Govt. should intervene to save migrant workers from HIV – pressure groups urge

The government should positively intervene on behalf of the issues pertaining to a workforce that brings an annual income of Rs.5 billion and save the migrant workers from contracting HIV, the pressure groups urged yesterday.

Prominent monks pay tribute to Gangarama Chief Incumbent

Local and foreign monks at a religious ceremony held to mark the 80th birthday of Gangarama Chief Incumbent Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara thera at Hunupitiya yesterday.

Cataract lens donation programme held at Lanka Hospitals

A programme to donate 100 cataract lenses was held at Lanka Hospitals on Tuesday (12) with the participation of Venerable Master Shin Yun of China, Deputy Incumbent of Gangaramaya Temple Dr.

Kurunegala Mayor, three others get 3 years RI

Kurunegala former Mayor Thushara Sanjeewa Vitharana and four others who stood indicted with demolishing King Buwanekabahu’s Palace and pleaded guilty and were sentenced to three-year rigorous imprisonment by Kurunegala High Court Judge Lal Bandara Ranasinhge yesterday. Former Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Tilakaratne, former Municipal Engineer, Chaminda Bandara Adikari, Works Supervisor Ilalludeen Zulfikar, and Backhoe Operator S.P.Laxman

Four arrested for photographing tusker Agbo with drone camera

A group of four young men, who attempted to take close-up photos of tusker Agbo with a drone camera illegally were arrested, and the drone camera was seized by Thirappane Police on Wednesday evening.

Talks between IMF and Govt. ongoing to introduce property tax in 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Peter Breuer, said during a virtual press conference yesterday that discussions are progressing between the IMF and the government regarding the implementation of a property tax in 2025. Breuer further mentioned that the Fund has been actively providing technical assistance to Sri Lanka in this matter. While acknowledging that implementing such a tax is a very long and

IAF arranges special jet travel for General Silva

Images of Shavendra Silva circulating on social media

Severe drought looms large next year, food security at risk- warns experts

A severe drought is predicted between February and the middle of next year posing a threat to the country’s food security, especially at a time when people endure hardships due to the economic crisis, experts warn. This transpired at a top level scientific session organized by the Association of SAARCSFOOD in Sri Lanka on climate change and its impact on food security in Sri Lanka. Assistant Repr

Sri Lankan child molested on board plane

An Indian man was taken into custody by the Katunayake International Airport Police on suspicion of sexually abusing a Sri Lankan girl, about nine years of age, who was a fellow passenger.

South Asia’s largest VAT scam: CA upholds conviction and sentence against three accused

The Court of Appeal in its majority decision yesterday affirmed the convictions and the sentence imposed against three accused in connection with South Asia’s largest VAT scam. The Colombo High Court had convicted and sentenced these three accused for committing criminal misappropriation of nearly Rs. 3.9 billion of Treasury money. With J

“Of Kings & Nobles” book by Dr. Vajira Tennekoon

Senior and respected Consultant Physician (Chest & Critical Care ) Dr.Vajira Tennekoon’s book, “Of Kings & Nobles,” which delves into the history, politics, and battles of Sri Lanka, was recently launched at the Nawaloka Auditorium with the participation of a large crowd. Pic by Nisal Baduge

Flexible opening hours of bars has serious impact on health, economy – ADIC

The Government announcement of flexible opening hours of bars and liquor stores as a result of budget reading 2024 and its implications on the alcohol industry has a serious impact on health and economy of the country, the ADIC said yesterday. Alcohol and Dru

Asgiriya Bodhi falls

The 750 year old historic Bo tree at the Gedige Vihara in Asgiriya Maha Vihara had collapsed on Tuesday evening (12). History has it recorded that this Bo tree had been named after the consort of Vickramabahu 111 who ruled during the Gampola period. The Anunayake of the Asgiriyia Chapter Ven.Wendaruwe Upali Thera said no one was hurt in the incident.

Medical fraternity concerned about composition of SLMC

A controversy has surfaced regarding the appointees to the Medical Council by the previous minister of health suggesting that he had violated the Medical Ordinance. This surrounds the alleged violation of Section 29 (f) of the Medical Ordinance, which stipulates that at least two council members nominated by the Minister must not be in the employment of the government or receiving a government pension. It has com

Parliament approves Budget 2024 based on IMF recommendations

Parliament yesterday approved Budget 2024 thus giving approval for the reforms recommended by the IMF just a day after its second tranche under the extended fund facility. The third reading of the budget therefore was approved by a majority of 41 votes with 122 members voting in favour and 81 against. Some 21 members were absent during the time of voting. MP C. V. Vigneswara

Over 20,000 women victimized by atrocities and violence in SL this year

Plans should be implemented effectively to prevent violence against women at home as well as the violence faced by women at the workplace

Caution: Nandimithra may peep into your vehicle for food

In response to a video circulating on social media, the Yala National Park administration has urged the public not to feed Nandimithra, the tusker is known for forcefully reaching out to vehicles for food.

Party at Temple Trees to celebrate VAT increase: Sajith

Tells Parliament that the President, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and all MPs had attended the party hosted by the Prime Minister

Attemp to ride on tusker ends in disaster

The young man hung on to its tail and attempted to mount on its back, regardless of the warnings of the villagers

Showdown on power tariff reduction We don’t rise in Parliament as and when we want, like a bull – Kanchana tells Sajith

The Minister avoided the questions I raised on the recent power failure

Fall Armyworm resurfaces in Ampara

Fall armyworm pest commonly called Sena Dalambuwa that caused much havoc about three years ago destroying maize cultivation in several areas has raised its ugly head again in the Ampara District much to the anxiety of the farmers. Farmers said the recurrence of the pest had caused extensive damage to the maize cultivation in Damana and Uhana divisions in the Ampara District. They said they used recommended agrochemicals and in addition the tra

Staggering Rs.4,800 million spent on import of Pinus wood

Despite SL possessing ample commercial plantations

Journalism Awards for Excellence 2022 Daily Mirror wins Cartoonist of the year Award

Daily Mirror bagged one award and two merit awards at the 24th edition of the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2022 held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel yesterday (12). Daily Mirror Cartoonist Sajith Bandara was adjudged the cartoonist of the year (English) while DailyMirror.lk bagged the merit award under best news/designed website of the year. Head of Digita

Cheating bank customer of Rs.77.98 million Travel ban imposed on former five Sampath Bank officers

The Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court yesterday imposed travel bans on five former Sampath Bank officers attached to the Thalahena branch for allegedly cheating a bank customer of Rs.77.98 million. The court issued this order pursuant to a complaint lodged by award winning traditional medical practitioner Kelum Harsha Kamal Weerasinghe for alleging cheating him of Rs.77.98 mill

Chinese Buddhist delegation visits Sri Dalada Maligawa

The delegation of Chinese Buddhist Monks including Chief Sanghanayaka of Shen Shein Province Ven. Injith Thera and the Buddhist representatives attending the South China Round Table Conference to be held on December 13 and 14 visited Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy on Sunday (10) and paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic. The delegates who met Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela were shown round the International Buddhist Museum at the Dalada

Poonakary Lake project Move to purchase unit of solar power at Rs. 50: AKD

Alleges the said project had not gone through the due tender procedure

I will never associate with Ranil: Sajith

Referring to some media reports that he is to reconcile with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday that such an eventuality will never happen. “Some media institutions are e

Sri Lanka greenlights nuclear power amidst global interest

Russia takes lead in multi-billion dollar proposal

We don’t want Sajith but will accept others from SJB; Palitha Range Bandara

In response to the remark made by Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa that he will not associate with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara yesterday confirmed that his party is in discus

Dispersing Galle Fort protest: Army and Police express regret to lawyers

11 lawyers file FR petitions challenging the legality of the army’s deployment and forceful dispersal