NPP meets Australian HC, discusses delays in polls

Representatives of the National People’s Power (NPP) met Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens where several matters including the postponement of elections, the Online Safety Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Bill were discussed.

Fine for cattle theft to be increased along with imprisonment

The Agriculture Ministry has decided to increase the fine imposed on cattle thefts to Rs. 100,000 and at least one year of rigorous imprisonment for the offense.

BIA welcomes first charter flight with 252 international tourists

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) welcomed the first charter flight of a series of charter flight operations of the Lot Polish Airlines today operating from the Czech Republic, with 252 international tourists arriving in Sri Lanka, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said.

Chinese research vessel to dock in Colombo today

The Chinese research vessel ‘Shi Yan 6’ is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo today for replenishment purposes, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Young woman murdered by husband, body found buried behind home

A 23-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of his young wife, whose body was found buried behind their residence in Neeravipiddi, Mulliyawalai.

168 rape cases reported in September, 22 of them pregnant: Eran

A total of 168 rape cases of girls under the age of 16 have been reported in this country in September this year, MP Eran Wickramaratne said.

No water tariff revision this year: Thondaman

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman assured that there will be no revision of the water tariff this year.

Sri Lanka records over 77,000 tourist arrivals in first 22 days of October

In the first 22 days of October, Sri Lanka welcomed 77,763 tourists, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,094,019, according to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

China’s foray persists despite India’s concerns

Despite India’s objection registered with the Sri Lankan authorities, China’s foray in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern provinces persists, particularly with a focus on the fisheries sector.

New Health Minister vows to make crucial changes

Newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said he expects to make some crucial and timely changes in terms of policies and individuals in the health sector.

Cabinet greenlights measures to bolster tourism

The Ministry of Tourism, in its recent efforts to boost international tourism to Sri Lanka, received a series of approvals from the Cabinet of Ministers this week.

Regulations set to be amended

The Cabinet yesterday gave its approval for amending the provisions in the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 19 of 1954. This amendment aims to empower women by allowing them to work during nighttime hours.

Apparel exports decline drives down Sept. export earnings below US$ 1bn

Sri Lanka’s export performance continues to remain overshadowed by declining apparel exports, with merchandise export income in September plummeting by 12 percent year-on-year (YoY) to US$ 951.5 million, marking the first time it has fallen below the US$ 1 billion mark in four months.

CA quashes decision to send nurses on compulsory retirement at age 60

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued a Writ of Certiorari quashing the government’s decision made to send public officers (including four grades of nursing services) on compulsory retirement at age 60. This order will be applicable to the nursing service especially officers in Grade I, Supra Grade, Special Grade and Executive Grade of Sri Lanka nursing service.

ADB to provide US$ 100mn to fund Lankan SMEs

The government said yesterday the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to provide US$ 100 million in funding to launch a project to support Sri Lanka’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Special programme underway to provide visas

A special programme is underway to provide visas for Sri Lankans staying in Israel without a valid visa or with expired visas, the Sri Lankan ambassador in Israel said.

Fallen trees cause traffic standstill on Ella-Wellawaya road

A major traffic disruption has been reported on the Ella-Wellawaya main road today as a result of heavy rainfall and huge trees falling across the road.

Theekshana available for Sri Lanka’s WC match against England

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana will be available for selection for Sri Lanka’s World Cup match against England on Thursday, having fully recovered from pain in the right leg.

Armed attacks in Mexico leave 24 dead, including 12 police

Three separate armed attacks in Mexico on Monday left at least 24 people dead, including a dozen police officers, authorities said about the latest violence to hit regions plagued by drug trafficking.

Kremlin breaks silence on Putin ’Cardiac Arrest’, ’Body Double’ rumors

The Kremlin dismissed reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered a cardiac arrest, foreign media reported.

UN celebrates 78th Anniversary with Saudi Arabia’s pioneering int’l contributions

The United Nations celebrates its seventy-eighth anniversary On Tuesday, October 24. Saudi Arabia participates as an active member of the international community in the various tasks within the organization’s work.

400 wild elephants dead this year

The wildlife department has reported that a total of 400 wild elephants have died this year.

Sri Lanka bag two Gold Medals in Hangzhou

Sri Lanka won two Gold Medals on the third day of the Fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China today.

Lawyer suspended for eight-month for professional misconduct

The Supreme Court today issued a rule suspending a lawyer from practicing as an Attorney-at-Law for a period of eight months for professional misconduct. This is for aiding Moulavi to record a part of the proceedings of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks using a mobile phone, contrary to the rules of the procedure of the PCoI.

Newly appointed envoys present credentials to President

Three newly appointed ambassadors to Sri Lanka handed over their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24).

Bigg Boss Kannada contestant arrested for wearing tiger claw pendant

Varthur Santhosh was arrested on the sets of Bigg Boss Kannada on Sunday night after he allegedly wore a tiger claw pendant during the television reality show in India.

Eggs, chicken will be in surplus by next August: Amaraweera

A surplus of eggs and chicken is expected in the country by August next year, and it will be possible to export eggs to foreign countries, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Mathews replaces Pathirana in Sri Lanka World Cup squad

All-rounder Angelo Mathews has replaced injured seamer Matheesha Pathirana in the 15-man World Cup squad, with the International Cricket Council’s Event Technical Committee approving the change.

World’s oldest dog ever, Bobi, dies aged 31

Guinness World Records are saddened to learn of the death of Bobi, the world’s oldest dog ever.

Cabinet nod to establish Independent Parliamentary body to supervise conduct of MPs

The Cabinet approved a combined proposal by the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms to compile a code of conduct for parliamentarians in Sri Lanka and to establish an independent body for supervision.