Govt. to release 1mn kg of rice from customs

The government is contemplating to release the containers with one million kilogrammes of rice that have been detained at Sri Lanka Customs for many years over numerous issues, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Over 100mm rain forecast today: Met. Dept.

Heavy rains exceeding 100 mm could be expected today in Western, Central, North-Western, and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts, the Meteorology Department said.

Fort Police OIC intimidated me before my lawyer – Journo complains to HRCSL

A representative of the Young Journalists Association (YJA), who went to lodge a complaint with the Fort Police over the misconduct of two senior police officials over the October 10th protest held in Galle Face, said he was intimidated by the Fort Police OIC in the presence of his lawyer.

Coastal line time table revision withheld: Railways Dept.

The decision on revising the train timetable on the coastal line will not be done today, the Railways Department said.

India finds serious violations at firm linked to Gambia deaths, suspends production

Indian health authorities said on Wednesday they had halted all production of New Delhi-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals after a WHO report that its cough and cold syrups exported to Gambia may be linked to the deaths of dozens of children there.

IMF downgrades growth projections for Sri Lanka

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday announced a downgrade in Sri Lanka’s growth projections for 2023, expecting gross domestic product (GDP) to contract, as opposed to the previous expectation of the economy witnessing positive growth.

Using children as shields in protests is a serious offence - President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe pointed out that using children as human shields during demonstrations is a serious offence according to the law of the country and advised the Sri Lanka Police to take immediate measures to prevent the perpetuation of such conduct.

Diagonosed COVID cases decline, not eliminated: Dr. Herath

The number of reported diagnosed COVID-19 cases has gone down, but the virus has not come to an elimination stage, Deputy Director of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said.

Order on Maithripala’s writ petition fixed for Friday

The Court of Appeal today fixed for Friday (14) to announce whether it issues an order quashing the summons issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate on former President Maithripala Sirisena in connection with the Easter Sunday attack incidents.

MR lauds Solheim for being appointed as Prez’s Intl. Climate Adviser

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa congratulated former Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim for being appointed as an International Climate Adviser to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and assured to support him in his new role.

CID brings Thilini Priyamali to WTC

The owner of Thico Group (Pvt) Ltd Thilini Priyamali, was brought to the World Trade Centre (WTC) by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for a site examination over her alleged links to mega financial fraud.

Complaints flowing in against Thilini Priyamali; 9 lodged so far

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received at least nine complaints against Thilini Priyamali, the owner of Thico Group (Pvt) Ltd, over her alleged links to mega financial fraud.

Range Bandara hits back at claims that Ranil was rehabilitated

Responding to recent comments that President Ranil Wickremesinghe was rehabilitated, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said it was Ranil Wickremesinghe, who rehabilitated all those politicians, who had even found it difficult going before the people.

UL likely to extend Nepal flights up to Lumbini

Discussions were held today to commence direct flights between Colombo and Lumbini, Nepal for the convenience of Sri Lankan pilgrims visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Ganiya Bannister in Swiss Embassy case raised objections against the charges

Swiss Embassy employee Ganiya Bannister Francis who is facing criminal charges before Colombo High Court for allegedly making a false claim that she has been abducted and sexually harassed today raised preliminary objections challenging the maintainability of the charges.

Myanmar court extends Aung San Suu Kyi’s prison sentence to 26 years

A court in military-run Myanmar has sentenced Aung San Suu Kyi, the country’s deposed former leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner, to three additional years in jail for corruption, a source familiar with the case told CNN, extending her total prison term to 26 years.

’Although not alive, I can still create art,’ robot Ai-Da tells UK lawmakers

A ’’robot artist’’ called Ai-Da told British lawmakers on Tuesday that although it was an artificial creation, it was still capable of producing art, as it spoke at a parliamentary inquiry into how new technologies will affect the creative industries.

Have patience; continue trying to apply for 2024 Diversity program; US Embassy

While issuing a consular notice, the US Embassy in Colombo today said people should be patient and continue trying to apply for the 2024 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program.

Erik Solheim appointed Presidents’ Intl. Climate Adviser

Former Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim, who is currently in Sri Lanka, was appointed as an International Climate Adviser to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed.

’Chess Sudu’ nabbed with narcotics valued over Rs. 50Mn

A 34-year-old Ranil Chaturanga alias ’Chess Sudu’ has been arrested with over 4 kg of ICE during a raid by the Welikada Police at Obesekarapura in Rajagiriya.

New Zealand proposes cow, sheep burp tax to curb emissions

New Zealand’s government has proposed taxing the greenhouse gasses that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.

Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill published

The Government Printer has published the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Daraft Bill yesterday.

Roaming leopards instill fear among Hatton residents

Leopards which are roaming freely in the Ruwanpura and Kudagama areas near Hatton, instilling fear among the people living in those areas.

Triple murder suspect at large; Police seek help

Police today released a photograph of the main suspect wanted over the triple murder of a father and two of his sons who have been shot to death. The said they are seeking public assistance to arrest him over the heinous crime which took place on October 6 in Minuwangoda.

Govt. to allocate land on long-term lease for selected investors

A total of 16 land plots will be allocated for 16 investors under a long-term lease basis for a period of 35 years, the government said.

Import, Export Control Act to be submitted to parliament for approval

The regulations under the Import and Export Control Act will be submitted for parliament approval in due course after Cabinet ....

Apparel manufacturers fear recent tax policy might affect competitiveness

Sri Lanka’s apparel sector is currently witnessing a significant decline in orders, a pattern which the industry fears may continue....

Daulagala promoted as CBSL Deputy Governor

The Monetary Board, with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance, has promoted Mrs. K M A N Daulagala, Assistant Governor and the Secretary to the Monetary Board, to the post of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) with effect from October 7.

LAUGFS lowers 12.5kg cylinder price by Rs.500

The price of a 12.5kg domestic LAUGFS gas cylinder has been brought down by Rs. 500 from midnight today, LAUGFS Holdings said.

10 rotties, a bottle of soft drink auctioned for Rs. 10,000 in Matale

Ten rotties and a bottle of soft drink have been auctioned for Rs. 10,000 in Bakamunayaya, Matale in aid of the village funeral society.