Sri Lanka’s “next big step” is creditor agreement: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged that Sri Lanka has made significant progress in implementing reforms but emphasised that the “next big step forward” is for the island nation to reach a formal agreement with all creditors.

Immigration authorities to crack down on overstaying Russians, Israelis

The Department of Immigration and Emigration will visit the southern coastal belt in early November to look for any overstaying tourists from countries like Russia and Israel, where an influx of tourists are expected in the emerging South season for Christmas, the Daily Mirror learns.

Israel strikes Iran military targets amid fears of a wider war

Israel said it struck military sites in Iran early on Saturday in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on Israel earlier this month, the latest step in the escalating conflict between the heavily armed rivals.

Prime Minister’s Office responds to Daily Mirror report

In response to Daily Mirror story headlined ‘AKD, Harini clashes over UGC Chairman appointment?’ in yesterday’s edition, the Prime Minister’s Office sent the following clarification.

Sajith Premadasa, SJB lead in 2024 Presidential poll campaign spending

The latest financial disclosures from the Election Commission reveal that Sajith Premadasa and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), lead in campaign spending for the 2024 Presidential Election, with a total expenditure of Rs. 1.13 billion.

President hold talks with Iranian Ambassador

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the Iranian Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Alireza Delkhosh, today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat.

AASL ensures passenger, crew safety after recent bomb scares

Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka (AASL) has reinforced its commitment to safety following two bomb threats on Vistara flights at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on October 19 and October 24.

Inter-Club rugby to kick-off in November

The Inter-Club rugby season 2024/2025 will kick-off in November with nine teams to lock horns with Sri Lions SC awaiting their debut, which was cleared by the Director General of Sports and now being forwarded to the Chairman, National Sports Council (NSC).

Businessmen not permitted to raise rice prices unfairly: President

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed that no businessman will be permitted to exploit the situation by unfairly raising the prices of rice.

Sri Lanka A beat Pakistan Shaheens to qualify for final

Sri Lanka A beat Pakistan Shaheens by seven wickets in the first semi-final at the Oman Cricket Academy Ground in Muscat on Friday to qualify for the final of the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup.

SL addressing issues raised in recent travel advisories: President

Sri Lanka is addressing issues raised in recent travel advisories to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all tourists, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said during a meeting with two foreign envoys today.

Sri Lanka’s third review will come up soon: IMF

Claiming that Sri Lanka has come a long way in terms of undertaking reforms which have led to some hard won gains, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)said they could move fast towards the third review which will come up soon.

Ranjan’s General Elections nomination challenged before court

A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an order preventing Ranjan Ramanayake from contesting the parliamentary election scheduled for November 14.

Three Lebanese journalists killed in Israeli strike

Three journalists have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a building known to be housing reporters in southern Lebanon, witnesses have told the BBC.

SJB candidate wants probe on mudslinging against her on social media

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Matale District candidate Rohini Kaviratne has lodged a complaint with Rattota police against what she claims is fake news that is being circulated about her over social media.

Election Commission to mark voters’ index fingers for 2024 General Elections

The Election Commission has decided to mark the voters’ index fingers for this year’s general elections, Commissioner General Saman Ratnayake announced.

Dominant Sri Lanka set for easy win

Unbeaten defending champions Sri Lanka will target another easy win when they confront the Maldives in their 13th Asian Senior Netball Championship 2024 Group ‘A’ encounter at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, India today at 5.00 p.m.

Security boosted at Pallekale Cricket Stadium and Kandy

In the wake of security threats on Israelis in Sri Lanka, special security measures have been implemented, and search operations conducted by the Police and STF at the Pallekale International Cricket Stadium ahead of Sri Lanka’s practice session.

Tense situation at Pamunugama Police Station over alleged assault on arrested youth

A tense situation was reported yesterday afternoon as local residents gathered outside the Pamunugama Police Station to protest against the alleged assault of two youths in police custody.

President to meet several envoys, EU delegation today

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to hold a series of meetings with the High Commissioners of South Africa and New Zealand, along with the Ambassadors of Iran and Myanmar, as well as a delegation from the European Union today (25) at the Presidential Secretariat.

IRD sets requirements for Liquor License Tax Clearance, effective January 2025

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has informed liquor license holders to meet specific requirements when requesting Tax Clearance Certificates for license renewals, effective January 1, 2025.

Cricketer David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban lifted

Veteran David Warner’s lifetime ban on any leadership role within Australian cricket imposed after a 2018 ball-tampering scandal was lifted Friday.

Three more Chinese nationals arrested over online scams

Three more Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with the online scams while staying at a hotel in Ginthota, Galle.

New Zealand airport puts three-minute cap on farewell hugs

An airport at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island has found itself at the center of a polarizing debate after introducing a time limit on hugs in its drop-off zone.

UK High Commission hopeful Sri Lanka will tackle terrorism threat soon

The British High Commission in Sri Lanka expressed confidence that Sri Lankan authorities will soon address the terrorism threat, while reaffirming its support to the government.

Security beefed in Colombo, Weligama, Ella over possible threat

The elite Special Task Force (STF) have heightened security in Colombo, Weligama and Ella as well, a day after the US Embassy in Colombo gave a warning of a possible terror threat in Arugam Bay, a senior defence source told Daily Mirror last evening.

Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance slams travel advisories

The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance yesterday sent a strong message to foreign embassies regarding travel advisories citing possible terrorist attacks, which could lead to serious setbacks for the local tourism sector.

Sri Lanka now UK’s second largest partner in transnational education

Sri Lanka has overtaken Malaysia to become the second largest transnational education (TNE) partner for United Kingdom (UK)- based universities by accounting for a whopping 10 percent of overall UK TNE enrollments last year.

AKD, Harini clashes over UGC Chairman appointment?

A clear difference in decision was reported between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the appointment of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman.

No funds allocated for public sector salary hike; President refutes RW’s claims

While refuting claims by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe that his government had allocated funds required to increase public sector salaries, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that no such funds had been allocated.