Charmed conflict

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen engaged in a light conversation with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe at the function to mark the opening of the new court complex in the Galle Beligala area, featuring modern technical facilities, built at a cost of Rs. 1.6 billion. It was inaugurated by the President yesterday. (Courtesy: President’s Media Unit)

Tusker Agbo shot in the eye with catapult, youth arrested

An individual who shot the tusker Agbo frequenting Tirappane area, in its eye with a catapult, was taken into custody by Tirappane Police yesterday. The suspect was a resident of Akkara Panaha in Ethungama, Tirappane in the Anuradhapura District.

Imthiaz to be appointed new SJB Chairman

In what seemed to be a significant change in Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the party is slated to appoint national list MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar as its new chairman in place of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka.

Trade Minister warns suppliers: reduce prices or face price controls

Whilst the government issued a stern warning to suppliers of essential goods emphasising that they must promptly pass on the cost reductions resulting from its recent policy decisions by next week, some producers said it is not possible to reduce prices due to the high cost of raw materials.

EU scotches social media reports on election poll survey in Sri Lanka

European Union scotched rumours on social media that it conducted an election poll survey in Sri Lanka.

Ruwanpura Expressway unrealistic in foreseeable future

The project initiated during 2005-2010 has only progressed to the land acquisition stage

Gazette on 22A - No hindrance to Presidential Election: EC confirms

In the wake of the gazetting of the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, the Elections Commission (EC) has announced that there are no obstacles to declaring the Presidential Election which is due to take place at the end of this month.

Sri Lanka to balance biodiversity and agricultural economy with UNDP support

Sri Lanka, recognised globally as a biodiversity hotspot, hosts a diverse array of flora and fauna. Approximately 60 per cent of the nation’s endemic flora thrive in the lowland wet ecosystems, while 34 per cent are found in the highland montane regions, both of which also support the majority of Sri Lanka’s animal species, the UNDP said. Additionally, tea and rubber plantations cover 25 per cent of the land in these areas, underscoring their cri

Prof. W.M.T. Madujith appointed as Vice Chancellor Peradeniya

Prof. W.M.T. Madujith has been appointed as the next Vice Chancellor of Peradeniya University to succeed the incumbent Vice Chancellor Prof. M. D. Lamawansa whose term of office is due to expire on July 31.

Police beef up countrywide security for Esala Poya today

Sri Lanka Police will beef up countrywide security today in line with the Esala Full Moon Poya Day and will exercise a special traffic and crime control programme for the benefit of the devotees.

Record number of Schools at 2024 ESOFT Blue & Gold Hockey 7s

Blue & Gold Hockey 7s, Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest schools’ hockey carnival organised by the Royal College Hockey Club (RCHC) will see a record 70 schools participating in this year’s edition scheduled to be held from August 10-11 at the Royal College main ground.

Navy deployed to clear garbage left by Pada Yatra pilgrims

The Navy has been deployed to clear solid waste including polythene disposed of by “Pada Yatra” pilgrims journeying on foot through Kumana and Yala National Parks to attend Kataragama Esala festival.

Hundreds participate in fire walking ceremony at Kataragama

The fire walking ceremony in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala Esala festival took place in the early hours of yesterday. The fire field was located in front of Dutugemunu Maha Seya near Abinawarama Temple on the main street.

Gnanasara Thera granted bail after serving four months of his four year sentence

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera, who was incarcerated for nearly four months, was granted bail by the Court of Appeal pending an appeal.

No 22nd Amendment till Presidential election is over

In the midst of controversy over the proposed constitutional amendment with some interpreting it as an attempt for postponement of the Presidential election, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe instructed his officials not to proceed with steps for enactment of it till the election is over.

Tiran Alles challenges Harsha on VFS deal

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles yesterday challenged MP Harsha de Silva, who recommended a forensic audit of the visa process outsourcing deal between the Sri Lankan government and VFS Global, to prove the loss caused to the government from the deal.

Prez, poll announcement next week- EC Chairman

Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L.Ratnayake said yesterday that the Presidential election would be declared next week.

Customs interdict four top officials over major fraud

Sri Lanka Customs yesterday interdicted four of its senior officials attached to the Central Cargo Examination Directorate for being involved in a major fraud of releasing an illicit goods container to its importer by preparing fraudulent documents, the Daily Mirror learns.

Easter Sunday probe: Senior DIG Nilantha placed on compulsory leave

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Administration) Nilantha Jayawardena has been placed on immediate compulsory leave by the National Police Commission following a Supreme Court order regarding the Easter Sunday attacks.

Several areas in N’Eliya affected by mist

Several areas in the Nuwara Eliya District has been affected by dense mist due to the prevailing inclement weather. Nuwara Eliya town and its environs including Shanthipura, Magastota, Meepilimana, Pattipola and Kandapola were the worst affected.

NMRA Law Enforcement Division: Hangs in balance as remaining competent officer retires

The Law Enforcement Division of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), which was responsible for the detection of the infamous human immunoglobulin racket, hangs in the balance as the remaining competent official retired last June, the Daily Mirror learns.

Four women arrested for beating six-year old child

Four women including the mother were arrested yesterday in Aranayake following a video circulated on social media, which showed a six year-old child being beaten by some women.

SLPP will field a common candidate: MR

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will field a common candidate for presidency as it had always done in the past, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday.

Parents urged not to smoke around kids as wheezing cases rise

Medical experts have issued a stern advisory urging parents to refrain from smoking in the presence of children, citing a notable increase in cases of wheezing among pediatric patients.

Ex-Prisoner appeals to SC to restore voting rights for incarcerated individuals

A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the Election Commission to issue requisite guidelines to facilitate the eligible prisoners and inmates in remand custody to cast their vote in the elections including Presidential, Parliament and at every referendum.

President prioritizes candidates’ safety in wake of Trump attack

In light of the recent attack on former U.S. President Donald Trump, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has submitted a Cabinet paper to ensure the safety of the candidates in view of the forthcoming Presidential election.

Patients in the lurch as CT scanners of key hospitals go down again

A significant number of CT scan machines in government hospitals has become completely dysfunctional again as it has been in the recent past leaving patients in dire straits, medical professionals pointed out.

Range Bandara encourages hunger strike for ‘nuisance’ individuals to meet their demise

United National Party (UNP) General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara told the civil organisers to continue their hunger strike, stating it is good for people who are a nuisance to society to die.

Passport issuance adopts new method starting this week

A streamlined passport application process is set to be implemented for the convenience of applicants, the Immigration and Emigration Department announced yesterday.

Public keener than ever on Presidential election: EC

As the Presidential election is around the corner, the Election Commission said it has observed an unprecedented level of interest and enthusiasm from both the general public and institutional bodies towards the election.