Dengue epidemic; Sri Lanka not out of woods yet

Despite rains having comparatively decreased, the Public Health Inspectors’ Union (PHIU) warned that Sri Lanka is not out of the woods yet in terms of the dengue outbreak.

Ganja cultivations in state lands in East, Governor vows tough action

Newly appointed Governor for the Eastern Province Senthil Thondaman said he received complaints about Cannabis or Ganja being cultivated in the lands coming under the purview of various state institutions, and he would take heads of these bodies to task if proven guilty.

Sri Lanka welcomes US$ 350mn ADB loan to stabilise economy

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe welcomed Asian Development Bank’s approval of US$ 350 million loan to Sri Lanka for the stabilisation of the economy.

Govt. mulls increasing debt ceiling to raise funds to maintain critical road infrastructure

The government is likely to raise the domestic debt ceiling for this year in the coming months in order to raise the required funds via selling government securities to rehabilitate and maintain the country’s critical road infrastructure that is in need of urgent attention.

Palm oil industry stakeholders urge govt. to lift ban on cultivation

Sri Lanka’s Palm Oil Industry Association (POIA) and the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA) yesterday called on the government to reconsider the ban on oil palm cultivation and allow its expansion so that the island nation can reap the economic benefits stemming from it.

“There are several idiots in the Cabinet’’ - SLPP MP

While stressing that he was not aware of the current stance of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), MP Wimalaweera Dissanayaka warned that he was not ready to sit idle in the government.

Consuming beef from LSD infected cattle will not harm humans

Consumption of beef from cattle suffering from the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) will not spread the disease among humans, as the LSD only reduces milk production, Director General of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Research and Training Institute Dr. Hemali Kotalawala said.

Sri Lanka seeks ’Superstar’ Rajinikanth’s help to boost tourism

Sri Lanka has invited ’Superstar’ Rajinikanth, a world-renowned actor from South India to visit Sri Lanka in order to boost tourism in the country.

Dengue deaths rise to 25: May inching to record highest cases

The death toll from the dengue epidemic has climbed to 25, with the latest deaths being confirmed over the weekend.

Charith Asalanka to join team tomorrow after tying the knot

Sri Lanka’s 25-year-old batsman Charith Asalanka, who got married on Monday, is expected to join the rest of Sri Lanka’s squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan, tomorrow.

SJB calls for explanation from MPs Vadivel Suresh, Rajitha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) has called for an explanation from parliamentarians Vadivel Suresh and Rajitha Senaratne for having acted against the party’s decision to vote against the motion to remove the Public Utilities Commission Chairman from his post.

Maithripala’s leave to appeal application dismissed

The leave to appeal application filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena challenging the Negombo District Court’s order to proceed with the cases filed against him by the victims of the Katuwapitiya Church bomb blast while ordering to lay by the said cases against President Ranil Wickremesinghe was dismissed today by the Negombo Civil Appellate High Court.

2022 (2023) A/L exam results by August

The Examination Department is hoping to release the results of the 2022 (2023) GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examination by August, Commissioner General of Examinations H.J.M.C. Amith Jayasundara said.

World Rugby Investigation on Sri Lanka in July

World Rugby (WR) on Monday (29) informed the Sports Ministry of Sri Lanka that they would also be investigated as a part of WR review process following the ban imposed on Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR).

Sri Lankan rupee falls slightly against USD

On the heels of the Sri Lankan Rupee dropping below Rs 290 yesterday, it slightly depreciated today, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

Dimuth recalled, Dushmantha returns for Sri Lanka’s ODI series against Afghanistan

Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s ODI team for the three match series against Afghanistan starting in Hambantota this Friday.

Teenager who set school on fire over her phone being confiscated, charged with 19 murders

A 15-year-old girl has been charged - as an adult - with murdering 19 people after she allegedly set fire to a secondary school dormitory in Guyana.

’Sisu Sariya’ bus service: Govt. to charge 30% of fare from parents

A proposal has been tabled for the government to provide 70 per cent of the cost of the “Sisu Seriya” school bus service and the balance 30 per cent of the fare to be charged from the parents, Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Direct flights between Istanbul and Colombo to commence in August

Following discussions between the Turkish Ambassador and Sri Lanka’s Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister this morning, it was decided to seek authorization to commence direct flights from Istanbul, Turkey to the Katunayake international airport from August this year.

Don't expose children, people to direct sunlight, it will affect eyes: Expert

A senior doctor at the National Eye Hospital, Dr. Prasad Colombage today requested not to expose children and people to direct sunlight as it may directly affect their eyes.

State Defence Minister reveals actions on those igniting religious disputes

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said various elements with vested interests are eyeing to disrupt the prevailing peaceful situation in the country by igniting religious disputes.

Indian USD 1 Billion credit facility extended until March 2024

Sri Lanka has been granted an extension of the credit facility signed last year, with India providing access to a USD 1 billion credit facility until March 2024.

Minister orders to prepare plan to speed up train traffic on Kelani Valley line

The Railway Department and the Road Development Authority (RDA) have been instructed to prepare an integrated plan as soon as possible to speed up train traffic on the Kelani Valley railway line, Prime Minister, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said

President resumes LRT talks in Japan

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought approval of the Cabinet of Ministers prior to his official visit to Japan to resume discussions on the suspended Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

CCD hunts for night club manager over recent shooting in Borella

The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) released a photograph of a 33-year-old suspect, a manager of a night club, over a shooting incident near Leslie Ranagala Mawatha in Borella where a man was killed.

Names of those who interrupt transport digitalization to be revealed

’’I will reveal all the details of those who do not allow the full implementation of the digitalizing programme of the transport service and the introduction of the new automated system to issue bus tickets’’, Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

Thundershowers likely in several provinces & districts

Thundershowers are expected would in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Govt. to get tough on those speaking against religions

In the wake of the recent derogatory and inflammatory statements made by certain individuals against Buddhism and other religions, the Government is mulling enacting stronger laws to ensure that religious harmony is properly safeguarded and upheld in the country.

Coast Conservation Dept. clears path to build water villas in Kalpitiya

Sri Lanka’s Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department has cleared a proposal to build water villas in 16 islets off Kalpitiya in the North Western coast.

Japanese business delegation expected in SL in 4Q

On the sidelines of the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the roundtable meeting ‘Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival and Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise’, a delegation from Japan is due to arrive in the island nation in the fourth quarter of this year.