W. M. Mendis and Co. fails to pay tax arrears on deadline, face legal charges

Controversial liquor giant W.M.Mendis and Co. will face imminent legal action by the Department of Excise with revoking of its production license, having failed to settle a staggering tax arrears of Rs.5.5 billion to the government before the deadline on November 30th.

Navy officer killed by wild elephant

A senior Navy official, on his way back to the Punewa Naval Camp after a visit to Colombo on an official assignment, had been trampled to death by a wild elephant as he alighted from the bus near the camp.

Beware of Whatsapp hackers; CERT

The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) yesterday cautioned the public on a scam which is involved in hacking of whatsapp accounts.

ABBA Tribute Show: Yes, we attended, enjoyed it as people with a palate for enjoyment: Tilvin

In response to criticism on social media over attending in ABBA Tribute Show at Mount Lavinia Hotel, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said he, along with others, attended and enjoyed it as people with a palate for enjoyment.

‘Deega Danthu 1’ the majestic elephant in Kalawewa National Park electrocuted

Deega Danthu 1, widely regarded as the most majestic elephant in the Kalawewa National Park, was found dead yesterday after becoming entangled in an illegal electric fence, the National Park Warden confirmed.

Sri Lanka records highest HIV cases in single quarter: Close to 250 cases so far this year

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2024, marking the highest number of cases logged in a single quarter since 2009.

SL safe from cyclonic storm: Met. Dept.

Sri Lanka will not be affected by the cyclonic storm as it is moving away from the island, the Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

A/L recommencement date to be announced after weather assessment:Govt

The Examinations Department will announce the date of the recommencement of the Advance Level (A/L) examination after assessing the weather situation after November 29, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha said.

SL’s return to a financial crisis once debt servicing begins is a fallacy

Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe allayed fears yesterday that the country would return to a financial crisis once it started debt servicing.

Sri Lanka drenched more this year

The Department of Meteorology confirmed that the volume of rainfall had increased this year compared to the last year , another phenomenon of climate change. According to the Department of Census and Statistics, rainfall is of three types, monsoonal, conventional and depression.

Govt. taking allegations against Adani seriously

In the wake of bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the Sri Lankan government is taking the matter seriously.

SriLankan Airlines comes under Finance Ministry

Sri Lanka’s national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, which was under the purview of the Civil Aviation Ministry under the previous government, has been gazetted under the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

Dr. Mahipala out from Health Ministry; removal or resignation?

The sudden removal of Dr. Palitha Mahipala as the Secretary to the Ministry of Health has raised concerns among health professionals, as the exact reasons for his dismissal remain unclear.

Cabinet Spokesman says Need to rectify legal barriers through Parliament in extraditing Mahendran

Claiming that the extradition laws have been a barrier for bringing down former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran from Singapore, Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday the government needs to rectify the barriers through Parliament.

Seven including five children missing after tractor swept away in floodwaters

Seven individuals, including five children, have gone missing after the tractor they were in was swept away by floodwaters yesterday in Karaitivu in Ampara District.

Newly elected Jaffna MP pays tribute to Prabhakaran

Jaffna District Independent MP Archuna Ramanathan paid tribute to slain LTTE leader Veluppillai Prabhakaran claiming that Prabakaran was his god.Posting a live video, he said his father was a former police officer of the Sri Lankan government and that he had joined the LTTE police in 1987.

Another court case against Arjuna Aloysius

A case has been filed before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, alleging that Arjuna Aloysius, the director of W.M.Mendis and Company, who is currently serving a six-month prison sentence for tax evasion, defrauded Rs. 12 million by purchasing paper for printing a newspaper.

Seeks police security

Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan has sought personal security from the Parliament authorities, claiming that he is unable to move freely after the incident in Parliament recently.

Maaveerar Naal People can commemorate, but without LTTE emblem, logo: Minister

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that although the people in the North are allowed to observe Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day) to honour their deceased relatives, they must refrain from displaying any logos, uniforms or images related to the LTTE, as it remains a proscribed organisation.

Sri Lanka braces for heavy rain this week

Four provinces of Sri Lanka will continue to be battered by rain as heavy showers of 150 millimetres within the next couple of days leading to disasters such as floods because a low pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal is heading for depression, an official said.

No issue with government officials enjoying perks, privileges: Handunnetti

The government officials have no obstacles to enjoy their perks and privileges such as salary scales and vehicles entitled by them whereas the Ministers and MPs will not enjoy any perks and privileges as per the mandate and the people’s requirement, Minister Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday.

Treasure hunting in Wandurawa: Geologist requests people not to depend on mythology

Referring to the recent controversy over alleged buried treasure near the Central Expressway construction site in the Wandurawa area of Veyangoda over the weekend, Professor of Geology at Peradeniya University Atula Senaratne said people should not depend on mythology and resort to futile exercises.

SJB National List crisis deepens

Demands by its allies has resulted in further delay in finalizing the nomination of National List MPs of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), former MP Hirunika Premachandra said yesterday.

An elephant encounter spotted in Hambantota

In the Ballagaswewa area on the 100-foot road in Hambantota, two wild elephants were seen engaging in a tussle. Local villagers said that wild elephants frequently wander through the area, causing damage to homes and properties.

Quandary over nomination papers for LG polls due to changes in political affiliations

There is a quandary over nomination papers submitted for the local authorities’ election because of changes in political affiliations among candidates but the Election Commission has no choice but to proceed with the conduct of polls early next year, an official said.

Third review of debt restructuring with IMF concludes

The discussions related to the third review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme concluded yesterday, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

15-year-old schoolgirl impregnated, mother’s paramour arrested

An individual who raped and impregnated a 15-year-old schoolgirl was arrested yesterday by Nochchiyagama Police.

Harini’s FR Petition over protest attack to be heard on January 30

About 150 to 200 members of the Women’s Wing of Jathika Jana Balawegaya had attended the protest

Discrepancies in issuance of permits to expatriate workers to import electric vehicles

There have been abuses in the issuance of permits for expatriate workers to import electric vehicles, according to an audit report.

Low-pressure system to bring heavy rain in the coming days

Public advised to take precautions against damage from strong winds and lightning during thunderstorms