Will not deviate from IMF programme, but will renegotiate terms and conditions: NPP

The National People’s Power (NPP) said it would not derail the IMF programme if it won the presidency but would renegotiate its terms and conditions on implementations since the current austerity measures had burdened people and the attempts of the government to sell off public assets would bring severe economic consequences to the country.

Meta’s Facebook, Instagram back up after global outage

Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram were back up on Tuesday after a more than two-hour outage that was caused by a technical issue and impacted hundreds of thousands of users globally.

FTZ Manufacturers wary of electricity tariff cut as election gimmick

The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) welcomed the electricity tariff reduction, but said it hopes the revision is not used as another election gimmick.

Recent electricity tariff revision not given by the government

The recent electricity tariff revision was not given by the incumbent government or current political authorities but by the collective efforts of civil organisations, the public and the media, former Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Commissioner Janaka Ratnayaka said.

All South Asian countries have surpassed Sri Lanka: Imthiaz

While saying that Sri Lanka is currently at an impasse, SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar called upon leaders and citizens to transcend political differences and unite for the collective betterment of the island nation.

Drugs worth Rs 108 crore bound for Sri Lanka seized in Tamil Nadu

In a joint operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a drug smuggling attempt near Mandapam on Tuesday. Four people have been apprehended and drugs worth Rs 108 crore seized.

Facebook, Instagram down during outage; thousands affected

Meta-owned platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, are currently facing technical issues, rendering them inaccessible for many users on Tuesday. The outage has impacted functionalities across these social media platforms.

Sri Lanka aim for T20I series win over Bangladesh

After a splendid batting performance from Sri Lanka’s top order, they will aim for a Twenty20 International (T20I) Series win against Bangladesh when the two teams clash in the second match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

Banks yet to implement Cabinet decision to suspend Parate execution laws: Sajith alleges

Claiming that the property of the Small and Medium Scale entrepreneurs are being auctioned despite the Cabinet decision to suspend the Parate execution laws, Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa urged the government to instruct the banking network to implement the suspension order.

No strike tomorrow; trains will operate as usual

The railway strike, which was scheduled to be launched tonight by several railway trade unions, has been called off following a favourable response by the Transport Ministry, Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union (LEOU) secretary Indika Dodangoda said.

Imthiaz's 'Mage Kathawa' launched...

The autobiography ’Mage Kathawa’ of SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar was launched at the Ananda College auditorium today (05). The event saw the participation of a plethora of dignitaries including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former President Chandrika Kumaratunge, Ministers, MPs, academics, and other distinguished guests. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Cabinet extends validity of scheme for Sri Lankans abroad to import electric vehicles

The Cabinet has approved an extension of the validity period for the scheme enabling Sri Lankans working abroad to import fully electric vehicles, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Salary hike for CB officials unfair: Party leaders

The salary hike for Central Bank officials cost an extra sum of Rs 232 million monthly, it was revealed at the party leaders meeting today.

Transport Minister not efficient, only talks: Gemunu

The current Transport Minister is not efficient with his work and is only limited to his talks, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) president Gemunu Wijerathne claimed today.

Chandrika refutes getting two pensions

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunge today refuted claims by Mihintale Raja Maha Viharadhipathi Ven. Walaha Hengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera that she was getting two pensions.

No-faith motion against Speaker handed over…

The no-confidence motion on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was handed over to Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne today.

Protesting university students tear-gassed

Tensions erupted near the University of Colombo as police resorted to tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesting students.

Asela Sampath tenders apology to ex-Minister Channan Jayasumana

Asela Sampath, the National Organizer of the All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association, today tendered an apology and expressed regret to former Minister and Parliamentarian Dr. Channa Jayasumana against two false statements he had made by on 21 June 2021 against Dr. Channan Jayasumana on social media regarding the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine proposed to be manufactured in Sri Lanka with the approval of the World Health Organization.

Railway workers allegedly assault two tourists

Railway workers allegedly assaulted two tourists on a train travelling from Colombo to Badulla.

CPC has failed to provide quality standard report for Super Diesel: Gemunu

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has failed to provide a quality standard report for its Super Diesel stocks currently used by buses and other diesel vehicle owners, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) president Gemunu Wijeratne said.

People still fall prey to human trafficking trap in Myanmar: Ali Sabry

Claiming that people still fall prey to human trafficking in Myanmar despite repeated warnings, Foreign Minister Ali Sabri today warned people not to visit Myanmar on open visas seeking employment.

Sri Lanka Team starts new initiative: recognizes on-field performances

As part of a new initiative by the national team to recognize ‘on-field excellence,’ Charith Asalanka was awarded the ‘Orange Cap and the Coin’ by the team for his excellent fielding efforts during yesterday’s game against Bangladesh.

Government approves meals at Rs. 110 per student

The government approves providing meals for Rs. 110 per student under the School Food Programme.

No-confidence motion on Speaker handed over

The no-confidence motion on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was handed over to Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne a short while ago

Restaurant food prices to be reduced from tonight

Based on the reduction of the electricity tariffs, the All Ceylon Restaurant and Restaurant Owners’ Association has decided to reduce the prices of restaurant foods with effect from midnight today.

Calling of bids for restructuring SriLankan Airlines extended by 45 days

The deadline for calling bids for the restructuring of SriLankan Airlines has been extended by 45 days and it will come to effect from today, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

36-ball spell in a T20I! A night to forget for Pathirana vs Bangladesh

The first T20I of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh went down the wire with the visitors holding their nerve to win by three runs. Despite losing early wickets, Bangladesh stayed in the hunt right till the end and Sri Lanka’s bowling played a part in it as well.

Sri Lanka reveal likely T20 World Cup selection plan

The island nation looks set to give the nod to experienced players when deciding on their squad of 15 for the June event.

Basil Rajapaksa returns; intends to lead SLPP campaign

Former Finance Minister and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) founder Basil Rajapaksa arrived in Sri Lanka from the USA this morning.

Refrain from criticizing senior public officers: Speaker tells MPs

Highlighting that he had received complaints from senior public servants that MPs have been making unfair allegations against them, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena today requested the MPs to refrain from criticizing these officers.