Dengue, Chikungunya threat rises with heavy rains: PHIs

The Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors’ Association has warned that the ongoing heavy rainfalls could lead to a rise in Dengue and Chikungunya cases.

Sri Lanka’s growth strong but uneven, warns World Bank

Sri Lanka’s recent economic performance has shown strong progress, but the country’s recovery remains incomplete, with growth still lagging behind pre-crisis levels and poverty remaining significantly high, according to the latest Sri Lanka Development Update released by the World Bank today.

Lawyers in Jaffna launch strike in protest against police action

Lawyers in Jaffna staged a strike today (Tuesday) in protest against the police, accusing them of unlawfully entering and searching the home of a lawyer without any court authorization.

Gold hits record high above $3,900

Gold surged to an all-time high above $3,900 per ounce on Monday, buoyed by growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut this month, as well as economic and political uncertainty in the U.S., France and Japan.

Strict Sri Lankan vegetarian passenger dies on board Qatar Airways

A Southern California cardiologist flying Qatar Airways from Los Angeles to Sri Lanka was denied the vegetarian meal he had ordered, then died after choking on a piece of food while attempting to “eat around” the meat in meal he was given instead, according to his grieving family, The Independent UK reported.

CM Stalin’s Katchatheevu talk ’’pure political drama’’ to divert attention from Karur stampede: BJP’s Annamalai

Launching a scathing attack on the DMK government, BJP leader K Annamalai said that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is doing ’’pure political drama’’ by talking about retrieving the Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka to divert attention from the administrative failure of his government in handling the Karur stampede.

Shortage of dialysis needles resolved: Minister

Acknowledging that there has been a shortage of dialysis needles in Sri Lanka, Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament today that arrangements have been made for the state hospital to make local purchases.

Couple hacked to death in Hungama

A couple was found hacked to death with sharp weapons at a house in Wadigala, Hungama, early this morning, police said.

Postal Department must become profitable: Minister

The Postal Department must become a self-sustaining institution, warning that if it fails to generate profit, the government may need to reconsider maintaining it with treasury funds, Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has said.

Delays, distrust, dynamic prices - how ’welcoming’ will World Cup be?

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has repeatedly insisted that ’’the world will be welcome’’ during next summer’s men’s World Cup, which will be held mostly by the USA, with some matches in Canada and Mexico.

Security-held lands in Trincomalee to be released for tourism — Deputy Minister

All land currently held by the security forces in the Trincomalee district will be released for tourism projects soon, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe told Parliament today.

Government to discourage use of plastic bottles in Sri Lanka

The government is out to discourage the production and usage of plastic bottles and shift towards using glass bottles, Minister of Industries Sunil Handunetti told Parliament today.

Half pay, limited allowances for suspended judges

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has decided to pay half their salaries to judges who have been suspended, while withholding several allowances.

Chinese investments main reason for low-cost renewable energy in SL

Chinese investment in the renewable energy sector is the reason why people enjoy low-cost energy and helped Sri Lanka transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, which currently produces over 50 per cent of energy, an official said.

Shortage of dialysis needles pushes prices up to Rs. 760

The price of injection needles used in the dialysis treatment of kidney patients has risen to Rs. 760, causing great anxiety among patients. Relatives of the patients said that the needles required for dialysis treatment are not available at the hospital, and they are compelled to supply them on their own.

Govt. doubles down on action against religious fanaticism

In response to growing concerns over the spread of distorted and misleading versions of the four major religions, the government has taken steps to prevent such misinterpretations by various fringe groups.

Over 400 dead as human–elephant conflict turns deadlier

The ongoing human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka has claimed the lives of 427 people and pachyderms within the first nine months of this year, data revealed.

Australia win Indoor World Cup in Sri Lanka

Australia’s players continued their dominance in the 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup as they made a clean sweep by winning all four titles, the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, Under-22 Boys and Under-22 Girls’ events at the Australia Sports Complex and the newly built U Pro Arena at Thalawathugoda in Sri Lanka.

Aminul Islam secures full term as BCB President; Ex-Captain Mashud joins board

Aminul Islam has been re-elected as President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), securing a full four-year term after serving in the role for the past four months. Former BCB president Faruque Ahmed and Shakhawat Hossain were elected unopposed as vice-presidents.

Brits century helps SA respond to England crushing

South Africa responded to their crushing defeat by England with an impressive six-wicket victory over New Zealand at the World Cup in Indore.

32 Pigeons handed over to Dehiwala Zoo for safekeeping stolen

It has been reported that 32 pigeons have been stolen from the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens.

Hajj and Umrah Ministry confirms all visa types allow holders to perform Umrah

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed that holders of all types of visas may perform Umrah while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Security for Mahinda Rajapaksa assured if requested: Deputy Minister

The government is prepared to provide security to former President Mahinda Rajapaksa if he informs the authorities after assessing his security needs and the threats he faces, Labour Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said.

Government cannot continue deceiving world as it does its own people: Rasamanickam

The Core Group reminded the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that Sri Lanka’s pledges remain unfulfilled and every commitment on justice, devolution and human rights has been reduced to rhetoric, Parliamentarian Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said.

Govt. must show backbone to probe deals between political leaders and Prabhakaran: SF

Former MP and Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has called on the current government to demonstrate political will by appointing a powerful commission to investigate alleged deals between past political leaders and the LTTE, particularly during the final stages of Sri Lanka’s civil war.

Certain laws have become obstacles in resolving medicine shortage: Nalinda

Certain laws and regulations have become an obstacle in resolving the current medicine shortage, Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today.

English author Jilly Cooper, writer of The Rutshire Chronicles, dies at age 88

English author Dame Jilly Cooper has died at age 88, her family has announced.

BIA authorities seize Rs.16.2Mn worth of cigarettes in first week of October

A trader, fisherman, electrician, and a foreign national who attempted to smuggle large quantities of illicit cigarettes into the country, worth over Rs.16.2 million, were intercepted by authorities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) during the first seven days of October, the Daily Mirror learns.

Police launch manslaughter probe into India’s cough syrup deaths

Indian police have opened a manslaughter probe into the deaths of at least 14 children linked to a toxic cough syrup, dealing another blow to the reputation of the country’s pharmaceutical industry after a string of similar tragedies in recent years.

Deputy Minister warns opposition politicians not to talk nonsense anymore

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe said today that politicians such as Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Gammanpila must be ready to face investigations if they continue to talk nonsense.