BASL warns against interference with judiciary through social media

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issued a statement drawing attention to Constitutional provisions that set out penal measures relating to interference with the judiciary.

Third phase of Chemmani mass grave excavation begins after break

The third part of the third phase of excavation work at the Chemmani human mass grave commenced today (Monday).

35 youth from NYSC to participate in exchange programmes in India and Bangladesh

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that 35 youth from the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) have been selected to participate in youth exchange programmes in India and Bangladesh.

SJB youth members and council members rally in Colombo to support democracy ahead of Ranil’s case: Chamith Wijesundera

As former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe prepares for a critical court hearing tomorrow, youth members and newly appointed council members of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are mobilizing in Colombo to express their support for democratic principles and the rule of law.

Quazi Court Judge, wife remanded for soliciting Rs. 2,300 bribe

Kalmunai Maradamadu Quazi Court Judge and his wife were ordered to be remanded till September 8 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama today, over allegations of soliciting and accepting a bribe of Rs. 2,300 as “service charges” from a person who was paying maintenance for his five children.

Five journalists among 20 killed in Israeli strike on hospital, Gaza officials say

At least 20 people, including five journalists working for the international media, are reported to have been killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.

Govt moving towards single-party rule by suppressing opposition: Ranjith Maddumabandara

Former Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara today accused the government of attempting to suppress the opposition and steer the country towards single-party rule.

CSE Closes Lower as Profit-Taking Weighs on Indices

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed on a negative note today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) declining by 73.61 points (-0.36%) to settle at 20,575.59. The market opened with a sharp drop of nearly 188 points amid strong selling pressure, staged a brief recovery, but weakened again towards the close.

Wear seat belts for safety, Not fear: Malagamuwa

International racing champion Dilantha Malagamuwa has urged Sri Lankan motorists to view seat belts as a safeguard for their lives rather than merely a legal requirement.

Bill targets additional privileges, not pensions of former Presidents: AG tells court

The Attorney General today informed the Supreme Court that the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements Bill does not seek to remove the pension rights granted to former Presidents under the current Constitution, but rather to curtail the additional privileges provided to former Presidents and their widows under the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, No. 4 of 1986.

Police protection for Sudatta Thilakasiri withdrawn

Police protection provided to social activist and YouTuber Sudatta Thilakasiri has reportedly been withdrawn.

Democratic Party raises concern over arrest of Ranil Wickremesinghe

The Democratic Party has expressed deep concern over the arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, warning that it signals a dangerous trend of “vindictive and destructive politics” in Sri Lanka.

A group of party leaders in discussion with Sajith

A group of party leaders including former President Maithripala Sirisena and UNP seniors are currently having a discussion with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at his office.

CID complaint over reports of assassinating Ranil in hospital

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received a complaint regarding a social media message calling for the assassination of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Latest update on Ranil’s health condition

Health authorities today issued the latest update on the health condition of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Opposition plans to draw crowds tomorrow over Ranil’s case

A coalition of youth wings from several opposition political parties and civil society groups have announced plans to gather supporters in Colombo tomorrow, coinciding with the court hearing involving former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Diana Gamage gets bail over failing to appear before court

Former State Minister Diana Gamage, on whom an arrest warrant was issued for failing to appear before court, was today released on a surety bail of Rs. 10 million by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.

Western Province Governor denies reports of leaving Government

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof has dismissed claims that he intends to leave the government, describing the reports as “baseless and untrue.”

Did Harini visit Ranil at hospital? PM’s office clarifies

The Prime Minister’s Office today issued a clarification regarding media reports claiming that Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya visited former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Colombo National Hospital last night

BOI inks USD 171Mn CEAT investment deal

The Board of Investment (BOI) has inked an agreement with CEAT OHT Lanka (Private) Limited to formalise a USD 171 million investment, one of the largest recent inflows from India into Sri Lanka’s manufacturing and export sector.

Govt. suppression threatens democracy – Opposition

Whilst alleging that the government is out to suppress the opposition, opposition parties in a joint statement today warned that such suppression will bring about the atrophy and collapse of basic institutions which sustain the democratic system.

Govt to launch major development projects in September: Minister

The government will launch a series of large-scale development projects from September under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake said.

Time to show gratitude to Ranil: Sagala

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe took over a country with a completely collapsed economy when every other leader hesitated. Therefore, this is the time to express our gratitude to him, former United National Party (UNP) MP Sagala Rathnayaka said.

SC commences hearing into petitions against Presidents’ Entitlements Bill

The Supreme Court commenced the hearing of seven Special Determination petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of the proposed Presidents’ Entitlements (Repeal) Bill.

Animal Welfare Coalition urges WHO to intervene in Sri Lanka’s rabies eradication efforts

The Animal Welfare Coalition – Sri Lanka (AWC) has written to the World Health Organization (WHO), warning that the country’s rabies eradication programme is at risk due to the exclusion of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) from national planning.

Chinese businessman kidnapped in Colombo, robbed of USD 60,000 in USDT

The Kollupitiya Police launched an investigation after a group of Chinese nationals in Sri Lanka had allegedly kidnapped a Chinese businessman in Colombo and robbed him of approximately USD 60,000 (about Rs. 180 million) through the USDT cryptocurrency system, police said.

Ranil unable to appear in court on Aug. 26 due to ill-health: Hospital sources

Although former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate on August 26, hospital officials said his prevailing health condition will prevent him from appearing in court on that day.

Long-distance buses to operate under joint timetable from midnight

The National Transport Commission (NTC) announced that long-distance bus services operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and the private sector will run under a joint timetable starting from midnight today.

Japanese city proposes two-hour daily limit for smartphone use

The city of Toyoake in Aichi Prefecture will urge all smartphone users to limit screen time to two hours a day outside work or school under a proposed ordinance that includes no penalties.

SpaceX calls off Starship megarocket launch in latest setback

SpaceX called off a planned test flight for its Starship megarocket on Sunday, saying it needed time to troubleshoot problems, in the latest setback for Elon Musk’s behemoth after a series of explosive failures.