No funds for addressing public sector salary anomalies: Minister

Cabinet Minister Bandula Gunawardana said yesterday that, under public financial management, the government is unable to allocate funds this year to address the salary anomalies demanded by trade unions in the public and government sectors. Addressing the media, he said several trade unions have requested that the president as well as the government consider their demands.

Triple tragedy for mother of four

In a distressing tale from Kebithigolleva, a 33-year-old mother of four found herself in dire circumstances as she laments enduring four months without electricity, two weeks of water scarcity, and the recent loss of her husband, the main breadwinner who supported the family through odd jobs.

Railway service is critical, requires significant investments to run efficiently: Govt.

The railway service in the country is currently in a critical situation, and efficient train usage requires significant investments, Cabinet Spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

No debate after June 6: NPP gives ultimatum to SJB

The National People’s Power (NPP) said yesterday that if the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is not ready for the debate between the two leaders Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake on June 6 as previously announced, there would be no further debate or discussions about a debate after June 6.

Boat capsizes in the sea off Balapitiya

A fisherman drowned and another disappeared when a fishing boat capsized in the sea off Balapitiya fishery harbour last morning.

SJB Lawyers Federation proposes legal reforms for system change

The SJB Lawyers Federation stated that they have proposed 116 measures for significant legal reforms aimed at affecting systemic change in the country. President’s Counsel Upul Jayasuriya, the President of the SJB Lawyers Federation, made these remarks while addressing a press conference in Colombo and mentioned that these proposals will be included in the SJB manifesto.

Shabda Pooja at Ruwanweliseya

The traditional drum beating ceremony in recent history after the reign of ancient Sinhala kings was held at Anuradhapura Ruwanweliseya Cheithiya last morning.

Indians running IT firm on visit visas apprehended by Immigration Dept

A group of Indian nationals who were illegally running an IT based firm in Colombo 7 with just a visit visa to remain in Sri Lanka were taken into custody by the Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday.

Sri Lankan Engineer living in Australia awarded prestigious award

Distinguished Professor Buddhima Indraratna (Director of Transport Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Australia) was honoured with the prestigious José Entrecanales Ibarra Foundation’s International Civil Engineer Award for 2024. Considered as the Nobel equivalent in the field of Civil Engineering, the award was presented by the Vice-President of Spain, Teresa Ribera, during a formal ceremony in Madrid.

Hospital says its a macerated stillbirth, parents seek justice

In a heart-wrenching saga that has gripped Weligama, a young couple is seeking justice for their deceased newborn amidst confusion and accusations against hospital authorities.

Are you safe little one?

A motorist is seen turning back to see if a child riding through the flooded roads with her parents is safe. Heavy rains islandwide have continued to wreak havoc during the past week, with over 60,000 people affected. The Meteorological Department has warned of more rains in the coming days.

Starlink satellite internet: Sri Lanka hopes to launch service within three months: Ruwan

Sri Lanka is hoping to launch Starlink satellite internet service founded by billionaire Elon Musk within three months’ time, Senior Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Failure to appoint judges to Superior Courts challenged in SC by a President’s Counsel

A President’s Counsel with over 55 years of active practice as an Attorney-at-Law yesterday filed a Fundamental Rights application in the Supreme Court challenging the failure of the President to make judicial appointments to the Superior Courts, resulting in two vacancies in the Supreme Court and five vacancies in the Court of Appeal for several months.

Reservoirs near spill levels as heavy rains lash central hills

Inclement weather has disrupted schools in Bogawantalawa, with one school getting inundated.

SP Governor says he is aware of the truth behind Lasantha’s assassination

Governor of Southern Province Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena yesterday claimed that he is aware of the truth behind the killing of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge but will not disclose anything about it now.

SLAF conducts crucial evacuation mission of UN members in Africa

Sri Lanka Air Force pilots, deployed in the Central African Republic as part of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA), executed a critical evacuation mission involving multiple UN personnel.

World Buddhist Summit held in Bangkok

More than 1,000 Buddhist representatives, guests, scholars, and devotees from 73 countries and regions gathered in Bangkok to commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of the Buddha. They conducted in-depth discussions and extensive exchanges around the theme of the event, “The Buddhist Way to Build Trust and Unity

Appointment of judges to Apex Courts: Stalemate continues

Five vacancies in the Court of Appeal and two in the Supreme Court remain unfilled because of a legal case involving the sending of nominations by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Fuel consumption increased during Vesak weekend

Fuel consumption has increased by 50 per cent during the long weekend due to Vesak, the Fuel Dealers Association said yesterday.

Youth with special needs observe Sil to mark Vesak

A programme was held to mark Vesak by the Amunukumbura Vocational Training Institute in Gampaha under its officer in charge Udaya Kumara over the weekend. Here are some of the youth who observed Sil.

Five arrested in Alawatugoda Police drug trafficking raid

An Excise Officer, the Asst. Manager of a private sector bank and three others had been arrested yesterday by Alawatugoda Police on suspicion of drug trafficking.

No JVP member has joined SJB: Anura Kumara refutes SJB claims Says the individual in question is an SLFP member

The National People’s Power (NPP) yesterday refuted claims that a JVP member has joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) during a meeting in Polonnaruwa.

Homagama Police bust prison drug smuggling ring

Two incidents were reported in the Homagama Police area, and five suspects involved in the drug racket were arrested, the police said.

Tradition of high-quality education in Jaffna should be restored: President

Highlighting that education in Jaffna has been of high quality in the past, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, highlighted the importance of restoring and preserving this tradition.

Cyclone Storm ‘Remal’ intensifies, poses threat to North Bay of Bengal: Met. Dept.

The cyclone storm, named “Remal” over the North Bay of Bengal, intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, Department of Meteorology said yesterday.

French Ambassador to Sri Lanka dies of suspected cardiac arrest

The French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Jean Francois Pactet, died of a suspected cardiac arrest at his official residence in Rajagiriya yesterday.

CEB received over 61,000 breakdown complaints as of yesterday

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has recorded over 61,000 electricity breakdown complaints by yesterday.

Death of Ambassador: Sri Lanka extends all assistance to French authorities

While expressing deepest condolences on the passing away of the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jean-François Pactet, the Foreign Ministry said all assistance will be extended to the French authorities and the family of the late Ambassador.

Massive crocodile captured in Induruwa

A massive crocodile, said to be 15 feet long, which often ventured onto land and fed on dogs in the Yaleama area in Induruwa, was captured by Wildlife Conservators over the weekend.

UK court orders extradition of Sri Lankan trafficking suspect

The UK court has ordered the extradition of a Sri Lankan man accused of running a people-trafficking ring while employed at a chicken shop in France.