No research activities, only replenishment for German research vessel in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has barred research activities for German vessel ‘Sonne’ in keeping with the one-year moratorium on such activities involving foreign ships in its Exclusive Economic Zone, but it will be allowed for replenishment in the Colombo port, Daily Mirror learns.

Sufficient water levels in reservoirs, no power cuts expected

Despite the prolonged drought, water levels in hydro and irrigation reservoirs in the country are still sufficient, ensuring no need for power cuts in the near future, the authorities said yesterday.

Political will crucial to central bank digital currency

The senior representatives of the financial sector yesterday raised significant concerns about the government’s commitment to enacting the necessary legislation for the introduction of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in Sri Lanka.

Former Minister Gamini Dissanayake commemorated

President Ranil Wickremesinghe payed floral tribute to late Minister Gamini Dissanayake on his 82nd birth anniversary today. The sons of late Minister MP Mayantha Dissanayake and former Minister Navin Dissanayake were also present. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Total of 298 elephants electrocuted since 2018: Wildlife Dept.

The Wildlife Conservation Department has reported a total of 298 elephants falling victim to electrocution since 2018.

Sri Lanka explores cooperation with South Sudan in oil, other sectors

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Kenya, Kana Kananathan who is also accredited to South Sudan, had bilateral discussions with its President Salva Kiir Mayardit regarding cooperation in multiple sectors including its burgeoning oil sector.

Martis recommended for Head Coach position

Former Isipathana College, CR and FC and national youth player, current St. Peter’s College and CH and FC Head Coach, Sanath Martis was recommended by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Technical Committee for the appointment as Head Coach of the Sri Lanka 15-A-Side outfit for the Asia Rugby Division 1 Series against the Qatar national outfit.

CC members who abstained from voting should resign: Mahindananda

The Constitutional Council members who abstained from voting when approving Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP should resign immediately, government MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage told Parliament today.

SF participates in SJB working committee

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman Sarath Fonseka participated in the party’s working committee meeting.

Patali elected Chairman of Ways and Means Committee for the second time

Member of Parliament Patali Champika Ranawaka was once again unanimously elected as the Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Call to protect Homagama Hospital...

The Medical Faculty Students’ Union (MFSU) staged a protest in front of the Health Ministry today demanding that responsible authorities withdraw the decision to sell the Homagama Hospital, which is attached to the Medical Faculty of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, to the NSBM Green University. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Dayasiri launches new party...

A new alliance titled Humane Peoples’ Alliance under the leadership of former Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara was launched today at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi.

Matheesha and Dilshan doubtful for IPL 2024

Sri Lankan star pacers Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka face uncertainty ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, set to kick off this Friday (22).

Diana wants swift action to stop tourists on visit visa doing business

State Tourism Minister Diana Gamage today urged the Public Security Minister to take swift action to stop foreign tourists on visit visas engaging in business activities in Sri Lanka, claiming that it poses serious threats to local businessmen.

Gazette on suspension of Parate Execution to be presented to Parliament tomorrow: State Minister

The gazette notification on the suspension of the Parate Execution law will be presented to Parliament tomorrow, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe announced today.

Lawyer remanded for contemptuous behavior before Supreme Court

The Supreme Court today ordered the remand of a lawyer accused of his contemptuous behavior in the Supreme Court.

Protesters dispersed with tear gas and water cannons

Tension escalated in Pettah, Colombo as police confronted a group of demonstrators with tear gas and water cannons.

Time-restricted eating linked to 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death

A major new study of 20,000 adults could rock the scientific consensus on healthy diets, finding that time-restricted eating – a form of intermittent fasting – could significantly increase the chances of death.

Scientists say they can cut HIV out of cells

Scientists say they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells, using Nobel Prize-winning Crispr gene-editing technology.

Anura Kumara, Duminda Dissanayake resign from COPE

NPP leader and MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed Parliament today that he too has decided to resign from the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Suwa Seriya earns global acclaim from World Bank

The ’1990 Suwa Seriya’ ambulance service in Sri Lanka has garnered high praise from the World Bank, lauding it as one of the most advanced and efficient emergency medical services worldwide.

Change in prevailing dry weather from tomorrow

A change in the prevailing dry weather in the island can be expected by tomorrow, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Containers queued at Colombo Port

Containers were queued at the Colombo Port due to the trade union action by the Customs Officers’ Union which hampered the clearing of containers. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Anura Kumara to leave for Canada today

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is leaving for Canada this evening, party sources said.

Sri Lanka sees spike in tourist arrivals this year

Owing to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic initiatives and the peaceful environment fostered within the country, the arrival of foreign tourists has risen, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Athula Galkatiya said.

Refrain from collecting Rs. 6780 million taxes

A street drama titled ’’Sura Baba Komasaris’’ took place in front of the Excise Department. It depicted public sentiments and called on the authorities to refrain from collecting Rs. 6780 million in taxes. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Viyath Maga’ member behind move to stop Adani group’s wind power project: Minister

A member of ’Viyath Maga’ who is now working with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is behind the move to prevent the implementation of the Adani Group’s wind power project, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera told Parliament.

Nalin Bandara threatens to fast unto death unless COPE chief removed

Whilst calling the government to get Commitee on Public Enterprises (COPE) chief Rohitha Abeygunawarde to resign from his post, SJB MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha told the House today that he will stage a fast unto death if the former does not resign.

Sri Lanka to host Asia Rugby Division 1 in Colombo

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is set to host the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship in Colombo from April 28 to May 5 between hosts Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Qatar.

Cabinet nod to introduce hybrid parliamentary electoral system

The Cabinet endorsed a proposal to draft constitutional amendments for the introduction of a new parliamentary electoral system that will enable the election of 160 MPs under the previous First-Past-the –Post System and the remainder under proportional representation, Daily Mirror learns.