GDP shrinks 8.4% in 2Q amid economic and political turmoil

Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted the most in two years in the quarter ended June (2Q22), the first full quarter since the country plunged into a deep economic crisis followed by social and political upheaval, which disrupted most of the economic activities amid widespread shortages and soaring prices.

Govt.’s latest move signals green-light for gaming operations at JKH’s Cinnamon Life

In a move to formalise and regularise the country’s casino industry, the government has published new rules to issue casino licenses upto 20-years along with a regulatory framework, which is expected to officially allow John Keells Holdings’ (JKH) flagship Cinnamon Life to move ahead with its plans to operate a casino within the premises.

72% of Sri Lankans do not support laws that punish LGBT people

In a recently published islandwide survey, 3 out of 4 people said they do not support punishing or criminalizing LGBT people.

KKS-bound train derailed at Kollupitiya

The intercity express train heading to Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia from Kankesanturai derailed near Kollupitiya while it returning to the station yard the Railways Department said.

Services of verification, attestation units at FM suspended due to computer breakdown

Services of the Verification and Attestation units of the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colombo 01 and its Regional Offices in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Matara, Kandy, Kurunegala, will be suspended until further notice, due to a computer system breakdown.

Roger Federer to retire after Laver Cup in September

Roger Federer, one of the greatest players of all time, will retire from top-level tennis after the Laver Cup in London this month.

Do not like to place limits on players - Shanaka

Asia Cup winning captain Dasun Shanaka revealed that Sri Lanka was relaxed and confident in their abilities even after their eight-wicket hammering at the hands of Afghanistan in the tournament curtain raiser.

One dead as car dragged along platform after hitting express train

A 41-year old man had died when the car driven by him hit a Fort-Kandy express train albeit the warning signals were flashing near Yagoda railway station in Ganemulla.

BOI partners with NAITA to upskill and help school leavers find their calling

The Board of Investment (BOI) recently collaborated with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) to address the dearth of human capital at the level of technical skills, which has been a challenge for industries over a period of time.

Mahela to join the Sri Lanka Cricket Team at the World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva said that former cricketer Mahela Jayawardena will join the Sri Lanka cricket team at the World Cup.

Committing grave sexual abuse to an underage girl: CA increases priest’s conviction to 15RI during the appeal

A sentence imposed against a priest for committing grave sexual abuse to an underage girl has been enhanced to 15-year-Rigorous Imprisonment from the original sentence of 11-year-simple imprisonment by Court of Appeal, during the appeal.

India plans to stop financial aid to Sri Lanka after IMF bailout: Report

India does not plan to provide fresh financial support to Sri Lanka on top of the nearly $4 billion it has extended this year, two sources told Reuters, as the island’s battered economy starts to stabilise after a preliminary loan agreement with the IMF.

SL will not join any big power as we don’t want conflict in the Indian Ocean: Prez

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the Indian Ocean region should be opened to all to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial viability, President Media Division said.

September 19 declared school holiday

September 19 has been declared as a holiday for government and government approved private schools, Education Ministry said.

Rajagiriya motor accident case: SC suspends High Court trial against Champika

The Supreme Court today issued an interim order suspending Colombo High Court trial proceedings against Parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka in connection with Rajagiriya motor accident case.

Two youth drown, one rescued in Beruwala

Two youth, who were having a sea bath in Magalkanda beach in Beruwala, drowned while another youth was rescued this morning.

End of COVID pandemic is ’in sight’: WHO chief

The world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday, his most optimistic outlook yet on the years-long health crisis which has killed over six million people.

US$ 22.83 mn, €18.75 mn donation for sustainable industrial development from UNIDO

The European Union has donated US$22.83 million and €18.75 million to Sri Lanka for sustainable industrial development in the country, The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Sri Lanka representative Dr. Rane Van Berkel said.

Wimal strikes again - calls Human Rights Council a golden temple for traitors

Former minister Wimal Weerawansa said that most stupid politicians think that the Geneva Human Rights Council is the place that serves justice to human rights issues.

Elephant population exceeded 7,000: Wildlife Dept.

The wild elephant population in the country has exceeded 7,000, the Wildlife Department said.

Monk arrested at BIA over death of Seeduwa temple chief priest

An 18-year-old Buddhist monk had been arrested over the death of Ven. Medagamuwe Mahanama Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Vatthewa Nandarama temple in Seeduwa, who was found dead at the temple yesterday.

Strugglers caused over Rs. 6 Mn damage to structures in Galle Face Green: Nimal Siripala

The Galle Face strugglers have caused more than Rs. 6 million damage to the structures in the Galle Face Green, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva said.

Ukraine President Zelensky involved in car accident

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been involved in a car accident, his spokesman has revealed.

Court urges Japan to release video of SL student before she died

The Nagoya District Court called on the government to submit part of the video showing the final days of a Sri Lankan woman who died while in detention, Japanese media reported.

Chinese traveller from Colombo found infected with COVID-19 on arrival at Shanghai

A Chinese national who arrived from Sri Lanka has been infected with COVID-19, Shanghai (China) Health Commission said on Thursday morning.

Hospitals postpone routine surgeries to preserve medical equipment during emergency: GMOA

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said it has come to a situation to postpone their routine surgeries to preserve those medical equipment for surgeries may have to be performed during emergency situations in the future.

Mysterious death of Seeduwa temple chief priest; luxury vehicle from temple goes missing

A 50-year-old Ven. Medagamuwe Mahanama Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Vatthewa Nandarama temple in Seeduwa was found dead under suspicious circumstances at the temple yesterday.

RTI Commission warns to notice IGP if police fail to provide correct information

The Right to Information Commission (RTI), which heard an appeal made by journalists requesting information related to expiry dates of the tear gas canisters used by the police in recent protests, yesterday warned to notice Police Chief, if the latter does not provide correct data within ten days.

Leading US Senators unveil a resolution calling for int’l approach to address SL’s crisis

Leading US senators, including the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez have introduced a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri Lanka’s current political and economic crisis, including challenges related to poor governance and economic policy under the Rajapaksa family’s rule.

Shooting continues; Another shot dead in Peliyagoda

An individual was killed in a shooting near Gurukula Vidyalaya in Peliyagoda tonight, police said.