Tourist arrivals from August 1 – 11 cross 16,000 mark

Tourist arrivals for the first 11 days of August crossed the 16,000 mark, showing signs of a slight improvement in terms of the rate of arrivals to the country when compared with the previous month.

Reports on ‘War Game’ between Sri Lanka Navy and Pakistan Navy are fallacious; Navy responds

Responding to certain reports relating to scheduled naval exercise with the Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Taimur which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal visit, the Sri Lanka Navy said they conduct Passage Exercises as a routine engagement when their visiting naval ships depart the island after making official port calls.

Man arrested over video showing death threats on son

An individual who attempted to compel his wife who is employed abroad to return to the country, by way of posing death threats on his five year old son was taken into custody by Kuliyapitiya police today.

1 hour & 20 minutes power cut for next two days

The power cut schedule of 1 hour and 20 minutes for Monday (15) and Tuesday (16) was approved today, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

LPBOA appeals to youth, politicians, clergy, govt. servants to engage in betterment service

Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) today made several appeals to the youth who are engaged in Aragalaya, the politicians, government servants and the clergy who too are engaged to uphold the similar cause, to come out and serve for the benefit of the people of this country.

Cardinal calls for a fresh probe on Easter attack

Calling for a fresh probe on the Easter Sunday attacks, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith today said the incumbent President will be accepted only if he works towards uncovering the hidden truth on the Easter Sunday attacks.

90% buses will provide shuttle for school children: Gemunu

Nearly 90% of buses will be on the roads to facilitate schoolchildren from tomorrow, Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said.

Strengthen tug-boat fleet to boost efficacy of the port: Minister

The fleet of tugs at the Colombo Port should be strengthened to further boost the efficiency of the maritime operations at the Port, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Sapugaskanda refinery to resume operation mid next week

Refining activities at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery will resume operations in mid next week after the arrival of crude oil shipment, the Power and Energy Minister said.

Number of vehicles can now be registered under BRN under NFP: ICTA

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) today said Businesses with large fleet of vehicles can now be registered with their Business Registration Numbers (BRN) from today under the National Fuel Pass (NFP).

Prices of bakery products could be lowered drastically, if govt. intervenes: Bakery owners Assn

If the government intervenes to control and reduce the prices of flour, eggs and margarine, the price of a loaf of bread and a bun could be brought down by Rs. 50 and Rs.25, the All Ceylon Bakery Owner’s Association (ACBOA) said.

Arms, drug seizure from Lankan boat: Accused raised funds to revive LTTE, says NIA

In a major revelation in a case pertaining to the seizure of a huge quantity of narcotic drugs along with five AK-47 rifles and 9mm ammunition numbering 1,000 from Sri Lankan fishing boats, the NIA has stated that an accused had been involved in activities of proscribed terrorist organisation LTTE within India and abroad.

Two Sri Lankan nationals arrested on robbery charge in Chennai

The Chennai Airport police arrested two Sri Lankan nationals who allegedly robbed gold jewellery from a Sri Lankan passenger after posing as Customs officers.

CPC instructed to take tough action against defying guidelines by filling station

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has been instructed to take necessary action against filling stations that do not follow the stipulated guidelines, including the QR code, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

COVID-19: Five more deaths, 181 new cases reported

Five more Covid-19 deaths that occurred yesterday(12) were confirmed by the Director General of Health Services today increasing the Civid-19 death toll in Sri Lanka to 16, 954.

WHO seeks public help in renaming monkeypox to fight stigma

The World Health Organization is asking for the public’s help in renaming the monkeypox virus, part of an ongoing effort to discourage harmful misconceptions associated with the current name.

Ban on key diaspora groups lifted

The Government has de-listed some Tamil diaspora groups and individuals.

Schools to operate as per normal schedule from Monday

Government and government approved private schools will function as per normal schedule from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm on all five days a week from next Monay (15), the Education Ministry said.

Ranjan signs letter seeking presidential pardon

Incarcerated former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is reported to have signed the letter which is to be sent to the President seeking presidential pardon.

SL grants permission for entry of Chinese tracking vessel

The Sri Lanka Government yesterday (August 12) granted permission for the Chinese tracking vessel Yuang Wang 5 to dock at the Hambantota Port after the Indian and US Governments failed to give ’’concrete reasons’’ for why they opposed its arrival, said the Sunday Times.

Those who could not work in Y’palana Govt with Ranil as PM, now trying to secure positions - MP Dayasiri

Those who castigated Ranil Wickremesinghe and deserted the SLFP saying that they could not serve in the yahapalana government with Ranil as the Prime Minister now are in an intense battle to secure positions under President Wickre

Global apparel industry steps up to support Sri Lanka’s apparel sector

The global apparel industry issued a call to action regarding Sri Lanka’s economic crisis this week, urging the stakeholders across the world to step up efforts in ensuring the island nation’s high-performing sector does not lose momentum.

Industries unhappy with massive electricity tariff hike

The free trade zone manufacturers yesterday called out the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) for being unjust towards industries by imposing a massive electricity tariff hike this week, a move that worsens the financial stress of the businesses during the current economic turmoil.

SLAF to recieve first ever Dornier aircraft from India

The first ever Dornier aircraft obtained from India will be inducted to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Fleet on 15th August to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of Sri Lanka.

Protesters completely vacate Galle Face protest site

The protesters at the Galle Face protest site ’’GotaGoGama’’ have completetly vacated the site today after 125 days.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa advised to remain indoors for security reasons at Bangkok hotel

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is staying at a hotel in Bangkok in the heart of Thailand’s capital, where police have advised the ousted Sri Lankan president to remain indoors for security reasons, according to a media report on Friday.

British instagrammer files writ petition against deportation

British woman instagrammer Kayleigh Fraser who had been documenting the Sri Lanka’s anti-government protests on social media has filed a writ petition in Court of Appeal challenging the authorities’ decision to deport her from Sri Lanka.

Funds allocated for providing lunch in schools increased

While expanding the provision of lunch program for schoolchildren, the amount of Rs.30 allocated per student has been increased to Rs.60 from August 1.

Calling applications for NCoE extended

The Education Ministry has extended the date for calling applications for the National Colleges of Education (NCoE) until August 19.

Fr. Jeewantha Peiris  released on bail

Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris who became an active participant in the “GotaGoGama” protest was today released on bail after being surrendered before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court