Sri Lanka engages Liberia for furthering economic ties

Sri Lankan Ambassador Kana Kananathan met President Joseph Boakai of the Republic of Liberia at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia yesterday afternoon.

100% increase in President’s Fund payments for heart, kidney patients

The government will increase the amount paid under the President’s Fund for heart and kidney patients by 100% and will pay within a week of receiving the application, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Global economy in sticky spot: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects global growth to be in line with the April 2024 World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast, at 3.2 percent in 2024 and 3.3 percent in 2025.

Three Sri Lankans among 16 missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman coast

Sixteen crew members including three Sri Lankans, were missing after their Comorian-flagged oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, the sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) said Tuesday.

Former cricketer shot dead in Ambalangoda

Former Sri Lankan cricketer was shot dead following a shooting in Ambalangoda last night.

Public keener than ever on Presidential election: EC

As the Presidential election is around the corner, the Election Commission said it has observed an unprecedented level of interest and enthusiasm from both the general public and institutional bodies towards the election.

Excessive use of Air Force helicopters by MR and Sirisena revealed

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa made 978 flights using Air Force helicopters under presidential privilege for domestic flights between 2005 and 2015, while former President Maithripala Sirisena flew 557 times during his five-year tenure, information obtained from the Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters under the Right to Information has revealed.

Muthu Raja’s overall health improving

Muthu Raja, the Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka repatriated to his home country for medical treatment a year ago, is on gradual recovery of his overall health - inflammation cured and gait adjustment being done - an official said.

Govt. urges businesses to pass on benefits of electricity tariff drop to consumers

Businesses were yesterday urged to pass on the benefits from the recent electricity tariff reduction to consumers, who are grappling with the country’s high cost of living.

Fitch halts rating for SriLankan Airlines

Fitch Ratings yesterday announced it has chosen to withdraw the rating of SriLankan Airlines for commercial reasons and therefore will no longer provide ratings or analytical coverage for the national carrier.

Consumer confidence hits record high in June

Sri Lanka’s consumer confidence expanded in June, reaching an all-time high, a report from the Institute for Health Policy (IHP) showed.

Local manufacturers now benefit from a much more competitive electricity tariff rate: JAAF

Sri Lankan manufacturers will now benefit from a tariff rate that is much more competitive, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector said, commending the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for slashing charges that were unbearable to the business community.

Teachers, principals to launch work-to-rule campaign

The Teacher-Principal Trade Union Alliance has announced plans to initiate a work-to-rule campaign beginning July 22, lasting for a duration of two weeks.

Prices of goods, services can be reduced by 20%: Kanchana

The prices of goods and services in the market can be reduced by approximately 20% following the revision of the electricity tariff, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said today.

Anura responds to Lohan: Says happy to see him live to witness NPP’s victory

In the wake of a statement by State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that he would like to see State Minister Lohan Ratwatte living at the time of the NPP’s victory.

Heavy rains kill 35 in eastern Afghanistan

At least 35 people were killed and 230 injured on Monday after heavy rain in eastern Afghanistan, a local official said.

Earth tremor of magnitude 2.7 reported in Anuradhapura

A minor earth tremor measuring 2.7 on the Richter Scale was reported this evening in the area between Anuradhapura and Kantale.

Anura praised MR in Parliament; we have no personal annoyance: Namal

Claiming that National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake had praised former President Mahinda Rajapaksa in parliament recently, SLPP national organiser Namal Rajapaksa said today that they have no personal grievances with anyone except for policy matters.

Japanese couple smuggling gems worth millions nabbed

A foreign couple attempting to smuggle gems worth millions of rupees out of the country was arrested by the AASL security manning the Departure Terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning.

Anura must be protected, corrupt politicians can do anything for power: NFF

In the wake of the shooting incident on former US President Donald Trump, various factions of the Buddhist clergy raised their concerns that National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake must be protected, General Secretary of the National Bhikkhu Front (NFF) Ven. Wakamulle Uditha Thera said today.

Providing smart classes will not solve issues in education: Bandula

Providing at least 500 smart classes for schoolchildren by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa will not solve the issues in education, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

22nd Amendment Bill an attempt to manipulate election process: Lawyers’ Collective

The Lawyers’ Collective, a prominent legal advocacy group in Sri Lanka, criticised the proposed 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill as an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.

Hardik Pandya to lead India in T20Is against Sri Lanka

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to lead India in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka starting July 27.

Cabinet approves amended water tariff policy, formula

The government’s approval was granted to implement the amended water tariff policy and amended water tariff formula in 2025.

SJB reject President’s offer

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) rejected the offer by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to reinstate the UNP membership of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and others if they extend their support to safeguard the nation.

Ministry denounces media lies, affirms aesthetic subjects in reforms

While condemning the false statements by various media, the Education Ministry said that aesthetic subjects are an essential part of general education in the proposed education reforms.

Election Commission to announce Presidential election date by end July

The Election Commission will announce the date for the Presidential election before the end of July, Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said.

Probe on decapitated skeleton at Colombo Port premises

A decapitated skeleton was discovered at the Colombo Port premises on Sunday (July 14) during excavation activities of the Port Access Elevated Highway Project.

UNESCO Director General arrives

UNESCO Director General Ms. Audrey Azoulay arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning for a visit to Sri Lanka.

Trump nominated Republican presidential candidate

Donald Trump won formal nomination Monday as the Republican presidential candidate and picked a right-wing loyalist for running mate, kicking off a triumphalist party convention in the wake of last weekend’s failed assassination attempt.