Sri Lanka fall behind in blacklisting corrupt contractors: Verité Research

Sri Lanka has the worst record among South Asian countries in blacklisting corrupt contractors in public procurement, according to a new report by Verité Research.

Sri Lanka busts oil spill using satellite surveillance for first time

Following the initiative with the French government to detect oil spills in Sri Lankan waters using satellite surveillance, Sri Lanka has detected the first such incident and fined Rs.15 million to the responsible company, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said.

Forensic audit reveals frauds at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

KPMG’s forensic audit into discrepancies at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals (CPSTL) has revealed substantial losses attributed to alterations and deletions in SAP data related to stock holdings.

Ambitious plans underway to make SL a ‘happening’ tourist destination

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is gearing up for a major transformation, as the authorities unveil an ambitious plan to make the country one of the world’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.

Bus driver convicted for fatal train collision in 2009, arrested after evading court

A bus driver responsible for a tragic accident on May 16, 2009, at the Sevanapitiya Railway Crossing in Welikanda, which claimed the lives of 15 passengers and left 40 others seriously injured, has been arrested.

Debt payers slam CB’s silence on unregulated online lenders

Leasing and debt installment payers voiced concerns over Central Bank’s silence regarding the questionable practices of unregulated online loan providers in Sri Lanka.

Tri-forces halt general recruitment

Sri Lanka is in the process of downsizing the existing Sri Lanka Army cadre to 135,000 by the end of this year, and the number has already dropped to nearly 150,000 from the existing Sri Lanka Army cadre of 200,783, Daily Mirror learns.

Presidential Election on schedule, General Election set for next year: PMD

The President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed that the Presidential Election will be held within the mandated period and will adhere to the current timeline.

Unified Payment Interface launched in Sri Lanka

The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) service was launched in Sri Lanka today.

More surprises to be unfolded: Anura Kumara says after India visit

Claiming that opposition camps have been astonished by the NPP’s Indian visit, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that more surprising events are to be unfolded in the near future.

’For me to be back I must contest’: President on Presidential election

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed optimism of contesting the upcoming presidential election that is slated to be held this year.

NGOs spend billions unchecked, new law soon to monitor them

In the wake of reports that as much as over half of funds received by various NGOs are spent without any monitoring, the government is in the final stage of evolving a new law that provides for compulsory registration of all such organizations with the National NGO Secretariat, an official said.

Pathum Nissanka runs riot; becomes first Sri Lankan to slam ODI double ton

An inevitable win for Sri Lanka was only delayed by Afghanistan’s sixth wicket pair, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzi, who both cracked tons and shared a 242-run stand, as it turned out to be insufficient and too late.

Keheliya resigns as Cabinet Minister

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is in prison has tendered his resignation from the position of Environment Minister to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Government rushed to amend Online Safety Act amidst pressure

Amidst concerns by the industry stakeholders about the possible impact on digital economy, the government has already worked out fresh amendments to be incorporated into the recently introduced Online Safety Act.

Anura Kumara to leave for India tomorrow on official invitation

A group led by NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to leave for India tomorrow on an official invitation by the Indian government, party sources said.

Keheliya Rambukwella admitted to prison hospital

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded over importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was admitted to Prison Hospital.

Keheliya Rambukwella remanded until February 15

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday over the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has been remanded until February 15.

Yukthiya operation should not be passionate or personal initiative outside law

The Lawyers’ Collective, in an open letter to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles yesterday said the Yukthiya Anti-drug Campaign must conform to the rule of law and should not be a passionate, personal initiative that seeks implementation outside the law.

UN Human Rights office calls for amendment to Online Safety Act

The United Nations Human Rights office has urged the government to consider amending the controversial Online Safety Act to ensure it complies with human rights obligations.

Cinnamon Lakeside responds to allegations over contaminated white pepper

In response to recent concerns surrounding an incident at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo where a soup unfit for human consumption has reportedly been served to a patron, the establishment has clarified the incident.

Will defy all laws and begin another Aragalaya tomorrow: SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not take notice of any restrictions but will take to the streets tomorrow and fire the first shot towards overthrowing the present government, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said today.

Somali Navy Chief contacts EU Navy

Somali Navy Abdi Warsame Osman has contacted the European Union Joint Operation Centre to secure the release of the Sri Lankans abducted by the Somali pirates, an official said.

ICC lifts ban on Sri Lanka with immediate effect

The International Cricket Council (ICC) lifted the ban that was imposed on Sri Lanka with immediate effect, Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Fresh efforts underway to expedite illumination in Expressways

In the wake of two fatal accidents including the pre-dawn crash that claimed the life of State Minister Sanath Nishantha, the Road Development Authority (RDA) is planning to expedite illumination of the expressway by laying aluminum transmission cables in place of Rs.250 million worth copper current cables stolen during the pandemic.

Sri Lanka cannot simply walk away from IMF: Ranil

Sri Lanka cannot simply dismiss its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasised while citing the complexities that could arise, if a decision is made to do so.

Hotel accountant arrested for soliciting sexual bribe from female employee

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) conducted the first crackdown on bribery in the private sector under the powers conferred by the new Anti-Corruption Act.

Sanath Nishantha; will he be remembered?

Forty-eight-year-old Sanath Nishantha who hailed from Puttalam, left his house late on Wednesday to attend two weddings, one in Kurunegala and another in Chilaw. While wishing his wife and four children goodbye, little did he know that he would never return.

Jeevan Thondaman under fire for inviting South Indian actresses amidst austerity, hardship

Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) General Secretary Minister Jeevan Thondaman is in the centre of controversy over the presence of South Indian actresses Aishwarya Rajesh, Aishwarya Dutta, Samyuktha Menon, and Meenakshi (Pinky Sarkar) in national Thai Pongal celebrations conducted in Hatton last Sunday.

Carrot, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350 a kilo, if imported: Minister

Commenting on the sky rocketing vegetable prices, the Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said if vegetables were imported, vegetables such as a kilo of carrot, beans and leeks can be supplied at Rs. 300 to Rs. 350.