Govt. responds to reports on employees salary cut

There is no truth in the reports spread through social media that the salary of government employees will be curtailed from next month, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

US$ 6mn grant from Korea to rejuvenate people affected by COVID

An agreement was signed between Public Administration Ministry and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of the people of Central and Uva Provinces those who affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Award winning actor Darshan Dharmaraj no more

LPopular Sri Lankan actor Darshan Dharmaraj passed away at the age of 41 this morning, hospital sources said.

Woman accidentally shot dead by police during robbery

A 29-year-old woman was shot dead in a shooting by police at Danowita in Gampaha this morning

More than 120 dead in football stampede in Indonesia

At least 127 people have died in a stampede at an Indonesian football match after police tear-gassed rioting supporters, officials say.

High Security Zones removed

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones.

Third coal power plant in Norochcholai fixed, operates in full capacity: Minister

The third coal power plant in Norochcholai has been fixed and connected back to the national grid, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Fire in house claims lives of young couple at Valvettithurai

A young couple burnt to death due to a fire that broke out in a room of the house at Nediyakadu in ​​Velvettithurai today, police said.

Price of petrol lowered, no change in petroleum products

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced the retail prices of petrol from midnight today.

Mobile app to figure out fake liquor

In view to distilling, marketing, distributing and selling fake or bootleg liquor, other than the genuinely distilled and marketed alcoholic beverages, the Excise Department has introduced a new mobile application to identify the original status of the alcoholic liquor being sold in the wine stores and by other nominated sellers, Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Fuel price revision likely today

A fuel price revision for the first quarter of this month to be made today, the power and energy ministry had earlier announced.

Govt. to provide nutritious meal for 1,080,000 schoolchildren prior to schools re-open: President

Measures have been taken to provide a balanced meal at the expense of the government and as an initial step, a nutritious meal for 1,080,000 schoolchildren prior to the reopening of schools, is already in progress, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

If 10 liters or more fuel allowed, tuk tuk fares would be lowered from this week: Assn.

If the Power and Energy Ministry allows another ten more litres of fuel for three-wheelers, three wheeler fares would be brought down, All Island three-wheeler Drivers’ and Owners’ Association President Sudhil Jayaruk said.

Resultant of new tax; prices of bakery products could go up: Assn.

Prices of bakery products may go up again after the Social Security Contribution Tax comes to force today, the All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association (ACBOA) said.

2.5% Social Security Contribution Tax from today

The Social Security Contribution Tax will come into force from today on importers, manufacturers, service providers, wholesalers, and retailers whose total turnover exceeds Rs. 120 million per annum.

India’s RSS chief says only India helped Sri Lanka

Addressing a programme organized by Bharat Vikas Manch, an organization associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), chief Mohan Bhagwat said that it was only India that helped Sri Lanka and Maldives when these countries were in distress while other countries were interested in finding business opportunities, the Indian media reported .

President returns after visits to Japan, Philippines

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his delegation arrived at Katunayake Airport last night (September 30) after winding up their official visits to Japan and the Philippines, the duty officer in charge of the airport said.

Demand for beer likely to go up as it becomes affordable option compared to spirits: Fitch

Sri Lanka is expected to witness an increase in demand for beer going forward, as the high cost of living coupled with soaring inflation makes it a more affordable option, Fitch Ratings said.

Negative portrayal of Sri Lanka hits tourism sector hard: Tour operators

The exaggerated negative portrayal of the current situation in Sri Lanka is taxing the hard-hit tourism sector, making it increasingly difficult to move towards the path of revival.

Colombo inflation flirts with 70% in Sept. as prices surge

Inflation in capital Colombo, as measured by the year-on-year (YoY) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), rose to 69.8 percent in September, from 64.3 percent in August, as the crisis-struck nation continues to battle with exorbitant prices.

Sri Lanka Legends win by 14 runs; to play final against IND-L

Sri Lanka Legends beat West Indies Legends by 14 runs in the semi-finals of the Road Safety World Series. Ishan Jayaratne and Nuwan Kulasekara starred as Sri Lanka Legends moved to the finals.

No force behind appointing MR as PM: Welgama

There is no force behind appointing former premier Mahinda Rajapaksa again. The Rajapaksa tide has already died down, Kalutara district Samagi Jana Bala (SJB) MP Kumara Welgama said.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka files petition against High Security Zone gazette  

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka and a senior lawyer today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order suspending the operation of the gazette notification issued by the President, declaring High Security Zones in Colombo city.

2hr 20 minutes power cut approved for Saturday, Sunday

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved two hour and 20 minutes power cut for tomorrow (1) and day after (2).

School land acquisition to Upper Kothmale Hydro Power Project: SC orders CEB to construct auditorium for school

The Supreme Court today ordered the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to construct an auditorium for Thalawakele Tamil Maha Vidyalaya for its failure to build a new Auditorium as agreed in lieu of land acquisition to the Upper Kothmale Hydro Power Project.

Modernized BIA will be available by end 2024: Minister

Development of aviation infrastructure facilities of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) are progressing well even amidst the economic crisis and that the enhanced facilities would be available for use by the end of 2024, Civil Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said today.

CMC opposes Lotus Tower musical show named ‘Hellfire’

Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) allowed the Hellfire Music Festival to go ahead at Lotus Tower today with the new name “ Fire’ the Colombo Municipal council (CMC) said today.

Political tsunami likely by end October to wipe off corrupt politicians: Hirunika

A political tsunami will be highly likely by the end of October this year in which all corrupt politicians will be wiped off, former MP and Head of Samagi Vanitha Balawegaya Hirunika Premachandra said today.

SL to receive another consignment of medical aid worth USD 2.74Mn from USA

Another consignment of medical aid worth USD 2.74 million donated by Hope Worldwide, an American humanitarian donor organization, and is due in Sri Lanka in the first week of October, the Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States said.

Maithripala files writ petition against magisterial inquiry relating Easter Sunday attacks

Former President Maithripala Sirisena today filed a writ petition in Court of Appeal challenging the magisterial inquiry and issuance of summons against him in connection with the Easter Sunday attack incidents.