Think tank calls for urgent policy action to tackle brain drain

As Sri Lanka continues to deal with the outflux of its talent pool, largely owing to the prevailing economic conditions, the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) stressed the need to look at designing an appropriate mix of policies to address labour and skill shortages at the earliest.

Maine mass shooting: At least 16 dead, suspect at large

At least 16 people were killed in a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, on Wednesday evening, ABC News reported.

President reveals plans to merge plantation and agriculture sectors

Sri Lanka plans to amalgamate the country’s plantation industry and agriculture sector as part of its effort to modernise the country’s agricultural landscape.

Sea bottom research off limits for Shi Yang 6

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) which awaits collaborative research with the Chinese vessel ‘Shi Yang 6’ subject to approval by the Foreign Ministry said it had agreed for air-sea interaction survey with a focus on the water column of the Indian Ocean but not on the sea bottom given security sensitivity involved, a scientist said.

UK-SL making progress on mutual driving licence exchange agreement: UK Minister

In an effort to facilitate mutual driving licence exchanges, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka are currently engaged in negotiations to establish an agreement, the UK Parliament was told.

Milco chairman held hostage , 13 employees arrested

Thirteen employees of Milco were arrested by the Kollupitiya for allegedly holding its chairman, Renuka Perera and several others as hostage at the main office yesterday, the police said.

Japan to provide JPY 200mn grant to boost North-East fisheries infrastructure

The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a resolution to accept a JPY 200 million grant from the Government of Japan to promote the growth of the Sri Lankan fisheries industry.

Include safety measures for LPG use in A/L syllabus

The chairman of LITRO Gas Lanka, Muditha Peiris, yesterday requested Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to include the safety measures associated with using liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in the Advanced Level (A/L) syllabus.

Drug addicts responsible for half of child rape cases: Geetha

Half of child rape cases reported in the country have been committed by various drug users, Women and Child Affairs State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe said.

SL educational qualifications to be mutually recognized in Italy: Minister

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has decided to prepare a system in which educational qualifications in Italy and Sri Lanka are mutually recognized in both countries.

Foreigner fined for traffic offence

A tourist, W. Douro Euan Edward, was fined Rs. 35,000 by Galle Addl. Magistrate Lakmini Vidanagamage after being found guilty of riding a motorcycle without a driving licence valid in Sri Lanka, without the motorcycle’s revenue licence, and without wearing a helmet.

Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/24 to commence on December 26

Sri Pada pilgrim season 2023/24 is scheduled to commence on December 26, with the dawn of the Unduvap Full Moon Poya and end on the Wesak Full Moon Poya in May 2024.

Govt. steadfast in introducing new laws to bring about system change: Manusha

The government is steadfast in introducing new laws while replacing the past to bring about the system changes that people expect, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara said.

Sri Lanka’s inaugural women-led plastic recyclable collection network launched

The United States, through the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity and ‘Gunadamin’ of Elephant House of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS) have collaborated to establish Sri Lanka’s inaugural plastic recyclable collection network and material recovery facility, led by women, emphasizing the separation and processing of recyclable materials.

GMOA warns of mass trade union action

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has announced a series of trade union actions in protest of the government’s failure to take feasible measures to retain medical officers who are expecting to go abroad.

President should have better understanding of coalition politics: Namal

The President should have a better understanding of coalition politics, MP Namal Rajapaksa said, adding that problems cannot be solved through Cabinet reshuffles.

Assault on Diana Gamage: Committee scrutinizes CCTV footages

The five-member committee appointed to probe the alleged assault on State Minister Diana Gamage at the Parliament lobby, scrutinized the CCTV footage regarding the incident today and decided to summon relevant parties on November 6.

Sri Lanka eye more gold medals in Asian Para Games

Sri Lanka will target medals as Paralympics Gold Medalist Dinesh Priyantha Herath competes in the Men’s javelin throw events, which are scheduled for today.

SL Railways to get new GM

The Transport and Highways Ministry has appointed Sri Lanka Railways Additional General Manager H.M.K.W. Bandara as the General Manager, with effect from November 3.

NPP meets Australian HC, discusses delays in polls

Representatives of the National People’s Power (NPP) met Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens where several matters including the postponement of elections, the Online Safety Bill and the Anti-Terrorism Bill were discussed.

Fine for cattle theft to be increased along with imprisonment

The Agriculture Ministry has decided to increase the fine imposed on cattle thefts to Rs. 100,000 and at least one year of rigorous imprisonment for the offense.

BIA welcomes first charter flight with 252 international tourists

The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) welcomed the first charter flight of a series of charter flight operations of the Lot Polish Airlines today operating from the Czech Republic, with 252 international tourists arriving in Sri Lanka, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited said.

Chinese research vessel to dock in Colombo today

The Chinese research vessel ‘Shi Yan 6’ is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo today for replenishment purposes, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Young woman murdered by husband, body found buried behind home

A 23-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of his young wife, whose body was found buried behind their residence in Neeravipiddi, Mulliyawalai.

168 rape cases reported in September, 22 of them pregnant: Eran

A total of 168 rape cases of girls under the age of 16 have been reported in this country in September this year, MP Eran Wickramaratne said.

No water tariff revision this year: Thondaman

Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development Minister Jeevan Thondaman assured that there will be no revision of the water tariff this year.

Sri Lanka records over 77,000 tourist arrivals in first 22 days of October

In the first 22 days of October, Sri Lanka welcomed 77,763 tourists, bringing the year-to-date total to 1,094,019, according to provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

China’s foray persists despite India’s concerns

Despite India’s objection registered with the Sri Lankan authorities, China’s foray in Sri Lanka’s northern and eastern provinces persists, particularly with a focus on the fisheries sector.

New Health Minister vows to make crucial changes

Newly appointed Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said he expects to make some crucial and timely changes in terms of policies and individuals in the health sector.

Cabinet greenlights measures to bolster tourism

The Ministry of Tourism, in its recent efforts to boost international tourism to Sri Lanka, received a series of approvals from the Cabinet of Ministers this week.