Inland Revenue Act to be amended to allow tax relief for charities focusing on wellbeing of children

The charity establishments that work towards the wellbeing of children will soon be provided with tax relief with the Cabinet of Ministers having approved this week the amendment of the Inland Revenue Act to accommodate the changes.

Indonesian social security model inspires Sri Lanka’s ambitious reformation in social welfare

A high-profile delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry Secretary R.P.A. Wimalaweera, embarked on a four-day study tour to Indonesia, from September 4-7, 2023.

Proposal to allocate three acres outside Kurundi archaeological site for Buddhist Temple, Hindu Kovil

A proposal has been made by the Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry to allocate three acres outside the Kurundi archaeological site for the purpose of building a Buddhist temple, a Hindu Kovil and for public use.

MoD announces updates to licensing conditions for private security agencies

In compliance with the provisions of the Private Security Agencies Regularization Act No. 45 of 1998, the Ministry of Defence has initiated a comprehensive review and revision of the licensing conditions governing private security agencies currently registered under its purview.

Health Ministry holds excess staff in the ministry

Remote hospitals, particularly those in peripheral areas, are grappling with a lack of medical doctors while the Health Ministry has an excess staff of 52 doctors, thus making many question the allocation of resources.

Death sentence on five fishermen for trafficking 150 kilos of heroin

Five fishermen who trafficked 151.341 kilos of heroin on 2nd November 2019 were sentenced to death on three charges by the Colombo High Court today.

Malinga appointed bowling coach of MI Cape Town franchise

Lasith Malinga has been appointed as the bowling coach of the MI Cape Town franchise in the SA20 League.

Parliament to debate on brain drain next week

Parliament is to debate on the brain drain which is said to be taking place in Sri Lanka with the migration of professionals.

Exporting Kasippu, Ganja can bring dollars: Diana

Without branding people as ’Kasippukaraya’ and ’Ganja Karaya’, we can receive more dollars into the country by exporting illicit liquor (moonshine) and cannabis (Ganja) to other countries in good quality, Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage said.

Eight sentenced to death for murder

A group of eight accused who stood indicted with murder were found guilty and sentenced to death by Kalutara High Court Judge Pradeep Abeyratne today.

Jasver, Ranjith, Manil could rule FSL for 36 years if given power - Anura

If the joint party including immediate past President Umar Jasver, former President Ranjith Rodrigo and former senior vice President Dr. Manil Fernando are given the power of football administration during Football Sri Lanka (FSL) elections for 2023-2027, there will be no other party for more than 36 years, Anura de Silva, a former FSL President and Polgahawela Football League President said.

SLPI Launches “A study of the Annual Report submitted by Public Authorities to RTIC”

Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) CEO Kumar Lopez emphasized the need to strengthen RTI given the challenges ahead with several Acts, such as the Data Protection Act, which indirectly defeats the purpose for which the RTI Act was enacted.

Met. Dept. warns of continuous rainfall

While issuing a weather forecast for the next 36 hours, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre warns of continuous rainfall during the next few days.

Sri Pada open for off-season pilgrim

The Ratnapura-Sri Pada Road (Palabaddala Road) and the Nallathani Road will be open for pilgrims who climb the Sri Padaya during the off-season, the Wildlife Conservation Department said.

Wannithilake to captain Sri Lanka at Singapore Nation Cup Netball

The Sri Lanka Netball Federation Selection Committee has picked veteran Dulangi Wannithilake to lead the national team at the 14th Singapore Nation Cup Invitation Netball Tournament 2023.

Full economic recovery not yet assured: IMF team says cocluding visit to SL

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team concluding its visit to Sri Lanka said that despite early signs of stabilization, full economic recovery is not yet assured.

Maheesh Theekshana sent for injury rehab, to join World Cup squad later

Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad which reached Guwahati today (Wednesday) is without its ace-spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

Train delays on coastal line to continue

Following the damage caused by the derailment of a train on the coastal line, the Railways Department said the damaged track cannot be repaired today.

Five acting ministers appointed

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who embarked on an official visit to Germany early this morning has appointed five acting ministers to oversee the responsibilities of the Ministries under his purview during his absence.

Korea International Cooperation Agency grants $6 Mn to Education Ministry

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) provided a grant worth 6 million USD to the Ministry of Education and Tertiary and the Vocational Education Commission to implement the Tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Career Platform, KOICA said in a statement.

US teens ransack, loot Philadelphia shops in flash mob-style raids

Groups of masked and hooded teenagers broke into and swarmed shops in Philadelphia’s city centre, grabbing merchandise and fleeing on foot in flash mob-style raids, authorities and witnesses say.

Early childhood education compulsory for children at age four: Minister

While Sri Lanka becomes one of the few countries in the world with free education and further expands free educational opportunities from the first-year to university, early childhood education will be made compulsory for all children who reach the age of four, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Five arrested with gold worth Rs. 123 million

A group of five air passengers including four women who attempted to smuggle into the country a consignment of gold biscuits and jewellery valued more than Rs.123 million was arrested by the Customs Narcotics Control Unit during a raid in the early hours of this morning at the Bandaranaike International Airport. (T.K.G. Kapila)

President leaves for Germany

President Ranil Wickremesinghe left for Germany to deliver the opening remarks at the Leaders’ Dialogue session during the ’Berlin Global Dialogue’ on September 28-29, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Russian appeals court upholds opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s 19-year prison term

A Moscow appeals court has upheld a 19-year prison sentence for Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was convicted on extremism-related charges in August.

Nepal first team to score over 300 in T20 internationals

Nepal became the first men’s team in history to score more than 300 runs in T20 international cricket on Wednesday as they rewrote the record books against Mongolia at the Asian Games.

Why is Ali Sabry dragging Sri Lanka in the Indo-Canada conflict?

Sri Lankan politicians are a surprising lot. At the height of the political crisis when the local economy collapsed and the country ran out of money, all political leaders appealed to the international community for help. And in goodwill many countries stepped forward to assist the nation, some with their own interests while others came forward in friendship.

At least 113 killed, over 150 injured as fire engulfs wedding party in Iraq

At least 113 people have been killed and more than 150 injured in a fire that ripped through a wedding celebration in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, local officials and emergency services said.

Derailment delays trains on coastal line

A train derailed on the coastal line between Kollupitiya and Bambalapitiya this morning, causing a delay in service, the Railways Department said.

Advisory on heavy rain warning issued for seven districts

An advisory on heavy rains above 100 mm was issued for the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department said.