Keheliya should talk to former health ministers to formulate health policy: SJB MP

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella should call for a meeting with former health ministers from both the ruling party and the opposition to come up with a new health policy, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP said today.

Only one examination a year for all grades from 2024: Minister

While reducing the term tests, the Education Ministry has decided to hold only one examination per year for Grades in schools from 2024, said Education Minister Susil Premajayantha while participating at ceremony in the Jayawardenepura Education Zone.

Namal urges President to declare programme for drought-hit people

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Cabinet to announce the government’s programme to provide relief to people affected by the current drought and those in need of water for cultivation.

Police probe after schoolgirl’s allegation of abuse by class teacher

The Katupotha police in Kurunegala have initiated an investigation following a complaint made by a 19-year-old schoolgirl who alleges she was sexually abused by her class teacher. The incident resulted in the girl being admitted to the hospital after she had consumed some pills.

One arrested with Kerala cannabis worth over Rs. 75 Mn in Jaffna

A 31-year-old suspect was arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police with over 227 kgs of Kerala cannabis, during a combined search operation conducted in Ponnalei, Jaffna yesterday.

Talaimannar pier to be re-constructed after 37 years

The Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry has planned to re-construct the Talaimannar Pier to facilitate passenger vessels from Rameswaram, India after 37 years.

Iran, Sri Lanka agree on releasing prisoners in near future: Iranian Foreign Minister

Iran and Sri Lanka agreed to take action regarding the release of prisoners of the two countries in a humane way in the near future, the Iranian Foreign Minister said.

77th Bradby Shield Encounter: Royal win second leg, retain Shield

Royal College retained the Bradby Shield after recording a 27-17 over Trinity College in the second leg of the 77th encounter at Reid Avenue.

Colombo to be beautified with plans provided by Surbana Jurong: President

The vision to transform Colombo into a beautiful city is already in motion, with plans provided by Surbana Jurong while similar plans have been prepared for Trincomalee, aiming to enhance the development in that region as well, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Health Ministry initiates probe on suspended JMO

The Health Ministry has launched a ministerial-level investigation into Consultant Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) Dr. Ruhul Haq, who had practised notwithstanding the suspension being issued against him by the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).

West African leaders plan possible Niger intervention as deadline looms

West African defence chiefs have drawn up a plan for military action if Niger’s coup is not overturned by Sunday, the regional bloc said on Friday, after mediation failed in a crisis that threatens regional security and has drawn in global powers.

Shooting incidents continue: Another injured in Weliweriya

A person who was travelling in a car in the ​​Weliweriya area was shot at by two unidentified persons riding a motorcycle.

2,000 lecturers left country during past 18 months: FUTA

According to the data recorded at the University Grants Commission (UGC), nearly 2,000 lecturers had left the country during the past one and a half years, 600 had left the country, and some had left the service during the past six months, President of the Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA) Prof. Barana Jayawardana said.

Imran Khan jailed for three years, banned from politics for five years

Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to three years imprisonment and disqualified from politics for five years.

Water bills through e-billing service from 2024: NWSDB

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) will provide the monthly water bills to consumers only through email and SMS services from January 2024, NWSDB Commercial Deputy General Manager Piyal Pathmanatha said.

Suspect with commercial sticks of explosives nabbed in Trincomalee

Separate operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Jayanagar with the assistance of the Kuchchaveli Police in the Poduwakattu sea area on July 31 and August led to the apprehension of a suspect in possession of five sticks of commercial explosives, 14 chargers and 17 non-electric detonators.

Entry into forest reservations, climbing, camping on mountains strictly prohibited

Entering wildlife and forest conservation reserves located in the Nuwara Eliya district, climbing the mountains located in those reserves, and camping in those mountains are strictly prohibited, as of yesterday (4), Nuwara Eliya District Secretary Nandana Galabada said.

Pear cultivators complain of low prices

Pear cultivators in Nuwara Eliya and Ragala areas have been left without a remunerative market for their produce, much to their anxiety.

FM’s visit to Iran: Tea for oil solution to be explored

Sri Lanka is intensifying its efforts to enhance diplomatic relations with West Asian nations, with the latest focus on strengthening trade ties with Iran, particularly for revitalizing its tea market as part of these endeavours during Foreign Minister Ali Sabry’s current visit there.

Asian Palm Oil Asso. renews call to SL govt. to reconsider oil palm cultivation ban

The Asian Palm Oil Association (APOA) renewed its call to the Sri Lankan government, urging it to reconsider the temporary ban on oil palm cultivation.

India extends INR 450mn advance to expedite SL Unique Digital Identity Framework

The implementation of the Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SL-UDI) Framework will be expedited with India’s support by extending an advance of INR 450 million.

Govt. allocates Rs.429mn to cultivate 11,000 abandoned paddy lands

The government yesterday said 11,000 acres of abandoned paddy lands would be cultivated before the end of this year, in order to prepare for the potential food crisis.

Unpaid Electricity bill: Namal Rajapaksa wants clarification from CEB

MP Namal Rajapaksa has demanded a clarification from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in relation to an alleged unpaid electricity bill by him being circulated on social media under the letterhead of the CEB.

SJB settles Mihintale Temple electricity Bill

Whilst confirming that the electricity bill of the historical temple at Mihintale was settled with the contribution of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) members and donors of the party, Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said the government should not harass places of worship.

Flying kites near airports a punishable offence

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited today said flying kites within a radius of five kilometres from any airport was illegal and a punishable offence and requested people to refrain from such acts.

Committee appointed to report on drugs, underworld activities

A committee, headed by Deshabandu Tennakoon, Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Western Province, has been appointed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate into and report on measures that can be implemented to combat narcotic drugs and underworld activities.

SL Rupee depreciates against USD again

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated against the US Dollar (USD) today compared to the last two days, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Rahul Gandhi to return to parliament as court suspends conviction

The Supreme Court of India has suspended opposition Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi’s conviction in a defamation case, enabling him to return to parliament and contest national elections due next year.

Wayamba University gets new Chancellor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed the founder of the SANASA Movement, Dr. P.A. Kiriwandeniya for the post of Chancellor of the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka for a period of 5 years with Immediate Effect, the President’s Media said.

Namal still to pay Rs. 2.6 mn power bill due for his wedding in 2019?

Former Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Provincial Council member Nalin Hewage said the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) informed him in reply to an RTI filed by him that Parliamentarian Namal Rajapksa has still not paid the electricity bill due for his wedding in 2019.