Special police contingent deployed for Sanath Nishantha’s funeral

A special police contingent of 380 personnel has been deployed to provide ptotection during Late State Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera’s final rights.

Second term begins with 110 commitments ‘pending’ on Sri Lanka’s IMF programme: Verité Research

The second term of the IMF review began with 110 commitments ‘pending’ on Sri Lanka’s IMF programme, with Sri Lanka and the IMF adding 75 new commitments to the programme, independent think-tank and research institution Verité Research said.

Unifying pre-school frameworks to align with national policy for optimal pre-childhood development

Following the national education policy, the Education Ministry is aiming to implement a single framework for the pre-childhood development of children between the ages of three and five in all preschools currently in operation, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Police tasked with eradicating drugs, underworld by June 30: Minister

Police have been tasked with completely eradicating the underworld and narcotic drugs in the country by June 30, 2024, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said.

Increase in cargo vessel arrivals in Colombo port due to crisis in Red Sea

The number of cargo vessels arriving at the Colombo port has increased, further increasing the container operation capacity, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Special traffic plan in Galle Road from Tuesday due to Independence Day rehearsals

A special traffic plan will be implemented from Tuesday (30) in a section of Galle Road for the rehearsal of the upcoming 76th Independence Day ceremony, the Police Media Division said.

State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s funeral today

The remains of State Minister of Water Supply, Sanath Nishantha, who died in a car accident on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, will be cremated today (28) at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rajakadalu.

Galle Face gearing up for 76th Independence Day

Preparations for the 76th Independence Day celebration on February 4 are underway with the construction of structures at Galle Face. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Electoral bribery fine raised to Rs. 100,000

The government of Sri Lanka has decided to amplify the penalty for the offense of bribery aimed at influencing votes during an election.

Issuing TIN not disrupted, necessary facilities will be provided to IRD: Minister

The issuing of the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) has not been interrupted or stopped, but necessary steps are being taken to prevent the obstacles and provide necessary facilities to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Finance State Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya said.

North Korea fires cruise missiles off east coast, Seoul reports

North Korea has fired several cruise missiles in waters off its east coast, South Korea’s military says.

Enhanced scholarship allowance announced

The President’s Fund, under the auspices of the President and the guidance of the Secretary to the President, announced the extension and enhancement of the scholarship programme for the year 2021/2022, the President Media Division (PMD) said.

Tough decision taken to cancel two gazettes: Harin

Two special gazettes issued by former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe have been cancelled by the current Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando.

Increase in train derailments from 2000 to 2023

There has been an increase in train derailments between 2000 to 2023, according to surveys conducted by the Railways Department.

Lorenzo Putha 4 hijacked, still no contact, all communications on standby: Fisheries Department

Colombo Measures are being taken with the support of the Foreign Ministry and the Sri Lanka Navy to release the ’Lorenzo Putha 4’ - a Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler which was hijacked by Somali pirates yesterday, Director General of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department Susantha Kahawatta said.

Expect showers in East, Uva, Polonnaruwa, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya this evening

Showers will occur today in the Eastern and Uva Provinces and in the Polonnaruwa, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya districts, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Icon of the Seas: World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami

The world’s largest cruise ship has set sail from Miami, Florida, on its maiden voyage, amid concerns about the vessel’s methane emissions.

Sri Lankan fishing trawler reportedly hijacked by Somali pirates

Somali pirates have reportedly hijacked a Sri Lankan multi-day fishing trawler with six fishermen aboard in the Arabian Sea.

Police awards Rs. 1.5 mn to MSD officer killed in Expressway accident

The police has offered a Rs. 1.5 million cash donation to the family of late State Minister Sanath Nishantha’s security officer, Police Constable J.A.A. Jayakodi, who died in the accident on the Katunayake Expressway.

Three killed in three-wheeler-lorry collision

Two men and a woman were killed after a three-wheeler they were travelling in collided head-on with a lorry at Kivulgalla in Narammala this morning, Police said.

Half burnt body removed from crematorium for postmortem

A body which was being cremated had been taken out and referred to JMO Wathupitiwala Hospital for postmortem examination.

Trump must pay $83.3m for defaming columnist

A New York jury has decided Donald Trump should pay $83.3m (£65m) for defaming columnist E Jean Carroll in 2019 while he was US president.

Australia marks national day that stokes patriotism and anger

“Australia Day is Dead!” Indigenous activist Gwenda Stanley chants into the loudspeaker, as a crowd of thousands breaks into applause.

Court issues Red notices for four alleged Al-Qaeda aides abroad

Colombo Additional Magistrate Pasan Amarasinghe yesterday (26) ordered the issuance of a red warrant in English, ordering the arrest of four suspects who are said to be currently abroad for aiding and abetting the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

Leopard threat in the hills

People in the upcountry estates are living in constant fear of any possible danger to their lives from leopards frequenting in estates

Fresh efforts underway to expedite illumination in Expressways

In the wake of two fatal accidents including the pre-dawn crash that claimed the life of State Minister Sanath Nishantha, the Road Development Authority (RDA) is planning to expedite illumination of the expressway by laying aluminum transmission cables in place of Rs.250 million worth copper current cables stolen during the pandemic.

Sri Lanka cannot simply walk away from IMF: Ranil

Sri Lanka cannot simply dismiss its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised while citing the complexities that could arise, if a decision is made to do so.

Fisherman, helper arrested for abusing 12-year-old boy

A young man who dragged a 12-year-old boy offshore and sexually abused him and a 16-year-old boy who aided and abetted it were arrested by Angulana Police yesterday.

MSD officer of late State Minister posthumously promoted

Police Constable J.A.A. Jayakodi who was the security officer of late State Minister Sanath Nishantha, who died in an accident on the Katunayake Expressway, was posthumously promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant by the IGP with effect from January 25.

Default of Rs.6Bn taxes by liquor manufacturing companies challenged in Court

Seventeen social activists have filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the authorities to forthwith take steps to recover all arrears of tax due from all the liquor manufacturing companies.