Government approves housing programme for Sri Lankan overseas employees

Cabinet approval was granted today to implement a housing programme for overseas employees.

Government approves amendments to Online Security Act

The government granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Public Security Minister to direct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a draft bill for amending the Online Security Act based on revisions recognized through further discussions.

Health workers protest...

Trade unions attached to the Federation of Health Professionals of the health sector engaged in an island wide strike today, demanding a solution to a long-standing dispute over the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Biannual inspection...

Personnel from the Dam Street Police Station conducted their biannual inspection today. The inspection team was headed by SSP Central Colombo Lalith Leelaratne. Dam Street Police OIC CI Ajith Peduruarachchi accompanied the routine inspection team. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Manoj Gamage resigns from NMRA Board of Directors

Attorney-at-Law Manoj Gamage has tendered his resignation as a Member of the Board of Directors of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), effective immediately.

EC says no budget allocation for a General Election in 2024

Following a Right to Information request filed to the Elections Commission, the Daily Mirror learnt that the estimated budget to conduct a Presidential Election in 2024 would be around Rs. 9,750,000,000.

Health Ministry admits glass particles being found in ‘Meropenem’ drug

The Health Ministry has initiated an investigation following allegations made by health trade unions regarding the haphazard storage of drug consignments at Customs terminals in Welisara, Wattala, and Kelaniya.

One injured after MP Ali Sabri’s jeep collides with tractor

A 24-year-old man was injured after a jeep in which MP Ali Sabri Raheem was travelling collided with a tractor near the 15th mile post on the Puttalam-Anuradhapura main road early this morning.

SJB ready for scrapping executive presidency

Indicating that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) would extend conditional support for the scrapping of the executive presidency, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said his party would support such an amendment but said it has to be implemented after holding an election.

No breeze, more heat in Sri Lanka

Declining wind flow in some parts of the country had resulted in people in Western, and Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces feeling the heat more than usual, a spokesman from the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

Central Bank expands Governing Board with two new members

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has expanded its Governing Board, with the appointment of two new members.

Dairy sector makes fresh bid to reconsider VAT rollout

Sri Lanka’s dairy stakeholders urged the government to reconsider the decision to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT).

Central Bank continues to collect foreign exchange from domestic market

Continuing its months-long streak, the Central Bank purchased another US $ 245.3 million in foreign exchange from the domestic banking system and sold nothing in January.

Constable drowns at Uswatakeiyawa

The Pamunugama Police have initiated investigations after a police constable drowned while sea-bathing off the beach near the first basin, Uswatakeiyawa in Pamunugama.

Mujeeb to miss T20I series against Sri Lanka, Rashid Khan still not fit

Afghanistan will be led by Ibrahim Zadran in the T20Is against Sri Lanka with Rashid Khan still recovering from a back surgery.

Private sector prefers to handle hospital services: GMOF president

The country does not require the services of professionals from these health trade unions, as there is a preference for the private sector to handle these hospital services, Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) president Dr. Rukshan Bellana said today while comenting on the scheduled island-wide strike by health sector trade unions, except doctors.

Wild elephants waiting to feed on stubble

Herds of wild elephants from Buddhangala sanctuary in Ampara roaming into the paddy fields after harvest to feast on crop stubble is a usual sight in Dighawapi and Allkadu areas.

Court issues notices on Environment Minister

The Court of Appeal today issued notices on the Minister of Environment, the Central Environmental Authority and several others in connection with the writ petition filed challenging the construction of reservoirs and roads and clearing of state forest lands in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve in 2020.

SriLankan Airlines flight turns back to Melbourne due to technical issue

SriLankan Airlines said that that flight UL 605, en route from Melbourne to Colombo, safely returned to Melbourne Airport shortly after takeoff at 18:16hrs (Melbourne time) today, due to a technical issue.

SJB divided on constitutional reforms

Divisions within the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) on constitutional reforms was witnessed today when MP Rajitha Senaratne stated that the Executive Presidency should be abolished immidately while the party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara insisted that a Presidential election should be held first and the reforms should come next.

Children encouraged to bathe for 20 minutes over heatwave

In the wake of the rising temperatures, medical experts have advised parents to make sure their children take a bath for at least twenty minutes per day in order to keep dehydration at bay.

Protesters gather, mother guides daughters

The Principals’ Service Association staged a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla, Colombo today (Monday 12) over several demands. As the protest was on, a mother is passing the protestors alongside her two daughters, probably taking them home after school.

Complaint over suspected umpire exam paper leak

A complaint has been lodged with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (SLHRC) alleging that the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires’ Committee had leaked papers from last year’s umpires’ exam.

Senior Grama Niladhari arrested for sexually abusing female Grama Niladhari

A senior Grama Niladhari of the Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a female Grama Niladhari of the area, police said.

Sri Lanka T20I squad announced ahead of Afghanistan series

In preparation for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has announced the 16-member squad.

Appeals open for Grade 6 admissions

Appeals relating to admissions for Grade 6 classes for 2024 based on the results of the 2023 Grade 5 scholarship examination will be accepted from tomorrow (February 13) till February 29, the Examinations Department said.

Health trade unions resort to another strike

Trade unions within the health sector have once again declared an island-wide strike following unsuccessful discussion with officials from the Finance Ministry.

Unified Payment Interface launched in Sri Lanka

The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) service was launched in Sri Lanka today.

Former President Sirisena departs for US

Former President Maithripala Sirisena left for the United States via India this morning on a special visit.

NPP trying to become the main opposition: SJB MP

National People’s Power (NPP) was trying to become the main opposition in the country, Samagi Jana Balawegaya Spokesman and Member of Parliament S. M. Marikar said today.