Alliance for People’s Struggle calls for a fresh probe on passport issue

The Alliance for People’s Struggle yesterday called for a fresh probe on what they called the passport scandal stating that the truth of the claim made by Epic Lanka that it had signed an agreement with Department of Emigration and Immigration on printing passports is true or false.

Experienced persons should be in Parliament to take over government if the need arises : Ruwan

Experienced and able persons are needed in Parliament to take over the government if the need arises, UNP Deputy Leader and New Democratic Front (NDF) Gampaha District candidate Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Two wild elephants electrocuted in Mannar and Hambegamuwa

The death of two wild elephants due to human activities had been reported from Mannar and Hambegamuwa areas.

Immigration authorities to crack down on overstaying Russians, Israelis

The Department of Immigration and Emigration will visit the southern coastal belt in early November to look for any overstaying tourists from countries like Russia and Israel, where an influx of tourists are expected in the emerging South season for Christmas, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ranjan Ramanayake’s candidacy at General Election challenged in court

Petitioner alleges that Ranjan Ramanayake was convicted on charges of contempt of court and imprisoned

Enhanced security measures for Kandy hotels with Israeli tourists

Security for several hotels in Kandy providing accommodation to Israeli tourists has been stepped up by the police. Police have taken steps to obtain daily reports on foreign tourists seeking accommodation in hotels in the Kandy Police Division as well.

Prime Minister’s Office responds to Daily Mirror report

In response to Daily Mirror story headlined ‘AKD, Harini clashes over UGC Chairman appointment?’ in yesterday’s edition, the Prime Minister’s Office sent the following clarification.

McDonald’s Corporation and International Restaurant Systems (Pvt) Limited ends Franchise Relationship in SL

McDonald’s Corporation and International Restaurant Systems (Private) Limited ends Franchise Relationship in Sri Lanka, according to a statement from it.

Sajith Premadasa, SJB lead in 2024 presidential campaign spending

The latest financial disclosures from the Election Commission reveal that Sajith Premadasa and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), lead in campaign spending for the 2024 Presidential Election, with a total expenditure of Rs. 1.13 billion.

Eight parties, one independent group in the fray for Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Election today

The first poll after National People’s Power (NPP) swept into power will be held today when the people of Elpitiya will go to polling stations to elect members for the Pradeshiya Sabha in their area. Some 28 members will be elected to the Pradeshiya Sabha according to the Election Commission. A total number of 55, 663 voters will cast their votes in 48 polling stations.

Schoolteacher arrested for rape of 14-year-old girl

The police arrested a teacher of Oyagawa Junior School in Ranawaranawa in the Lunugamvehera Police area on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Sri Lanka addresses issues raised in recent travel advisories: President

Sri Lanka is addressing issues raised in recent travel advisories to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all tourists, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said during a meeting with two foreign envoys yesterday. During a meeting with the Ambassador of Myanmar, Malar Than Htaik at the Presidential Secretariat, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ongoing improvements in safety to protect the well-being of both international visi

Former Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne complains of harassment on social media

Says mudslinging of women politicians over social media has to be especially probed

Sri Lanka may face another economic turmoil: Sajith

Sri Lanka is slated to face another economic turmoil no matter to whom people may vote at the General Election, former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

in Dept. of Geology remain unassessed since 1964

It has been revealed that the value of 271 gemstones in the Department’s Geology division, which have been securely deposited at the Metropolitan Branch of the Bank of Ceylon since September 18, 1964, remains unassessed, the National Audit report in 2023 revealed.

AKD, Harini clash over UGC Chairman appointment?

A clear difference in decision was reported between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the appointment of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman.

Travel restriction US Embassy closely cooperates with SL authorities

In response to a question as to how it will help Sri Lanka in curbing the threat, a U. S. Embassy spokesperson said the mission is closely cooperating with the Sri Lankan authorities but refrained from making any additional comment.

Ranil refutes allegations made by Cardinal

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today dismissed allegations made by Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith that the motives behind the committees to probe the action of intelligence units in lead up to the Easter Sunday attacks was to politically victimize officers Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekera.

A probe on slaughtering another peacock

Wildlife officers are to launch an investigation into a new video showing a foreigner slaughtering, roasting and consuming a peacock inside Maduru-Oya National Park.

Warning of a terror attack: Govt springs into action on multiple fronts

In the wake of the United States (U.S.) Embassy’s travel restriction to Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice, the Sri Lankan authorities have sprung into action on multiple fronts to take additional security measures and to ensure that the country is safe for tourist arrivals.

Indian Intelligence alerts Sri Lanka to potential attack in Arugam Bay

Sri Lankan security forces have been alerted to a potential attack on Israelis in the Arugam Bay area by Indian intelligence agencies.

Tourism industry on edge as travel advisories mount

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is bracing for challenges following a series of travel advisories issued by several key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

Israelis top tourist arrivals in Arugam Bay, but reduced now

Ruling out any special instructions regarding the US Travel Advisory, the Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday said Israelis top the highest arrivals of tourists in Arugam Bay in all times, though it was seen much reduced this season.

Hans Wijayasuriya asked to lead digital economy, he is yet to respond

The government has reportedly invited Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, former CEO of Dialog Axiata and a prominent figure in Sri Lanka’s telecom sector, to lead the government’s proposed digital economy.

RW to make special statement on committees he appointed to probe Easter Sunday attacks

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to make a special statement today on the two committees he appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks.

What is needed is a strong govt, not an opposition, fill Parliament with NPPers - Prez

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his recent electoral meeting in Katunayake, said the need of the hour is a strong, powerful government but not an opposition and therefore urged people to take steps to fill Parliament with his NPP (National People’s Power) representatives at the November 14 General Election.

Easter Sunday’s Commission Report: Govt. will not accept RW’s committee report in its entirety

Claiming that a committee appointed by a President does not have any jurisdiction just as in the case of Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI), Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that the government would not accept the report of the Committee appointed by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe just before the Presidential election as it is politically motivated.

Free Trade Zones exploit our labour and pay for weaker sex – LGBTQIA+ community

The LGBTQIA+ community working in the Free Trade Zones (FTZ) complained yesterday that the garment factories that employ them through random manpower agencies would exploit their labour as men and pay wages designated for the weaker sex.

Easter attack: controversy swirls further high

Further controversy swirls around the Easter Sunday attack- the series of bomb blasts that rocked Sri Lanka on April 19, 2019, killing nearly 300 people including 46 foreign nationals - after Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) leader former MP Udaya Gammanpila put in public domain one report on the incident, which recommends prosecution of current secretary to the Public Security Ministry Ravi Seneviratne for his alleged negligence of duty as a senior

Catholic Church rebuffs Gammanpila’s allegations

The Catholic Church is to officially reject the accusations that have been made against two government officials in the Presidential Commission report on Easter Sunday attacks, which was revealed by former Minister Udaya Gammanpila yesterday.