No scheduled power cuts today; but intermittent interruptions possible - PUCSL Chairman

There will be no scheduled powercuts today, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said

Navy seizes Indian dhow with fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters

Sri Lanka Navy seized an Indian dhow with 06 Indian fishermen while poaching in Sri Lankan waters in the seas off northwest of the Kovilan Lighthouse in Jaffna today.

US company to deliver Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft to Sri Lanka

US company Textron Aviation has been awarded an $11 million contract for its new Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft. Built in Wichita, Kansas, the plane will be delivered through a foreign military sales contract to Sri Lanka with production set to be completed by September 2025.

Two countries look for ties covering entire spectrum

On the eve of the 65th anniversary of Russia-Sri Lanka ties, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova said February 19 will mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Sri Lanka-the two nations are bound by a long-standing friendship.

Main opposition decries recent killings

Referring to the recent killings, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alleged that there is a serious breach of security in the nation.

Rasamanickam’s tweet on Kalmunai abduction false & misleading: Police

An investigation has revealed that a controversial tweet by Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam about an alleged abduction attempt in Kalmunai, was false and misleading, Police Headquarters issuing a statement said.

Forex crisis worsens situation for retail industry

The local retail industry said it has seen the worst hit from the implications stemming from the pandemic and finds itself in a more aggravated situation

Need more dialogues on registration of new places of worship: Maha Sangha

The Maha Sangha of the Presidential Buddhist Advisory Council today pointed out that it is important to hold further discussions before reaching a definite conclusion regarding the registration of new places of worship.

I’m so excited to represent US on this beautiful island: New US envoy to SL

New US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung ‬in a video clip explained that she is very excited to represent United Stated on “this beautiful island”- Sri Lanka.

Secretaries appointed to two State Ministries

Secretaries have been appointed for two State Ministries by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Japan hails introduction of Japanese language degree in J’Pura Uni

Sri Jayewardenepura University has introduced a degree programme in the Japanese language, a statement from the Japanese embassy said.

Glenn Maxwell stars as Australia beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets

Glenn Maxwell starred with the bat as Australia defeated Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

Shani files FR to prevent being arrested again by CID

Former CID Director Shani Abeysekara has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court seeking an order preventing the CID from arresting him in respect of the allegations mentioned at the Kuliyapitiya Magistrate’s Court.

Afghanistan: 5-year-old boy trapped three days in well dies after rescue

A five-year-old boy trapped for three days down a remote Afghan village well died moments after being pulled out alive, officials said Friday.

Island-wide power cuts from today

Despite assurances that there will be no scheduled power outages in the next three months, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced its decision to impose power outages from today.

Speaker endorses five Bills passed in Parliament

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has endorsed five Bills, which were taken into debate recently,the Communications Department of Parliament said.

President makes sudden inspection visit to Sustainable Energy Authority

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a sudden inspection visit to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 07 this morning (18).

Kelanithissa Power Station stopped due to lack of fuel: CEB

The Kelanithissa Power Station, comprising Kelanithissa Combined Cycle Power (KCCP), Kelanitissa Power Station-1 (KPS-1) and GT-7, the largest single power generation unit, has been stopped due to a lack of fuel stocks, the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

Xi extends congratulations on 65th anniversary of Sino-Lanka diplomatic relations

Chinese President and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the Chinese and Sri Lankan political parties celebrating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, the Chinese Embassy said.

Fire breaks out on Polaris drillship in Sri Lanka

The Polaris drillship, owned by Aquadrill Offshore, has caught fire while docked at a port in Sri Lanka, reported local officials.

36-hour water cut in several areas in Colombo

The National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) said a 36-hour water cut would be imposed in several areas of Colombo this morning from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow (19) due to a breakdown in the main pipeline supplying water to Colmbo.

Pujith, Hemasiri acquitted from Easter Sunday attack case

The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar today ordered to acquit former IGP Pujith Jayasundara and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando from all charges in connection with Easter Sunday attack case.

Eco-friendly packaging instead polythene, plastic at SATHOSA

The Environment Ministry is contemplating to give priority to introduce alternative eco-friendly packaging instead of polythene and plastic.

Cop clubbed to death in Tangalle

A police constable was clubbed to death during a brawl over a land dispute between two factions in Vitharandeniya,Tangalle.

Top US official here next month

A top US official is to visit Sri Lanka next month for talks which will mainly focus on human rights and trade and investment.

Tourist hotels oppose blackouts on large-scale electricity users

Sri Lanka’s hotel sector yesterday asserted that the proposed blackouts for large-scale electricity consumers will be detrimental for the tourism industry, given that it is only beginning to slowly recover from the massive hit experienced in the last two years.

Laugfs Gas seeks support from Central Bank to procure LPG shipments

The Central Bank (CB) is likely to instruct State-owned banks to extend letter of credit (LC) facilities to Laugfs Gas PLC, which is struggling to procure LP gas (LPG) shipments amid the on-going foreign exchange crisis, according to industry sources.

Be cautious; Dengue & COVID-19 show similar symptoms

With the number of COVID-19 and Dengue cases soaring simultaneously, the Health authorities have urged people to be vigilant as both diseases show similar symptoms.

’Too premature’ to discuss a fourth COVID vaccine dose: Health authorities

The health authorities in Sri Lanka have articulated that it is too premature to have discussion on a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose in a situation where the third dose roll out is yet to be completed.

No fuel price hike tonight: Gammanpila

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said today that there is no truth in the rumor of fuel price increase tonight.