieve more than 80% by end October – Spokesman

Sri Lanka Customs, one of the three main revenue generating arms of the Treasury, had achieved more than 80% of the stipulated revenue target of Rs.1.53 trillion for the year 2024 by end of October, with positive hopes of surpassing the aim before 2025, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka’s construction activity slips in September

Sri Lanka’s construction sector reported a contraction in September, reflecting a slowdown in the activities, influenced by the election-related disruptions, the data from the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed on Monday.

Heavy influx of tourists to nine arch bridge

Aheavy influx of foreign and local tourists is being experienced at the historic Nine Arch bridge in Demodara on the upcountry railway line. The bridge built in 1921 during British rule in Sri Lanka is 300 ft long and 80 ft high. Pix by Nisal Baduge