SJB moves to abolish 20th amendment

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) parliamentary group which met at the Opposition Leader’s office today has decided to come up with a private members Bill to scrap the 20th amendment and remove the powers of executive presidency, some of the MPs told journalists.

Fuel distribution under State Ministry of Home Affairs

The Energy Ministry has instructed the Home Affairs State Ministry to assist in monitoring the fuel distribution activities at fuel stations.

Three deaths, three injured due to adverse weather: DMC

At least three people had died and three injured as heavy showers and strong winds lashed the area due to the low-level atmospheric disturbance, that still persists in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

Actress Sanjeewani Weerasinghe hooted and chased away by Lankans from protest in LA

Popular actress Sanjeewani Weerasinghe had been asked to leave from a protest organized by a group of Sri Lankans in Los Angeles, USA, held against the government and the President.

Two men die while waiting in fuel queue

Two men aged 47 and 51 who were standing in queues to get fuel in Dankotuwa and Wennappuwa have died, police said.

Hospitals run out of endotracheal tubes for new-born babies

All pediatricians and neonatologists in the country are in dilemma due to the absence of Endotracheal (ETT) Tubes for ventilation of new-born babies, infants and children.

President to hold crucial meeting with 41 MPs who quit govt.

A decisive and crucial meeting between the SLFP and President Gotabaya Rajapakse is scheduled to be held at 7.00 pm this evening in a bid to find a solution to the current economic, political and social mess affecting the country, former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Siriserna said today.

Heavy showers expected until April 14: Met Dept.

Showers or thundershowers would occur at several places this morning due to the turbulent nature of the lower sea area off the east coast of the country and the current rainy situation will persist until April 14, the Meteorological Department said.

Water levels of major reservoirs increasing: Irrigation DG

The water levels in the major reservoirs have risen by 67 percent as a result of heavy showers of more than 100 mm in the major reservoir areas, according to Irrigation Department Director General K.D.N. Siriwardana.

Raw material scarcity, high prices drive firecrackers on low key: Assn.

Due to the shortage of local and imported raw materials during the past two months, the prices of fireworks products have been increased by 60% during the festive season, the All Islands Firecracker Association (AIFA) said.

Protest at Galle Face Green continues for 2nd day

The Protest launched yesterday against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is still continuing at Galle Face Green in Colombo despite heavy rains.

Heavy showers could help enhance hydropower: PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said that the heavy showers being experienced around the country would enhance the hydro capacity to generate more power.

Another gas shipment sails in: Litro Chairman

A freighter carrying 3,900 metric tons of gas sailed into the Colombo Port yesterday and the unloading process is to begin soon, Litro Gas Lanka Limited Chairman Theshara Jayasinghe said.

Imran Khan ousted as Pakistan’s PM after key vote

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has been ousted from power after losing a no-confidence vote in his leadership.

Water level in major irrigation reservoirs rises to 66%: Irrigation Dept.

The water levels in the major reservoirs have risen by 66% as a result of the recent heavy rains, according to the Irrigation Department.

Red alert for 21 districts on severe lightning: Met Dept.

A Red alert on thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning has been issued today for most parts of the country, the Department of Meteorology said today.

Silverwood appointed as SL men’s cricket Head Coach

Englishman Chris Silverwood has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Sri Lanka’s national men’s cricket team.

Alert sounded along Andhra Pradesh coast to prevent entry of Sri Lankans

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) has cautioned the Coast Guard, Marine Police and the State police in maintaining vigil along the coast as there were incidents of Sri Lankans entering into Indian shores on boats to escape from the severe economic crisis in the island national

Protest launched in Galle Face Green

Heavy traffic was reported near Galle Face Green due to a protest being carried out by the youth, demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down from the Presidency.

Prices of pharmaceutical drugs increased by 20%

Pharmaceutical drugs importers have been permitted to increase the prices of drugs by 20%, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) said.

’’I will not leave Sri Lanka and will answer all allegations’’ - Cabraal

Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Central Bank Governor who resigned from his post earlier this week, said he will not leave Sri Lanka and will instead answer all allegations leveled at him by various parties.

SL Tamil couple lands in Tamil Nadu with two kids seeking refuge

RAMESWARAM: Hit by the punishing economic crisis, another Sri Lankan Tamil couple landed on Indian shores along with their two children in a fiberglass boat early on Friday.

UN experts condemn crackdown on protests in Sri Lanka

UN human rights experts urged the Sri Lankan Government to guarantee the fundamental rights of peaceful assembly and of expression during peaceful protests, amid the country’s severe economic crisis.

Actor Will Smith gets 10-year Oscars ban over slapping comedian Chris Rock

The motion picture academy on Friday banned Will Smith from attending the Oscars or any other academy event for 10 years following his slap of Chris Rock at the Academy Awards.

CB sends shockwaves with 700bps policy rate hike to arrest inflation

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank under the newly-appointed Governor Dr. Nanadalal Weerasinghe yesterday delivered a whopping 700 basis point policy rate hike, though many expected a milder hike in the range of 200 to 300 basis points.

Sri Lanka loses apparel and tea orders to India

The regional peers are starting to reap the benefits of the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, a development which threatens the island nation’s most established industries.

NPP ready to support impeachment, NCM: Vijitha

While asserting that it was absurd talking about any solution to the present economic crisis unless President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns, National People’s Power MP Vijitha Herath said today that an impeachment should be moved against the President, if he is not willing to quit.

Another protest at Liberty Roundabout

A group of people attached to the IT Industry are staging a protest against the government at the Liberty Roundabout.

Auto Diesel pumped to buses emit kerosene-like odour: Gemunu

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) yesterday said there is an issue with the quality of the auto diesel pumped to the private buses yesterday and the day before

Police use tear gas to disperse protesting Uni. students

Police used tear gas to disperse a group of university students who were staging a protest at Polduwa junction in Battaramulla this evening.