Not too long before another journalist is killed – Ex-newspaper editor

At the rate atrocities against media personnel are taking place, it is not too long for another journalist killing to be reported, was the opinion of senior English newspaper editor Lakshman Gunasekara who condemned the assault and arrest of Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara.

Possible power cuts due to low water levels in many hydropower generating reservoirs

The water levels in hydropower generating reservoirs are receding rapidly due to the current severe dry weather conditions affecting the country and if the drought continues, there may be power cuts due to the inability of producing enough electricity, officials sources said yesterday.

Sri Lankan executed in Kuwait; relatives refuse to accept body

The relatives of the Sri Lankan who was executed in Kuwait after being convicted for drug trafficking have refused to accept his body for funeral rites, an official said.

Vavuniya birthday party arson and murder suspects handed over to CID

Five suspects were arrested over the incident of setting fire to a house at Thonikkal in Vavuniya while a birthday party was in progress, where a couple was burnt to death and several others injured last week.

Taliban, US hold first official talks since Afghanistan takeover

Taliban leaders have met officials from the United States in Qatar for the first time since their return to power in Afghanistan two years ago.

New projects shortage hinders Sri Lanka’s construction industry

According to a newly released report on the construction PMI survey, Sri Lanka’s construction industry remained contracted in June 2023 amid the lack of new projects, recording a total activity index value of 44.4.

Colombo bounce back for first win, beat Kandy by 27 runs

Babar Azam scored a half-century before the Colombo Strikers’ bowlers rallied to restrict B-Love Kandy’s batsmen in a 27-run win at the R. Premadasa Stadium today, bouncing back from their defeat on the opening day of the Lanka Premier League.

England spark Australia collapse to end Ashes all square

England beat Australia by 49 runs to win the fifth Test at The Oval on Monday and end the Ashes series all square at 2-2 after the tourists suffered a dramatic collapse.

Public protests cannot be prevented through court orders or suppressive laws: AKD

Claiming that the government must stop tampering with the EPF and ETF funds of the working people, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that the government cannot prevent public protests against its injustice and unreasonable actions through court orders or suppressive laws.

CPC revises fuel prices

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has revised fuel prices, effective from midnight today.

Galle Titans prevails in Super Over after thrilling tie

Galle Titans prevailed over Dambulla Aura after their match ended in a high scoring thrilling tie the second match of the Lanka Premier League tournament played at the R. Premadasa Stadium today.

Decision to import chicken to reduce local prices: Minister

A decision was taken at the Cost-of-Living Committee meeting to import chicken if the local price per kilo of chicken is not reduced, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando said.

Permission not sought for LPL: Sports Minister

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe said neither Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) nor the rights holder for the Lanka Premier League (LPL) had sought his permission before conducting this year’s edition of the LPL.

MPs cannot walk into state institution without prior notice: Keheliya

While referring to the visit of a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) group led by MP Kavinda Jayawardene to the National Medical Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said no MP can walk into any state institution without prior notice.

Inflation drops to single-digit levels in July

The headline inflation in Colombo district as measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) reached single-digit levels to 6.3 percent in July, easing from 12 percent in June.

Minister orders to suspend use of rice for beer production

The Agriculture Ministry has decided to immediately suspend the use of rice stocks for the production of animal feed and beer.

Health trade unions warn of major strike action

The Health Trade Unions have decided to launch a major token strike at all government hospitals on Thursday (03) over several concerns including the recent circular issued by the Health Ministry Secretary advising public employees not to release information to the media.

Court stops AKD’s protest march

The Fort Magistrate has issued an order preventing National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and six others from engaging in protest or demonstration in several areas in the Colombo Fort area from 12.00 pm till 6.00 pm today.

Justice Iddawela declines to hear Maithripala’s writ petition

Appeal Court Judge Neil Iddawela has recused himself from hearing the writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena, challenging the magisterial inquiry and the issuing of summons against him in connection with the Easter Sunday attacks.

Probe commenced over death of three-year-old boy at LRH

The Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital has commenced an investigation into the death of a three-year-old boy who died following a kidney operation at the LRH last week.

50,000 ’Ice’ drug users in SL: Survey reveals

Preliminary findings of a national survey on the use of Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ICE, have found that there are some 50,000 users of the drug in the country, Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Shakya Nanayakkara said.

India railway constable shoots four dead on train

A constable with India’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been arrested after he shot dead four people on a train near the city of Mumbai.

Distorting National Anthem at LPL opening: Minister mulls legal action

Referring to the brouhaha over the video circulating on social media in which a popular singer Umara Sinhawansa was mispronouncing a key lyric whilst performing the National Anthem at the 2023 LPL opening ceremony, Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake warned legal action against the incident.

SJB to bring in resolution calling for dissolution of Parliament?

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya today hinted at bringing in a resolution to dissolve Parliament and hold a snap general election and urged other parties to support this.

Norwegian Embassy in Colombo closes from today

The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo permanently closed down today as part of Norway’s decision to make structural changes in its network of diplomatic missions abroad.

Sri Lankan woman crosses borders to marry Indian man, plans to stay in India

In another cross-border story, a 25-year-old Sri Lankan woman has traveled to India to marry a man from Andhra Pradesh whom she met on Facebook six years ago.

France ready to engage China for common agreement

French President Emmanuel Macron, during his meeting with the Sri Lankan counterpart, is reported to have said that his country will strive to engage China for a common agreement on Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring.

Tourist arrivals in first seven months of 2023 outpace 2022 full-year numbers

Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reveals that tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2023 have already exceeded the total tourist arrivals recorded for the entire year of 2022.

GMOA calls for impartial inquiry over child’s death at LRH

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) urged the health authorities to immediately conduct an impartial investigation into the death of a three-year-old boy, who died following a kidney operation at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH).

HRCSL to summon everyone linked for inquiry

Saying that they had immediately intervened in the incident of Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara being beaten and arrested by police, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) yesterday said they will summon everyone linked to the case for inquiry.