Wheat flour regulation hits doughy patch with industry

​Sri Lanka’s new food regulation, mandating an 80 percent extraction rate for wheat flour has raised serious concerns across the industry, with stakeholders warning that its immediate roll-out could alter consumption patterns, and in turn have adverse effects on key sectors.

Risk of Gal Oya river bund breach; Over 100 evacuated

Over 100 residents from more than 25 families in Senanayakapura and Samapura have been relocated to safer areas due to the looming threat of a breach in the Gal Oya river bunds, according to the Ampara District Secretary.

Blunders of past regimes trigger rice shortage: Minister

In response to growing concerns over the scarcity of red rice in the local market, Minister of Trade Wasantha Samarasinghe has assured the public that the situation will soon improve.

Controversy over mouthwash tender: SPC responds to allegations

The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) has dismissed accusations regarding the awarding of a tender for Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash to a Bangladeshi company.

President Disanayake to meet Chinese President tomorrow

President Anura Kumara Disanayake, currently on a four-day state visit to China, is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow (15th) afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

’Clean Sri Lanka’ starts only on Feb 01, don’t get confused: Govt

Amid uncertainties over the ’Clean Sri Lanka’ project which has received both positive and negative feedback, a Deputy Minister clarified that the project is slated to be implemented only on February 01.

BCCI proposes stricter rules: Virat, Gambhir to be affected most

In the aftermath of Team India’s underwhelming Test series in Australia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly set to implement stricter rules.

Setback for NPP in co-operative elections in some areas

The ruling National People’s Power (NPP) has suffered a setback in the recent cooperative society elections which were recently held in a few areas, raising questions.

Digital NICs: Indian company only assisting, no personal data access: Govt.

The digital National Identity Cards (NICs) will be issued by this month, Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne said.

Marble-sized balls force Sydney beaches to close

Months after mysterious black balls forced the closure of some of Sydney’s most famous beaches, small marble-like debris has begun washing up on the city’s shores again.

TikTok users flock to Chinese app RedNote as US ban looms

TikTok users in the US are migrating to a Chinese app called RedNote with the threat of a ban just days away.

Customs introduces solution to accelerate container clearance

In response to ongoing delays at the Colombo Port, the Sri Lanka Customs has introduced a special programme aimed to accelerate container clearance.

SLAF chief conducts test landing on Hingurakgoda runway

The ongoing transformation of Hingurakgoda runway is progressing towards meeting international aviation standards, with the goal of accommodating the widely used A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) said.

S Korea begins impeachment trial against suspended president

South Korea’s Constitutional Court has held its first hearing to decide if suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office after his shock martial law attempt last month.

Over 7,000 eyes donated last year, restoring vision to those in need

A total of 7,144 eyes were donated last year, providing the gift of sight to individuals in need, according to the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society.

President arrives in Beijing

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived at the Beijing International Airport today (14) at 10:25 a.m. Beijing time, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

NBRO issues landslide warning for five districts

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued a 24-hour landslide warning for the districts of Kandy, Badulla, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara Eliya.

Somawathiya Chaitya road flooded due to rains

Due to heavy rainfall in several provinces, including the North-Central Province, the road leading to the Somawathiya Chaitya has been inundated, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Psychiatrist gives false reason to avoid posting to Mullaitivu Hospital

Medical associations have raised concerns over a potential precedent after a psychiatrist assigned to the District General Hospital in Mullaitivu requested a reversal of her transfer.

Sri Lanka’s red rice shortage: a clash of demand, supply challenges and political colouring

Red rice which holds both cultural and dietary significance is now in short supply in the market, and the phenomenon is attributed to multiple factors despite political colouring of the issue.

Gaza ceasefire deal being finalised

The terms of a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are being finalised, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC.

Most passenger buses built on lorry chassis, not up to mark in passenger comfort

Most buses which currently ply on Sri Lankan roads are built on lorry chassis are not in conformity with modern mass transportation standards in terms of passenger comfort, yet they cannot be replaced with quality low–floor buses at once because of economic conditions of the country, an official said yesterday.

Tax hikes killed hopes for new vehicle imports: Dayasiri

The government has relaxed restrictions on vehicle imports, but the imposition of four layers of taxation, coupled with the lack of consideration for the manufacturing year specified by the President, has effectively dashed the hopes of bringing new vehicles into the country, parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera said.

TRCSL denies social media claims of telecom price hikes

The Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) today denied reports circulating on social media about an increase in charges by telecommunication service providers for their packages.

President leaves to China

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake left for China today on a four-day official visit. He was joined by Ministers Vijitha Herath and Bimal Ratnayake.

Japan issues Tsunami advisory after 6.6 magnitude earthquake

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a tsunami advisory after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of southwest Japan.

Govt. makes Hindu devotees switch to Korra or Nadu for pongal rice: JPP

Although Hindu devotees traditionally celebrated the Thai Pongal festival during previous years by preparing Pongal rice with red rice, this year they have to celebrate it by using Korra rice or Nadu rice, Jathika Paribhogika Peramuna (JPP) president, Asela Sampath said.

CPJ, partners urge President to protect press freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists on Monday, January 13 joined 24 civil society organizations in urging recently elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to uphold press freedom.

Woman arrested for attempting to smuggle e-cigarettes at BIA

A 32 years old woman was arrested yesterday for smuggling foreign electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) worth Rs.6 million at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by officers attached to the Police Narcotics Division.

Government prioritises establishment of additional laboratories for medicine testing

The government is prioritising the establishment of additional laboratories needed for medicine testing, the Health Ministry and Mass Media Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe said.