due to alcohol-related health issues: Sri Lanka faces Rs. 237 billion annual burden

The Sri Lankan government incurs an annual cost of Rs. 237 billion to address health problems linked to alcohol consumption, highlighting the significant social, economic, and health challenges posed by alcohol, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).

Future SJS government will cooperate with AKD

A future Samagi Jana Sandanaya (SJS) government will cooperate with incumbent President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in the event it secures a majority in Parliament at the General elections, its leaders said today.

Wildlife crisis deepens as 239 elephants killed in eight months

Sri Lanka has reported a staggering 239 elephant deaths within the last eight months owing to a plethora of reasons, Wildlife Department sources said.

Porsche given to me originally imported ten years ago: Rosy

The Porsche, which was given to her during her tenure as Presidential Advisor, was originally imported ten years ago, Rosy Senanayake, Adviser to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

IMF delegation, govt’s economic team review programme thus far

A high-level delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday held discussions with the economic team of the government where they reviewed the IMF programme thus far and discussed the way forward for future collaboration, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Foreign envoys of seven countries meet President Extend support in debt restructuring, IMF programme

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday met with High Commissioners of India, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and Ambassadors of China, Japan and Cuba where they extended support to the new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in various sectors such as debt restructuring process and Sri Lanka’s efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs).

Easter Sunday’s attack commission report missing - Fr. Cyril Gamini

Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, said that the Presidential Commission report, which investigated the allegations made by the UK’s Channel 4 regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday’s attack, has gone missing.

Ranjan’s civic rights to be restored?

Civic rights of former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is expected to be restored soon as he was summoned by the President’s office yesterday with the relevant documents.

Colombo Port excavations uncover at least five human skeletons

At least five human skeletons have been recovered during further excavations conducted at the Colombo Port premises, police said.

Corruption in Sri Lanka harmful to investments, a source of distrust of leaders by people - Japanese Ambassador

Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki said yesterday that corruption had become of source of distrust of its leaders by people in Sri Lanka in addition to it becoming harmful to attracting foreign investments.

Iran fires ballistic missiles at Israel

Iran says it has fired dozens of ballistic missiles at important military and security targets in Israel, in response to the mass killing of the people of Gaza and Lebanon, as well as of Hamas, Hezbollah and IRGC leaders and commanders.

Sajith could be the PM candidate if he agrees to a grand opposition alliance: Pro Ranil group

The UNP and other opposition groups are willing to accept Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader Sajith Premadasa as the Prime Ministerial candidate if he agrees to a common opposition alliance under a common symbol ahead of the General Election 2024, a former MP said yesterday.

Japan emphasizes need for continuity with IMF programme

Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki who offered insights from Japan on economic recovery based on its experience emphasized the importance of pressing ahead with the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and hailed the new government’s reappointment of Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana as the Finance Secretary as a step for policy continuity.

Welgama’s death due to injuries caused by Aragalaya crowd: Former MPs

Nawa Sri Lanka Nidahas Pakshaya leader Kumara Welgama’s death was caused by the injuries he sustained during the commotion on May 9, 2022, former MPs said yesterday.

Preliminary probe into Easter Sunday’s attacks, CB Bond scam initiated: Govt.

The government has already initiated preliminary investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks and the Central Bank Bond scam, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday.

Wasp causes former MP Kumarasiri Ratnayake’s vehicle flip over

Former Monaragala District MP Kumarasiri Ratnayaka had a close call on Sunday when a rather unexpected passenger—a wasp—caused him to lose control of his vehicle.

Lack of funding, machinery leave Colombo vulnerable to falling trees, warns CMC

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) lack equipment to detect trees at risk of falling, an official said yesterday.

Committee to review abolition of duty-free vehicle permits and MP pensions

The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a committee tasked with reviewing and making recommendations on the abolition of duty-free vehicle permits and the elimination of pensions for Members of Parliament (MPs).

Abandoned vehicles: Former president had given to his personal staff

The fleet of 107 vehicles that were returned to the Presidential Secretariat had not been given to permanent staff of the Presidential Secretariat but to the former president’s personal staff appointed under Article 41 (1) of the Constitution, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

SJB insists that Ranil should step down from UNP leadership

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) insists that United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe should step down as a condition for an electoral alliance with it in view of the General Election.

Former MPs cannot use diplomatic passports now: Secretary General of Parliament

Parliamentarians are not eligible to use their diplomatic passports after dissolution of Parliament and they need to obtain normal passports if they need to travel overseas, Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said yesterday.

Rain not so bountiful during upcoming inter monsoon, north- east monsoon periods

Sri Lanka is likely to experience less rainfall during the inter-monsoon and Northeast monsoon period, which starts from October to February, due to the event of La Niña which occurs every three to five years, an official said.

Secretary to Ministry of Public Administration resigns

Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration Pradeep Yasarathne has retired, triggering speculation on social media that it happened due to influence by the NPP government.

Grade 5 Scholarship Exam muddle: Committee recommends full marks in view of three leaked questions

The committee, which consisted of educationists, educational psychologists, medical professionals, and statisticians has recommended awarding full marks for the three leaked questions to all students who sat for the 2024 grade five Scholarship examination as the most appropriate course of action.

Army Sergeant arrested for video recording a woman

An army sergeant who had filmed a young woman travelling by train was arrested by Meerigama police.Investigations revealed that the 24-year-old young woman was a university student travelling by train to Polgahawela. When the train had stopped at the Meerigama railway station some passengers had noticed an individual taking photos of a young woman dressed in a frock and sitting in a posture with one leg on the other.

SLPP to focus on youth when giving nominations for General Elections; Namal

Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna (SLPP) is to focus on youth, members of provincial councils and local bodies when deciding on nominations for the General Elections 2024, National Organizer Namal Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Forming of joint opposition alliance stuck due to SJB conditions

The talks for the formation of a joint opposition alliance by bringing United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is in a stalemate because of the two conditions laid out by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), a statement from UNP said over the weekend.

Rice millers divided on control price of Rs.220

Rice mill owners appear to be divided on selling rice at a controlled price with some agreeing to supply at a controlled price while others have refused saying it will result in them suffering losses.

Some Excise officers solicited Rs.20Mn to issue bar permits lately: Wasantha Samarasinghe

Some corrupt Excise officials have solicited up to Rs.20 million to issue certain bar permits recently, National People’s Power activist said yesterday.

GCE Ordinary Level exam: They studied and they conquered

Malsha Kumaratungage of Sanghamitta College Galle came first in the island at the GCE Ordinary level examination 2023, while Kulani Methsala of Musaeus College became second. Jayanande Rathnaweera of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala has claimed the third slot.