Sri Lanka ranks 95 along with Libya in Passport Index

Singapore has replaced Japan as the most powerful passport among all passports in the world, as it allows visa-free access to as many as 192 global destinations, according to the latest ranking published by Henley Passport Index, released on Tuesday.

Changing ministers will not solve health sector problems: Namal

MP Namal Rajapaksa said an investigation should be held and legal action taken if there have been wrongdoings in the country’s health sector.

Granting presidential pardon to convict cannot be challenged: AG

Granting pardon to a convict by the Executive President is an absolute power conferred on the Executive President that connote be challenged under a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court, said Deputy Solicitor General Nerin Pulle in Supreme Court today.

Sri Lanka made to toil before bowling out Pakistan for 461, Sri Lanka 14-0 at stumps

Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel scored a marathon double century and made Sri Lanka’s bowlers toil on the third day of the first Test in Galle.

Court permits CID to inspect nine bank accounts maintained by Jerome, his wife

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court issued an order permitting the CID to inspect the details of nine bank accounts maintained by Pastor Jerome Fernando, his wife, the Glorious Church and his company, as a part of ongoing investigations into Pastor Jerome over his hate remarks against religious harmony in the country.

Galle Titans eye Overseas Tourneys

The Galle Titans, formerly known as Galle Gladiators, the T20 franchise cricket team featuring in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), is looking to participate in several other leagues overseas with the Galle Titans brand, its owner Nayana Wasalathilake revealed today.

MPs to sign no faith motion against Keheliya tomorrow: SJB MP

The No Confidence motion against Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella is ready for the MPs to place their signatures, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP told journalists in Parliament.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe to visit India

Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit India on an official visit on 21 July 2023 making his first visit to India since assuming the current responsibilities, India’ Ministry of External Affairs said.

Wheat flour price down by Rs. 10 from tonight

Wheat flour manufacturing companies have decided to reduce the retail price of a kilogram of wheat flour by Rs. 10 from tonight and said all agents have been informed of this.

Drug that caused death of young woman at Peradeniya Hospital still in use: Keheliya

The drug that is said to have caused the death of a young woman at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital recently is still in use in hospitals, where more than 66,000 vials of the particular drug are in stock in hospitals islanwide, Health Minister Keheliya Rambuwella said today.

Embarkation levy of 50% on Jaffna Int’l Airport extended for another 6 months

The government today approved the extension of the 50% Embarkation Levy for Jaffna International Airport (JIA) for another six months.

Government approves revisions to water, sewerage fees

The government has approved the revision of water and sewerage fees, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

IBA donates $50,000 to develop boxing in Sri Lanka

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has decided to donate US$ 50,000 as a first step to develop boxing in Sri Lanka.

Bandula reveals how ‘Sri Lanka Legume’ tree was removed so soon

Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa questioned Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardane on how the ‘Sri Lanka Legume’ tree (Crudia zeylanica) which blocked the construction of the Colombo-Kandy Expressway in the Daraluwa area of Veyangoda, was removed within a short period of time.

First school-term ends Friday

The second phase of the first school term would end this Friday, July 21, while the first phase of the second school term would begin on Monday, July 24, the Education Ministry today announced.

Thefts at railway yards, tracks on the rise; STF assistance sought: Bandula

Thefts of iron rods and iron nails at Dematagoda, Ratmalana railway yards and bridges are rampant at present and the assistance of the STF will be sought to provide security to these places, Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardane said today.

Man climbs on court roof claiming unfair treatment by police

A person climbed onto the roof of the Kurunegala court complex this morning alleging that he was treated unfairly by the Malsiripura police.

Two Singapore lawmakers resign after admitting to ‘inappropriate relationship’

Singapore’s government was dealt a further blow on Monday, following the resignations of two lawmakers from the ruling party who admitted to an “inappropriate relationship” with each other.

Driver killed, six injured in Wellawaya bus accident

A man was killed and six others were injured after a bus carrying a group of ten employees of the Uma Oya project, skidded off the road and fell down a 10 metre precipice at Idda Ara in Wellawaya this morning.

Protesters go at MP Rasamanickam over checking bus permits

Heated arguments arose between the bus owners and Batticaloa District Member of Parliament Shanakiyan Rasamanickam soon after he instructed the authorities to check bus route permits with the help of the Police yesterday.

Commonwealth Games in limbo as Australia pulls out as 2026 host

The Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Tuesday citing major cost blow-outs, leaving organisers fuming as they scrambled to keep the multi-sport event afloat.

Risk of damage to 45,000 acres of paddy due to drought: Minister

There is a risk of damage to 45,000 acres of paddy cultivation in Hambantota district, and the paddy harvest in several other districts could be trimmed due to the drought, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Phosphate Co employee tries to assault Executive Officer in presence of State Minister

A tense situation prevailed when Industries State Minister Chamara Sampath Dasanayake visited the Sri Lanka State Phosphate Company in Eppawala for an inspection yesterday.

Sri Lanka attempts to join the world largest trade bloc to heal economy

In its bid to revive the economy in the long run, Sri Lanka has initiated steps to join the world’s largest free trade zone called ’Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ’, a trade grouping of countries including key world economies such as China, Australia and Japan.

Stock of toffees and chocolates with expired date of use seized in Kandy

A large stock of toffees and chocolates with expired date of use was seized by the Municipal Health Department authorities during a raid on a leading business establishment in Kandy.

Samples sent to MRI to ascertain death of four-month old infant

The samples of the four-month-old baby girl who died after the alleged administration of the Pentavalent vaccine have been sent to the Medical Research Institute (MRI) for further investigation, according to health officials.

SL to cross 700,000 tourist arrival milestone today

As tourism activity is picking up after several challenges faced since 2019, Sri Lanka is witnessing an improved pace of tourist arrivals, and it is very likely to cross the 700,000 mark today. The provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed that as of July 16, the island nation has lured a total of 694,908 international travellers for the year so far. The analysis shows that the 700,000 milestone will be cross

CB recommends further relaxing of import controls sans vehicles

With the foreign currency condition in the domestic market seeing a gradual improvement, the Central Bank (CB) appears to have taken a further conciliatory approach for imports, as it has recommended relaxing another batch of 900 goods but without vehicles.

SLMA urges public not to panic over recent health concerns

Irrespective of the recent unfortunate incidents involving the quality of medicines, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) urged the people not to be carried away by such incidents and thereby lose trust on the free healthcare services.

Pay arrears within three months or lose license - Excise Chief warns nine liquor companies

Considering the progress of payment, the Chief of Excise yesterday granted a three-month new payment schedule to the nine leading liquor manufacturing companies to settle its staggering tax arrears of Rs.6.2 billion and warned to revoke their license if they failed to pay the dues fully within the period, the Daily Mirror learns.