Pakistan’s south braces for deluge as death toll from floods tops 1,000

Pakistan’s flooded southern Sindh province braced Sunday for a fresh deluge from swollen rivers in the north as the death toll from this year’s monsoon topped 1,000.

Three-hour power cut trimmed to one hour today

Power cut for today has been reduced to one hour (only in the night) from the normal three hours, due to low demand and resumption of Norochcholai coal power plant, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

No fuel shortage; CPC says fuel distribution functions smooth

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said it has sufficient stock to distribute all types of fuel including diesel, petrol and kerosene without any shortage.

Police to expand probe on illegal foreign currency traders, methods

While urging the public that they should not receive and/or pay foreign remittances through informal methods such as ‘Hawala’ or ‘Undial’ sytems’, the police said it would expand its investigations on illegal foreign currency traders.

24 companies interested in petroleum business in SL: Minister

Twenty-four companies from UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, China, India, Russia, UK, Malaysia, Norway and Philippines have submitted proposals for the Expressions of Interest (EOI)s to engage in the petroleum business in Sri Lanka, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis: Staple foods unaffordable, severe malnutrition in region, says UNICEF

As Sri Lanka continues to suffer its worst financial slump, staple foods have become unaffordable, severe malnutrition is among the highest in the region and it is the poorest, most vulnerable girls and boys who are paying the steepest price, UNICEF has warned.

Naked body of male washed ashore on Kalutara beach

A nude body of an unidentified man was washed ashore on the Kalutara beach this evening, police said.

Afghanistan outclass Sri Lanka in Asia Cup

Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka- Mohammad Nabi-led Afghanistan outplayed Sri Lanka in all three departments of the game to register an eight-wicket victory in the opening game of the Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

India responds to Chinese Ambassador’s remarks on SL

Responding to recent remarks of Chinese Ambassador on Sri Lanka, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka needs support, not unwanted pressure or unnecessary controversies to serve another country’s agenda.

SSP Ruwan Gunasekara appointed Director Police Legal Division

SSP Ruwan Gunasekara has been appointed as the Director of the Police Legal Division by the Inspector General of Police.

May 9 incident: Two victimised Anglican Clergymen awaiting law and justice

Two Anglican Clergymen Fr. Andrew and Fr. Niros, who were victims of May 9 incident, were awaiting for those most responsible to be treated according to law and justice, the Church of Ceylon said.

500 workforce instead of 4,200 at CPC, CPSTL, CEB can do the job efficiently: Minister

A good 500 workforce instead of the 4,200 could do the job efficiently at Ceylon Petroleum Coporation (CPC), Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) and half of the 26,000 workforce at the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), power and energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

If no diesel supply by tomorrow, no school vans on Monday - Assn

School vans would not be on the roads on Monday, if we do not get fuel by tomorrow, the All Island School Van Operators Association (AISVOA) said.

Ranjan will be made member of SJB working committee, parliamentary group: Sajith

Former state minister Ranjan Ramanayake will be made as a member of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) working committee and member of the SJB parliamentary group.

More fuel will be supplied in next 3 days: Minister instructs

After reviewing fuel distribution, the power and energy minister today instructed the distribution of additional stocks of all products islandwide in the next three days.

U.S donates 3000MT of food to feed Sri Lankan school children

The United States, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and in partnership with Save the Children, donated 320 tonnes of split yellow peas to nourish school children across Sri Lanka, a statement from the US embassy said.

Lankan nabbed with gold jewellery worth Rs.55mn at airport

A Sri Lankan passenger who was arrested this morning at the Katunayake International airport for illegally carrying gold jewelery to the value of around Rs.55 million by a team of customs officials at the arrival terminal.

Farmers’ deposits in Govi jana banks exceeded Rs.6bn: Minister

Deposits made by farmer community in the agricultural banks which are run in connection with the Agrarian Service Centers, have currently exceeded Rs.6 billion, Agrarian Bank officials said.

Wild boars, monkeys, hedgehogs removed from Animal Protection Act: Minister

Wild boars, monkeys and hedgehogs (porcupines) have been removed from the National list of Animal Protection Act so far, Agriculture and Wildlife Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Norochcholai Unit 1 added to national grid

Unit 1 of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, which experienced a breakdown on August 15, has been restored and added to the national grid yesterday, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

BIA Customs thwart attempt to smuggle in Rs.16mn worth fags with five inbound passengers

Five passengers coming from Oman with a large stock of counterfeit cigarettes worth over Rs.16 million was seized by Sri Lanka Customs at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) yesterday morning.

Police to launch special operation to curb underworld activities

In the wake of a number of shooting incidents and the rise of underworld activities, the police to launch a special operation from today to suppress the underworld operatives, the Public Security Ministry said.

Plans afoot to lower prices of chicken, fish next week: Minister

Nalin Fernando, the Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister said that a decision will be taken to bring down the selling prices of chicken and fish in the local market.

ADB halts funding for rooftop solar power generation project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) halted funding for the Rooftop Solar Power Generation Project in Sri Lanka, which was aimed at increasing solar power generation and fast-tracking the implementation of the government’s Battle for Solar Energy programme.

China says Ball is in Sri Lanka’s court

Responding to Sri Lanka’s request for China to change its tune on debt relief, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy said the ball is in Sri Lanka’s court, not China’s.

Water bill, sewerage services increased from Sept. 1

While issuing an extra ordinary gazette notification, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has increased the tariffs of water and sewerage services from September 1.

Budget 2023 – 24 Need for a complete overhaul of the system of governance: Bandula

The budget 2023 - 24 will provide a paradigm shift to the entire system of governance in Sri Lanka with drastic changes to economic fundamentals, budget control, monetary management and the continuation of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) among other proposals, Mass Media, Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.

Crisis for SL children cautionary tale for South Asia: UNICEF

The “devastating” crisis for children in Sri Lanka is a cautionary tale for South Asia, said visiting UNICEF Regional Director for the SA region, urging for urgent action to be taken to help address the grim situation.

Ranjan not granted full freedom, civic rights: Sajith

Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake has not got full freedom as he has not been given his civic rights, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said.

Cops who took photos seated on President’s chair face probe - Police tell court

An investigation is underway to find out the policemen who took photographs while sitting on the President’s chair and several other locations inside President’s House, police informed Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday.