SJB scotches speculation about Sarath Fonseka’s presidential candidacy

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) reiterated that it officially declared its leader Sajith Premadasa, as the party’s presidential candidate, scotching rumours circulating about MP Sarath Fonseka’s potential candidacy for the presidency. SJB’s media spokesperson MP S. M. Marikkar, addressed journalists’ inquiries regarding Fonseka’s rumoured presidential bid. Mr. Marikkar affirmed that the SJB’s working committee had already made the decisive ch

Wild elephants continue to risk lives at garbage dump near Deegawapi Vihare in Ampara

Wild elephants continue to forage for food at the garbage dumb close to the historic Deegawapi sacred site in Amapara despite repeated requests made to wildlife authorities to take some preventive measures. In the recent past, a number of jumbos died after consuming plastic trash from the dump. Polythene, food wrappers, plastic and other non-digestibles are found in the dump. Loads of garbage collected from different areas of the Ampara Distr

Murder of three Sri Lankans in Malaysia Sri Lankan suspect dies while in Malaysian police custody

A Sri Lankan, who was among the eight foreigners under Malaysian police custody over the murder of three Sri Lankan men at a rented house in Kuala Lumpur on September 22, died while in custody last Saturday, Malaysian police announced. According to the Bernama news agency the police have detained eight foreigners to facilitate investigations into the murder of three Sri Lankan men. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid (pix) said

Hospital admissions up by 25% during last nine months

The overall admissions to leading government hospitals have gone up by 25% during the last nine months, said Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. This was revealed by the Minister during a news briefing held yesterday (02) in Colombo. “In addition, the number of patients seeking treatment at Outpatient Department (OPD) has also increased by 42% during last nine months,” he said. “The rise can be attributed to a decrease in patients’ i

Minister orders CID to launch probe into resignation of Mullaitivu Judge

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles ordered the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to launch a comprehensive investigation into the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge and Magistrate T. Saravanarajah. In a letter dated September 23, 2023, addressed to the Judicial Services Commission, Saravanarajah, who presided over the controversial Kurundimale Viharaya case conveyed his decision to step down from various judicial roles, includi

CEYPETCO increases fuel prices

Geopolitical Concerns “DO NOT RAISE THIRD PARTY CONCERNS WITH US” SL TELLS USA, JAPAN

Sri Lanka is currently under trilateral pressure involving India , Japan and the U.S. over the planned visit of the Chinese research vessel ‘Shi Yang 6’

Eight elephants killed during the past few days Acting Defence Minister orders impartial inquiry into shooting “Sita” the elephant

As Sri Lanka has been seeing killing of elephants due to negligence during the past few days, Acting Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon has ordered the relevant authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the shooting at an elephant

Rainy weather extended to hydro catchment areas and rice belt

As minor flood situation remained in three districts of the country, the rice belt and the hydro catchment areas are beginning to see some showers, as per the data released by the Department of Irrigation.

MS, GR continued to keep TMVP on Payroll

Former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa continued to pay cadres of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikkal (TMVP) when they were President and Defence Minister, a whistleblower claimed. Former TMVP spokes

49 Luxury Buses Imported for CHOGM 2013 Now Idle

Forty nine luxury buses imported in view of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) In 2013 and later used for public transportation on the southern expressway now lie idle with Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) due to lack of spare par

SINOPEC revises fuel prices

SINOPEC, the Chinese petroleum company that started operations in Sri Lanka, revised fuel prices from 6 p.m. yesterday. Petrol 95 was increased by Rs. 6 to Rs. 420 a litre, Auto Diesel by Rs.10 to Rs. 348, Super Diesel by Rs. 61 to Rs. 417, Petrol 92 remains unchanged at Rs.358.

Rogue Elephant attacks bus carrying pilgrims

A private bus transporting a group of pilgrims came under attack by a rogue elephant frequenting Oyamaduwa area. Although the passengers escaped unhurt the bus was extensively damaged. They were on their way back to Matara after pilgrimage to Thanthirimale, Residents of the area said several vehicles had been attacked by wild eleph

Body of woman recovered from canal bank

A body of a woman lying on the banks of the Bellanwila lake by Katuele Road in Boralesgamuwa was recovered by the Boralesgamuwa police yesterday. The dead was identified as G.M.Monika, a 62 year old woman who is a resident of Werahera.

Easter Sunday attacks: Scotland Yard assistance not yet sought ?

The bombings killed 267 people and injured about 500

The Maldivian Election Did China outmanoeuvre India?

According to the foreign media, Mr. Muizzu campaigned on the slogan ‘India Out’

Vocational training for students after A/L, O/L exams this year: Minister

Professional vocational training courses are to be held for students who sit for the GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination immediately after the examination is over, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

ETCA talks between India and Sri Lanka to be held on October 30, 31, November 1 in Colombo

Outgoing Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda paid a farewell call on the Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal (29/9) at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi, a statement from his office said. During the call, High

Graphic of the day

More customs officers to be recruited soon

Recruitments would be made on the results of an open competitive examination free of political patronage

Prophet Mohammed’s birthday celebrated...

The birthday of Prophet Mohammed celebrated yesterday by Muslims in Sri Lanka at the Dewatagaha mosque in Colombo.

Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka cleared of rape ‘My life is normal again...

Sri Lankan international cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka says he is eager to return to the game and rebuild his reputation after he was acquitted of sexual assault by a Sydney judge who said the evidence established there was “no opportunity” for him to have removed a condom during sex, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The 32-year

Why does China court Sri Lankan MPs more than others?

More and more MPs undertake familiarization tours

Six ‘Jumbos’ run over by trains

Three of the four jumbos that died at Galgamuwa were less than ten years of age and the other about 12 years

Social Security Contribution to be added to LECO electricity Bills

Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) will be added to ( Lanka Electricity Company Ltd) Bills , from September 8 2023, the company announced last evening. Accordingly the decision to add the levy will become e

Mullaitivu District Judge resigns

Mullaitivu District Judge T. Saravanarajah has tendered his resignation from his posts due to threats on his life and a lot of stress, the Mullaitivu District Magistrate said. His resignation letter was sent to the secretary of the Judicial Services Commission on September 23. According to the letter, he resigned from the post of District Judge, the post of magistrate, the post of family court judge, the post of primary court judge, the post

Adverse weather causes minor floods

The Eliyakanda hill, bounded by the Matara-Kataragama main highway, was undergoing erosion

SLC to consider lifting ban on Danushka Gunathilaka

The ex-co will meet and take a decision early next week

‘The Right Eye’ by Minister Manusha Nanayakkara President receives first copy

The launch of the book titled ‘The Right Eye,’ authored by Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara took place this week at the Shangri-La, Colombo. President Ranil Wickremes

Government approves programme to prevent, control forest fires

Cabinet approval had been granted for the implementation of a programme to prevent forest fires and extinguish forest fires. The programme will be implemented with the support of the government and other relevant parties at the national level. A total of 150 forest fires have been reported so far this year, and around 2,600 hectares of forests have been destroyed, the Cabinet ministers said. “It was reported that forest fires are common