SL updates European Union on reviewing PTA

Sri Lanka updated the European Union (EU) on reviewing the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and reiterated its commitment to bring it in line with international norms within a time bound process by the next meeting of the EU-Sri Lanka Joint Commission in early 2022, the Foreign Ministry said.

Pahanthudawa incident: Couple get suspended sentence and fine

The couple who were involved in a pornographic video at the Pahanthudawa waterfall in Balangoda were sentenced to three months imprisonment suspended for seven years and fined Rs.10,800 by the Balangoda Magistrate Jayaruwan Dissanayake today.

Landslide early warning issued for five districts

The National Building Research Organization (NBRO) today issued landslide early warnings for Kegalle, Rathnapura, Kandy, Galle and Kalutara districts.

Two businessmen further remanded over Garlic Scam

Two businessmen arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting to remove two containers with 54,000 kilograms of garlic belonging to Lanka Sathosa were today ordered to be further remanded till October 5 by Welisara Magistrate’s Court.

Sectors asked to closely monitor if health guidelines are fully implemented

The Special Committee on COVID-19 Control has stressed that the respective sectors should closely monitor whether the health guidelines are being fully implemented with the opening up of the country.

COVID-19 death toll surges to 12,964 with 58 more deaths

A total of 58 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (30) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 12,964.

Police OIC files FR challenging transfer at the behest of racketeers

Filing a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court, the former OIC of Thelikada police station in Galle district alleged that he has been unreasonably transferred to the Tangalle police Division for normal duties at the behest of the racketeers involved in illegal activities in Gin Ganga and forests in Thelikada.

Decision of paying pension to Ajith Nivard Cabraal challenged in Courts

A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to stay the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka from paying a pension to the newly appointed Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal.

Circular issued recalling public servants for duty

A circular has been issued recalling all public servants to duty as usual from today in accordance with Covid-19 Health Guidelines, Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government Secretary J.J. Rathnasiri said.

Cambodia bans telecast of LTTE “Methagu” film

The Kingdom of Cambodia has banned the telecast of ‘Methagu’ Tamil movie that follows the life of the leader of Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Velupillai Prabhakaran following a request from Sri Lanka.

Online payment can be made for sand, gravel, soil transport permit from today

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has facilitated online payment for applying for sand, gravel and soil transport permit from today.

World Bank approves US $500Mn loan for Sri Lanka

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $500 million in financing for Sri Lanka to provide safe, climate-resilient roads to connect agricultural supply chains through the Inclusive Connectivity and Development Project.

100% cash margin rule on non-essential imports removed

The 100 percent cash margin rule on non-essential imports will be removed with immediate effect, the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

Australia to reopen border from November

Australia will reopen its international border from November, allowing vaccinated travellers into the country for the first time in 18 months.

Janaprith Fernando assumes duties as chief scout commissioner

Attorney-at-Law Janaprith Fernando will assume duties as the 21st Chief Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association (SLSA) today.

Central Bank to make surrendering of export earnings mandatory

The Central Bank, under the instructions of newly appointed Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, will take such steps among others to replenish dwindling foreign reserves of the country.

Harin to undergo decisive heart surgery tomorrow

SJB MP Harin Fernando who is currently under treatment for heart complications is to undergo decisive heart surgery tomorrow.

59 more COVID-19 deaths reported

A total of 59 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (29) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today pushing the death toll to 12,906.

Gavaskar bats for Rohit Sharma for India captaincy

All’s not well in the Indian cricket team it would seem, with reports coming from the UAE, where the IPL is taking place, that not only R. Ashwin but two more senior players are reported to have reservations over Virat Kohli’s captaincy.

German Military Attachés on a working visit to Colombo

The two German military officers responsible for Sri Lanka, Capt Gerald Koch and LtCol Jan Cihar, will be in the country from October 3rd - 8th, 2021, a statement from the German embassy said.

Health guidelines to be followed from Oct. 1 issued

The Health Ministry today issued a new set of guidelines under two phases to be followed in the month of October once the curfew is lifted from tomorrow (01).

Diga married daughter has no right to her father’s property- SC

The Supreme Court in a judgment delivered on Wednesday (29) determined that a Diga married daughter (when a woman is settled in her husband’s home) has no rights to her father’s property in accordance with Kandyan Law, a customary law in Sri Lanka.

Services at ID office to resume from Monday: DRP Comm. General

After lifting the COVID quarantine curfew tomorrow, the Department for Registration of Persons (DRP) will resume its services on Monday (4), Commissioner General, Viyani Gunathilaka, said.

Eight prisoners at Anuradhapura prison file FR against Lohan Ratwatte

Eight prisoners detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) at the Anuradhapura prison today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court against the alleged criminal conduct on the part of the State Minister Lohan Ratwatte.

DMT open for public from tomorrow: Comm. General

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) is set to resume its services at the Narahenpita and Werahera offices from tomorrow under the strictest control and following health care practices, DMT Commissioner General Sumith C. K. Alahakoon said.

99.5 % of 30+ and 12.7 % of 20-29 age group fully vaccinated

At least 99.5% of population above 30 has been fully vaccinated while only 12.7% of the population from 20 to 29 has received both the doses as at today, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardane said.

Probe into CID officers’ unprofessional conduct begins

The police said today that an investigation has begun under the orders of the IGP into certain CID officers who have acted irresponsibly which in a manner has tarnished the professional image of the CID in questioning media persons.

Virus transmission could still exist though curfew lifted: SLMA

With the country remaining open from tomorrow, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said there is still a possibility of high transmission of the COVID virus as a significant number of individuals below 30 were not vaccinated as yet.

2,000 children vaccinated so far at LRH: Paediatrician

Nearly 2,000 children have been given the COVID vaccine during the vaccination programme at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Colombo, LRH Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Altair suspects foul play behind fire

Indocean Developers (Pvt) Ltd, the developers of Altair Colombo, Sri Lanka’s tallest residential condominium, have filed a Police complaint suspecting foul play behind a recent fire.