Opposition in shameless attempt to term President as mastermind: Def. Sec.

Refuting claims that Zahran Hashim had been paid salaries by the government, Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said today the opposition was engaged in a shameless attempt to term President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks.

Over 700 LP gas leak explosions within 6 weeks

A total of 727 explosions related to LP gas leaks have been reported since November 1 up to date across the country, the police said.

Omicron spreading at a rate we have not seen with any previous variant: WHO chief

The Omicron coronavirus variant is spreading at a rate not seen before, and there is concern that people are dismissing it as mild, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, CNN reported.

Locomotive engineers to begin strike at noon: LEOU

The Locomotive Engine Operators’ Union (LEOU) is to launch trade union action from noon today over several demands, such as for not considering to give promotions in the railway services, LEOU Secretary Indika Dodangoda said.

Special advisory issued for naval, fishing communities

The fishing and naval communities engaged in activities in the deep sea areas have been advised not to venture into the sea during the next 24 hours due to a low-level atmospheric disturbance to the south of Sri Lanka, the Meteorology Department said.

Central Bank rules out need to strike agreement with IMF

Central Bank ruled out the need to strike any arrangement with the International Monetary FUND(IMF) to tide over the current foreign exchange crisis.

Cabinet objects to Dr. P.B. Jayasundara

Severe objections against Dr. P.B. Jayasundara have been rising with almost all the minister’s calling for him to step down as the Secretary to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over various concerns, the Daily Mirror learns.

Father, daughter die in expressway accident, three injured

A father and his daughter died in a car crash between Galanigama and Millaniya on the Southern Expressway.

Basil leaves for Dubai

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa left for Dubai this morning, sources said

Trains on mainline delayed due to collision at Meerigama

The train services on the main line have been delayed due to a train colliding with a tipper vehicle at Meerigama this morning, the Railway Control Room said

Vehicle importers call on government to regulate trade

The government was called on to regulate the importation of motor vehicles by the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL), so that local consumers are safeguarded against “seasonal” importers and malpractices in the trade.

BASL files case against forcible foreign currency conversion

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) yesterday filed a writ petition in Court of Appeal seeking an order quashing the decision of Central Bank Governor to issue Gazette Extraordinary over the conversion of foreign currency earnings into Sri Lankan rupees.

Dangerous to call for foreign intervention to pressurize SL Govt- TULF Leader

Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader V. Anandasangari said the call for foreign intervention in the resolution of Sri Lanka’s problem is dangerous

SriLankan flight returns due to hydraulic failure

SriLankan Airline flight (UL-1263) that left for Damam Saudi Arabia from Bandaranaike International Airport in the evening returned back to Colombo due to a failure of the hydraulic system

Same witness signed on behalf of Govt. and US Company: JVP

Making another revelation with regard to the Yugadanavi agreement, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today said that the same person has signed as the witness for both sides representing the Government and the US Company.

Health authorities highlight importance of booster dose

The Health authorities pointed out the importance of getting the third shot of COVID-19 vaccine as it strengthens one’s immunity.

New Chairman for Human Rights Commission appointed

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed retired Supreme Court Judge Rohini Marasinghe as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission

Gas companies should pay compensation to all those affected by gas leaks: Minister

Gas companies should pay compensation to all those affected by gas-related explosions, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Court temporarily releases Champika’s passport

Former Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka whose passport was impounded in connection with the Rajagiriya accident case was today temporally permitted to travel abroad by the Colombo High Court.

No powercuts from today: CEB head

No power cuts will be experienced from today as the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant (NCPP) is fully functional now, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) General Manager M.R. Ranatunge said.

New BOI Chairman appointed

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed Raja Edirisuriya as the new Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.

If trade union action taken, will join hands with SLTB for alternatives: Railways GMR

The railway trade union action should be taken in a way that would not incur problems for the people and if trade union action is taken, the railway department will join hands with the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and look for alternatives, the Railways General Manager (GMR) Dhammika Jayasundara said.

SL to reject latest ship with LP gas, says not up to standard - Sources

The latest ship that arrived in Colombo with LP gas for Litro Company does not comply with the required level of Ethyl mercaptan and because of that the authorities are considering to reject the stock, informed sources told Daily Mirror.

Indonesia earthquake, no tsunami threat to Sri Lanka: Met. Dept.

There is no tsunami threat to Sri Lanka as per the tsunami warning after the powerful earthquake near Flores Island in Indonesia, the Metrological Department said.

Elderly women robbed during visit to Colombo Eye Hospital

Two elderly women who happened to be sisters who had come to seek medical assistance at the Colombo eye Hospital have been robbed by a man who had promised to introduce them to an eye specialist.

60 pregnant mothers, 89 children died so far due to COVID-19

About 60 pregnant mothers and 89 children below 18 years of age have so far succumbed to COVID-19, Family Health Bureau Director Dr. Chithramalee de Silva said yesterday.

Govt. intervention paramount to import 50 electric buses: LPBOA

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) has made a request to the government to intervene and import 50 electric buses to strengthen the transport service in the country.

Another chance for the unvaccinated to get COVID jab

The Health Ministry has created another opportunity for the unvaccinated individuals to get their vaccine without further delay.

UK records first Omicron variant death amid surge of COVID cases

At least one patient has died with the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the UK Prime Minister said.

Cabraal denies being summoned to cabinet

Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal has denied media reports that he has been summoned by the Cabinet of Ministers for its meeting today (13).