People no longer willing to vote based on religion, race or clan

The recent Presidential election revealed that people are no longer willing to vote based on religion, race or clan, Buddhist Affairs Co-ordinator Chairman Ven. Dr. Sasthrapathi Galagama Dammaransi Nayaka Thera said.

IMF delegation, government’s economic team review IMF programme

A high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that arrived in Sri Lanka today held discussions with the economic team of the new government where they reviewed the IMF programme thus far, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Confident Sri Lanka eye winning start against Pakistan

Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixture at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE tomorrow.

ICC bans Praveen Jayawickrama for one year

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Sri Lanka player Praveen Jayawickrama from all cricket for one year, of which six months are suspended, after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Alleged misuse of Presidential Secretariat vehicles: Sajin Vass released from case

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today ordered the release of three suspects, including former Foreign Ministry Monitoring MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena, from a case filed against them for allegedly misusing vehicles belonging to the Presidential Secretariat during the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as President from 2005 to 2015.

Excise Dept. to closely monitor violations on World Temperance Day tomorrow

The Department of Excise will closely monitor any violations to the Excise Ordinance, where the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages is prohibited countrywide on World Temperance Day tomorrow.

Dinesh Chandimal - a modern day T. M. Dilshan

Kamindu Mendis’ supreme form in the red-ball game has seen his name on the headlines in the recent times. His incredible batting performances have helped him break records set decades ago. However, one of the unsung heroes that have probably not received accolades he deserves is none other than Dinesh Chandimal.

Future SJS government will cooperate with AKD

A future Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) government will cooperate with incumbent President Anura Kmara Dissanayake in the event it secures a majority in Parliament at the General elections, its leaders said today.

Jaishankar to visit Sri Lanka this week

India’s external Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Sri Lanka this week and call on newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office on September 23.

37 independent groups place deposits for General Election

A total of 37 independent groups have placed cash deposits for the upcoming general election scheduled for November 14, 2024, the Election Commission stated.

Oil prices jump more than 2% as Middle East tensions escalate

Oil prices climbed more than 2% on Wednesday on rising concerns that Middle East tensions could escalate, potentially disrupting crude output from the region, following Iran’s biggest ever military blow against Israel.

No injuries among Sri Lankans in Israel after attack

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara confirmed that no injuries or casualties among Sri Lankan nationals were reported following last night’s attack on Israel, allegedly carried out by Iranian forces.

Sri Lanka, Netherlands initiate process to repatriate second batch of colonial artefacts

Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera met with the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands, Eppo Bruins recently in The Hague to discuss the repatriation of the second batch of colonial artefacts, a statement from the mission said.

’It is now time for President to prove his allegations’: Namal challenges AKD

Former MP Namal Rajapaksa has challenged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to prove his allegations that the Rajapaksa regime has hidden billions of dollars in Uganda and other countries.

Porsche vehicle given to me originally imported ten years ago: Rosy

The Porsche vehicle, which was given to her during her tenure as Presidential Advisor, was originally imported ten years ago, Rosy Senanayake, Adviser to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

School footwear prices to be reduced soon

The Footware and Leather Goods Industrialists’ Guild (FLGIG) said today that they have decided to reduce the prices of school footwear, including specifications, soon.

USD selling rate drops below Rs. 300 after 15 months

The selling rate of the US dollar has fallen below Rs. 300 for the first time since June 8, 2023.

President to meet Ambassadors, High Commissioners of seven countries today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is scheduled to engage in talks with Ambassadors, High Commissioners and representatives from seven countries today, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Legal action against buses overcharging fares from today

Legal action will be taken from today against buses that charge more than the revised bus fares, the National Transport Commission (NTC) said.

US Green Card Lottery 2026 opens for Sri Lankans

The US Embassy in Colombo announced the start of the 2026 Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the “Green Card” Lottery.

Pakistan captain steps down with immediate effect

Babar Azam has announced that he will no longer captain Pakistan’s white ball teams, stepping down as skipper of both the T20 and One Day International sides.

Iran says attack on Israel is over as fears grow of wider conflict

Iran said early on Wednesday that its missile attack on Israel was over barring further provocation, while Israel and the U.S. promised to retaliate against Tehran as fears of a wider war intensified.

Sajith could be the PM candidate if he agrees to a grand opposition alliance: Pro Ranil group

The UNP and other opposition groups are willing to accept Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa as the Prime Ministerial candidate if he agrees to a common opposition alliance under a common symbol ahead of the General Election 2024, a former MP said yesterday.

High level Sri Lankan delegation due for talks with IMF this month

Claiming that the government will not discuss any structural changes to the IMF agreement with the IMF delegation that arrives in the country today, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that structural and principal changes to the IMF agreement will be discussed at a meeting scheduled with a Sri Lankan delegation at IMF Headquarters at the end of this month.

Enthusiastic shoppers...

A bustling scene at the Pettah Market in Colombo as the market turns lively, with many enjoying the atmosphere as inflation drops, encouraging more shoppers to venture out. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Merchandise trade account expands with faster increase in imports

Sri Lanka’s exports reached the highest levels so far this year, buttressed by the recovery seen in garment exports as of late but the deficit in the merchandise trade account expanded due to the faster increase in imports.

Construction sector expansion persists through August

Construction sector activities continued to plough ahead through August 2024, though some slowdown was seen during the month.

Shooting attack in Tel Aviv causes a number of casualties, Israeli police say

Israeli police said gunmen opened fire in Israel’s commercial capital Tel Aviv on the boundary with Jaffa on Tuesday and there were a number of casualties.

Iran launches missile attack on Israel

Missiles were launched from Iran towards Israel a short while ago, the Israeli military says in a statement

Customs Intel foil attempt to export copper worth Rs.37.5Mn via Trico

An attempt to export over eight tones of copper worth over Rs.37.5 million in a container declared as crepe rubber through Trico Logistics yard in Grandpass was foiled by Sri Lanka Customs today.