Heat advisory raised to caution level in 15 districts

As temperatures soar in parts of Sri Lanka, authorities warn of an impending rise in the heat index, particularly in regions spanning the Northern, Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and the Anuradhapura, Galle and Matara districts.

World Athletics introduces $50,000 prize money for Olympic gold medallists

Sebastian Coe has defended World Athletics’ decision to break with 128 years of Olympic tradition by becoming the first sport to give athletes prize money if they are victorious in Paris this summer.

Sri Lanka Air Force organizes Colombo Air Show and Defence Exhibition (CADE 2024)

The Sri Lanka Air Force is gearing up for the Colombo Air Show and Defence Exhibition (CADE 2024) to showcase air power and boost tourism and investment.

Four former Presidents should bow out of politics: Dullas

The four former Presidents who are in active politics should bow out for their own benefit and for the sake of the people, MP Dullas Alahapperuma said today.

April 15 declared a government holiday

The State Ministry of Home Affairs today declared April 15 as a Public (government) holiday for all state employees, Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said.

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Sri Lanka all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and former Captain Angelo Mathews have progressed in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after contributing to their team’s 192-run victory in Chattogram that helped complete a 2-0 win in the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh.

Indian Ocean peace is our priority at present: SLAF chief

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) today emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean region, despite the absence of immediate terrorist threats within Sri Lanka.

India remains SL’s most reliable, dependable partner: Indian Envoy

India will remain Sri Lanka’s most reliable friend and a trusted and dependable partner, emphasized Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha.

’Madulawe Nimesh’ arrested with drugs

Drug smuggler ’Madulawe Nimesh’, who is alleged to have operated the drug smuggling activities of ’Homagama Handaya’ who had organised the killing of two individuals in Moragahahena recently from Dubai, has been arrested.

Chamara Sampath threatens Phosphate Company employee

State Minister of Primary Industries Chamara Sampath Dasanayake is alleged to have severely accused and threatened the Human Resources and Administration Assistant of the Lanka Phosphate Company H.D.V.K. Chandraratne in the presence of the officials of the Ministry and the company.

‘Nekath Seettuwa’ for New Year presented to President

Following customs and traditions, the ‘Nekath Seettuwa’, the table of auspicious times for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year, was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today.

Sri Lanka Air Force gears up for CADE 2024

The Sri Lanka Air Force is preparing for the Colombo Air Show and Defence Exhibition (CADE 2024) to demonstrate air power and stimulate tourism and investment. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa announced that the five-day event will take place from May 29 to June 2 at the Galle Face and Colombo Port City.

Eid-ul-Fitr festival at Galle Face Green

Muslims gathered at Galle Face Green in Colombo this morning to attend Eid prayers as the holy fasting month of Ramadan came to an end. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

PHI Union gripped by fear following Treasurer’s death

In the wake of the tragic death of Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors’ Union, Roshan Kumara Vithanage, the Public Health Inspectors are in cold sweat hindering their ability to carry out responsibilities effectively.

Government Publication Sales Counter closed on Monday

The Government Information Department today announced the closure of the Government Publication Sales Counter at Narahenpita on April 15.

SLCERT engineers’ reports to be sent to Education Minister today

Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola today revealed that a report will be sent to the Education Minister regarding the recent hacking of the Education Ministry’s official website.

Key factors identified for accidents on expressways

Driver negligence, vehicle maintenance issues and accidents caused by third parties were identified as the three main reasons for accidents on expressways, the Advisory Committee for Expressway Safety Actions member Dr. Chamod Hettiarachchi said.

IGP calls for heightened security during festival season

Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon emphasized the need for heightened security measures in light of the upcoming Ramadan festival and Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations.

President restricts foreign travel for Govt. members as party gears up for presidential polls

Ahead of the presidential election, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the government members to restrict foreign travel as much as possible because their presence is required to undertake political work, an informed source said.

Sri Lanka’s labour force participation rate hits new low in 2023

Sri Lanka’s labour force participation rate hit a new low in 2023, the recently published Labour Force Survey (LFS) annual bulletin highlighted.

Vehicle imports possible next year if economy improves

If the country’s economy improves by next year, there can be optimism regarding the import of vehicles, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Expressway debts could take 160 years to settle despite profit: Minister

Despite earning a yearly profit of Rs. 5 billion from expressways, Minister Bandula Gunawardana revealed that it might take at least 160 years to fully pay off the Rs. 800 billion loan used to build them.

Govt. to consider registering higher engine capacity motorcycles

A meeting was held recently at the Transport Ministry to explore the feasibility of registering motorcycles with higher engine capacities.

Muslim community in Sri Lanka to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr tomorrow

The Muslim community in Sri Lanka is gearing to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr tomorrow, April 10th, following the sighting of the new crescent moon today, April 9th.

Jaffna resident who paid 7,000 Euros for forged Polish visa nabbed at BIA

A resident from Jaffna who had paid Euro 7,000 to obtain a forged Polish visa affixed to his Sri Lankan passport, was nabbed by the Immigration and Emigration Department officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), whilst trying to leave the country.

Sajith not ready for Presidential debate hosted by Daily Mirror?

The participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for a Presidential debate together with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted by the Daily Mirror is uncertain with SJB Manager Nalin Banadara Jayamaha stating that it is unbelievable that Dissanayake has agreed to it.

Ranil likely to contest presidential election under new symbol: Presidential advisor

Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to contest the Presidential election under an entirely new symbol other than the elephant or flower bud, Senior Presidential Advisor and UNP senior Ashu Marasinghe said.

President grants pardon to 779 prisoners

In view of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to grant Presidential pardons to 779 prisoners.

Lotus Tower to glow green, white to mark Eid

The Colombo Lotus Tower will mark Eid on Thursday (11) by illuminating the sky with vibrant green and white lights, symbolizing harmony and joy.

SLA target four events at Paris Olympic Games

Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) is optimistic they will qualify to participate in at least four events at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, SLA President Major General Palitha Fernando (Retired) said.