Only one container intended for unloading at Colombo port: Minister

Only one container out of the 56 containers listed as dangerous cargo on board the ‘Dali’ cargo vessel that collided with the Baltimore Bridge in US recently, intended for unloading at the Colombo port, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said today.

80 medical officers appointed to Senior Medical Administration posts

A total of 80 vacant Senior Medical Administration posts in the health sector that were vacant for the past two years have been filled by the Health Ministry, Dr. P. G. Mahipala said.

56% accidents on expressways caused by driver negligence: Minister

The report from the committee assigned to investigate into State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s recent accident on the Katunayake Expressway shows that 56 per cent of accidents on the expressway are caused by driver negligence.

Sajith says ready for debate with Anura

Responding to the challenge by National Peoples Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a public debate, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said he is prepared for it.

Rajiv Gandhi assassination case: 3 ex-convicts return to Sri Lanka

Three Sri Lankan nationals, who were ex-convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination case returned to their native country on Wednesday after serving their jail term.

Derailment disrupts train services on main line

The intercity express train that departed for Maho was derailed between Maradana and Dematagoda railway stations, the Railways Department said.

University students tear-gassed

Police dispersed protesting university students near the University of Moratuwa, using tear gas and water cannons.

Special trains for New Year season

Special and long-distance train services are scheduled to be operated during the New Year season to facilitate people to travel conveniently, Deputy General Manager of Railways N.J. Indipolage said.

Maithripala decides not to provide statement in court

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has informed the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court that he will not provide a confidential statement before the magistrate in connection with his controversial revelation regarding the Easter Sunday attacks.

Ruwan holds public day in Biyagama

UNP Deputy Leader and Adviser to the President, Ruwan Wijewardena held a public day in Biyagama today, where the problems of those who arrived from several areas were discussed. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Private medical practice under lens as complaints mount

In light of a plethora of complaints over the proliferation of quacks and fake medical centres in Sri Lanka, the Health Ministry has decided to strictly securitize private medical practice.

High Court refuses bail to Keheliya

The bail application filed on behalf of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who is currently held in remand custody in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was today rejected by Colombo High Court Judge Sujeewa Nissanka.

Two suspects escape from police custody

Two suspects who were detained for further questioning escaped from the custody of the Galle police during the early hours today.

Cardinal Ranjith never received prior warnings: Fr. Cyril Gamini

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith never received any prior warnings on the Easter Sunday attacks, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka said today.

Three Sri Lankan convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case released from Tiruchi Special Camp

Three Sri Lankan nationals convicted in the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case — Murugan, Robert Payas and Jayakumar — who had been prematurely freed from prison and later detained at a special camp in Tiruchi, were released on April 2 at night.

Abolition of Special Commodity Levy can trigger corruption: Importers

In the absence of a mechanism to curb corruption at Sri Lanka Customs, the abolition of the Special Commodity Levy on imported goods can result in price hikes, according to the Essential Commodities Importers’ and Traders’ Association.

Students to get driving license without written tests

Every GCE Advanced Level student who receives the driving skill medal given by the School Road Safety Association is eligible to take the practical test without sitting for the written examination conducted by the Department of Motor Traffic, Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said. 

WB cautions possible slowdown in reform efforts due to elections

Sri Lanka has recovered faster than expected from the economic crisis it faced two years ago, however, the World Bank yesterday cautioned that this momentum might be lost due to a possible slowdown in the reform efforts as the island nation gears up for election this year.

Hormone-disrupting chemicals found on raincoats can affect male fertility: Report

Research reports suggest that hazardous chemicals or chemical mixtures, known as endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs), which interfere with the body’s hormonal functions, have been found concealed within everyday consumer products like water-repellent textiles such as raincoats.

7.4-magnitude quake strikes off Taiwan’s east coast, sparking tsunami warnings

CNN - A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan.

Corruption taints operations on drugs, underworld criminals

In response to mounting concerns over reports of several police officers being in contact with leading drug lords, some of whom operate from overseas while others are imprisoned following recent crackdowns on underworld gangs, intelligence officers have been deployed to identify the police officers collaborating with organized criminals and drug traffickers with their assets to be probed, the Daily Mirror learns.

Welcoming summer with warmth...

The vibrant blossoms eagerly greet the summer in Nuwara Eliya, painting the landscape with their radiant colors, evoking a sense of warmth and anticipation for the season ahead. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Almost 60 percent of voters still undecided: Akila

Research conducted by the government has revealed that more than 60 percent of the voters in Sri Lanka are still undecided on whom they should vote for, UNP Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday.

World Bank stresses need for sustained reform implementation

As Sri Lanka is looking to leave behind the effects of the crisis and move towards development, sustained reform implementation is essential for Sri Lanka to have a stronger and more resilient economy, the World Bank said yesterday.

Sri Lanka to get energy efficiency testing lab with South Korean support

Sri Lanka will soon see the addition of a laboratory for energy efficiency testing of air conditioners, with the government of South Korea agreeing to support the endeavour.

Sri Lanka tops best places for solo female travel in 2024

Sri Lanka has claimed the coveted title of the number one destination for solo female travelers in 2024, according to Timeout.com

Health strike called off

The ongoing trade union action initiated by health sector workers has been called off following constructive discussions held earlier today at the Presidential Secretariat.

Fire at nightclub in Turkey’s Istanbul kills at least 29

At least 29 people have been killed and one injured in a fire in a nightclub in Turkey.

Have Sri Lanka become more aggressive under De Silva’s captaincy?

Sri Lanka were just three wickets away from claiming a comfortable 2-0 series win against Bangladesh at the end of fourth day’s play in the ongoing second Test in Chattogram.

Building expressways is a myth till debt restructuring process completed: Bandula

Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said today that completing the expressway structure of the country has become a myth till the debt restructuring process is finalized.