Two die, one injured in shooting in Ahangama, Lunugamwehera

Two men had died and another was injured in two separate shooting incidents in Ahangama and Lunugamwehera last night, police said.

Ceylon Chamber cheers President’s call to form all-party government

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday welcomed the call by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to initiate the formation of an all-party government, as a concerted and united effort is necessary to address the current challenges facing the country.

Sri Lanka’s crisis an opportunity for more democratic, inclusive govt: Blinken

Sri Lanka is in a moment of challenge and crisis but has an opportunity to create a more democratic and inclusive government, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday.

Cabinet nod awaited for drafted duty-free regulations to set up South Asia’s first downtown duty-free mall

As the construction of Colombo Port City’s downtown duty-free (DF) Mall steams ahead, the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) awaits the Cabinet nod for the drafted duty-free regulations for South Asia’s first downtown duty-free mall, which is to be operated by two global operators, positioning Colombo Port City (CPC) as a regional shopping destination.

Arrest of union leaders detrimental to important objectives of the Throne Speech - NMSJ

The National movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said that the arrest of union leaders is detrimental to the important objectives of the President’s policy statement in parliament.

20 Lankans deported per week from Malaysia over visa violation: Defence Ministry

A number of Sri Lankans who have been visiting Malaysia under visit visas with the belief that their visas could be converted to work visas were denied entry by the Malaysian authorities, the Defence Ministry said.

SriLankan denies video content on unavailability of meals in business class

The SriLankan Airlines categorically denied the assertion on the unavailability of meals in the Business Class and cites this as a deliberate misrepresentation of facts to prompt public dislike towards the airline.

One hour powercut tomorrow

The power cut will be reduced to one hour tomorrow, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

Don’t’ display the QR code: Minister

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera requested the national fuel pass users not to display the QR code anywhere visible to others, in order to make sure no one else use it illegally.

All-island private buses to go on strike from tonight

Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) has decided to stay away from services from tonight.

Activist Dhaniz Ali jailed for using mobile phone inside cell

Activist Dhaniz Ali who is in remanded custody for forcibly entering the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and disrupting the broadcast, was found in a possession of a mobile phone in the new Magazine Prison.

Protesters at Gota Go Gama file writ petitions against the eviction

The Galle Face protesters today filed three writ petitions in Court of Appeal seeking an order preventing the authorities from taking any steps to cause the eviction of the protesters at Gota Go Gama.

Pathum Kerner released on bail 

Social media activist Pathum Kerner held in remand custody in connection with the recent violent incidents during a protest at Polduwa Junction was ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Will give up politics if undue influence inflicted on SJB MPs to join all-party govt.: Sajith

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa today said he would give up politics if undue influence is inflicted on Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MPs to join a multi-party government.

SLAF on standby for search and rescue operations

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is on standby to deploy aircraft and rescue personnel (first responders) to engage in search and rescue operations in the event of disaster situation in the flood and landslide prone areas in the island which are highly likely with the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.

Shooting reported at Mt. Lavinia court premises

A shooting has been reported inside the Mount Lavinia Court premises this afternoon, police said.

Normal bus fare reduced by 11.14 %; minimum fare Rs. 34

The normal bus fare has been reduced by 11.14 per cent with effect from midnight today, National Transport Commission (NTC) Director General Nilan Miranda said today.

Countries must refrain from provocations - President

Countries must refrain from provocations which further escalate the current global tensions, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Taiwan braces as China drills begin after Pelosi visit

China is kicking off its biggest-ever military exercises in the seas around Taiwan following US politician Nancy Pelosi’s visit.

BASL calls IGP to immediately probe recent shooting incidents and dead bodies found on Galle Face beach

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne to immediately conduct a fully-fledged investigation into the spate of shooting incidents and the dead bodies found on the Galle Face beach, the sources said yesterday.

CEB uses hydropower mainly for power generation

After weeks of lesser than 40% of hydropower generation, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday marked the majority power generation with the help of hydro source, the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Private bus fare revision today

Private bus fare revision will be announced today by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

British instagrammer in SL for medical reasons: Immigration

The Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday said the female British national whose passport was taken in for examination has been in Sri Lanka for medical reasons and that they are to inquire, whether she has violated her visa conditions, whilst staying in the country.

Gazette issued making public services essential

An extraordinary gazette notification was issued considering the necessity of the services provided by any Public Corporation or Government as essential public services.

Silver for Sri Lanka in Men’s Para Discus

Sri Lanka’s Palitha Bandara won Silver in the Men’s Discus Throw F42-44/61-64 Para Athletics event at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on Thursday morning.

Yupun Abeykoon wins Commonwealth Games bronze

Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon won Bronze in the Men’s 100m at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday, clocking a time of 10.14 secs.

Govt. told to use household electricity consumption to determine welfare eligibility

The leading economists of the Verite Research Sri Lanka Economic Policy Group (SLEPG) called on the relevant authorities to steer away from using Samurdhi as a determinant of eligibility for welfare benefits and instead, consider electricity consumption for targeting vulnerable groups, as it is a superior method.

Ex-IGP Wickramaratne appointed as Chairman of Sanasa Life Insurance

Retired Inspector General of Police Dr. Jayantha Wickramaratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of Sanasa Life Insurance Company PLC.

India expects US $ 8-9bn in trade with Russia and Sri Lanka in two months

India expects bilateral trade worth US $ 8-9 billion with Russia and Sri Lanka in the next two months after it allowed international trade in rupees, India’s trade secretary said.

Joseph Stalin arrested

The General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers’ Union Joseph Stalin had been arrested by the Police.