Alternative proposal to recycle 750ml plastic bottles: Minister

The Environment Ministry is focusing on implementing an alternative to prevent 750ml plastic bottles from entering the environment.

Importing luxury vehicles; never approve using public funds: Sajith

While criticizing the move to provide luxury vehicles for ministers and MPs, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday that his party would never approve using public funds for the purpose

CID arrests captain of X-Press Pearl vessel

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today arrested the Captain of the MV X-Press Pearl which caught fire near the Colombo harbor, Police Spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said

No online liquor delivery allowed: Excise Dept. responds to reports

The Excise Department today denied reports that liquor can be purchased via online from the supermarkets from today.

COVID victim’s body removed from crematorium to allow VIP body

The body of a COVID-19 victim which was prepared for cremation was reportedly removed from the Panthiya Crematorium in Matugama, following an order received to allow another body, which was taken in a VIP vehicle, to be cremated.

Health Ministry to change procedure on announcing COVID deaths

The Health Ministry has taken steps to change the procedure on announcing COVID-19 related deaths in a single day with effect from today.

Govt destroying everything - Ruwan

Government which destroyed the economy, environment and agriculture is now working towards destroying the right of expression, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said over the weekend.

Navy seizes over 200 kg of Kerala cannabis, 3 arrested

The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) personnel today seized 237.5 kg of Kerala cannabis, along with three suspects and a dinghy, during a special operation conducted in the seas north of Point Pedro.

Five digital parks to expose youth talent to world: Namal

It has been planned to build five digital parks around the country, in Galle, Kandy, and Kurunegala districts, with the goal of exposing the youth to the world of technology and digital, according to Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister Namal Rajapaksa.

Gampaha stays on top, Kalutara placed second: NOCPCO

With a total number of 2,361 COVID positive cases reported on Monday, Gampaha recorded the highest number of 362 among other districts, the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO).

Consult paediatricians prior to reopening schools: PM advises Edu.Authorities

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa advised the education authorities to seek advice from Paediatricians before reopening of schools that are closed due to the COVID-19.

Netanyahu out as new Israeli government approved

Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his 12-year hold on power in Israel after the country’s parliament voted in a new coalition government.

Bahrain indefinitely suspends work permits for people from several countries including SL

Bahrain has indefinitely suspended giving work permits to people from coronavirus red list countries such as India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, a representative of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority told The National on Sunday.

Security on high alert in Tamil Nadu after infiltration threats

The Tamil Nadu state police and Central intelligence agencies have stepped up vigil after threats of an armed group trying to infiltrate from Sri Lanka were received.

Sangakkara among ICC Hall of Fame special inductees

Sri Lanka batting great Kumar Sangakkara among the 10 legends of the game to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Fuel price increased to strengthen local economy: PMD

Clarifying the fuel price hike, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said today that it was only a key factor of a common strategy aiming to strengthen the local economy.

“Sri Lanka is having the lowest fuel prices in South Asia”, says Cabraal

The fuel prices in Sri Lanka remain to be the lowest prices in South Asia, even after the fuel price hike, State Minister of Finance, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

Fuel price increased with PM’s written approval: Gammanpila

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said the decision to increase fuel prices was taken by the Cabinet sub-committee on cost of living and the written approval of the Prime Minister being the Finance Minister and he, as the subject minister had only made the announcement of the fuel price hike.

NPP to seek SC intervention over SUV imports

The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) said today they will be going to the Supreme Court next week against the moves to import 227 Prado SUVs for the MPs, claiming that it was illegal.

Police, NMRA raid luxury house distributing expired medicines

The Dehiwala Police and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) yesterday raided a two-storey luxury house at Nedimala Rubber Estate Road in Dehiwala for distributing expired medicines.

Youth attack bus carrying garment workers in fear of COVID-19

The Vavuniya Police have arrested five youth in connection with the attack on a bus transporting garment workers in the Muruganoor area in Vavuniya.

Central Expressway Construction in Gampaha District temporarily suspended: Minister

Construction work on the Central Expressway in the Gampaha District has been temporarily suspended until a final decision is reached after reviewing the construction plan, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

'Thel Bala's’ daughter nabbed with heroin in Grandpass

The daughter of notorious drug trafficker and underworld gangster Muniyandi Vappu Balan popularly known as “Thel Bala’’, has been arrested with heroin in Grandpass area.

200kg of heroin siezed in joint operation in Weligama

Nine suspects have been arrested with 200kg of heroin during a joint operation conducted in Mirissa in Weligama this morning, police said.

63 more die of COVID-19: Death toll surges to 2136

A total of 63 more COVID-19 deaths were reported increasing the death toll in Sri Lanka to 2136, the Government Information Department said yesterday.

Eligibility age for recruiting children raised to 16 years

The eligibility age for children for recruitment has been raised from 14 to 16 years, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) said.

Energy Minister should step down over fuel price hike: SLPP

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said the Energy Minister should take the responsibility over the fuel price hike and step down from his post.

Court orders CCTV footages of vehicles exit from Pinnaduwa on June 5,7

The Galle Magistrate today ordered the Director of Southern Expressway to submit the CCTV footage of the vehicles that exit from the Pinnaduwa Exit Point on June 5 and 7 to the Galle Divisional Crimes Investigation Division.

Public advised to alert police when parties held secretly

Hosting parties and other functions are strictly prohibited especially during weekends and public are requested to inform the nearest police station or police 119 hotline immediately if such activities are taking place in secret, police said.

1,633 fresh COVID-19 cases detected so far today

A total of 1,633 more COVID-19 patients have been detected so far today, the Health Ministry said.