Fitch revises Outlook on CEB to Positive; affirms at ’B(lka)’

Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to Positive from Stable while affirming its rating at (B)lka.

Army corporal arrested for sexually harassing Turkish woman

An army corporal was taken into custody on suspicion of sexually harassing a young Turkish woman who was travelling in a bus to Dambulla.

Sudath Sampath head of new Rugby selection Committee

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports has appointed a new National Rugby Selections Committee, headed by former rugby player Sudath Sampath. The other members of the committee are Duminda de Silva, Alex Nishantha Chanaka, Rajiv Ganapathy, and C.P. Abeygoonawardena.

Sri Lankan fisherman attacked with petrol bomb at sea

A Sri Lankan fisherman was injured in a petrol bomb attack by a suspected Indonesian fishing vessel on the high seas off the coast of Galle, Sri Lanka.

Measles shows an increase among those unvaccinated: Paediatrician

The measles infections in the country show an increase among those who had not received their immunization vaccines, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Dr. Deepal Perera said.

One-third of total CT scanners in Govt. hospitals completely down

One-third of the total CT scanning machines in government hospitals are completely dysfunctional, medical professionals pointed out.

Seven deaths at Kandy Hospital due to alleged fungal infection: Probe underway

The Health Ministry has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the seven deaths allegedly caused due to fungal infection at the Kandy Hospital, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena said.

President condemns burning of Quran in Sweden; slams HRC silence

While condemning the recent burning of a Quran in Sweden, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that it is a violation of the Freedom of Worship and questioned why the Human Rights Council in Geneva has remained silent on this issue.

SLPP MPs adamant on Cabinet posts, reject alternatives attached with perks

In a bid to appease some senior MPs of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who insist on Cabinet portfolios, the government has proposed to set up a separate body called ‘high post committee’ comprising them and assign responsibilities to them along with perks such as vehicles and allowances, Daily Mirror learns.

A point of positive transformation in the relationship: Indian Foreign Secy

Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said yesterday his discussions with the Sri Lankan leadership and the Foreign Ministry were essentially focused on trying to ensure that the upcoming visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is actually a point of positive transformation in the relationship.

Sri Lanka to commence negotiations with Indonesia for preferential trade deal

Cabinet nod was granted this week to initiate negotiations with Indonesia to enter into a preferential trade agreement (PTA), which will ultimately....

Government finalises transaction advisors for divestment of 7 SOEs

The government has finalised transaction advisors to assist in the proposed divestiture of seven state-owned enterprises (SOEs) as part of its SOE...

Universal Periodic Review process: UK welcomes SL’s constructive engagement

The United Kingdom welcomed Sri Lanka’s constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review process and the initial steps it has taken to make progress in some areas since its last review.

Govt must pay special attention to trilingual skills when appointing government officers

The government should pay special attention to trilingual skills when assigning and appointing government servants to the public sector, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Additional Secretary (National Language) Anuradha Wijekoon said.

2023 A/L exam to be held between November to December

It has been proposed to hold the 2023 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations during a period between November 27 to December 21, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Another gold gel smuggling attempt thwarted by Customs at BIA

Another attempt to smuggle a stock of gold gel worth over Rs.160 million by five local traders concealed in their baggage bound for India was thwarted by the Sri Lanka Customs stationed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this afternoon.

Six Sri Lankan athletes to feature in the Asian Athetics C’ship tomorrow

Six Sri Lankan athletes are scheduled to participate in the finals and preliminary rounds of the 25th Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2023 tomorrow.

New university to produce only teachers: Minister

Teachers will not be recruited for a three-year teaching diploma course at National Colleges of Education (NIE) in the future, but they will be assigned to a university established to produce teachers for a four-year degree, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Parish Priest speaks on allegations of sexual abuse

The Parish Priest of a Church in Marawila, who is said to have sexually abused a 15-year-old school student, said he intended to obtain a fair judgment on the false allegations made against him and get the issue resolved.

Marc-André Franche appointed as UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka

Marc-André Franche of Canada has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, with the host Government’s approval.

Fmr Minister Priyankara Jayaratne released from corruption case

Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis today ordered to release former Minister Priyankara Jayaratne and his private secretary from a corruption case following the Bribery Commission’s decision to withdraw the charges.

Sathosa to be restructured

Cabinet approval was granted to restructure Sathosa as it has not achieved the desired objectives of establishing it, Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardane said today.

‘Sri Lanka Legume’ tree removed with Cabinet approval: Bandula

‘Sri Lanka Legume’ tree (Crudia zeylanica) which blocked the construction of the Colombo - Kandy Expressway in the Daraluwa area of Veyangoda, was removed with Cabinet approval, Minister Bandula Gunawardane said today.

Hasaranga wins ICC Player of the Month award for June

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was named the ICC’s Player of the Month for June, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced

Growing trend of MPs exploiting Parliamentary privileges: BASL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) announced that there is a growing trend of members of parliament exploiting parliamentary privileges by making statements in parliament, for matters which are sub judice (being considered by a court).

French Naval Ship Lorraine arrives in Colombo

The French Naval Ship Lorraine arrived at the Colombo port on a formal visit this morning.

At least 900 children diagnosed with cancer, 100 with diabetes: Paediatrician

At least 900 children are diagnosed with cancer and 100 with diabetes each year, and now it has become common among children, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Barcelona tear down Nou Camp with cranes in shocking footage of the stadium’s demolition

Footage has emerged of the Nou Camp being torn down to rubble as Barcelona push ahead with plans to redevelop the iconic stadium.

Nigerian gets death sentence and 7 other foreigners jailed to 10 years

The Colombo High Court sentenced a Nigerian national to death over possession of 1.74 kgs of Cocaine while seven other foreigners who were arrested in 2020 with 45.6 kgs of ICE narcotic drugs (methamphetamine crystals) were sentenced to ten years imprisonment each, police said.

Easter Sunday attacks: Maithripala seeks further time to pay compensation

Filing a motion before the Supreme Court, former President Maithripala Sirisena has sought further time to pay the remaining sum of Rs.85 million as compensation to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.