Impossible is possible in T20 cricket - Murali

At a time when no one seems to give Sri Lanka a chance to go the distance in the ICC T20 World Cup, spin legend Muttiah Muralidaran does not want to rule Sri Lanka completely out of contention.

Facebook plans to change its name, says The Verge

Social media giant Facebook Inc (FB.O) is planning to rebrand itself with a new name next week, the Verge reported on Tuesday, citing a source with direct knowledge of the matter.

Islamism practiced for centuries has to be preserved: Ali Sabry

The traditional brand of Islamism which has been practiced by Muslims in Sri Lanka for centuries has to be preserved while the religion should not be practiced according to the likes of one group, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry said yesterday.

Govt. decides to stay mum on Lasantha’s murder probe: Dullas

The Government has decided to stay mum on the investigations into the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge as well as other emblematic cases.

First liquid nitrogen fertiliser consignment arrives from India

The first batch of nano liquid nitrogen fertiliser reached Colombo this morning from India to be used on agricultural activities during the Maha season in the country.

SL to sign agreement with Sultanate of Oman next week

Sri Lanka and Oman will sign an agreement next week for a US $. 3.6 billion credit facility to purchase fuel, Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said .

US$.100 million loan by India has no strings attached: Dullas

US$.100 million loan pledged by India to Sri Lanka to develop the energy sector did not have any strings attached, detrimental either to the national interests or a demand to hold the Provincial Council elections within this year, Co-cabinet Spokesman, Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said yesterday.

Double standards in selection of Men’s and Women’s rugby squads

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) have once more come under fire following blatant double standards in team selection criteria for Sri Lanka men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming Asia Rugby 7’s Series.

18 more COVID-19 deaths reported

A total of 18 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (18) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 13,525.

Health professionals want random testing capacity scaled up

As there could be more COVID-19 patients undetected in the community, it is absolutely necessary to carry out more random PCR and Antigen Tests in the country, Government Medical Officers Forum (GMOF) Secretary Dr. Kamal A. Perera stressed.

Katina Perahera allowed, 50 participants at related religious observations

The Health Minisry has issued a circular while amending the maximum participation ceiling when conducting the Katina Perahera due to the ongoing the COVID pandemic.

Two nabbed; 22 escape during Facebook party raid

Two individuals have been arrested and twenty-two others have fled during a raid on a party organised through Facebook at a house in Rambawewa in Kurunegala.

JVP complains to CID over false news targeting party

Former JVP MP Sunil Hadunnetti said they lodged a complaint with the CID over the false news that the JVP had spent millions of rupees to promote its leader through social media.

BIA janitorial supervisor caught with gold biscuits worth over Rs. 70mn

An airport janitorial supervisor was arrested this morning for attempting to smuggle gold biscuits worth more than Rs.70 million, Customs Spokesman and Deputy Director (Legal) Sudatta Silva said.

Amendments to Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act

While taking necessary action to amend the Kandyan Marriage and Divorce Act, steps have also been taken to draft a Bill to amend the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, the cabinet ministers said.

Yohani to make her Bollywood debut

After basking in the success of her song ’Manike Mage Hithe’, Sri Lankan singer Yohani is all set to make her Bollywood debut with the film ’Thank God’, which features Ajay Devgn, Sidharth Malhotra and Rakul Preet Singh.

Indian poaching vessel capsizes in SL waters: Navy rescue two fishermen, one missing

Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) rescued two fishermen aboard a capsized Indian fishing boat poaching in the Sri Lankan waters in the seas off Kovilan Lighthouse yesterday.

Govt. approves cattle slaughter ban

The government approved prohibition of cattle slaughter in order to increase local dairy industry. The decision was announced at the weekly cabinet meeting at the Information Department today.

Sugar importers request finance ministry to remove control price

Several major, large-scale sugar importers made a request to the Finance Ministry to remove the controlled price imposed on sugar.

Antibody response declined in all age group recipients: Local Research

Antibody responses declined in all age groups, especially in those below 60 years of age while the T cell responses persisted on individuals who received Sinopharm vaccine as shield to COVID-19, a research conducted by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) has revealed.

Violating travel restrictions; Over 450 people sent back at provincial borders

Some 469 people have been turned back at the provincial borders yesterday for violating travel restrictions and the 265 vehicles they were traveling in.

Covid cases drop in Colombo: Dr.Wijayamuni

Number of COVID-19 cases have drastically reduced in Colombo city while there have been no deaths during the last four days, Chief Medical Officer Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni said yesterday.

SL ranked 65 on Global Hunger Index 2021

Sri Lanka ranks 65 out of 116 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2021 (GHI). The GHI is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels.

JVP says Govt. behind false news against the party

Refuting media reports that the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) had spent Rs. 50 million to promote its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake on social media, the JVP said it was another bankrupt propaganda of the Government that was subject to public protests due to its failure in every sector.

Theekshana, Hasaranga help Sri Lanka beat Namibia by 7 wickets

Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga set up a comprehensive seven-wicket win for Sri Lanka against debutants Namibia in round one of the T20 World Cup on Monday.

Transport service resumes once govt. gives green light: Dilum

The Transport Ministry is ready to resume transport services as soon as the government gives the green light, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

Price of egg goes up from Rs. 20 to 21: Poultry Association

Due to sharp increase in poultry food and other materials that are used for increase egg production, the selling price of an egg has been increased between Rs. 20 and Rs.21 in the market, All Island Poultry Association of Sri Lanka (AIPASL) President Sarath Rathnayake said.

Govt. should reverse decision on fertilizer: Ruwan

The Government should not hesitate to reverse the decisions it had made with regard to fertilizer and thus avoid a famine which had already begun to emerge, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and Elle Gunawansa Thera file FR

Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thero today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order staying the operation of all agreements entered between the Government of Sri Lanka and New Fortress Energy Inc in relation to the sale of 40% of the shares of the West Coast Power (Private) Limited held by the Government of Sri Lanka to a US company.

23 more COVID-19 death reported: Death toll surges to 13,507

A total of 23 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (17) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 13,507.