Compensation to farmers whose crops were damaged during Yala season

Cabinet approval has been granted to compensate the farmers who have been affected in the 2023 Yala season as a result of the inability to provide sufficient water due to bad weather conditions.

Defence Ministry removes two individuals from terrorism-related blacklist

The Ministry of Defense has taken action to remove the names of two individuals who had been blacklisted due to their alleged support for terrorism and related activities.

Cabinet approves visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries

The Cabinet has approved a pilot project that allows visa-free entry to visitors from seven countries, which includes India, China and Russia.

Arrest Keheliya, changing ministerial portfolio not enough: SF

Former Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella should be arrested, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said today.

Beedi leaf import duty slashed from Rs.5,000 to Rs.250

The import duty of Rs. 5,000 charged for one kilo of imported beedi leaves has been reduced to Rs. 250, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Heavy showers today as well

Heavy showers of about 75mm are likely at some places in the Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces and in most provinces of the island after 1 p.m., the forecasting division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

National inflation decelerates to 0.8% in September

Sri Lanka’s national inflation rose 0.8 percent in September on a year-on-year basis (YoY), decelerating from 2.1 percent in August, as food prices declined and non-food prices rose at a slower pace.

Stolen ancient artefacts from Ukraine recovered in Spain

The Spanish authorities have seized Scythian jewellery worth €60m (£52m) they say was stolen from Ukraine.

If I had taken the sandal before touching the neck: Diana Gamage

State Minister Diana Gamage yesterday expressed her intention to handle the situation if she had been given the opportunity to remove her sandal during the altercation with MP Sujith Sanjay Perera in the Parliament complex a few days ago.

Refrain from commenting on SL’s internal affairs

The Parliament’s Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security has recommended informing US Ambassador Julie Chung, urging her to refrain from making statements regarding the internal affairs of Sri Lanka in the future.

17 dead, many injured as two trains collide in Bhairab

At least 17 people are dead and many others have been injured after several carriages of the Egaro Sindhur Express overturned in a crash involving a freight train in Kishoreganj’s Bhairab.

GMOA calls for a clean sweep as new Health Minister takes charge

While welcoming the newly appointed Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) stressed the importance of doing away with certain health officials in the health ministry and other institutions, especially the NMRA and MSD.

Conservative peer highlights Chinese investment in SL amidst cuts to overseas aid budget

Citing Sri Lanka as a prime example, the UK’s Conservative peer Lord Hugo Swire drew attention to the adverse effects of cutting the UK’s overseas aid budget, which has inadvertently created opportunities for other countries, notably China, to step in and provide financial support.

Govt aims to generate 4,000 MW of electricity through solar panels: Kanchana

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday said that his ministry intends to designate 14,000 acres of land and water areas for the purpose of generating 4,000 MW of electricity through the installation of solar panels within the next six years.

CEB restructuring bill likely to reach Cabinet next week

Sri Lanka’s proposed power sector reforms may reach the Cabinet of Ministers by next week, as the Attorney General is expected to clear the bill to restructure the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) this week, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said yesterday.

Electric vehicle import licenses issued to Lankans who sent remittances through legal channels

A total of 318 electric vehicle import licenses have been issued to Sri Lankans who have sent remittances to Sri Lanka through legal channels, and USD 38 million has been received for importing vehicles, the Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry said.

Afghanistan send Pakistan crashing to shock World Cup defeat

Afghanistan put on a superb batting and bowling display to hand Pakistan a stunning eight-wicket defeat in the Cricket World Cup on Monday.

Refund of AlT deducted on interest for senior citizens over 60 years

The lnland Revenue Department (lRD) today announced a significant financial relief initiative for senior citizens aged 60 and above, lnland Revenue (Acting) Commissioner General Upul Jayawardhana said.

SL Navy seizes suspected heroin aboard local fishing trawler

Sri Lanka Navy intercepted a local multiday fishing trawler with a large stock of narcotics suspected to be heroin on the high seas, following a special operation on receipt of information from the State Intelligence Service.

CCD arrests five suspects over alleged Dubai-backed murder plot

Five individuals suspected of having plotted to kill a local businessman under the alleged direction of an organized criminal based in Dubai, have been arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) along with live grenades and several swords in the Horampella area of Minuwangoda.

Matheesha returns to Sri Lanka, exit yet to be ratified by ICC technical committee

Seamer Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup, returned home from Bengaluru today.

MR reduced electricity tariff for the first time in history: Sagara Kariyawasam

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa worked with a generation plan, created massive projects like Upper Kothmale, Norochcholai and Uma Oya and worked to provide electricity to the country at low cost, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) General Secretary and MP Sagara Kariyawasam said.

Power generation remains below expected levels, despite heavy rainfall: Minister

The rainfall in the area where the primary reservoirs responsible for power generation remain below the expected levels, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Probe launched over illicit import of electric vehicles under migrant worker scheme

Customs authorities have seized seven vehicles suspected of being illicitly imported using electronic vehicle import licenses meant for migrant workers, the State Minister of Finance said

India spin great Bedi dies aged 77

Former skipper Bishan Singh Bedi was a bold and sometimes rash voice in Indian cricket known as much for impetuous commentary on other players as his stellar left-arm spin.

Triple threat of diarrhea, respiratory and eye diseases

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union urged the public to exercise caution as there is a surge of three diseases due to the ongoing inclement weather conditions in the island.

Legal action by environmental organizations halted: Amaraweera

The initial programme to send 100,000 toque monkeys to zoos in China was disrupted due to lawsuits filed by environmental organizations, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Distribution of air rifles to farmers to prevent crop damage by wild animals

The Agriculture Ministry has begun distributing air rifles to farmers at concessional prices from yesterday (22), Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

The Maldives’ new president wants India out

’’We don’t want any foreign military boots on Maldivian soil… I promised this to the people of the Maldives and I will live up to my promise from day one.’’

SL-based loan rings linked to family’s suicide in Kerala

Officers investigating the suicide of a four-member family in Kadamakkudy, Kerala have uncovered the potential role of Sri Lankan-based criminal networks linked to online instant loan applications.