India’s move to secure ties as presidential race heats up

Ahead of the presidential poll, in an apparent move to ensure that Indo-Lanka bilateral cooperation on national security is not compromised under a future government, visiting Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with four main presidential candidates - President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa, National People’s Power (NPP) candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake

How to vote in 2024 Presidential Election

The Election Commission has released guidelines for voters on how they should cast their votes in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election scheduled for September 21, 2024. With more than three candidates in the race, voters will be allowed to choose their top three candidates in order of preference.

Former SL cricketer under probe over alleged misconduct towards female player in Australia

Daily Mail; Former Sri Lanka Test cricketer Dulip Samaraweera is facing a Cricket Australia probe amid allegations of serious misconduct towards a female player.

EU Election observation mission vows independent review

Says will come up with a report on electoral reforms

NPP to increase government employees’ salary every six months: Anura Kumara

Claiming that the promise to increase government employees’ salary by Rs. 25,000 is an utter lie, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday the National People’s Power (NPP) would provide government servants with salaries proportionate to the cost of living every six months.

‘One rank one pay’ system for police: Sajith

Highlighting his commitment to creating a respectable police service, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa announced yesterday that he would introduce a ‘One Rank One Pay’ system to address pay anomalies. Speaking during a rally in Nikaweratiya, Mr. Premadasa said the temporary special allowance currently given to the police by the present government would be continued under a future SJB government.

President pledges to initiate ‘Gen Z Dialogue’ to empower youth

President Ranil Wickremesinghe pledged to initiate a modern dialogue, which will be named the ‘Gen Z Dialogue,’ under which the ideologies of new generations will be used to guide the administration of the nation. “We will set up youth centres at the national, provincial, and district levels, and will entrust the responsibility of initiating the Gen Z Dialogue through the National Youth Council,” the President said while addressing the natio

Wild elephant killed, burned and buried; suspect arrested

A 47-year-old person was arrested on suspicion of killing a wild elephant and burning it in a pit, according to the Nikaweratiya Wildlife Office.

Man critically injured after liquor bottle shatters in fall

An individual under the influence of alcohol sustained serious injuries when he fell on a boulder, causing a bottle of liquor hidden in his waistband to break into pieces.

Congestion at passport office cleared up by yesterday

After days of long queues due to delays in passport issuance at the Immigration and Emigration Department in Battaramulla, the situation has drastically improved by yesterday, authorities said.

Transparency in JICA contract Special Committee finds BASL President at fault

The committee emphasised that Nawaratne, holding a position of trust, was obligated to ensure transparency in the contractual process

NCPA Chairperson warns of harmful media publicity in Thanamalwila rape case

Chairperson of the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and former Supreme Court Judge Kusala Weerawardene said the victim in the Thanamalwila rape case has been subjected to a serious predicament due to the publicity given to the incident. Addressing a seminar in Anuradhapura to raise awareness among media personnel on the reportage of child abuse, she pointed out that the schoolgirl involved has been placed under probation and is not allo

I will respond to allegations soon: Range Bandara

UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara yesterday said he will respond to all allegations made against him soon.

I have already started implementing my manifesto: RW

Whilst stating that he has already started to convert his election pledges into practice, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said he had already begun a journey to create a corruption free nation.

Sajith’s manifesto pledges to digitalize the nation

The manifesto of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) candidate Sajith Premadasa has pledged to bring about vast digital transformation in the country, MPs of the party said yesterday.

54,000 policemen to ensure security during the presidential election period

Some 54,000 policeman are to be deployed for duty at this year’s presidential election, Senior DIG Elections, Community Police, Tourism Asanka Karawita told a media briefing yesterday.

Kites to fly high to generate electricity: Professor Jayaratne

The Physics Department at Colombo University plans to generate sufficient electricity for home use using kites, Astronomy and Space Science Unit, Colombo University Director, Professor Chandana Jayaratne said.

23 candidates haven’t held a meeting yet

In the wake of recent reports of three presidential candidates being untraced, the Election Commission said it was not a concern to them.

FAO warns of 10-12% agriculture yield drop without climate change remedies

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) projects a 10-12% yield reduction in agriculture if measures are not taken to mitigate issues related to climate change.

Gazette issued appointing Karunarathna Paranawithana as MP

The Election Commission has issued a gazette notification declaring the appointment of Karunarathna Paranawithana as a Member of Parliament to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Thalatha Athukorala.

Police Special Task Force celebrates 40th Anniversary on Sept 1st

The Police Special Task Force (STF) will celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Sunday, September 1st to mark its War Heroes Day in several special events to be held in Colombo and outstations.

Petition challenging Ranil’s eligibility for Presidential Election dismissed

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by a lawyer seeking an order to prevent President Ranil Wickremesinghe from contesting as a candidate in the Presidential election scheduled for September 21 has been dismissed by the Supreme Court with costs.

150th anniversary of Panadura wadaya commemorated...

The closing ceremony of the 150th anniversary of the Panadura Wadaya was held at the Kularatne Hall of the Ananda Vidyalaya, Colombo yesterday.

Drug trafficker arrested at airport

A suspect involved in drug trafficking and wanted for attempting to knockdown a police STF officer at a check point was taken into custody by Immigration and Emigration officers at Katunayake airport when he arrived from Dubai on Tuesday night (27).

5-6 people die in road crashes daily : Dr. Samitha Siritunga

Five or six people lose their lives to road accidents involving vehicles daily,” Consultant and Head of the Injury Prevention Directorate of Non- Communicable Disease, Dr. Samitha Siritunga said yesterday.

Restraining oder to prevent ASP leaving country

The Immigration and Emigration authorities at Mattala and Katunayaka International Airports were ordered to prevent former ASP Sanjeewa Mahanama , suspected of shooting at the official vehicle transporting former Parliamentarian Uddika Premaratne, from leaving the country again. The restraining order on the Immigration and Emigration Department was issued by Anuradhapura Addl. District Judge and Chief Magistrate Nalaka Sanjeewa Jayasuriya.

Man arrested with mobile phones valued at 7.5 MN

A consignment of 650 mobile phones smuggled into the country by sea was seized in transit and a suspect arrested by Norochcholai police at the Karamba Navy- Police check point in the early hours of last morning.

INS Mumbai to wrap up Colombo visit with Passage Exercise

The Indian Navy’s frontline warship, INS Mumbai, is set to depart Colombo today after engaging in a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with a Sri Lankan Navy ship off the coast of Colombo.

Govt. allows ex-ministers to keep two firearms: Minister

The government, citing potential future unrest in the country, announced yesterday that a new policy has been implemented allowing parliamentarians to keep two firearms after they retire from ministerial roles. Addressing the media, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana explained that parliamentarians could purchase and retain these firearms after their term as MPs end. He made this statement in response to a journalist’s question abou

Arrested due to misunderstanding

The ambulance driver of Vavuniya General Hospital and a hospital employee had been arrested on misunderstanding that they attempted to abduct a lady doctor. Investigations revealed that the doctor, under the impression that they were taking her to a lonely spot had jumped out of the ambulance.