SJB, NPP talks of presidency but Dullas says it is irrelevant

Whilst the Samgi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) stressed that Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa should be the common Opposition candidate in the event that a joint opposition force is formed, and the National People’s Power naming Anura Kumara Dissanayake as its candidate, is irrelevant at the moment, said MP Dullas Alahapperuma while referring to a presidential or any other election.

Sri Lanka to send 154-strong contingent for Asian Games

The National Olympic Committee (NOCSL) and the Sports Ministry guaranteed that a team will represent the country in Rugby Sevens at the Asian Games next month, as part of its 150-plus contingent to take part in the regional multi-sport event.

NPP selects AKD as next Presidential candidate

Member of Parliament Anura Kumara Dissanayake said he has been chosen as the candidate of the National People’s Power (NPP) party for the upcoming presidential election.

Woman injured in shooting by brother-in-law in Akuressa

A 38-year-old man has been arrested for shooting at his sister-in-law at Dediyagala in Bangama, Akuressa last night.

Live worm found in Australian woman’s brain in world first

In a world first, scientists say that an 8cm (3in) worm has been found alive in the brain of an Australian woman.

Toyota halts all Japan assembly plants due to glitch

Japanese car making giant Toyota has suspended operations at all of its assembly plants in its home country due to a glitch in its production system.

7.1-magnitude earthquake strikes Bali Sea

A 7-magnitude earthquake struck the Bali Sea region of Indonesia early on Tuesday morning, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

Sri Lanka anticipates relief from sweltering heat as cooling trends arrive

Sri Lanka is welcoming a much-needed respite from scorching temperatures as brisk winds and scattered showers become more prevalent, the Department of Meteorology announced yesterday.

Sri Lanka retreats from UNHRC spotlight Awaits session with low-key strategy

Sri Lanka will have a low profile approach to the upcoming session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) scheduled to start next month, Daily Mirror learns.

Over 80% of August tourist arrival target reached

Over 80 percent of the tourist arrival target set for August has been reached in the first 27 days of the month, the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority showed.

FitsAir crowned as Asia’s most punctual airline for July 2023

FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first and only privately owned low-cost airline and a subsidiary of Aberdeen Holdings, was adjudged as Asia’s most punctual airline in July 2023.

CB dispels concerns over economic stability post-debt restructuring

The Central Bank last week dismissed the claims that the seemingly stable economic situation currently being experienced after last year’s crisis would be disrupted when the country starts repaying its loans to foreign creditors, following the debt restructuring.

Sri Lanka logs highest HIV cases in single quarter

Sri Lanka has experienced a dramatic surge in HIV/AIDS cases during the second half of 2023, marking the highest number of cases reported in a single quarter since 2009.

Travel chaos in Europe as UK air traffic control hit by ’technical issue’

Hundreds of flights across Europe were canceled on Monday after Britain’s air traffic control service experienced a “technical issue” that caused widespread disruption on one of the country’s busiest travel days of the year.

Security forces operating jointly to curb underworld activities; Permitted to shoot if necessary

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said the Police Department is working on a non-political agenda and is always committed to protecting the law and order of the country at the highest level.

FIFA lifts ban on Sri Lanka

FIFA lifted the suspension imposed on Sri Lanka today, after Football Sri Lanka (FSL) began the process of conducting an election of office bearers next month.

My brother's rocket was a private investment- Namal

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Namal Rajapaksa responded to discussions surrounding the recent rocket launch by India, emphasizing that people often associate it with the rocket sent by his brother.

Young female marketing executive dies after wedding reception

A young female marketing executive from a private sector institution has died after attending a wedding reception in Gonapola, Horana.

Man killed in daylight shooting at Wellampitiya

A man was killed after two unidentified men on a motorcycle opened fire at him while travelling in a three-wheeler at Kiththampahuwa in Wellampitiya this afternoon.

France to ban Muslim abaya dress in state schools

France will ban children from wearing the abaya, the loose-fitting, full-length robes worn by some Muslim women, in state-run schools, its education minister said on Sunday ahead of the back-to-school season.

Police sergeant dies of gunshot injuries

A police sergeant on guard duty at the Matara District Judge’s residence in Matara Beach Road died of gunshot injuries and his body was recovered by Matara police this morning.

Court prevents planned protest in Colombo

The Fort Magistrate has issued an order preventing 24 persons, including Duminda Nagamuwa, Mujibur Rahman and Hirunika Premachandra of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, and Parliamentarians Charitha Herath and Vasudeva Nanayakkara of the Freedom People’s alliance, from entering certain areas and roads in Colombo till 6.00 pm today.

Cardinal wants Referendum on Indo-Lanka roadway

While stressing that Indo-Lanka ties should be confined to trade and economy, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said the proposed bridge between the two countries should be approved by the Sri Lankan people through a Referendum.

CBK has still not returned 104 Shotguns issued to her

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who was provided with a total number of 104 12-bore shotguns when she was at the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party from 1980 to 1990 was yet to return those weapons, it was revealed in Parliament last week.

Sri Lanka free trade pact slated for 2024: Thailand expects 3 more rounds of talks

Thailand and Sri Lanka expect to sign a free trade agreement (FTA) in early 2024 as the two parties aim for three more rounds of talks this year to conclude the negotiations, according to the chief of the Trade Negotiations Department.

More than 10,000 lakes completely dried: Amaraweera

More than 10,000 lakes in the island have dried up completely due to the current drought and the water level in all the main reservoirs has decreased by 35–40 percent, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Heat in nine districts between 39 and 45 degrees Celsius today

Following today’s heat index, nine districts of the country will be at a level that will be noticed by the human body, the Meteorology Department announced.

Meningococcal Disease raises concerns of community spread

Following the tragic death of an eight-month-old infant at Karapitya Hospital, concerns have sparked over a potential community spread of Meningococcal disease.

Rain expected to enhance in south-western part of island

Showery conditions are expected to enhance to some extent in the south-western part of the island in the next few days starting from today, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

SL replaces 20-year-old air operations comms system at BIA with high-tech DVCSS

Sri Lanka has replaced the 20-year-old air operation communication system at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake....