Sri Lanka limits bilateral engagements ahead of Presidential Elections

The government has limited its bilateral engagements including entertaining foreign leaders except Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi within the next couple of months because of the presidential elections, Daily Mirror learns.

Thailand allows visa-free entry for Sri Lankans from tomorrow

Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka from tomorrow (July 15).

Vehicles emitting excessive smoke to be blacklisted

The Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund (VET) of Motor Vehicles has announced that vehicles emitting excessive smoke will be blacklisted.

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.

No legal or financial barriers as of now - EC

Amidst concerns raised by various parties about the Election Commission’s ability to conduct the impending Presidential election due to legal and financial obstacles, Election Commission chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake has emphasized that currently there are no such barriers.

India suspends new loan projects given current economic status in Sri Lanka

India has suspended fresh loan or Line of Credit (LoC) projects in Sri Lanka given the current status of the economy, Daily Mirror learns.

SL's new visa fee does not discourage int’l visitors: VFS Global

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has expressed serious concerns over the government’s decision to outsource visa issuance, making entry slightly more expensive.

Sri Lanka moves to amend Constitution on presidential and parliamentary terms

The Cabinet of Ministers has greenlit a resolution aimed at amending specific articles of the Constitution concerning the terms of office for the President and Parliament.

Dubai based gangsters orchestrated shooting; Kanjipani Imran suspected mastermind

Investigations with regard to the shooting in Athurugiriya where two persons including Club Wasantha were killed, revealed that two underworld criminals, ’Loku Patti’ and ’Gona Kovile Shantha,’ currently hiding in Dubai, directly orchestrated the operation to kill Club Wasantha.

Sri Lanka must create a conducive environment for rating upgrade: Semasinghe

With the completion of three key steps in its debt restructuring— the finalisation of Domestic Debt Optimisation....

It’s time for elections and time to decide: President

Whilst highlighting that he had completed his tasks, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that the people will have to decide the country’s destiny at the Presidential polls which will be declared shorty.

Special probe into infant’s death after hospital refuses admission

The Health Ministry has launched a special inquiry into the incident where a two-month-old baby, who was suffering after choking on milk, was refused treatment at the new hospital in Kamburugamuwa, Matara District, resulting in her death.

NPP urges SC to dismiss petition against Presidential poll

Filing an intervention petition against the Fundamental Rights petition, which sought an order restraining the Election Commission from holding the Presidential election in 2024, National People’s Power Parliamentarian Vijitha Herath has moved the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition at the outset, citing that it was misconceived in law.

Dhammika Perera says he is geared to run for President

Tycoon and Member of Parliament Dhammika Perera announced his readiness to contest the upcoming Presidential Election, contingent on the decision of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

Whitening cream endorsed by Piumi Hansamali not registered with NMRA

The beauty products, including skin whitening creams endorsed by model Piumi Hansamali are not registered with the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Daily Mirror learns.

President responds to petition filed to halt Presidential election

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today that Chamindra Dayan Lenawa, who filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court to halt the Presidential election, had not consulted the President or his legal representatives before filing this application, the President’s Media Division said.

Would saner counsel prevail? Proposed illegal bus route via Wilpattu National Park

For any nature lover, a path off the beaten track is an adventure on its own. An occasional call of a Malabar hornbill, a leopard’s footprint and elephant excreta add more depth to the lush terrain along this scenic route via the Wilpattu National Park. Hence, environmental groups have been fighting to protect this route, known as the Puttalam-Marichchikadai route or B379 from being vulnerable to further destruction and chaos. But the Daily Mirro

When “Pride” turns into “shame” - EDITORIAL

Over the weekend, social media caught fire over videos showing naked men and women parading the streets of Toronto, not bearing any shame, in a ‘pride walk’ in front of spectators which included children.

Health Ministry in limbo as exodus of doctors makes a comeback

With the medical brain drain back on the increase after a period of decline, the Health Ministry is in a tight spot as they run out of options to tackle the matter.

Mayhem as Referees assaulted

In today heated rugby match between Science College and S. Thomas’ College, a controversial call led to post-match mayhem. Towards the end of play, a Science player appeared to have scored a try, but the main referee, uncertain of the play, sought the line referee’s opinion, and ruled it out.

Update: Five dead after fishermen consume unknown substance at sea

The death toll in an incident where Sri Lankan fishermen consumed an unknown substance found in a bottle floating in the sea has risen to five, the Sri Lanka Navy said.

Travel ban issued against Richard Pieris Group Chairman Sena Yaddehige over alleged sexual abuse

Kollupitiya Police have obtained a travel ban against Sena Yaddehige, Chairman of Richard Pieris Group, in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of a female business analyst from the company.

Old soldiers never die, Sarath Fonseka to serve nation further: President

Whilst highlighting that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sarath Fonseka is a man of ability who never gives up, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka will get the opportunity of enjoying the services of the former in the near future.

Hirunika to seek bail

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra, who has been jailed for 3 years by the High Court of Colombo for her involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender, is expected to seek bail from the Colombo High Court.

Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood resigns

Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood has stepped down as the coach of Sri Lanka after their disastrous T20 World Cup 2024 campaign.

International confidence restored in Sri Lanka - President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his televised address to the nation, said International confidence in the country is reaffirmed as bilateral creditors have reached an agreement serving as a kind of international endorsement.

Govt. stands firm: No tax-free vehicle imports

The government has not decided to grant permission to the state officials or any other individuals to import vehicles tax-free or allocate foreign exchange for them, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Another cabinet reshuffle?

Speculation is rife within the political circles of an imminent cabinet reshuffle in the coming weeks, the Daily Mirror learns.

SJB Gampaha District organisers call for immediate removal of Fonseka

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Gampaha District organisers made a formal request from the party hierarchy to remove Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party with immediate effect.

SJB to take action against Fonseka this week

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is to take disciplinary action against its Chairman Sarath Fonseka this week, Party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said yesterday.