Kandyan bride onboard ’Podi Menike’

A video is being circulated on social media, witnessing a foreign woman dressing up in Podi Menike express train as a ’Sri Lankan bride’.

PUCSL independence is challenged now: Janaka Rathnayaka

’’In a democratic country, politicians getting involved in the affairs of independent commissions such as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and influencing them, directly and indirectly, is an unfortunate situation,’’ PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayaka said.

Rupee continues to strengthen due to sound economic decisions taken by govt.: Siyambalapitiya

As a result of sound economic decisions taken by the government, the rupee is continuing to strengthen, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Vocational education for children who leave school half way: Minister

The education ministry is working in coordination with all related institutions to provide vocational education to all the children who stop in the middle of their school education, Minister Susil Preamajayantha said.

Student alleges Principal assaulted him for not taking gas cylinders to Principal’s house

A student of Naula Monty Gopallawa Maha Vidyalaya, who sustained injuries in an assault, allegedly by the Principal of the school for not taking two gas cylinders in the school building to the Principal’s residence, was admitted to Ambana Divisional Hospital, the Police said.

Police launch month-long special program to reduce traffic congestion in WP

Arrangements have been made to conduct a month-long awareness program for drivers, passengers and pedestrians to reduce the traffic congestion in the Western Province, the Police announced.

JJB agrees with govt. to postpone LG polls by a year: SJB

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) yesterday alleged that the Jathika Jana Balawegaya ( JJB) had entered into an agreement with the government to postpone the local government elections by a year.

Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates 72 years of its legacy

The Sri Lanka Air Force is celebrating its 72nd Anniversary (2nd March 2023) under the leadership of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana.

Deshapriya applies for Elections Commission again

Former Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya today confirmed that he has submitted an application to serve as a member of the Elections Commission.

Two including airman caught for stealing T-56 firearm from Sigiriya SLAF base

Two suspects including an airman of the Sigiriya Air Force Base have been arrested by the Homicide and Organized Crime Investigation Division for stealing a T-56 firearm and two magazines containing 60 rounds of ammunition from the camp.

Free diesel from today for all farmers who cultivate paddy: Minister

The volume of diesel that was donated by China will be issued for all farmers who are engaged in paddy cultivation starting today under fuel tokens, Agriculture Ministry said.

First batch of Chinese tour group in 2023 reaches BIA

While resuming the arrival of Chinese tourists for the current year, the first Chinese tourist group arrived at Katunayake International Airport last night.

China tells IMF willing to take constructive part in debt talks

Premier Li Keqiang told the head of the International Monetary Fund that China is open to participating in multilateral efforts to help heavily indebted nations “in a constructive manner,” China Central Television reported.

Depth of crisis affirms SL needs new economic development model: WB

As the economic collapse and political instability have devastated the lives and livelihood of the people of Sri Lanka, the island nation is in dire need of a new development model, the World Bank (WB) said.

Rupee appreciates further as CB tweaks guidance peg

The Sri Lankan rupee further appreciated yesterday, hitting the lowest value against the US dollar since May, last year, amid the Central Bank tweaking the guidance peg.

Indian Defence Forces offer 1,500 training slots every year to Sri Lanka

Indian Defence Forces offer about 1,500 training slots every year to Sri Lanka which are financed through a special programme with an annual allocation of USD 7 million.

Obesity among male, female population in SL on the rise: Medical specialist

The overweight and obesity among male and female population have increased when compared to 2015 where 15% of female and 6.3% of male population were reported with obesity in Sri Lanka, a medical specialist said today.

Identify those evading tax payment by failing to disclose their income: Minister

Finance State Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya today informed the Inland Revenue Department Commissioner General to take immediate action to identify persons engaged in certain professions who have evaded payment of tax without showing their income.

Two-day debate pertaining to LG polls next week

Leaders of political parties representing Parliament has decided to have a two-day debate on the situation pertaining to the local government elections in the House next week, Parliament media unit said.

More cabinet ministers likely to be appointed this month: SB

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP S.B. Dissanayake said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe would appoint several cabinet ministers including himself soon.

Female engineering faculty undergrad dies of suspected drug overdose

The Peradeniya Police has launched an investigation after a 26-year-old 4th-year female undergraduate of Peradeniya University’s Faculty of Engineering died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

General strike brought partial success

The General strike which was called by trade unions have yielded only partial success as only 44,540 public servants out of 148,451 in six provinces have participated in it, according to a government survey.

Mass trade union action not successful: Rathnapriya

Even though the trade unions with certain political agendas had called for a massive trade union action, they were not successful, Director General of Trade Unions to President Samana Rathnapriya said.

Indian SC directs TN govt. to reconsider premature release of Sri Lankan convict

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the issue of the premature release of a Sri Lankan convict, who has undergone nearly 35 years of incarceration.

Kerosene oil prices reduced from midnight today

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has reduced the prices of a litre of kerosene oil by Rs. 50 with effect from midnight today.

Failure to prevent Easter Sunday attacks: Maithri’s appeal dismissed with cost

Colombo Civil Appellate High Court today ordered to dismiss the appeal filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena who challenged the Colombo District Court’s decision to reject his request that he be discharged from several civil lawsuits filed by the victims of Easter Sunday attacks.

President Ranil Wickremasinghe released from 108 lawsuits

The Colombo District Court today ordered to release President Ranil Wickremesinghe from 108 lawsuits filed by the victims of those who have died and injured during the suicide bomb blast took place in Colombo.

Will take legal action in next couple of days: PUCSL Chairman

Necessary legal action will be taken in the next couple of days relating to the recent increase of the electricity tariff without his consent, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) chairman Janaka Rathnayake said.

US Senate Committee urges SL Govt. to hold elections without further delay

The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (SCFR) urged the Government of Sri Lanka to hold free and fair local government elections without further delay.

No police officers to open PUCSL office: PUCSL Chairman

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) chairman Janaka Rathnayake said yesterday (28) that even though he returned to the country, his office was not open for him.