No-Confidence Motion against Gammanpila defeated by 91 votes

The No-Confidence Motion brought against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) was defeated with a majority of 91 votes a short while ago.

Country heading to first phase of fourth wave of COVID outbreak: SLMA President

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) today warned that the country is heading towards the first phase of the COVID-19 fourth wave outbreak, SLMA President Dr. Padma Gunaratne said.

Litro shoots back, assures no gas shortage

In the wake of the decision of the LAUGFS Gas PLC to stop all its imports leaving fears that the country is likely to face a gas shortage, Litro Gas Lanka said that they had adequate stocks of gas cylinders to meet the requirement.

NCM against Gammanpila politically unwise decision: Anura

The No Confidence Motion moved by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) against Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila was an unwise decision made by the SJB without realizing political changes, National Peoples’ Power MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Court permits prosecution to proceed bond case in absence of Arjuna Mahendran

Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar today permitted the prosecution to proceed with the second Central Bank bond issuance case, in absentia of former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran and Ajahn Gardiye Punchihewa.

Gas shortage possible as Laugfs stops imports

There could be a possible gas shortage as the LAUGFS Gas PLC, which is one of the largest suppliers of LP Gas in Sri Lanka has stopped all its imports.

Talks with Edu. Minister ended in stalemate: Teachers and Principals TU

The talks between the Education Minister and the Teachers and Principals’ Trade Unions this morning ended without a final agreement, the Ceylon Teachers’ Service Union General Secretary, Mahinda Jayasinghe, said.

Court issues Enjoining Order against Santhush Weeraman

The Colombo Commercial High Court has issued an enjoining order against four defendants including popular music artist Santhush Weeraman and Saregama Music (Pvt) Limited for allegedly violating the copyrights of the song ‘Me Bajar Ekata Malli’ owned by renowned award-winning musician, composer and singer Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe.

Death of seven elephants in Habarana: AG to submit a report within two weeks

The Attorney General today gave an undertaking to submit a report within two weeks regarding the death of seven elephants reported near the Hiriwadunna reserve in Habarana in 2019.

Rapid rise in Covid patients at NHSL

A rapid rise in the number of coronavirus patients has been recorded at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) in Colombo.

Cabinet approves to bring Muslim marriages, divorces under common law

The proposal to amend the Civil Procedure Code which contains the marriage procedures for Muslim marriages and divorces to bring them under the common law governing marriage and divorce of citizens of Sri Lanka was approved by the cabinet.

Speaker rejects Ranil’s amendment to no confidence motion against Gammanpila

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene today rejected the amendment proposed by UNP MP Ranil Wickremesinghe to the no confidence motion against Udaya Gammanpila, citing that it was not in accordance with the standing orders.

Two SLAF athletes to represent SL at Tokyo Olympic

Two out of the 9 athletes who will be representing Sri Lanka in the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 are from the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Over 95% individuals developed antibodies against Sinopharm vaccine: Prof. Jayasumana

The research group of Sri Jayawaradnapura University has found that the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine produced antibodies in 95 percent of vaccinated people and was very effective against the delta variant, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

Lankan arrested for indulging Uzbek woman in sex trade

A 31-year old Sri Lankan was arrested on charges of human trafficking, as he had brought down a 36-year old woman from Uzbekistan and indulged her in prostitution in Sri Lanka.

Over 300 vaccinated Policemen infected with COVID-19

Over 300 policemen have been infected with COVID-19, weeks after both doses of vaccines had been administered on them, the Daily Mirror learns from informed sources.

Reconsider fuel price increase: Tissa Vitharana

While urging the Government to reconsider the fuel price increase, Parliamentarian Prof. Tissa Vitharana said yesterday the annual revenue license fee on commercial vehicles should be reduced while increasing the annual revenue licence fee on luxury vehicles to mitigate the impact on the public.

SL hits back at Moody’s Investors Service

Hours after the Moody’s Investors Service has placed Sri Lanka’s rating ’under review for downgrade,’’ the government hit back at the Moody’s Investors Service, stating that unwarranted announcement by Moody’s reemphasizes the need for the Sri Lankan Government to revisit its relationship with rating agencies.

Moody’s places SL’s Caa1 rating for downgrade

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) has today placed the Government of Sri Lanka’s Caa1 foreign currency long-term issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings under review for downgrade.

48 more die of COVID-19: Death toll surges to 3,827

A total of 48 more COVID-19 related deaths that occurred yesterday (18) were confirmed by the Director-General of Health Services today increasing the death toll in Sri Lanka to 3,827.

‘Seemed like a university team vs school team match’: Fmr Pakistan cricketer slams SL team

Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja analysed the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India, calling it a game between a university and a school team – where the Indians looked strong like university players who made the hosts struggle like school team cricketers.

Colombo flights suspended after 6 test positive for COVID-19

China Eastern Airlines’ flights from Colombo to Shanghai will be suspended for two weeks by China’s civil aviation regulator from July 26.

Three precious gems taken to BOC safety locker under tight security

Three precious gems in the possession of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority were brought under tight security by the STF to be kept in the safety locker of the Bank of Ceylon.

Striking work imperilling children’s education cannot be condoned: Minister

Education Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said he could not condone the trade union action by school teachers jeopardizing the education of children at this time.

Ranil moves amendment to covert it into no-faith-motion against entire cabinet

UNP MP Ranil Wickreremsighe today said he will move an amendment to the no-confidence motion against Minister Udaya Gammanpila and thereby convert it into a no-faith motion against the entire cabinet.

Deadline for Grade 1 admissions for 2022 extended till August 7

The closing date of accepting the applications from children to Grade One for the Year 2022, has been extended until August 7, Education Minister G.L. Peiris said.

Arrest of Bathiudeen, interrogation of Harin breach of privileges: Ranil

The arrest of MP Rishad Bathiudeen and the interrogation of Harin Fernando is a breach of privilege of the entire Parliament, MP Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

No plans to arrest Harin: Sarath Weerasekara

Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said today there was no plan to arrest SJB MP Harin Fernando but added Fernando had a duty to provide information of the mastermind of the Easter Sunday attack to the CID if he knew about him as he claimed.

Almanac case against Minister Basil fixed for Sept. 15

The almanac case filed against two accused including Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa was today fixed for September 15 by Colombo High Court.

First Bond Scam Case to be heard in the absence of Arjun Mahendran: AG

The Attorney General today told the court that the prosecution is expecting to hear the first Central Bank bond scam that took place in February 2015 in the absentia of former Central Bank Governor Arjun Mahendran, if he cannot be brought here under the extradition laws.