Belgium-based NGO claims Israel soldier ‘terminator’ in SL

Belgium-based NGO Hind Rajab Foundation has accused that Gal Ferenbook, an Israeli soldier allegedly responsible for the death of a Palestinian civilian and the degrading treatment of the body, is now in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Christmas just around the corner...

With a few more days for Christmas, people are seen buying decorations and Christmas trees from temporary stalls set up on the roadside in Havelock Town, Colombo. PIC BY NISAL BADUGE

Govt. to save Rs.1,200 Mn annually by removing Tri-Forces security from former Presidents

The government announced yesterday that it would save over Rs. 1,200 million annually by reducing the security of former Presidents, replacing tri-forces security with the police, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament yesterday.

Only Ministers and MPs have benefited most from President’s Fund: Minister

Former Ministers and Parliamentarians have benefited from the President’s Fund as they have been assisted for medical treatment going beyond the purpose for which it was created, Parliament was informed yesterday.

Dr. Archchuna’s eligibility for Parliamentary seat challenged in Court

A writ petition was filed before Court of Appeal seeking an order declaring that Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is not qualified to be a Member of Parliament and is thus not entitled to hold office as a Member of Parliament. Social activist Oshala Herath filed this petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament.

Over 80 drugs fail quality tests in 2024

A total of 82 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2024, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Plan to relocate President’s House, Temple Trees to Sri J’pura Kotte put on hold

The new government led by the National People’s Power (NPP) has put on hold plans by the previous rule to relocate the President’s House, Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s office and the Presidential Secretariat to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a top source said.

AKD, Modi agree to continue talks on ETCA

In what appeared to be reaffirmation, if not extension of the previous joint statement signed during the time of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, India and Sri Lanka agreed during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to explore the possibility of concluding a framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation between the two countries.

‘Who called me Dr.?’ - Justice Minister goes to CID

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday requesting an inquiry into the inclusion of inaccurate educational qualifications in the Parliament database.

Housing consumes coconut triangle, leading to low nuts

The coconut triangle which is located in Kurunegala, Gampaha and Puttalam where coconut cultivation is done has been converted to housing lands which is against the law according to the Tea, Rubber and Coconut Estates (Control of Fragmentation) Act which states Partition by Deed of a tea, rubber or coconut estate to be null and void in certain circumstances, an official from the Coconut Development Authority said.

An Explainer by FactCheck.lk: Is the government at risk of over-borrowing in 2024?

In the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent presidential election, there has been growing debate over the government’s borrowing strategy for 2024. While some critics warn of excessive borrowing, others argue that it is necessary for fiscal stability.

Prez holds talks with Indian External Affairs and Finance Ministers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who arrived in India yesterday held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama New Delhi.

Rice crisis: Importers cite inability to stick to control prices

Importers insist that the government should reduce duty on rice from Rs.65 to 50 a kilo and extend deadline for placement of orders till December 31 st at least as otherwise local retailers will find it challenging to stick to the price controls stipulated by the government, a spokesperson said.

Over 300 errant rice traders netted in raids

Over 300 traders have so far been found violating rice control price regulations during recent nationwide raids, according to Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Director of Information Asela Bandara.

14 teachers caught with forged certificates in North Central Province

The service of several teachers in the North Central Province who had forwarded forged education certificates to join the government service have been suspended.

NMRA hints at potential medicine price reductions

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has indicated the possibility of reducing drug prices, pending the resolution of legal hurdles.

Sripada Pilgrim season commences today

Sripada Pilgrim season will commence with the dawn of Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day today.

Govt. contemplates relocating Toque Monkeys to uninhabited Islands

Highlighting that the government is determined to end the toque monkey menace as soon as possible, Minister of Agriculture K. D. Lalkantha yesterday said a project to relocate them to uninhabited islands is contemplated. “We are determined to put a stop to this menace and not to leave it to the next generation. A project is being prepared to confine toque monkeys to uninhabited islands in Sri Lanka.

President to address business leaders in India during his state visit

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who will undertake a state visit to India from December 15 to 17 will interact with business leaders there apart from his official engagements with Indian leaders – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The President will be accorded the highest protocol as it is a state visit. It is expected to deliver

Important for Adani Group to commence operations of CWIT: Minister

Work on East Container Terminal (ECT) to be completed by June 30, 2025

Fever outbreak in Jaffna under control

The fever that spread in Jaffna, claiming seven lives, has been identified as Leptospirosis, commonly known as Rat Fever, the Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry announced yesterday.

Anyone found guilty of wrongdoing will face consequences: President

We will not tarnish the extraordinary trust placed by people even by the slightest misconduct

Fake titles of MPs on parliamentary website: Explanations called from parliamentary employees

Communication Department of Parliament apologises to Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara

Monkey menace: sterilization begins

Government allocates Rs. 4.5 million for this initiative

Easter Sunday Cases Court decides preliminary legal issues by Pujith and Nilantha to be addressed at case conclusion

The Negombo District Court has issued an order in a case filed by a victim of the Easter Sunday attack, ruling that the Preliminary Issues of Law raised by former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former State Intelligence Service Director Nilantha Jayawardena, based on Section 88 of the Police Ordinance, cannot be taken up as preliminary issues and must instead be considered at the conclusion of the case.

Rice prices inflated at some places, CAA on alert

Some traders are selling rice at prices higher than the controlled price, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) said yesterday. The CAA said while most shops are selling at the gazetted price, there have been reports of inflated prices. “Steps taken to import will stabilize rice prices in the market,” he said.

40% of Sri Lankan migrant workers are women: SLBFE

Of the total number of workers who went abroad for work, 40.7% were women, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reported yesterday.

Rainfall reduced in North-East monsoon compared to 2023: Department of Meteorology

Misty conditions will persist in most districts until January

Govt. rocked, Speaker steps down following allegation over academic credentials

Following heavy public outcry over false doctoral title, National People’s Power (NPP) MP Ashoka Sapumal Ranwala announced yesterday that he would step down from his post as the Speaker of Parliament. According to a media release issued by him, he said a public debate had been triggered in society over his academic qualifications. However, he said he had not falsified his academic qualifications.

Security for former Presidents to be periodically reviewed

In the wake of the decision to reduce the number of security personnel assigned to former Presidents, including Mahinda Rajapaksa, the police said that the committee appointed to review security will meet periodically and assess reports to determine whether the number of officers should be further reduced or increased.