Scotland Police will not renew training contract with SL Police

Scotland Police has said that they will not renew their training contract with Sri Lanka’s police force during the remainder of the agreed period, which ends in March 2022, citing human rights concerns.

Naval, fishing communities advised to be vigilant during next few days

The Naval and fishing communities have been advised to be vigilant on rough seas during next few days due to prevailing low-level atmospheric disturbance located to the south-east of Sri Lanka and adjoining Southwest Bay of Bengal, the Meteorology Department said.

No composition change in LP gas cylinders: Litro Gas Lanka

While rejecting all statements regarding safety issues being spread over use of cooking gas, Litro Gas Lanka Sales Director Janaka Pathiratne said there is no change in composition of the domestic Liquid Petroleum (LP) gas cylinders.

TNA, GTF jointly call for more U.S. engagement

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) jointly called for a more engaged role by the United States in promoting human rights, accountability, political resolution, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka, a statement said.

Composition change blamed for gas explosions

Following the Government Analyst’s reports that confirmed the cause of recent explosions in Colombo, Weligama and Kandy were due to gas leaks, the Sri Lanka Standard Institution is criticised for not taking action against the complaints received from the general public regarding leaks in gas cylinders.

Slovakia approves 2-Week nationwide lockdown as virus surges

Under the lockdown, people can leave their homes only for some specific reasons. These include buying essential goods in the nearest stores to their homes, traveling to work and school or to get vaccinated, tested on the coronavirus or for medical treatment.

Biden ignores Sri Lanka for democracy summit

United States President Joe Biden has snubbed Sri Lanka by not inviting it for a virtual democracy summit featuring over 100 countries.

UN Assistant-Secretary-General meets GL

The UN Assistant-Secretary-General (ASG) for Political, Peace building and Peace Operations, Khaled Khiari, who is currently undertaking a visit to Sri Lanka, called on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, yesterday at the Foreign Ministry.

Guidelines for appointment of President’s Counsel gazetted

An extraordinary gazette notification was issued yesterday (24) with guidelines relating to the appointment of the President’s Counsel.

Migrant boat capsizes in English Channel; at least 31 dead

At least 31 migrants bound for Britain died yesterday when their boat sank in the English Channel, in what France’s interior minister called the biggest migration tragedy on the dangerous crossing to date.

Will pay no heed to any political pressure: Env. Min.

Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera further responding to his recent remarks on banning the pocket size liquor bottles said yesterday that no political pressure or influence could stop him from taking actions.

PC elections not possible till elections ordinance is amended : Dinesh

Provincial council elections cannot be held till a new election law pertaining to the same is enacted, Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardene said today.

745 fresh COVID-19 cases reported today

A total of 745 more COVID-19 patients have been detected within today, the Government Information Department said.

20 plus to get booster shot; events including weddings to be conducted as usual

The Health Ministry has decided to administer a third shot of COVID-19 vaccine for all individuals above 20 years of age.

Vulnerable people still refuse vaccines, leading to a sharp rise in deaths: Health Ministry

While saying that the demand for Pfizer vaccine has fairly gone down, the Health Ministry said the vulnerable people still forgo vaccine resulting in number of deaths going up at present.

UN expert to visit Sri Lanka to assess contemporary forms of slavery

The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata, will undertake his first country visit to Sri Lanka from 26 November to 3 December 2021.

Former Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith indicted

The Bribery Commission has filed indictments before Colombo High Court against former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith Samarakoon and Shanthi Chandrasena, the spouse of Minister S.M. Chandrasena for allegedly causing an unlawful loss to the government when obtaining fuel allowance between September 27, 2012, and December 31, 2014.

Kinniya UC Chairman should be removed: Lansa

Chairman of Kinniya Urban Council who is a relative of SLMC MP Imran Maharoof should be removed from his post as he had illegally given permission to run a ferry across the Kinya lagoon, State Minister Nimal Lansa told Parliament today.

Passenger ferry capsizes in Kinniya: Ferry owner, operators arrested

The owner and two operators of the passenger ferry which capsized in the Kuringankerni Lagoon killing six persons were arrested today.

COVID Task Force responsible if private bus service collapses: Gemunu

The COVID task force should take full responsibility if the private bus service collapses, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said.

Special operation finds over 4,000 people without face masks in WP

The Police yesterday warned nearly 10,000 people for not wearing face masks properly to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during a special operation conducted in the Western Province.

Human rights situation in SL continues to deteriorate: UK

The human rights situation in Sri Lanka continued to deteriorate during the first half of 2021, the United Kingdom said in its latest report on the global human rights situation.

Students’ appeal to postpone practical exams directed to Education Minister

Requests received regarding the postponement of the dates of the practical exams by students for GCE Advanced Level (A/L) exams will be directed to the attention of the Education Minister, Cabinet spokesman and Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.

Suicide bombs, pressure, artillery bombs buried by LTTE unearthed in Jaffna

The Army and Police personnel recovered suicide bombs, pressure, artillery bombs, anti-tank mines, weapons, ammunition and many lethal mines unearthed from a private land in Manthuvil, Jaffna

Digital methods for manual payment counters in expressways

The government has approved the proposal to introduce the LANKAQR methodology for manual pay counters on the expressways managed by the Road Development Authority (RDA).

Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicide imports allowed from today: Aluthgamage

Permission will be granted to import chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides from today, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.

BIA expansion project phase II to be declared open tomorrow

The second phase of the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayaka will be officially declared open tomorrow (25 November).

Govt. approves for policy for local media

A cabinet approval has been granted to prepare a Sri Lankan media policy, paying special attention to the existing laws applicable to journalists and media institutions and preparing policies and ethics.

Air traffic to Sri Lanka set to increase further from December

Sri Lanka’s aviation traffic will increase further in the coming weeks with four new airlines gearing up to launch direct flights to the country from December.

Restore Pahala Kadugannawa area, rebuilt shops immediately: Johnston

Highways Minister Johnston Fernando yesterday instructed the relevant authorities to restore the Pahala Kadugannawa area on the Colombo-Kandy main road and to rebuilt the shops immediately.