SL grants permission for entry of Chinese tracking vessel

The Sri Lanka Government yesterday (August 12) granted permission for the Chinese tracking vessel Yuang Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port after the Indian and US Governments failed to give ’’concrete reasons’’ for why they opposed its arrival, said the Sunday Times.

Those who could not work in Y’palana Govt with Ranil as PM, now trying to secure positions - MP Dayasiri

Those who castigated Ranil Wickremesinghe and deserted the SLFP saying that they could not serve in the yahapalana government with Ranil as the Prime Minister now are in an intense battle to secure positions under President Wickre

Global apparel industry steps up to support Sri Lanka’s apparel sector

The global apparel industry issued a call to action regarding Sri Lanka’s economic crisis this week, urging the stakeholders across the world to step up efforts in ensuring the island nation’s high-performing sector does not lose momentum.

Industries unhappy with massive electricity tariff hike

The free trade zone manufacturers yesterday called out the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for being unjust towards industries by imposing a massive electricity tariff hike this week, a move that worsens the financial stress of the businesses during the current economic turmoil.

SLAF to recieve first ever Dornier aircraft from India

The first ever Dornier aircraft obtained from India will be inducted to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Fleet on 15th August to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of Sri Lanka.

Protesters completely vacate Galle Face protest site

The protesters at the Galle Face protest site ’’GotaGoGama’’ have completetly vacated the site today after 125 days.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa advised to remain indoors for security reasons at Bangkok hotel

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is staying at a hotel in Bangkok in the heart of Thailand’s capital, where police have advised the ousted Sri Lankan president to remain indoors for security reasons, according to a media report on Friday.

British instagrammer files writ petition against deportation

British woman instagrammer Kayleigh Fraser who had been documenting the Sri Lanka’s anti-government protests on social media has filed a writ petition in Court of Appeal challenging the authorities’ decision to deport her from Sri Lanka.

Funds allocated for providing lunch in schools increased

While expanding the provision of lunch program for schoolchildren, the amount of Rs.30 allocated per student has been increased to Rs.60 from August 1.

Calling applications for NCoE extended

The Education Ministry has extended the date for calling applications for the National Colleges of Education (NCoE) until August 19.

Fr. Jeewantha Peiris  released on bail

Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris who became an active participant in the “GotaGoGama” protest was today released on bail after being surrendered before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court

Principals advised not to consider 80% attendance

School principals have been advised not to consider 80% attendance for the students who are going to sit for the 2022 Advanced Level (A/L) examination in December and for the students who enrolled in the A/L) classes in July 2020, the Education Ministey said.

Discussions underway to allow concessions to low income groups: Govt.

Discussions are in progress to provide concession on electricity bills to low income groups in the revised budget, to be presented at the end of this month, Leader of the House Susil Premajayantha said today.

Police seek public assistance to identify another 40 suspects

The police today released another photograph of 40 persons, seeking public assistance, to identify them for forcibly entering the President’s Resident in Fort and causing damage to the property there on July 9.

Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5 has ‘slowed down’ but still en route Sri Lankan port: Report

Chinese research vessel Yuan Wang 5, which was slated to reach Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port Thursday, has slowed down its voyage — latest satellite imagery shows — after Colombo withdrew its berthing permission following India’s intervention.

Chinese-built PNS Taimur arrives at Colombo port

The Chinese built-Pakistani guided missile frigate (PNS) Taimur arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning.

Trying to bring in consensus among opposition and govt. on all-party-govt.: Harsha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva today said he is engaged in an exercise to bring in a consensus among those who are in the opposition and in the government on an all-party government or on a plan that will be put in place to get Sri Lanka out of the present crisis.

Fr. Jeewantha Peiris surrenders to Court

Fr. Jeewantha Peiris who became an active participant in the “GotaGoGama” protest surrendered to Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court, a short while ago.

Kidnapped teenage girl found with her boyfriend, stranger

The Special Task Force (STF) personnel have arrested a man, believed to the boyfriend of the kidnapped 14-year old girl and another man.

Harak Kata arrested in Dubai

Drug trafficker Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne alias ‘Harak Kata’, who is operating from Dubai, was arrested yesterday by the Dubai police, police said.

Govt. directly handles matter with Chinese Embassy

The government has reportedly taken over the handling of the diplomatic issue regarding the Yuan Wang 5 ship directly through the Chinese Embassy in Colombo instead of going through the Sri Lankan mission in Beijing, Daily Mirror learns.

Italy’s Neos Air to resume weekly flights between Colombo and Italy

Italian airline Neos Air is planning to resume direct flights to Sri Lanka with three weekly scheduled flights between Colombo and Italy.

Colombo port’s June transshipment volumes drop amid social unrest

Transshipment container volumes at the Port of Colombo in June took a blow from the political crisis and social unrest that prevailed in the country, which raised law and order concerns among main shipping lines.

Fmr President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrives in Thailand

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has arrived in Thailand on Thursday for a temporary stay, according to The Straits Times.

Sex maniac arrested for abusing several schoolchildren

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has arrested a suspect for sexual abuse of several school children in the Galle area.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves Singapore for Thailand after short-term visit pass expires

Former Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has left Singapore, after his short-term visit pass expired on Thursday (Aug 11).

SL cannot afford the consequences of offending India or China: Sirisena

Sri Lanka faces the ignominy of losing the trust and friendly relationship of two powerful nations as a result of the idiotic, unprofessional and short sighted handling of the issue of the Chinese research ship Yuang Wang 5, former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena raised alarm yesterday.

Prez regrets NPP’s refusal for dialogue on forming all-party govt.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a letter addressed to National People’s Power (NPP) has expressed his regrets over the decision made by the latter to turn down a request for a dialogue for setting up an all- party government.

JVP writes to Prez; says not ready to join all-party govt.

Claiming that it was pointless being party to the government which was formed with Rajapaksas, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) said today they were ready to react positively if a program was presented with a certain time frame to resolve the burning issues faced by the people.

Children infected with Dengue, COVID-19 on the rise at LRH: Paediatrician

The number of children who are currently receiving treatment for dengue virus and also for COVID-19 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Colombo is increasing, LRH Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.