Heavy rains to continue even today after 2 pm: Met. dept.

While issuing a general forecast for the country, the National Meteorological Centre said today that the atmospheric conditions are favorable for evening thundershowers in most parts of the island.

Fuel prices reduced from tonight

The Power and Energy Minister has decided to reduce the retail prices of Lanka Petrol 92 Octane, Lanka Petrol 95 Octane Euro 4, Lanka Auto Diesel and Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star Euro 4 from tonight.

Lotus Tower witnesses first skydiving event

The Lotus Tower in Colombo witnessed its first skydiving event recently to promote the island’s tourism industry internationally.

Presidential Task Force to promote Artificial Intelligence

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials of the Ministry of Technology to form a task force of Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts and prepare a concept paper to promote AI usage in the country, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

UGC to provide two degrees next year: Chairman

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to offer two degrees for the first time in university history to the students who join the faculties of arts at the universities next year.

Over 3,500 police officers on duty for May Day rallies in Colombo

Special security and traffic arrangements have been made for political rallies to be held on May Day, Police said.

Woman held at Chennai airport with 22 snakes

NEW DELHI: The Customs officials of India have arrested a woman at the Chennai airport with 22 snakes of various species.

Whistleblower alleges canned fish unfit for human consumption being sold through Sathosa

Former Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Executive Director Thushan Gunawardena yesterday alleged that the Ministry of Trade has informed the Lanka Sathosa to sell canned fish unfit for human consumption through its outlets in 2021.

Woman raped and murdered in Mihintale, suspect arrested

A woman was raped and killed in a house at Doramadalawa in Mihintale yesterday, police said.

Neighbors asked man to stop firing rifle outside, he then shot 5 people in Texas

Authorities widened search for the suspect after the killing of five of his neighbours in the town of Cleveland in Texas. San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said that the police were searching for 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza who could now be as large as “10 or 20 miles’’.

Thundershowers likely in most parts of the country during next few days

Atmospheric conditions are favorable for development of evening thundershowers in most parts of the island during the next few days, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Shortage of eggs will ease within 15 days after removal of maximum retail price

After the removal of the maximum retail price for eggs they will be available country-wide within 15 days, the egg and poultry industry claimed yesterday.

Evacuated Lankans from Sudan arrive in Sri Lanka

The 14 Sri Lankans residing in the Sudan who were evacuated due to the prevailing crisis arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport today, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

SJB has no backbone to object to IMF agreement: Handunnetti

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved the destruction which would be caused to the country and the economy through the IMF fund facility agreement by being absent during the time of voting in Parliament yesterday, former JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti said today.

Take better precautions when organizing dansalas due to risk of spreading diarrhea: PHI union

The Public Health Inspectors’ (PHI) Union today requested organizers to pay more attention to health advice when organizing dansalas for the upcoming Vesak festival.

Pakistan is the largest recipient of ADB loans in Asia

Pakistan has become the largest recipient of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded programmes/projects in the year 2022, reported Pakistan Today.

Suspected drone strike triggers massive fire in Russian-occupied Crimea

A fire broke out at an oil storage facility in Sevastopol, Crimea allegedly following a drone attack by Ukraine. Crimean authorities said the fire has been contained.

Power disruption in Colombo due to breakdown at Athurugiriya sub-station

The electricity supply to several areas around Sri Jayawardenepura, Malabe and Hokandara has been disrupted due to a breakdown at the Athurugiriya sub-station, the Power and Energy Ministry said.

Severe lightning alert issued for 18 districts: Met Dept.

An advisory accompanied by severe lightning was issued today for 18 districts by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department.

Countrywide DS offices organising Avurudu Utsawa To refrain staffers from attending May Day rallies?

A number of Divisional Secretariats countrywide organising in-house ‘Avurudu Utsawa’ on Monday, May 1st have raised concerns of many, as it was an attempt to prevent government employees from attending the May Day rallies, the Daily Mirror learns.

Ensure safety of foreign tourists, prepare environment to travel freely: Sagala

The President’s Chief of Staff and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake has given instructions to the security forces to ensure the safety of foreign tourists coming to Sri Lanka and prepare the necessary environment for them to travel freely.

Notorious criminal ’Kudu Anju’ arrested in France, Interpol informs SL

Notorious criminal and drug trafficker Sinhara Amal Saminda Silva alias Kudu Anju has been arrested in France, police said.

Nigerian court acquits imprisoned sailors including from SL

Abuja: A Nigerian court has acquitted the sailors in Norwegian vessel MT Heroic Idun, who were jailed for crude oil piracy on Saturday, reported Manorama News. The vessel had 26 sailors including 16 Indians. Among the 16, three were Malayalis. The other sailors were from Sri Lanka, Poland and Philippines.

Beware of crocodiles in the Menik Ganga

The crocodile population in the Menik Ganga in Kataragama has reportedly increased, the Wild Life Department said.

Another heavy rain alert issued for 12 districts as rains intensify: Met. Dept.

An amber colour alert (Be prepared) for heavy deluges issued for 12 districts, the Meteorology Department said today.

Beware of fake Hela Bojun food outlets! Agriculture Minister warns people

The Agriculture Ministry yesterday issued a statement requesting people not to be misled by fake private food stalls and wayside eateries operating under the brand ‘Hela Bojun’ since the authentic ones are run by it only to promote rice flour.

Increase in afternoon thunderstorms, heavy rains today

A significant increase in thunderstorm activity with more than 100mm rainfall is expected in the afternoon, the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

Colombo inflation falls sharply in April as base effect kicks in

The Colombo district inflation fell sharply in April, as the higher base effects from last year kicked in while the commodities prices are cooling, on the back of easing supply conditions and the relative strength in the rupee, which reduced the prices of imported goods.

Sri Lanka still has a fragile stability, says Ceylon Chamber chief

Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman and Sunshine Holdings PLC Group Managing Director Vish Govindasamy said that the country has only gained a fragile stability and there is a lot more to be done in future.

Arson attack on President’s private residence: J. Sri Ranga named as a suspect

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today named former Parliamentarian J. Sri Ranga as a suspect regarding the investigations over the incident of setting fire to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo.