Hasaranga wins ICC Player of the Month award for June

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was named the ICC’s Player of the Month for June, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced

Growing trend of MPs exploiting Parliamentary privileges: BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) announced that there is a growing trend of members of parliament exploiting parliamentary privileges by making statements in parliament, for matters which are sub judice (being considered by a court).

French Naval Ship Lorraine arrives in Colombo

The French Naval Ship Lorraine arrived at the Colombo port on a formal visit this morning.

At least 900 children diagnosed with cancer, 100 with diabetes: Paediatrician

At least 900 children are diagnosed with cancer and 100 with diabetes each year, and now it has become common among children, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Barcelona tear down Nou Camp with cranes in shocking footage of the stadium’s demolition

Footage has emerged of the Nou Camp being torn down to rubble as Barcelona push ahead with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium.

Nigerian gets death sentence and 7 other foreigners jailed to 10 years

The Colombo High Court sentenced a Nigerian national to death over possession of 1.74 kgs of Cocaine while seven other foreigners who were arrested in 2020 with 45.6 kgs of ICE narcotic drugs (methamphetamine crystals) were sentenced to ten years imprisonment each, police said.

Easter Sunday attacks: Maithripala seeks further time to pay compensation

Filing a motion before the Supreme Court, former President Maithripala Sirisena has sought further time to pay the remaining sum of Rs.85 million as compensation to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.

Sajith to appoint own select committee to look into SL’s bankruptcy

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa is to appoint a committee to look into how Sri Lanka went into bankruptcy and has even planned to gather information from foreign institutions, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP said today.

SL Rupee further depreciates against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated further against the US Dollar (USD) today, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Police hunt for Parish Priest over sexual abuse of teenager

The Children and Women’s Bureau of Marawila Police have launched an investigation to arrest a Parish Priest of a Church in Marawila who is said to have sexually abused a 15-year-old school student from time to time for almost a year.

2023 A/L exams to conclude before Christmas: Minister

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, while addressing the delays in conducting examinations, said the 2023 GCE Advanced Level examinations will be held prior to Christmas day.

Two local businessmen nabbed with gold jewellery worth Rs.28 Mn

Two businessmen were arrested this morning by the officers of the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) while attempting to smuggle a stock of jewellery worth Rs. 28 million at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Rare ‘Legume’ tree removed secretly

A group of people had used backhoes to remove an ancient tree called ‘Sri Lanka Legume’ tree, which was protected amid protests of environmentalists when it was planned to be cut down during the construction of the Colombo - Kandy Expressway.

Gazette issued to conduct census of population, housing for 2023, 2024

An Extraordinary Gazette notification (2340/03) was issued announcing the collection of the census of population and housing in Sri Lanka for the years 2023 and 2024.

Gota, Vajira having leisure walk at airport on anniversary night of Aragalaya

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, along with his wife Ioma Rajapaksa, was seen with UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on the night of July 9, ironically the day which marked the first anniversary of his fleeing office following the Aragalaya, a source from the airport said.

Reckless bus drivers continue to claim lives

Reckless driving of buses continues to claim the lives of innocent passengers and such recklessness had led to the tragedy of the loss of lives of at least 13 persons in accidents in Manampitiya and Ambanpola areas within a few hours,investigations revealed.

Lack of advanced lab leads to influx of low-quality drugs: Experts

The absence of an advanced laboratory to test the quality of pharmaceuticals has resulted in an influx of drugs of inferior quality in the market, leading to fatalities of patients at times, medical experts alleged.

Central Bank declines permit renewal for 15 money changers

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided not to renew the money changing permits of 15 money changers (MCs) for the year 2023, due to non-compliance with a condition of the permits issued for the year 2022, which was communicated to the respective MCs on February 22, 2023.

Withdraw charges against civil activists and discharge court cases under PTA /ICCPR

A local journalist yesterday called on the Government of Sri Lanka to withdraw charges against civil activists charged under the PTA and discharge court cases on protest activists charged under the ICCPR at the Universal Periodic Review of the United Nation’s 59th Session.

Lanka IOC contributes Rs.200mn to President’s Fund

During a recent visit of Lanka IOC PLC (LIOC) Chairman Sujoy Choudhury from India to Sri Lanka, the management of LIOC made a contribution of Rs.200 million to the President’s Fund, which was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by Choudhury, in the presence of LIOC Managing Director Dipak Das.

Analysts expect CB to slash rates further to spur growth

Analysts expect a further reduction of 100-200 basis points in policy interest rates by the Central Bank in the coming months, aiming to provide additional support for economic recovery, as inflation is projected to stabilise at the desired mid-single-digit levels, surpassing the initial expectations.

Opposition MPs in committee appointed to look into SL’s bankruptcy to resign?

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa urged all Opposition MPs in the Select Committee appointed to look into how Sri Lanka went into bankruptcy, to resign from the committee and said the Opposition will have its own probe into the matter.

Indian Foreign Secretary arrives on a two-day official visit

Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) for a two-day official visit, an airport duty officer said.

Australia intensifies efforts to curb illegal crises-hit migrants from SL

Amid the prevailing economic hardships in Sri Lanka, the Australian Border Force firmly stated that individuals attempting to enter Australia’s borders illegally will not be provided accommodation, as many Sri Lankans seek means to escape their current circumstances.

Vijitha resigns from Parliamentary Committee to look into SL’s insolvency

NPP MP Vijitha Herath has resigned from the Parliamentary Committee appointed by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane to look into the insolvency of Sri Lanka, claiming that the committee would not fulfill the expected outcome.

Inaugural Lanka T10 league in December

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will conduct the first ever Lanka T10 League, the latest addition in the domestic cricket calendar, in December this year.

Former ISRO chief suffers heart attack in SL, to be airlifted to Bengaluru

Former ISRO chairman and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr K Kasturirangan has suffered a heart attack and is to be airlifted to Bengaluru from Sri Lanka.

KRU to tighten security for home rugby matches following assault on coach Nilfer

St. Joseph’s College Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim, who was assaulted by a spectator after their game against Kingswood College and was admitted to the General Hospital in Peradeniya was discharged late in the evening today.

In current global deteriorating context, monks vulnerable to being victims

Venerable Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera made a claim regarding the viral video footage involving Buddhist monks. He mentioned that in the current global context, including in Sri Lanka, where conditions are deteriorating, monks are a vulnerable group that could be potential victims.

Three Sri Lankan players retained to play in UAE’s ILT20 next year

Three Sri Lankan players are retained by their franchise team (Desert Vipers) to play in the second edition of the UAE’s ILT20 tournament next year, it is learned.