Commonwealth Election Monitoring delegation meets President

The Commonwealth Election Monitoring delegation, led by former President of Seychelles, Danny Faure, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Israel unleashes heavy strikes on Lebanon as US, UK urge restraint

Israeli warplanes carried out late on Thursday their most intense strikes on southern Lebanon in nearly a year of war, heightening the conflict between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah amid calls for restraint.

Sri Lanka announces squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has announced a 15-member squad to participate in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE from October 3 to 20, 2024.

Passenger vessel ‘Neduntharakai’ commences operations after full docking by Navy

The passenger vessel ‘Neduntharakai’ was ceremonially handed over to the Road Development Authority (RDA) in Delft yesterday (19), following the completion of full docking by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Israel says 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers hit in Lebanon

Israel says its warplanes have hit more than 100 Hezbollah rocket launchers and other ’’terrorist sites’’ including a weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon.

Another shooting in Dehiwala kills one

A 45-year-old man was shot and killed this morning near the Nedimala Cricket Ground in Dehiwala by two unidentified men on a motorcycle.

Basil leaves for USA

Founder of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and former Minister Basil Rajapaksa left for Dubai from the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning, the airport Duty Manager said.

Two suspects arrested over Midigama shooting

Two suspects were arrested over the shooting incident at Midigama in Matara where a person was killed and two others injured when two men opened fire at a fish stall yesterday.

Sri Lanka strikes US $ 14. 2 billion ISB restructuring, paving way out of bankruptcy

Sri Lanka overcame yet another major obstacle in its attempt to get out of bankruptcy status with the government reaching agreement in principle with the ad hoc group of bond holders, China Development Bank and the Local Consortium of Sri Lanka (LCSL), an informed source said.

August PMI points to continued expansion in manufacturing & services activities

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for both manufacturing and services activities came in stronger in August signalling that the economy continues to do well, and the prospects remain positive for the future.

Postman alleged to have retained 145 polling cards

A postman in Puttalam is alleged to have retained 145 official polling cards.

Prof. Arjuna de Silva steps down from SLADA

Professor Arjuna de Silva, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency (SLADA), has decided to step down from his post effective September 30.

SJB says report on agreement on commercial creditors an act of influencing voters

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Lawyers’ Collective member Shiyan Punchihewa, in a letter addressed to Chairman Election Commission Saman Ratnayake has informed that the report issued by the government on the agreement with external commercial creditors is an attempt to influence the voters.

Nilfer resigns as Head Coach of St. Joseph’s

Former Kingswood College, Kandy SC and Navy SC player and the current Head Coach of Police SC and St. Joseph’s College rugby outfit Nilfer Ibrahim today tendered his resignation from the Darley Road School.

Kantale Hospital in jeopardy over specialist shortage

The Kantale Base Hospital’s Neonatology Ward has been forced to shut down due to a critical lack of pediatricians and neonatologists, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka reaches agreements with external commercial creditors

Sri Lanka has reached agreements with external commercial creditors to restructure approximately USD 17.5 bn of external debt, achieving a 40.3% Net Present Value (NPV) concession, the President’s Media Division said.

National Security Council discusses security for Presidential election

The National Security Council, chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, held a meeting today (19) at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss preparations for the 2024 Presidential election.

Japan firm says it stopped making walkie-talkies used in Lebanon blasts

A Japanese handheld radio manufacturer has distanced itself from walkie-talkies bearing its logo that exploded in Lebanon, saying it discontinued production of the devices a decade ago.

Japanese firm Mirai Consulting meets EDB to explore Sri Lankan investments

Japan-based regional consulting firm Mirai Consulting Group, represented by a high-level delegation, recently visited Sri Lanka to explore potential investment opportunities in various sectors.

Exams Department, CID probe over Grade 5 scholarship paper leak

The Examinations Department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) have launched an investigation into concerns raised over the first paper of the recently held Grade 5 Scholarship examination.

Total of 500 garment employees hospitalised due to food poisoning

A total of 500 employees were hospitalised this morning due to food poisoning after consuming food served at a private apparel factory in the Bakamuna area.

Canada to slash international student permits, tighten foreign worker rules

Canada announced Wednesday it was slashing international student permits next year, and tightening foreign worker rules to further bring down the number of temporary residents in the country.

HC prevents occupation of two luxury apartments bought by Keheliya’s son

The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the occupation of two luxury apartments in Colombo 3, Kollupitiya, owned by Ramitha Rambukwella, son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Cricket Australia bans ex-Sri Lankan Test player for 20 years

Cricket Australia (CA) has banned former Sri Lankan Test player Dulip Samaraweera for 20 years after he ’’committed a serious breach’’ of the organisation’s code of conduct.

Three persons suspended for leaking Grade 5 exam paper

Three persons, including the invigilator, who were on duty at the examination centre of the Rathmale Thissa Maha Vidyalaya in Anuradhapura were to be suspended over the leakage of a Grade 5 Scholarship Examination question paper, North Central Provincial Education Director S.M.W. Samarakoon said.

Another shooting incident reported, man killed

A 30-year old man was shot dead at Rasnayakepura in Nikaweratiya early this morning, Police said.

Schools close tomorrow for election; reopen on Monday

The Education Ministry today announced the closure of all schools tomorrow (20) as requested by the Election Commission. The schools will reopen on Monday (23).

Sri Lanka out of bankruptcy soon: Ranil

Whilst revealing that the government has managed to strike a deal with the international sovereign bond (ISB) holders on debt restructuring, independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said his administration has managed to complete the task of making Sri Lanka’s debt sustainable.

Second wave of Lebanon device explosions kills 20 and wounds 450

At least 20 people have been killed and more than 450 wounded by a second wave of explosions from wireless communication devices in Lebanon, the country’s health ministry says.

Significance of the preferential votes in the presidential election

Our Country has faced several presidential elections & the winners had obtained more than 50% of votes in each occasion. In a situation where none of the candidates obtain more than 50% of the votes, the procedures to be followed, have not been tested as the necessity hasn’t arisen.