Resolution on SL introduced in Human Rights Council in Geneva

The draft resolution, titled, ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka’ which has been proposed by a group of states comprising Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, North Macedonia, the United States and the United Kingdom, has been tabled at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva today.

Brigadier Ravi Herath appointed as Director of Army media

Brigadier Ravi Herath of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC) assumed office as the new Director Media and Army Spokesman at the Army Headquarters during a brief formal ceremony today.

Kanchana & Ministry involved in massive corruption? Dayasiri reveals

General Secretary of the SLFP, former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara alleged that a major fraud involving government politicians has taken in the procurement of crude oil for the CPC running into US$ 100 million (Rs. 36 billion approximately) from a single shipment recently.

Debate on 22A postponed for next week

Party leaders who met today have decided to postpone the debate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene announced today.

Pay your half a million electricity dues - CEB warns Dayasiri

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has sent a notice to parliamentarian Dayasiri Jayasekera informing him to settle his electricity bill dues amounting to Rs. 637,448.38.

At least 31 people killed in mass shooting in Thailand

At least 31 people have been killed after a former police officer opened fire at a pre-school child daycare centre in Thailand, police say.

Japan says no pact yet with Sri Lanka on debt restructure talks

Japan has not yet reached an agreement with crisis-hit Sri Lanka to co-chair a summit on negotiations with creditor nations, a government official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters, brushing aside a statement from Colombo on Thursday.

SL seeks Intl. Dev. Assn. assistance to get concessional financing: President

Sri Lanka has sought the assistance of the International Development Association to get concessional financing as the nation can no longer afford commercial borrowings, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Ranjith Bandara appointed COPE Chairman

SLPP MP Prof. Ranjith Bandara has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) with majority votes, Communications Department of Parliament said.

Maithripala’s writ petition against magisterial inquiry to be heard on Monday

A writ petition filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena challenging the magisterial inquiry and issuance of summons against him in connection with the Easter Sunday attack incidents was today fixed for support by Court of Appeal.

Cup of tea lowered by Rs. 30, fixed at Rs. 100: Assn.

The All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) has taken steps to reduce the price of a cup of black and milk tea effective from tonight.

All engaged in paddy mafia based in Polonnaruwa: Namal Karunaratne

Why does former President Maithripala Sirisena stage protests against paddy mafia when all the culprits behind controlling paddy trade are in Polonnaruwa, All Ceylon Farmers Federation Convener Namal Karunaratne questioned.

No approval from TRCSL to up telecom charges

Though telecommunication companies have announced to revise their charges, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRCSL) today said that they have not given such approval for any increase.

Monetary Board maintains SDFR and SLFR at current levels

The Monetary Board announced today that a decision has been taken to maintain the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank at their current levels of 14.50 per cent and 15.50 per cent.

Rash of child deaths in Gambia linked to cough syrups made in India - WHO

The deaths of dozens of young children in Gambia from acute kidney injuries may be linked to contaminated cough and cold syrups made by an Indian drug manufacturer, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

Three in same family shot dead in Minuwangoda

Three persons belong to the same family have been shot to death in a shooting incident at Gammanagedara, ​​Minuwangoda this morning.

Efforts underway to identify root causes of food losses in Sri Lanka

Efforts are underway to identify the root causes of food losses in Sri Lanka, with the support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIRA), so that the local authorities are able to address the issue and create a new economic value chain.

Fuel Pass card for tourists launched

The Tourist Fuel Pass and Prepaid Card system were launched yesterday, enabling tourists to use a US$ Prepaid Card to get fuel from more than 300 filling stations across the country, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Windforce announces diversification into electric vehicles

Renewable energy producer Windforce PLC yesterday announced its entry into the electric vehicle (EV) and its supporting services market, with an investment of Rs.200 million.

SLTDA DG Dhammika Wijayasinghe steps down

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Director General Dhammika Wijayasinghe yesterday announced that she would be stepping down from her role at the entity.

Lanka poised to become winter escape for European tourists

With an increasing number of Europeans looking to avoid an expensive winter, due to the skyrocketing energy prices, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is positioned to grow exponentially in the upcoming winter season, supported by the devalued rupee and recent relaxation of travel advisories, according to the latest report by First Capital Research (FCR).

OPEC+ production cuts could scuttle SL’s hopes for further reduction in fuel prices

Sri Lanka’s hopes for lower oil prices at the pump could face hurdles, as the members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its Russia-led allies, a group collectively known as OPEC+, yesterday decided on what analysts called “a monster cut” to oil production to stabilise the global oil prices, which have been falling for months.

Sri Lanka will get far less favourable votes at the UNHRC; Ali Sabry

Sri Lanka will get “significantly lesser” number of favourable votes at the UN Human Rights Council, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on Wednesday said, apparently resigned to reduced international support at the Geneva forum whose 51 st session is underway.

If COVID risk rises globally, it will affect us: Dr. Ginige

If the risk of the COVID virus increases globally, it will also affect our country, and the number of reported positive cases will also increase, which will cause an increase in the number of deaths, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said.

Red alert issued; strong winds, rough seas forecast off coast: Met Dept.

A red alert (high risk) has been issued cautioning seafarers about strong winds and rough seas off the coast extending from Galle to Pottuvil via Hambantota, the Meteorology Department said today.

US Embassy in Colombo closed on Monday

The Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka today announced that its Consular Section will be closed on Monday (10) in observance of a US Federal holiday.

Kelani Valley trains run only up to Kosgama for three days: Railways Dept.

Train services on the Kelani Valley railway line will be limited to Kosgama railway station for three days beginning this Friday, the Railway Department said.

Another filling station sealed due to irregular fuel dispensing

A filling station managed by the Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) in Wallawaya was sealed due to many irregularities and a short fuel supply, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

US Green Card lottery opens

The US Embassy in Colombo announced that the 2024 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery Program, popularly known as the ’Green Card Lottery’, will be accepting online applications starting tonight.

Hill country leopard trapped in house

A hill country leopard was seen trapped inside a house in Mount Vernon estate in Patana near Talawakele was safely captured and taken to Randenigala Veterinary Medical Unit by wildlife conservators from the Haggala wildlife office.