Muthu Raja’s overall health improving

Muthu Raja, the Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka repatriated to his home country for medical treatment a year ago, is on gradual recovery of his overall health - inflammation cured and gait adjustment being done - an official said

Call for ban on bringing mobile phones to cinemas

With reference to an illegal recording and uploading his film ‘ Sinhabahu’ on social media, Film Director and President of Film Directors Guild of Sri Lanka (FDGSL) Somaratne Dissanayake yesterday called for the banning of brining mobile phones into cinemas.

Visa free travel to Thailand now in effect for Sri Lankans

Thailand has implemented the visa exemption for 60 days for Sri Lankan nationals along with those of 92 other countries.

Lohan, Keheliya, Kiriella must live to see country’s development under NPP govt: Lalkantha

Politicians like Keheliya Rambukwella, Lakshman Kiriella and Lohan Ratwatte must live to witness the development activities which would take place under a National People’s Power (NPP) government, NPP politburo member K.D. Lalkantha said yesterday. Speaking at the NPP Kandy District convention, he said politicians like Keheliya and Kiriella must take their medicine on time and live to witness development activities of the NPP government.

Piumi Hansamali will not be arrested until September 20

The Attorney General yesterday gave an undertaking before the Court of Appeal that Sri Lankan model Piumi Hansamali will not be arrested until her writ petition is taken up for support on September 20.

No attempt by Sajith to patch-up : Fonseka Ready to discipline Sri Lanka

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, says he is still on the fence on contesting the upcoming Presidential elections but is willing to take the challenge and put the country back on track.

Starlink satellite system nears approval as Musk’s representative visits SL

A representative from the Starlink satellite system, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk of SpaceX and Tesla, visited Sri Lanka this week and is set to return next week to complete the final stages of obtaining the necessary licence for operations in the country.

Probe on decapitated skeleton at Colombo Port premises

A decapitated skeleton was discovered at the Colombo Port premises on Sunday (July 14) during excavation activities of the Port Access Elevated Highway Project.

Health risk forces activity restrictions at Galle Prison

An inmate has succumbed to Meningitis (brain fever) at the Galle Prison, forcing authorities to restrict various activities within the facility for a period of one week.

Overall 22.5% electricity tariff revision from today

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced yesterday a 25 per cent electricity tariff reduction for domestic consumers, effective from today, along with an overall tariff revision of 22.5 per cent.

Government approval rating tripled in July compared to four months ago: Verité Research

The latest round of the Gallup style ‘Mood of the Nation’ poll of Verité Research revealed that over three times as many people approve of the government and feel better about the economy and the country’s economic trajectory compared to four months ago, the Verité Research said.

Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige to be arrested upon arrival

Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, Sena Yaddehige, will be arrested upon his return to the country in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Pregnant woman and lover demand ransom from husband

A pregnant woman who had gone missing from home for several days was found in the company of her paramour on Saturday evening (13) by Govindupura police at a house in Weddgala in Kalawana.

Visa-free travel to Thailand, decision effective once Thai Embassy informs authorities

Thailand has announced the inclusion of Sri Lankans among nationals of 93 countries eligible for visa-free entry into that country but the decision will be effective only after the Thai Embassy formally informs the Sri Lankan authorities in this regard, a source said.

Sajith’s UNP membership will be reinstated if he supports Govt: Prez

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday urged Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and National Peoples Power (NPP) to turn Sri Lanka into a developed nation and pledged to revive SJB Leader’s UNP membership if the former decides to support him.

Minister warns senior Police officers over suspect’s confession video

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has strongly warned senior police officers, including Western Province (South) Deputy Inspector General of Police Gayantha Marapana, for interrogating the owner of a tattoo studio in front of the media.

President, Opposition Leader condemn the assassination attempt on Trump

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed his shock on the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday and said he was relieved to learn that he is safe. “The President stated that Sri Lankans have been at the receiving end of such violence in politics, and urged all to adhere to the laws protecting Democracy,” President’s media unit said.

Rs 1.8Bn tax in arrears from liquor manufacturers, Champika lashes out

The Excise Department had failed to collect the total tax amount of Rs. 1.8 billion in arrears up to June 15, 2024, from last year from the relevant liquor manufacturers despite recommendations from the Committee on Ways and Means, Committee Chairman MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said.

45 Sri Lankan organised criminals still at large overseas

As many as 45 Sri Lankan criminals –red noticed by Interpol are stationed overseas - mostly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - and carry organised criminal activities in Sri Lanka, a top police source said.

Drastic drop in tourist arrivals due to eVisa, Rauff Hakeem says

Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader MP Rauff Hakeem who launched a scathing attack on the eVisa system said a significant drop in tourist arrivals is reported because of its introduction, and urged the government to take immediate corrective action.

Petitions on Presidential Election Don’t make a mockery of judiciary: Wijeyadasa tells people and lawyers

Claiming that people continue to go to court at their whims and fancies to prevent the Presidential Election, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday requested people and lawyers not to make a mockery of the judiciary.

Sri Lanka increasingly facing air pollution issues: Hong Kong-based scientist

Director of Environment Protection of Hong Kong Dr. Samuel CHUI highlighted that Sri Lanka, as a developing country, is facing increasingly serious air pollution issues.

A dozen MPs dispute Harsha de Silva’s report, complain to Speaker

​A dozen MPs who are members of the Committee on Public Finance distanced themselves from the report submitted by its chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva saying it was false and unacceptable. The MPs who dissociated themselves from the report are Shehan Semasinghe, Dr. Seetha Arambepola, Anupa Pasqual, Johnston Fernando, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Wajira Abeywardena, Suren Raghavan, Duminda Dissanayake, Nimal Siripala de Silva, U.K. Sumith Udukumbura, P

Online visa process mired in controversy, top parliamentary committee finds

Calls for forensic audit and possible abrogation or amendment

Devale kapuwa arrested for impregnating underage girl in guise of performing rituals

The kapuwa (lay priest) of Paththini Devale in the Lunugala area of the Badulla District who allegedly impregnated a 14-year-old schoolgirl by raping her under the pretext of performing rites to dispel the malefic effects of a ghost haunting her was taken into custody by Lunugala Police.

Lawyer files petition urging referendum before Presidential Election

A lawyer has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking a declaration that the Presidential Election should not be held without a referendum on the 19th amendment to the Constitution.

Opposition MPs urge Presidential Election as scheduled amidst delay concerns

A significant number of MPs from the opposition have requested the Election Commission to expedite the forthcoming Presidential Election, citing concerns over potential attempts to delay the polls

Work from Home to be legalised: Labour Minister

Providing legal provision for work from home or ‘work from a remote location’ under the new labour law that is being drafted at the moment, Parliament was informed yesterday.

Japanese Ambassador to deliver lecture on ‘Japan’s Vision for Sri Lanka’

Hideaki Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan To Sri Lanka, will deliver the second lecture in the Japan Lecture Series initiated by the Lanka-Japan Friendship Society in 2023.

Training programme on mosque administration for SL mosque administrators

A delegation of mosque administrators from Sri Lanka will depart for Malaysia on Monday (15) for a two-week training session in mosque administration.