Stakeholder consultations sought for Amendments to Electricity Act

Director General of the Power Sector Reforms Secretariat, Pubudu Niroshan Hedigallage announced that the time period has been extended till 14th February 2025 for written consultations for the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act No. 36 of 2024.

Medical transport plane carrying child, mother crashes near Philadelphia

A medical transport plane, carrying a child, her mother and four other people, crashed in Philadelphia Friday night near a busy mall, killing all aboard and resulting in an untold number of injuries on the ground.

Rs. 500 bn lost annually due to poor public transport, will double with vehicle imports: Gemunu

The country loses Rs. 500 billion annually due to the lack of a proper public transport system, and this loss is expected to double once suspensions on vehicle imports are relaxed, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijerathne said.

New Ella Odyssey’s maiden journey begins

A new ’Ella Odyssey’ special train introduced by the Railways Department for local and foreign tourists on the popular Kandy-to-Ella section of the up-country route commenced its maiden journey from Kandy Railway Station at 9:45 a.m today, the Railways Department said.

Western Province Senior DIG transferred to Sabaragamuwa

Four senior police officers, including the Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province, have been transferred by the Police Headquarters, effective from February 5, 2025.

Political leaders should not suppress people: Cardinal Malclom Ranjith

Politicians should not suppress people through rigid rules and regulations but should take care of the people with tenderness, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malclom Ranjith said today.

UNP SJB talks, initial discussions successful but still a long way to go

Initial discussions between the United National Party (UNP) and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) which is aimed at a political alliance is positive but there is a long way to go, General Secretaries of both parties said yesterday.

Presidential Security Division vehicle crashes on Thalawa

A vehicle belonging to the Presidential Security Division was involved in an accident on the Thalawa-A28 road near the 70th kilometre post, the police said.

Gazette issued on new luxury tax rates on private motor vehicles

A Gazette Notification (2421/41) has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Finance Minister, announcing the new luxury tax rates on private motor vehicles imported into the country effective from today (February 1).

Rain expected to reduce from tomorrow

The prevailing showery condition over the island is expected to ease from tomorrow (2) but a few showers will occur in the Uva Province and in the Batticaloa, Ampara, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya and Hambantota districts, the Meteorology Department said.

Sri Lanka’s transport sector to be modernized with new fleet

Sri Lanka’s public transport sector is to be modernised with the introduction of 1,000 new buses including low-floor and super luxury buses to the fleet of Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), Deputy Minister of Transport Dr. Prasanna Gunasena said.

President eases restrictions on vehicle imports, issues gazette notification

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a fresh gazette notification effective from February 1, easing restrictions on vehicles.

If you’re a pilgrim, behave like one – SL Hajj Committee tells 2025 Hajj pilgrims

Assuring the safety and comfort of thousands of Hajj pilgrims who are to take part in this year’s pilgrimage with new measures, Sri Lanka Hajj Committee asked the travellers to behave like pilgrims and refrain from engaging in unlawful activities such as smuggling.

Yoshitha hands over two remaining firearms to Defence Ministry

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha Rajapaksa handed over his two remaining firearms to the Defence Ministry today, according to an informed source.

Super diesel price to increase by Rs 18

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced that the price of super diesel will increase by Rs 18, bringing the new price to Rs 331 per liter, effective from midnight tonight.

National Youth Services Council chairman resigns

Chinthaka Darshana Hewapathirana has stepped down from his position as the Chairman of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC).

CAA finds large consignment of rice from private storage in Wellampitiya

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has recovered 8,000 25kg packs of rice from a private storage in Sedawatte today.

Budget proposal to celebrate common festival in October: President

The government has planned to include a budget proposal to celebrate a common national festival in October together with all communities while depicting their unique identities, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Minister pushes efforts to validate foreign driving licenses in Sri Lanka

Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake has instructed relevant officials to explore the steps needed to digitalize the National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI) and the Department of Motor Traffic, in response to the high costs of fitness certificates printed by the NTMI.

President pays last respects to late MP Mavai Senathirajah

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today visited the residence of the late Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah and paid him last respects.

Sri Lanka’s gateway to emerging markets and strategic partnerships- former SL envoy to Kenya

Former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya Kana Kananathan shared his views on Sri Lanka’s ties with Africa, his achievements in the realization of Sri Lankan interests in the region. He was concurrently accredited to 22 other African countries.

Asteroid the size of a 20-story building headed for Earth in 2032, astronomers warn

A large asteroid is headed towards Earth – and could collide with us in just a few years.

BNS SOMUDRA JOY in Colombo

The Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) SOMUDRA JOY arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today (31 Jan 25). Upon her arrival, the ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.

Will expedite process of returning land in North to rightful owners: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the issue of land disputes in the Northern Province is under review and that steps are being taken to expedite the process of returning land to their rightful owners.

Foreign Minister urges Italy to resume issuing work visas for Sri Lankans

During a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath urged the Italian government to expedite the resumption of work visas for Sri Lankans, following their temporary suspension.

Eleven accused sentenced to death for murder after 20 years

Eleven accused who stood indicted with murder were fround guilty and sentenced to death by Uva Province High Court Judge Prasanna Alwis.

Trump threatens BRICS with tariffs if they replace US dollar

US President Donald Trump threatened BRICS member states with 100% tariffs on Thursday to dissuade them from replacing the US dollar as reserve currency.

Former MPs to support Opposition for more representation in Parliamentary Committees

Former Members of Parliament from the parties not represented in Parliament are to back the Opposition parties in Parliament to get more slots in various committees in the House, an MP said today.

Massive earth slip obstructs upcountry railway line

Train services on the Colombo-Badulla mainline have been obstructed from the early hours of this morning by a massive landslide between Thalawakelle and Kotagala.

Over 3,000 Sri Lankans face US deportation orders

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) has announced that as of 24 November 2024, a total of 1,445,549 non-citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal.