King Coconut to quench thirst...

King coconut water has become an attraction in Colombo these days with the hot weather, with people seeking to quench their thirst. The Department of Meteorology has warned the public not to stay in the sunlight for long periods. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Incumbent and former Health Minister walk on same track: Dr. Bellana

The problems relating to drugs are not the only issue in the health sector, and both the former and incumbent health ministers have been prone to viewing health matters narrowly, focusing primarily on drug-related issues, Deputy Director of the National Hospital Colombo (NHC) Dr. Rukshan Bellana said.

U.W. Sumathipala remembered

The 100th commemoration of U.W. Sumathipala, founder of the Sumathi Group of Companies, was held today at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Bus topples in Nanu Oya injuring eight

At least eight persons were injured after a bus carrying pilgrims to Sri Pada toppled at around 7.30 p.m. today at Nanu Oya on the Nuwara Eliya-Hatton Road, the Nanu Oya police said.

Police launch operation to combat cattle theft

In a bid to address the rising issue of cattle theft plaguing the dairy farmers nationwide, Police have initiated a special programme under the ’Yukthiya’ operation, with the support of intelligence units, to crack down on cattle thieves.

Hot weather warning for seven districts

The Meteorology Department issued a caution-level heat weather advisory, particularly for the North-Western and North-Central Provinces and Gampaha, Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee districts.

GMOA slams Health Ministry over quacks

In the wake of scathing criticisms on the Ministry of Health’s handling of the proliferation of quacks in Sri Lanka, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has raised serious concerns over the rampant illegal practice of medicine across the country.

Weliwita Sudda arrested

Malalage Sudath Kithsiri alias ’Weliwita Sudda’ suspected as a kingpin behind drug trafficking was arrested by the Kaduwela police. He had in his possession 15.300 grams of heroin at the time of arrest.

Buying expensive veggies...

Despite the high prices, people were observed buying vegetables and other commodities at Bodhiraja Mawatha in Colombo Fort today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lanka repays $20m Iranian oil debt with tea

Sri Lanka said Wednesday it had exported tea worth $20 million to Iran to partially repay its $251 million oil debts, with Colombo saying Tehran’s visiting foreign minister had expressed ’’satisfaction’’ at the deal.

Launch immediate probe on Sanath Nishantha’s death: Johnston

The complaint made by late State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s wife regarding the death of her husband must be investigated into soon and the culrpits brought to book if it was an organised murder, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Johnston Fernando said today.

'Architect 2024': 42nd annual session

The inauguration ceremony of the 42nd annual session of ‘Architect 2024’ of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was held today at the BMICH. The ceremony will include the formal induction of newly elected Chartered Architects for 2023, the presentation of SLIA Design Awards, Colour Awards, Research Awards and Product Awards for 2024. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Sri Lanka, Vietnam sign MoU to exchange agricultural technology

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sri Lanka and Vietnam on a number of issues, including the exchange of agricultural technology and the development of the agricultural sector in both countries.

Government refutes plans to provide ‘Aragalaya site’ for casino

The government refuted any plans to provide the Galle Face ’Aragalaya site’ where the ’GotaGoGama’ agitation was held, to establish a casino.

Enjoining order issued restraining ITAK from holding national convention

The Trincomalee District Court issued an enjoining order restraining office bearers of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) from holding the National Convention which was scheduled to be held on February 19.

British instagrammer’s appeal against her deportation dismissed

An appeal application filed by a British woman instagrammer Kayleigh Fraser challenging the authorities’ decision to deport her from Sri Lanka has been dismissed by the Supreme Court.

Independent views should not be suppressed just because one joins a party: Rajitha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rajitha Senaratne who has been continously expressing his support for the scrapping of the Executive Presidency today stressed that one should not suppress his or her independent views just because he or she belongs to a political party.

Prime Minister assures action against CEB spokesman

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane assured Parliament that an inquiry will be held into the statement made by the CEB media spokesman and necessary action will be taken against him.

Government to introduce E-Passport service to eliminate long queues at Immigration Dept.

Efforts are being made to introduce the E-Passport service to eliminate the long queues at the Immigration and Emigration Department office in Battaramulla.

Medical fraternity urges health authorities to be on alert

In light of recent findings suggesting potential rare occurrences of heart, brain, and blood disorders linked to certain Covid-19 vaccines, medical professionals in Sri Lanka urge the health authorities to remain vigilant on the development.

Sri Lankan fined $41,000 for illegal fishing in Seychelles

The Seychelles Supreme Court has convicted a Sri Lankan national to a fine of SCR 550,000 ($41,000) after being found guilty of illegally fishing in the island nation’s territorial waters, the police said on Wednesday.

Minister apologises, spokesman resigns

After facing severe criticism on social media for the remarks by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) media spokesman Noel Priyantha, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has extended an apology on behalf of both the Ministry and the CEB.

’’Better if he did another job’’ - Hasaranga lashes out at umpire

Sri Lanka’s T20 captain lashed out at the umpiring during the third and final T20I against Afghanistan at Palekelle on Wednesday, claiming that a missed no ball call in the final over influenced his team’s three-run defeat.

SL,Iran explores oil trade expansions bypassing US sanctions

Sri Lanka and Iran are exploring the possibility of expanding trade in oil bypassing the U.S. sanctions, an informed source said.

Central Bank shifts focus to medium-term inflation strategy

The Central Bank announced yesterday its intention to shift focus on inflation from the near term to medium term, citing the latter’s greater relevance for the decision-making processes.

Tax and supply chain woes propel inflation to 6.5%

Sri Lanka’s inflation expanded by 6.5 percent year-on-year in January, as the prices rose across almost all categories from the one-off impact from the higher Value Added Tax and supply chain disruptions caused by the weather-related conditions.

Afghanistan win three-run thriller, but Sri Lanka take T20 series

Afghanistan salvaged some pride on Wednesday when they secured a nail-biting three-run win over hosts Sri Lanka in the third T20 international, the last game of their multi-format tour.

43 percent of languages of the world endangered

The importance of preserving mother languages were stressed today with the revelation that 43 percent of the 7,000 languages in the world have become endangered.

Rising trend of drug addicts turning to pharmaceutical drugs in Western Province

Amid the ’Yukthiya Operation’ crackdown in the Western Province, there has been a concerning trend of drug addicts increasingly turning to pharmaceutical drugs as alternative sources due to the shortage of heroin, ice, or cannabis and the authorities have launched a major operation in the western province targeting dozens of errant pharmacies that sell psychoactive drugs to drug addicts.

Electricity tariffs increased in October to be totally reduced in new revision: Minister

The new proposal on the electricity tariff revision aims to reduce the electricity tariffs increased in October last year, which included 18 percent for the domestic category, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said today.