Law reforms for system change: SJB Lawyers Federation to Propose 117 Reforms

The SJB Lawyers Federation has announced its intention to present 117 proposals for substantial legal reforms aimed at bringing about a systemic change and introducing rationality to governance.

Heated argument in Parliament over Divisional Secretary

A heated exchange erupted in Parliament on a while ago regarding the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Udapalatha Divisional Secretary Gampala Athma Dilruskshi.

Job Fair at SLECC

The EDEX Expo 2024, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious Educational Exhibition and Job Fair was ceremonially open at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), today. The Job Fair will be held till Sunday (11) from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan’s PTI neck-and-neck in first results

With results from Pakistan’s election trickling in slower than normal, candidates backed by former prime minister Imran Khan’s party appeared to be doing better than expected, as he was seen neck-and-neck with the favourite Nawaz Sharif.

Government will not sell Visumpaya at lower price : Minister

Government will not sell the historic Visumpaya lower than the price which has been estimated by the Valuation Department, Minister of Urban Development Prasanna Ranatunga informed Parliament today.

Gemunu proposes plans to prevent abuses in buses

Before targeting individuals who commit acts of abuse against children and women on public transport, the police must take action to implement the prepaid card system or the transporting of passengers to the seating capacity of buses, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said.

A 15-hour water cut in Colombo

Colombo residents are set to experience a 15-hour water cut today as the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) announced that water supply to several areas in the city will be suspended.

Sri Lanka mulls extension of visa-free access to Indian tourists

Sri Lanka is likely to extend visa exemption status for India after March to keep attracting travellers from the country and encourage repeat visits, Tourism and Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando said on Thursday.

Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi

Ukraine’s president has sacked the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

Sri Lankan envoy holds talks with Senegalese President

Ambassador Kana Kananathan, Sri Lanka’s first envoy to Senegal, had discussions with Senegalese President Macky Sall.

Sri Lanka’s efforts to nab overseas criminals hit a snag

Sri Lanka’s efforts to arrest organized criminals operating from overseas has hit a snag following the Court of Appeal in France ruling against the extradition of criminal called ‘Kudu Anju’, Daily Mirror learns.

Anura Kumara’s visit to India a welcome move: Vajira

The visit of National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India is a welcome move and it is expected that his party will work with the present government, UNP MP and Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said today.

Australia to allow workers to ignore after-hours calls from bosses

Australia is set to pass a law that will provide employees the right to refuse unreasonable calls from bosses outside of work hours without facing penalty.

Largest inscription from Dimbulagala belongs to beginning of 2nd century BC or earlier

The largest inscription ever in Sri Lanka, found from the Dimbulagala Monastery grounds, belongs to the beginning of the second centrury BC or earlier than that, Sri Jayawardenapura University History and Archaeology professor Karunasena Hettiarachchi said

Polls close across Pakistan after millions vote in election mired in controversy

Violence marred several of Pakistan’s polling stations on Thursday, as millions voted in an election in which old dynasties vied for power while the country’s widely popular former leader languishes behind bars.

India’s Petronet LNG to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka from 2025

Petronet LNG Ltd, India’s biggest liquefied natural gas company, will in 2025 start supplying LNG to Sri Lanka, initially in containers loaded on ships and later going on to build an import terminal, its chief executive said on Thursday.

Mendis confident as SL gears up for Afghan ODI Series

Sri Lanka’s One Day International (ODI) Captain Kusal Mendis expressed confidence ahead of their clash against Afghanistan, starting at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy tomorrow.

Kalubowila Hospital recognized for patient care

An event was held to recognize the wards and units of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital for outstanding patient care under the Productivity, Quality, and Patient Safety Competition. Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director-General of Health Services graced the event. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Don’t trust Finance Ministry, Mahindananda warns Government

While expressing concerns towards the accuracy of data and figures provided by the Finance Ministry, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage urged the President, government officials and the Cabinet to exercise caution in trusting the Ministry of Finance.

Paris Olympics medals to contain 'piece of Eiffel Tower'

The medals awarded at this year’s Paris Olympics and Paralympics will feature a hexagon-shaped piece of iron taken from the original Eiffel Tower in their centre, organisers said as they unveiled the design on Thursday.

Iceland volcano erupts again, molten rocks spew from fissures

A volcano in Iceland erupted on Thursday for the second time this year, pumping lava up to 80 metres (260 feet) into the air in what is the sixth outbreak on the southwestern Reykjanes peninsula since 2021.

Opposition alleges move to postpone Presidential Election

In a heated parliamentary session today, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Member of Parliament, Lakshman Kiriella, accused the government of orchestrating a delay of the upcoming Presidential Election.

Sri Lanka raises monthly allowances for vulnerable groups

Sri Lanka has announced an increase in monthly allowances for disabled individuals, kidney patients, and elderly citizens, effective January 2024, Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said.

Agreement inked for 100 MW Ground Mount Solar project

Rividhanavi (Pvt) Ltd., a consortium comprising Lakdhanavi Ltd., Windforce PLC, and The Blue Circle Pte Ltd of Singapore, has inked the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) today, marking a significant stride in the renewable energy landscape of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s electricity charges remain highest in South Asia

In a recent analysis comparing electricity charges across South Asian countries, Sri Lanka emerges with the highest household electricity costs, prompting concerns among the public regarding the burden on consumers.

Footwear and Leather Fair 2024

The 14th Footwear and Leather Fair 2024 started at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today. The exhibition will be held until Sunday (11).

State revenue up by 25 percent in January after VAT increase: Siyambalapitiya

State revenue has increased by 25 percent in January after the VAT increase, where Rs. 274 billion was recorded in January 2024, whereas the estimated state revenue was Rs. 219 billion, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today.

Doctor arrested for alleged sexual assault on colleague at Aranayaka Hospital

A doctor from the Aranayaka District Hospital has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 28-year-old female doctor while she was on duty.

Ranil has brainwashed NPP: Nimal Siripala

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had brainwashed National People’s Power (NPP) and that is why its leader went before Indian leaders, Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said in Parliament today.

Three policemen interdicted after poisoning of two suspects in custody

Three police officers from the Wolfendhal Police Station have been interdicted following an incident where two suspects were hospitalised after consuming a packet of milk provided by a visitor.