Chinese scientists develop mask that detects COVID, flu exposure

Chinese researchers have developed a mask that lets users know if they’ve been exposed to Covid-19 or the flu, a development that could help vulnerable populations even as the use of face coverings falls and more nations ease virus restrictions.

Organic fertiliser pivot continues to send shockwaves through agriculture sector

The disastrous organic fertiliser pivot, which came to a head in the second quarter of this year, plunged Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector to an unprecedented decline, creating a massive food crisis in the country.

People’s revolt inevitable if no polls are held within 6 months. Ven. Dhammarathana

If a general election is not held within the the next six months after the formation of an all-party government, a revolt by public could become inevitable, Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya head Ven. Valahangunawewe Dhammarathana Thera said.

Prices of confectionary items to come down with immediate effect

After several weeks of paying exorbitant prices to procure what used to be affordable snacks, consumers will witness a drop in the prices of confectionary products across all product categories.

Construction shrinks twice as much as economy in 2Q

While the broader economy contracted by 8.4 percent in the second quarter ended in June, the construction activities, which contributed an outsize 9.5 percent to the overall economic output, shrank by nearly twice as much as in the same period, indicating its importance to the Sri Lankan economy, specially in the post-war era.

Temples to go dark on Vap Poya

The Sri Lanka Ramanya Mahanikaya’s Central Province Sangha Sabha has taken a decision to turn off the lights of all temples during the upcoming Vap poya day as a mark of protest against the increased electricity tariffs, Chief Sangha Nayaka of the Central Province – Ven. Godamune Pannakitthi said

Tourist arrivals during Sept. 1-15 hit almost 15k

Tourist arrivals for the first 15 days of September totaled 14,833, bringing the arrivals for the January 1 to September 15 period to 511,263.

Attestation, Verification process at the Consular Affairs Division resumes tomorrow

The computer system breakdown experienced in the Attestation and Verification unit of the Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been resolved, and the functionalities will resume tomorrow (20).

Tell even leaders of our political party to behave in the way you want: Sarath Fonseka

Whilst stating that Sri Lanka’s political culture should be changed, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Chairman Sarath Fonseka said people should get even SJB leaders to behave in the way they want.

Getambe Cheithiya on verge of collapse

More than 500 year old Bodhi and the Cheithiya in Getambe temple ground are exposed to the danger of being eroded into the Mahaweli river. Anunayaka of the Sri Lanka Ramanniya Nikaya Ven. Keppitiyaoda Siriwimala Thera said the Bodhi ground and several buildings had developed cracks and were facing the danger of collapsing into the river if protective step were not taken immediately.

Don’t try to hoodwink the voter

If President Ranil Wickremesinghe has extra cash, he is free to hold a referendum, but he cannot use it to hoodwink the voter to postpone the Local Government (LG) polls, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today.

Ex-CID officer arrested along with Shani Abeysekera: PSC fails to pay his salary as directed by SC

It was revealed that no steps have been taken by Public Service Commission (PSC) as directed by Supreme Court to pay the salary of former CID sub inspector Sugath Mendis who was arrested and interdicted along with former CID Director Shani Abeysekera.

Queen’s funeral: Elizabeth II’s final journey begins

The Queen’s final journey is under way as her coffin is carried by gun carriage to her funeral service at Westminster Abbey.

UN resident coordinator makes an appeal for SL

UN Resident Coordinator in Srilanka Hanaa Singer said Sri Lanka needs her friends to show solidarity to address shortages in food and medical supplies as Sri Lanka is facing a severe socioeconomic crisis that impacts all its citizens.

Patali warns RW of another public uprising

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka has warned President Ranil Wickremesinghe of another public uprising if Wickremesinghe fails to perform after taking over the presidency.

Jacqueline Fernandez summoned again by Delhi Police in Rs 200-cr extortion case

Actor Jacqueline Fernandez has been summoned again today by the Delhi Police for questioning in a ₹ 200 crore extortion case linked to jailed conman Sukesh Chandrashekar, sources have said.

Can revive country in five years: Rajitha

Even if some people claim that it would take 10 years to revive the country back to normalcy, SJB MP Rajitha Senaratne said they could do it in around five years.

The Queen’s lying in state ends ahead of state funeral

The lying-in-state ceremony for Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Hall formally ended and the doors closed to the public ahead of her state funeral on Monday.

Ranil extends Col term appointed by GR

The term of the 3-member Commission of Inquiry (CoI) appointed by the former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to investigate, inquire into and report or take necessary action on the findings of preceding Commissions or Committees appointed to probe into human rights violations, serious violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and other such offences, was extended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Tore nails off and kept saying ’’money’’: police give details about capture of Sri Lankan citizens

The National Police of Kharkiv Oblast have reported the details of seven Sri Lankan citizens who had been in captivity and managed to free themselves after liberation of the oblast.

Lotus Tower nets over Rs. 7 mn from visits by public

The Lotus Tower Management said that they have earned over Rs.7 million until yesterday from the date the tower was opened for public viewing, Lotus Tower Head of Management, Prasad Samarasinghe said.

Daughters demand Rs.200,000 to take care of father

An 82 year old father of seven daughters yes­ter­day made a com­plaint to the Padukka police that his daugh­ters were demand­ing Rs.200,000 to take care of him. He reques­ted the police to help him.

Police launches probe as Peradeniya Uni student who goes missing

Peradeniya Police have initiated investigation into a complaint over the disappearance of a fourth year student of the University of Peradeniya.

Govt. invites LIOC to build refinery in Trincomalee

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said the government has invited the Lanka IOC (LIOC) company to set up Sri Lanka’s second oil refinery in Trincomalee.

Cement usage slumps 19% in first half reflecting slowdown in construction

Total cement usage in the country has plunged 19 percent in the six months to June 2022 reflecting the depth of the contraction in construction activities and thereby the impact on the country’s total economic output.

Govt. revenue considerably up in first half amid tax increases

The government revenue in the first half of 2022 jumped the most in recent times as Value Added Tax (VAT) and a slew of other taxes were raised effective from June as part of broader fiscal sector reforms....

Tourism earnings reach US$ 900mn in January-August period

The repeatedly battered tourism industry in the last three years is showing some recovery with the resurgence of global leisure travel and the focused efforts by the Lankan authorities and industry stakeholders to lure more travellers to the country.

Privately-owned hydro power sector risks imminent shutdown as CEB fails to honour payments

Sri Lanka’s privately owned hydro power sector risks an imminent shutdown with virtually all cash-flows drying up as a result of Ceylon Electricity Board’s failure to honour payments to the tune of Rs.20 billion....

Lanka IOC kicks off commercial operations of SL’s first grease plant

Lanka IOC (LIOC) PLC said it commenced commercial operations of Sri Lanka’s first grease manufacturing plant at LIOC Terminal in Trincomalee.

Calls grow louder to make public transport mainstay

Experts last week made a strong case as to why Sri Lankans should embrace public transport as part of their everyday life and make private vehicle use restrained as much as possible after the country....