News Archive

Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the island

Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the island

The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts today (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  6:34 am
Distribution of polling cards to be completed today

Distribution of polling cards to be completed today

The Postal Department stated that the distribution of official polling cards to households will be concluded today (14). MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  8:29 am
Pope slams both Harris and Trump as ‘against life’ and urges Catholics to vote for ‘lesser evil’

Pope slams both Harris and Trump as ‘against life’ and urges Catholics to vote for ‘lesser evil’

Pope Francis on Friday slammed both U.S. presidential candidates for what he called antilife policies on abortion and migration, and he advised American Catholics to choose who they think is the “lesser evil” in the upcoming U.S. elections. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  8:43 am
Speaker endorses certificate on two Bills

Speaker endorses certificate on two Bills

The Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has endorsed the certificate on the Reciprocal Recognition, Registration and Enforcement of Foreign Judgements Bill and the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill yesterday (13), in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  9:29 am
WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa

WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa

The World Health Organization said Friday it has granted its first authorization for use of a vaccine against mpox in adults, calling it an important step toward fighting the disease in Africa. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  9:42 am
EC receives over 3,800 complaints ahead of Presidential Election

EC receives over 3,800 complaints ahead of Presidential Election

The Election Commission reported that a total of 3,828 complaints have been received thus far in relation to the presidential election. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  10:04 am
All vehicle revenue license issuing counters in WP closed on Friday

All vehicle revenue license issuing counters in WP closed on Friday

All vehicle revenue license issuing counters in the Western Province will be closed on September 20, 2024, the Department of Government Information (DGI) announced. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  10:50 am
Farmers deserve an income that reflects their hard work, innovation, and dedication – Dilith

Farmers deserve an income that reflects their hard work, innovation, and dedication – Dilith

The presidential candidate of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, Dilith Jayaweera states that his national strategic plan includes a comprehensive plan to revamp the agricultural sector and significantly improve the lives and incomes of farmers. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  11:14 am
‘Sri Lanka in a much better place to keep corruptors away’ - outgoing ICC anti-corruption chief

‘Sri Lanka in a much better place to keep corruptors away’ - outgoing ICC anti-corruption chief

The departing head of the ICC Anti Corruption Unit (ACU), Alex Marshall, believes that elite cricket is largely free from corruption.. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  11:37 am
President Ranil calls for women’s empowerment, revolutionary reforms and economic transformation

President Ranil calls for women’s empowerment, revolutionary reforms and economic transformation

Independent presidential candidate and incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a transformative vision for Sri Lanka’s future, focusing on modernizing the economy, empowering women, and implementing social justice reforms. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  11:53 am
Presidential pardon granted to Henry Pedris posthumously

Presidential pardon granted to Henry Pedris posthumously

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has granted a Presidential Pardon posthumously to Diyunuge Edward Henry Pedris, who was unlawfully executed in 1915 after being unjustly tried by a Court-Martial appointed by the Proclamation issued by Robert Chalmers, the Governor of Ceylon on 25 June 1915. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  12:18 pm
China throws fresh support line to crisis-threatened Maldives

China throws fresh support line to crisis-threatened Maldives

The Maldives’ hopes of staving off a debt crisis were given a lift on Friday after China agreed to strengthen trade and investment in its latest demonstration of support and influence in the Indian Ocean nation. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  12:54 pm
Dates announced for 2025 new school term

Dates announced for 2025 new school term

The new school term for the academic year 2025 is scheduled to commence on January 02, 2025. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  12:59 pm
2023 O/L exam results expected within next 2 weeks

2023 O/L exam results expected within next 2 weeks

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha assured that the results of the 2023 (2024) G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination will be released within the next two weeks. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  1:01 pm
Teachers bring Chinese language to remote Sri Lankan homes

Teachers bring Chinese language to remote Sri Lankan homes

Voices reading Chinese are often heard on the serene hilly campus of Sabaragamuwa University nestled in the southern foothills of Sri Lanka’s central mountains. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  2:23 pm
Cabinet approval to gazette Penal Code (Amendment) Bill

Cabinet approval to gazette Penal Code (Amendment) Bill

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to publish the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill in the government gazette and thereafter submit it to the Parliament for approval. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  2:32 pm
Hundreds of thousands in Cuba without water

Hundreds of thousands in Cuba without water

Water shortages in Cuba are increasingly flaring tempers, including in capital Havana, as problems mount for hundreds of thousands of residents already ragged from shortfalls in food, fuel and electricity. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  3:06 pm
Sajith criticizes govt’s delayed public relief efforts

Sajith criticizes govt’s delayed public relief efforts

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa emphasized that the public would have reaped greater benefits had the government’s recently announced relief measures been introduced earlier this year. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  3:20 pm
Iran says it successfully launched a satellite into space

Iran says it successfully launched a satellite into space

Iran launched a satellite into space Saturday with a rocket built by the country’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, state-run media reported, the latest for a program the West fears helps Tehran advance its ballistic missile program. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  3:32 pm
Maldives rules out IMF bailout despite financial woes, plans tax hikes to manage debt

Maldives rules out IMF bailout despite financial woes, plans tax hikes to manage debt

The Maldives says its financial troubles are “temporary” and the luxury tourist destination has no plans to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout after warnings of a possible sovereign default. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  4:19 pm
Maha Sangha bestows blessings on Dilith Jayaweera, urges to safeguard the nation

Maha Sangha bestows blessings on Dilith Jayaweera, urges to safeguard the nation

A Jaya Pirith chanting ceremony was held this morning (14) in Hikkaduwa to invoke blessings on the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ presidential candidate, entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  4:36 pm
Liquor shops closed on Sep. 21 and 22

Liquor shops closed on Sep. 21 and 22

All liquor shops and wine stores islandwide will remain closed on 21 and 22 September in view of the Presidential Election, the Commissioner General of Excise announced.

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  5:04 pm
Person killed after being hit by train in Dehiwala

Person killed after being hit by train in Dehiwala

A person has reportedly been killed after being hit by a train near the Dehiwala railway station. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  6:04 pm
“This election is about building the country together” - Anura Kumara

“This election is about building the country together” - Anura Kumara

National People’s Party (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that the upcoming election would be a pivotal moment for uniting the country to overcome its challenges. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  6:58 pm
President Ranil vows to resolve missing persons issue within next five years

President Ranil vows to resolve missing persons issue within next five years

President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted that the issues in the North cannot be limited to just political problems but also require development. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  9:18 pm
Sri Lanka steps up measures for fighting tuberculosis

Sri Lanka steps up measures for fighting tuberculosis

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved a proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the effectiveness of a new treatment model to tuberculosis, according to the government’s information department. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  9:28 pm
Sri Lanka’s GDP grows 4.7% in second quarter of 2024

Sri Lanka’s GDP grows 4.7% in second quarter of 2024

Sri Lanka has recorded a 4.7% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2024, marking the fourth consecutive positive growth following six quarters of contraction since 2022, according to the State Minister of Finance. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 14, 2024  10:40 pm
Showers expected in parts of the island

Showers expected in parts of the island

The Meteorology Department says showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  7:19 am
President plans expansion of public and private educational institutions in Sri Lanka

President plans expansion of public and private educational institutions in Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the country will soon see the establishment of numerous new educational institutions, both public and private. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  7:43 am
Trump: No more debates with Kamala Harris

Trump: No more debates with Kamala Harris

Republican nominee Donald Trump said on Thursday he would not participate in another presidential debate against Kamala Harris ahead of the Nov. 5 election, after several polls showed his Democratic rival won their debate earlier this week. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  8:39 am
SpaceX-Polaris crew exits capsule for first private spacewalk

SpaceX-Polaris crew exits capsule for first private spacewalk

A crew of four aboard a SpaceX capsule embarked on the world’s first private spacewalk on Thursday, as an astronaut eased out of the Crew Dragon spacecraft on a tether into the vacuum of space, hundreds of miles from Earth. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  9:21 am
Candidates’ representatives allowed to escort ballot boxes to counting centers

Candidates’ representatives allowed to escort ballot boxes to counting centers

The Election Commission has announced that the vehicles carrying representatives of presidential candidates will be permitted to escort the vehicles transporting ballot boxes from polling stations to counting centers. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  9:27 am
Dilith’s strategic plan essential to rebuild bankrupt nation - Gamini Waleboda

Dilith’s strategic plan essential to rebuild bankrupt nation - Gamini Waleboda

Member of Parliament Gamini Waleboda has stated that the national strategic plan presented by the presidential candidate of the ‘Sarvajana Balaya’ alliance, Dilith Jayaweera is essential to rebuild the bankrupt country. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  9:40 am
SJB only party to hold those who bankrupted country accountable – Sajith

SJB only party to hold those who bankrupted country accountable – Sajith

The presidential candidate of the ‘Samagi Jana Balavegaya’ (SJB), Sajith Premadasa says that the SJB is the only political party that has brought those responsible for bankrupting the country before the law. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  9:54 am
Anura Kumara assures diesel subsidy for fishermen under NPP govt

Anura Kumara assures diesel subsidy for fishermen under NPP govt

The Presidential Candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stated that under an NPP government, fishermen would receive a diesel subsidy, and fishing gear would be exempted from taxes. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  10:00 am
‘Protecting farmers and fishermen my only challenge’ – Namal

‘Protecting farmers and fishermen my only challenge’ – Namal

The presidential candidate of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Namal Rajapaksa, stated that protecting the country’s farmers and fishermen is his only challenge. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  10:09 am
‘How can we trust leaders who refuse to admit past mistakes?’ - President Ranil

‘How can we trust leaders who refuse to admit past mistakes?’ - President Ranil

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that all political parties, except his own, are responsible for the current state of the country. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  10:58 am
Two dead as train collides with three-wheeler at Ratgama

Two dead as train collides with three-wheeler at Ratgama

Two individuals have reportedly died after a train travelling from Maradana to Beliatta had collided with a three-wheeler at the Wijeratne Mawatha railway crossing in Ratgama this morning (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  11:21 am
Smartphone found in prison cell of ‘Wele Suda’

Smartphone found in prison cell of ‘Wele Suda’

A smartphone has been discovered inside the cell of notorious drug trafficker Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara, alias “Wele Suda,” during an sudden search operation carried out at the Boossa High-Security Prison. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  11:35 am
Supreme Court summons immigration chief over e-Visa issue

Supreme Court summons immigration chief over e-Visa issue

The Supreme Court has directed the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration to appear before the court in person today (13) with regard to his failure to implement the order issued by the court over the electronic visa matter. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  12:12 pm
2024 A/L exam to commence on Nov. 25

2024 A/L exam to commence on Nov. 25

The Commissioner General of Examinations Amith Jayasundara has announced that the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination will be held from November 25 to December 20, 2024.

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  12:40 pm
Indian arrested at BIA for smuggling medicine worth Rs. 2.5 million

Indian arrested at BIA for smuggling medicine worth Rs. 2.5 million

An Indian national has been arrested for illegally smuggling a stock of medicinal drugs including cancer medication into Sri Lanka. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  1:53 pm
New Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army appointed

New Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army appointed

Major General Dinesh Nanayakkara of the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA). MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  2:04 pm
Sri Lanka to lift all vehicle import restrictions by February 2025

Sri Lanka to lift all vehicle import restrictions by February 2025

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has decided to lift all vehicle import restrictions by February 2025, according to Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  2:11 pm
Former Anuradhapura ASP Sanjeewa Mahanama granted bail

Former Anuradhapura ASP Sanjeewa Mahanama granted bail

The Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Anuradhapura Sanjeewa Mahanama today (13). MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  3:27 pm
Italian father and son fined Rs. 60 mln over attempt to smuggle endemic insects from Yala

Italian father and son fined Rs. 60 mln over attempt to smuggle endemic insects from Yala

An Italian father and his son have been fined Rs. 60 million (approximately 200,000 USD) for attempting to smuggle hundreds of endemic insects, including 92 species of butterflies, from Yala National Park. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  3:55 pm
Cabinet decision on reducing PAYE tax

Cabinet decision on reducing PAYE tax

(UPDATED) The Cabinet of Ministers approved the IMF proposal, based on the Sri Lankan Government’s proposal, to reduce the pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax from next year, says Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  4:40 pm
Bus carrying NPP supporters attacked in Monaragala

Bus carrying NPP supporters attacked in Monaragala

A bus returning from an election rally of the National People’s Power (NPP) held in Monaragala this morning (13) has reportedly been attacked by a group of unidentified individuals. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  5:00 pm
SC orders to file contempt charges against Immigration Controller General

SC orders to file contempt charges against Immigration Controller General

The Supreme Court has ordered to file contempt of court charges against the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration for failing to obey the court’s interim order to suspend the implementation of the electronic visa system. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  5:36 pm
Kaushalya Nawaratne resigns as BASL President

Kaushalya Nawaratne resigns as BASL President

President’s Counsel Kaushalya Nawaratne has resigned from his position as the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) with immediate effect. MORE..

(0)Comments | September 13, 2024  6:46 pm