Colombo hosts Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition

Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition is being held at BMICH until February 5. The Exhibition features leading Pakistani companies and manufacturers of Textile and Clothing, Designer wear, Handicraft and Traditional Textiles, Cutlery, Furniture, Carpets, Marble and Services. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

No bus fare increase: Shashi Welgama; Increase bus fare by 10% within two weeks: Gemunu

National Transport Commission Chairman, Shashi Welgama said today that there is no provision to increase bus fares even though the price of diesel has increased by Rs. 5.

Government policy statement to be debated for two days

Party leaders representing Parliament have decided to hold a two-day adjournment debate on the government policy statement to be presented in Parliament by the President on February 7 at the ceremonial opening of the fifth dession of the ninth Parliament.

Afghanistan prepares in Colombo ahead of Test match tomorrow

The Afghanistan cricket team was spotted practicing at the SSC ground in Colombo ahead of the Test match scheduled to commence tomorrow. Both the Sri Lankan and Afghan captains participated in the pre-match press conference at the SSC. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Travel ban imposed on Keheliya Rambukwella

An overseas travel ban has been imposed on former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella by the Maligakanda Magistrate.

Attanayake conferred with honourary title...

SJB MP Tissa Attanayake, who was the founder of the concept ’’Sadaham Yathra’’, was conferred with the honourary title ’’Deshakeerthi Sri Shasanabhimani’’ by the Mahanayake Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Makulewe Wimalaabhidana Thera for his contribution to make religious harmony a reality by unifying the Hindu, Islam and Catholic religious institutions. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sri Lanka to host ICC annual general meeting in Colombo

Sri Lanka is set to host the annual general meeting of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from July 19 to 22 this year in Colombo, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Health workers protest...

At least 72 trade unions within the health sector engaged in their planned island-wide strike today, demanding a solution to a long-standing dispute over the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. The trade union action commenced at 6:30 a.m. today. However, tri-forces personnel have been mobilized to support hospital operations amid the island-wide strike. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

All liquor outlets closed on Sunday

All liquor shops will be closed on Sunday (4) due to the 76th Independence Day, the Exice Department said.

“It was neither protest nor rally”: Sarath Fonseka

Claiming that the SJB protest did not turn out to be successful, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said if he was to organise it, he would have done it more skillfully.

Online Safety Bill comes into effect today

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane today endorsed the certificate on the Online Safety Bill which was approved by parliament last week, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Troops deployed to assist hospital operations amid strike

In response to a strike launched in government hospitals by 72 health unions, the Sri Lanka Army deployed troops at various government hospitals island-wide to support operational activities.

Asia on-track to deliver two-thirds to global growth in 2024: IMF

The year 2024 is expected to be one of prosperity for Asia with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expecting the region to maintain its momentum in delivering two-thirds to global growth.

Sinopec continues Rs. 3 concession for Petrol and Auto Diesel

In line with Ceypetco’s price adjustments, Sinopec Energy Lanka has announced its revised fuel prices, maintaining a Rs. 3 discount compared to both Ceypetco and LIOC for 92 Octane Petrol and Lanka Auto Diesel.

IMF next tranche to Sri Lanka at risk

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) could hold back the next tranche of funding for Sri Lanka under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) if the government fails to show good faith and hold constructive talks with private creditors, Daily Mirror learns.

Divisional Secretary transferred due to taking stand against corruption

The Divisional Secretary Udapalatha in Gampola who had taken steps to prevent State Minister of Justice and Prison Affairs engaging in corrupt activities in the Kandy District has been transferred with immediate effect by the District Secretary Kandy.

Observation coaches cause 80% of derailments in upcountry

Due to possible derailments of 55-seater train observation coaches, the Railways Department has advised removing 2 out of 4 compartments from operation in the upcountry with immediate effect, Railways General Manager H.M.K.W. Bandara said.

Surge in vehicle ownership transfers to avert CCTV-based fine complications

The Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) said today that a large number of people are currently visiting the Department to transfer vehicle ownerships to their names.

Immunoglobulin scandal: Keheliya asks for alternative date from CID

In the wake of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella failing to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) this morning, the former Minister has submitted a written plea requesting the CID to grant him another date to provide a statement.

CPC fuel prices revised

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided to revise its fuel prices with effect from midnight today.

SJB vows to file Fundamental Rights petition against Tiran Alles

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will file a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition against Public Security Minister Tiran Alles who had ordered to fire tear gas and water cannons at the SJB protest, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today.

Cinnamon Lakeside responds to allegations over contaminated white pepper

In response to recent concerns surrounding an incident at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo where a soup unfit for human consumption has reportedly been served to a patron, the establishment has clarified the incident.

Police arrest five activists protesting for Keheliya’s arrest over immunoglobulin case

Police have arrested five activists from civil organizations who staged a protest outside the Criminal Investigation Department, displaying banners with the slogan ’Keheliya Go Gama,’ demanding the arrest of Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in connection with the import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections.

Charges for issuing passports under normal service increased

The Immigration and Emigration Department has decided to increase the fee for the issuing of passports under normal service, with effect from February 1, Immigration and Emigration Conroller General I.S.H.J. Illukpitiya said.

Sri Lankan crew rescued by Seychelles Coast Guard arrive on Mahe

Seychelles, Jan. 31 (seychelles News Agency) Six Sri Lankan fishermen, who were rescued by the Seychelles Coast Guard after being held hostage by Somali pirates who were also arrested, arrived on the Seychelles’ main island of Mahe on Wednesday morning.

Colombo Plan and Ports Authority sign MoU to develop port operations

The Colombo Plan, with funding from the U.S. Embassy, launched a three-year program to enhance the technical expertise of Sri Lanka Ports Authority staff and advance ’’smart’’ port operations at the Port of Colombo, a statement from the U.S. embassy said.

Lotus Tower rewards 50,000th foreign visitor

The Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company (Private) Limited said today that they had recorded the arrival of the 50,000th foreign visitor since the day it opened to the public on September 15, 2022.

Three weightlifters for Asian Continental Meet

Sri Lanka will field a three-member squad for the Asian Weightlifting Continental Championship, which will be held from February 3 to 10 at the Yunusabad Sports Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Police Constable awarded Rs. 2 million against arbitrary arrest by police

The Supreme Court awarded Rs.2 million against the four police officers attached to the Kosgoda Police Station, as compensation for subjecting to arbitrary arrest of a police constable and his wife.

Foundation stone laid for construction of Ashoka Pillar at Sri Lanka’s Rajaguru Sri Subuthi Temple

India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the construction of the King Ashoka’s Pillar of Dharma at the Rajaguru Sri Subuthi Temple in Sri Lanka’s Wadduwa.