Sri Lanka among ten countries mostly affected by climate change

Sri Lanka is among the ten countries which are mostly affected by climate change, the first session of the Sri Lanka Climate Parliament revealed today.

Indictment served on eight accused in X-Press Pearl case

The Colombo High Court today served an indictment on eight accused including the Captain of the fire-ravaged container ship MV X-Press Pearl for causing damage to the country’s oceanic environment.

Stamps, coins exhibition...

An exhibition of vintage stamps organized by Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association was launched today (22) at the Public Library in Colombo. Several rare stamps and other vintage coins are exhibited and sold at this exhibition, which will be held till Saturday (23). Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Specialists ring alarm bells over rapid spread of Tinea skin infection

Dermatologists in Sri Lanka have issued a warning regarding the rapid spread of Tinea infections, a contagious skin disease affecting both adults and children across the nation.

Magnitude 6.5 quake strikes off Indonesia’s Java island

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the shore of Indonesia’s Java island on Friday at a depth of 10km (6.2 miles), Indonesia’s geophysics agency (BKMG) said.

Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister remembered

A ceremony was held at Independence Square to mark the 72nd death anniversary of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, the late D. S. Senanayake, today. UNP Deputy Leader and Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Venerable Dr. Bandarawela Wimaladharma Thera, university dons, and school children participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Uganda’s president appoints son as military chief

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as head of the military, the defence ministry said on Friday.

Maithripala claims to be aware of real culprits behind Easter attacks

Former President Maithripala Sirisena today disclosed that he is well aware of the true perpetrators behind the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019.

Seamers put Sri Lanka in control as Bangladesh chase 280

Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis both hit knocks of 102 to help Sri Lanka post 280 in their first innings before their seamers rattled Bangladesh on the opening day of the first Test in Sylhet on Friday.

Rainfall above 75mm on the cards as heatwave begins to loosen

Residents across the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-Western Provinces are urged to brace for heavy showers above 75mm during next 36 hours.

Sri Lanka announces women’s cricket squad for South Africa tour

The Cricket Selection Committee selected the following 17 member national women’s squad to tour South Africa.

JVP, LTTE instrumental for economic crisis: S.M. Chandrasena

The actions of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the LTTE were the main instrumental factors for the current economic crisis, former Minister S.M. Chandrasena said.

Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus expresses concern on reducing consent age for sex

The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus has requested Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to take steps to withdraw the bill gazetted to amend Chapter 19 of the Penal Code which seeks to reduce the consent age for sex to 14.

Kedella Construction Expo launched...

Kedella Construction Expo, the premier build and architecture tradeshow 2024, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) while making a dream home a reality. During the exhibition, people can buy tiles, solar systems, construction equipment, electrical products and furniture at great discounts. The exhibition will be held till Sunday 24, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Rabies spread in heat: Hinting at potential animal culling plan?

While condemning the statement made by the Veterinary Medical Officers’ Association over the imminent danger of rabies spreading due to the intense heat, advisor to the board of the Association of Veterinarians for Humane Management of Animal Population, Dr. Chamith Nanayakkara, said that it might be a pre-plan to kill those animals.

Working despite hot weather...

People in urban areas of Colombo engage in their work during daytime despite the hot weather. Some labourers at their workplace in Colombo today during the hot weather conditions. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Increase public, private sector salaries...

Five persons from the People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest in front of the Central Bank today demanding an increase in public and private sector salaries compared to the Central Bank salary increase. A large number of security personnel were deployed in the area, though only five persons participated in the protest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

General elections must be held first to maintain fairness: MR

Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that a general election should be held first and then the presidential election to maintain a fair process in the country.

Keheliya’s application for bail to be heard on Monday

A revision 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 fixed for March 25 by the Colombo High Court.

Ten more suspected criminals of underworld gangs nabbed

Ten more suspected criminals of underworld gangs were arrested yesterday during the special operation launched to crack down on organized criminal activities.

Former Brazil international Robinho arrested to serve rape sentence

Former Brazil international football player Robinho has been arrested to serve a nine-year prison sentence for rape.

Review decision to reduce consent age for sex: Sajith

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today urged the government to review its decision to reduce the consent age for sex to 14 when it comes to women.

Presidents, Prime Ministers in last 70 years lacked job experience and vision: Janaka Rathnayake

Over the past 70 years, the Presidents and Prime Ministers who governed this country lacked any significant job experience and also failed to provide a clear vision for the country, Presidential candidate Janaka Ratnayake said.

Massive rise in scams as public struggle from financial crisis

Amid the country’s high cost of living, there’s an increased risk of individuals falling prey to ongoing scams and cyber frauds as more people are desperately resorting to earning quick money, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) said.

As predicted, rainfall covers most parts of island

As forecasted by the National Meteorological Centre’s forecasting division, many areas across the island experienced showers following a change in the prevailing dry weather.

Basil says talks with Ranil positive,will General Election come first ?

In the wake of calls for a snap general election , Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) stalwart Basil Rajapaksa who held a one on one meeting with President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said talks ended on a positive note and they decided to consult their respective parties before reaching any finality .

Mid 2024 will be a turning point for Sri Lanka’s economy, says Ranil

Mid this year will be the turning point for Sri Lanka’s economy, according to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as from then on the island nation will have opportunities for further progress.

Sustaining reform momentum critical for lasting recovery: IMF

Sri Lanka has made significant progress, despite its circumstances, in implementing its ambitious reform agenda.

All performances in Kandy Esala Perahera including dance elements to be gazetted

There are discussions to gazette all the performance items, including dance elements presented during the annual Esala Perahera festival by the Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Satara Maha Devalayas, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said.

Bangladesh have 'high expectations' for Sri Lanka Test series

Bangladesh host a ’’formidable’’ Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting on Friday and ambitions are growing after years of struggle.