Time has come to decide whether we should remain in Parliament or not: Sajith

The time has come to decide whether we should remain in an assembly where its head repeatedly violates the Constitution, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said today.

SLTDA provides extension for licence renewal

Tourism sector stakeholders are given an extension renewing their licenses with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

Central Bank officials summoned for special party leaders’ meeting next week

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe and other officials of the Central Bank have been summoned for a special party leaders’ meeting on March 4, Parliament sources said today.

German Parliamentary delegation to visit Sri Lanka

A four-member delegation of the German Parliament led by former Federal Minister Renate Kuenast, is scheduled to pay an official visit to Sri Lanka from March 1 to 5, 2024.

Speaker has violated Constitution in appointing IGP: Tilvin

Claiming that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane had acted in violation of the Constitution when appointing Deshabandu Tennakoon as the IGP, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said today they were planning to go before the Supreme Court against the appointment of the IGP.

First wildlife tunnel construction begins March 1 to avert elephant-train collisions

The construction of Sri Lanka’s first ever wildlife tunnel to prevent elephant-train collisions will begin on March 1 in the Kasikota area of Galgamuwa, Gatadivula, the Transport and Highways Ministry said.

Pending court cases should have been considered before IGP’s appointment: SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today alleged that court cases that are pending against Deshabandu Thennekoon should have been considered when appointing him as the IGP.

Sumanthiran’s petition challenging Speaker certifying Online Safety Bill dismissed by SC

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran challenging the Speaker’s act of certifying the Online Safety Bill has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

First phase of 1,500 kms road rehabilitation of starts today

A programme is scheduled to start today as a part of the first phase of the rehabilitation of 1,500 kilometres of roads from Point-Pedro to Dewundara, Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumes duties as IGP

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumed duties as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) this morning at the police headquarters. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sri Lanka wins UN Award for in Mangrove Restoration

Sri Lanka has been recognized as a 2024 UN World Restoration Flagship for its exemplary work in rebuilding and rejuvenating its mangrove ecosystems.

Compulsory to reserve date, time to obtain services from DMT from Monday

The Department of Motor Traffic has made it compulsory for people to reserve a date and time to obtain services from March 4, DMT Commissioner General Nishantha Anuruddha Weerasinghe said.

Supreme Court disenrolls Nagananda Kodituwakku

The Supreme Court today issued a rule for the removal of Nagananda Kodituwakku from the position of an Attorney-at-Law after he was found guilty of professional misconduct.

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumes duties as IGP

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumed duties as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) this morning at the police headquarters.

UK’s York St. John University offers instant admission at ICFS event

An exclusive admission event organized by ICFS (International Center for Foreign Studies) in collaboration with UK’s York St. John University is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 02, at the ICFS Education Center in Nugegoda.

China expresses strong dissatisfaction to SL over bar on research vessels

China is reported to have expressed its dissatisfaction to Sri Lanka over the decision to bar Chinese research vessels from carrying out any study in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year starting from January 3, 2024.

Findings on COVID vaccine side effects: Local authorities in the dark

In the wake of disquieting findings on the health risks associated with certain COVID-19 vaccines, the Sri Lankan health authorities seem to be turning a blind eye as they go unresponsive to the queries.

Government to empower women to drive economy

Sri Lanka’s women entrepreneurs, who have for long been held back, will soon be able to take the front seat as President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week pledged more would be done to allow this segment to increase their contribution to the national economy.

Elephant House to storm Indian shelves

One of Sri Lanka’s most popular lines of beverages will soon be on the shelves of India, with Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) partnering with Elephant House to manufacture, market, distribute and sell beverages.

Disciplinary action over video causing discomfort to child in classroom

The Education Ministry is set to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the individual involved in recording a video that caused discomfort to a small child in a school classroom.

CEB notifies 14% average tariff revision to PUCSL

Contradicting the statement by the Energy Minister that electricity tariffs can be reduced by 18 per cent, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has informed the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) that the tarrif can be reducded by an average of 14 per cent.

Police launch probe as Inspector flees country citing death threats

Police have launched an investigation into Police Inspector Duminda Jayathilaka, the Officer In-Charge of the Organized Crime Division at the Colombo Crimes Division, who has left the country due to death threats from members of underworld gangs, targeting him and his family.

Court grants anticipatory bail on actress Damitha and her husband

The Colombo Fort Magistrate granted anticipatory bail yesterday, preventing Actress Damitha Abeyratne and her husband from being arrested until March 6. This comes following an alleged complaint accusing them of cheating Rs.3 million by promising to provide job opportunities in Korea.

SLPP will decide on Presidential candidate after Basil’s arrival: Prasanna Ranatunga

Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna ( SLPP) will decide on its presidential candidate when former Minister Basil Rajapaksa arrives in Sri Lanka shortly, Chief Government Whip Prasanna Ranatunga said today.

Fire breaks out at water pump storage in Biyagama

A fire erupted at a storage facility where water pumps were stored at Bandarawatte in Biyagama this afternoon, Police said.

2.4 mn family units to receive ’Aswasuma’ in second phase: Minister

All necessary arrangements have been made to extend benefits in the second phase of the ’’Aswasuma’’ programme to 2.4 million family units, starting from June 2024, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

Harini should bring in a private member’s motion to repeal laws prohibiting prostitution: Hirunika

National People’s Power (NPP) MP Harini Amarasuriya should bring in a private member’s motion to repeal the Vagrants Ordinance of 1841 under which prostitution is banned in Sri Lanka, former MP Hirunika Premachandra said today.

Appeal Court suspends auctioning of New Nawaloka Medical Centre

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order preventing Hatton National Bank PLC from auctioning the property relating to New Nawaloka Medical Centre (Private) Limited.

Jeffrey Vandersay, Avishka Fernando called up for Bangladesh T20Is

Sri Lanka have retained largely the same T20 squad, that beat Afghanistan in their three-match T20I series, for next month’s tour of Bangladesh, with Jfferey Vandersay and Avishka Fernando the only additions.

UNFPA Sri Lanka inaugurates one stop centre in Kilinochchi

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sri Lanka announced the opening ceremony of the One Stop Centre (OSC) at the District General Hospital in Kilinochchi today (28).