New SC judge, two CA judges sworn in

Three judges including a Supreme Court Judge were sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning.

Father Chandra Schaffter speaks his heart out about Dinesh’s death and Dinesh, the person

Senior and highly respected business leader Chandra Schaffter yesterday spoke his heart out about his youngest son Dinesh and his untimely death on 15 December. Here is the full text of Chandra’s statement first since the death of Dinesh, a young investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, exclusively in the Daily FT

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda arrested at BIA

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda was arrested by a special team of the Computer Crimes Investigation Division upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from Dubai last night, Police said.

Ban Ki-moon arrives in SL

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a short visit.

Debt restructuring: SL seeks phone dialogue with Chinese President

The government has sought a telephone conversation between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chinese President

Man commits suicide after killing his children

A 33-year old man hacked his two children to death before he committed suicide at Polambegoda in ​​Aranayaka.

SL exploring ways to adopt India’s cross-border digital payment systems to attract more of their tourists

Eyeing to welcome 250,000 Indian tourists this year, Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of adopting India’s home-grown cross-border digital payment systems as part of the country’s strategy to lure in more Indian tourists by enabling a cashless travel experience.

CB begins banks’ asset quality review to identify stresses in the system

The Central Bank has kicked off an asset quality review of the country’s banking sector to identify possible stresses in different pockets of banks’ balance sheets as they provided enormously on possible bad loans and other financial asset losses in 2022 with the final stretch of moratoria expiring early this year.

Anyone appointed to PUCSL must have read PUCSL, CEB Acts: PUCSL Chairman

The persons who are appointed as members of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) should read and know the PUCSL Act and the Electricity Board Act, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayaka said.

Ali Sabry meets visiting foreign dignitaries

The visiting Foreign Ministers and other dignitaries who were invited to participate in the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka called on Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on Friday (3) and Saturaday (4), the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

Not in favour of 13A; could lead to separatism, EP Governor says

Eastern Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath today expressed her displeasure over the implementation of the 13th Amendment because it could lead to separatism in the country.

Young couple arrested over businessman’s death in Thalangama

A couple has been arrested by the Kandana Police in connection with the death of a 49-year-old businessman from Wellampitiya whose body was found in the swimming pool in Thalangama last week.

LAUGFS Gas price revision to be announced tomorow

LAUGFS Gas Company announced today that a decision on a gas price revision, including on its 12.5 kg domestic LAUGFS gas cylinders, will be made tomorrow, according to a senior company official.

New Zealand HC issues clarification on travel advisory

In response to the Mirror Business story published on February 4, the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo clarified that no travel advisory has been issued advising Kiwis against traveling to Sri Lanka, and New Zealand has only advised its citizens to exercise increased caution.

Canteen food prices to be revised from tomorrow

With the increase in 12.5-kg domestic LITRO gas cylinder retail prices from tonight, the decision to increase the prices of canteen food items will be taken tomorrow, All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) Chief Asela Sampath said.

Rs.5bn worth of goods detained by Customs stuck in Port’s terminals, warehouses

A total of 89 containers worth about Rs.5 billion have been detained by the customs and stored in the Port’s terminals and warehouses for many years and hence it has not been possible to collect any port fee for those containers, Ports Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Body of a Sri Lankan billionaire businessman found in Jakarta

Managing Director of OPEX holdings and billionaire businessman, Onesh Subasinghe has been found dead in a serviced apartment in Jakarta, Indonesia, informed sources said.

Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s ex-president, dies aged 79

Pakistan’s former president General Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in a coup in 1999, has died aged 79.

LITRO Gas price to go up from midnight today

The price of a 12kg domestic gas cylinder will be increased by Rs.334 with effect from midnight today and the new price will be Rs.4,743, LITRO Gas Lanka announced.

Chandima Weerakkody joins SJB rally in Galle

Member of Parliament Chandima Weerakkody who belongs to clan of SLPP dissidents, appeared on the Samagi Jana Balawegaya ( SJB) stage in Galle yesterday.

41 taken in Panadura FB party; female partygoer claims she was sexually harassed

Some 41 persons including 10 women have been arrested during a raid on a party organised through Facebook at a hotel in Horetuduwa, Panadura yesterday

Japan donates fleet of vehicles to SL police

The Japanese Government has donated 150 motorcycles, 74 vans and minibuses and 115 pieces of surveillance equipment for the use of the Sri Lanka Police Department.

Will continue new reforms despite obstacles created by anarchist political forces: Prez

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said regardless of the obstacles the anarchist political forces seek to create, he will continue the new reform program with the majority of people who love this country.

’’You are not alone’’ says Commonwealth Sec. Gen.

Claiming that Sri Lanka continues to feel the weight of political and economic pressure, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said ’’I am here because I want every Sri Lankan to know that you are not alone”

Red alert on 10 districts for severe lightning today: Met Dept.

A Red alert on thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning has been issued for 10 districts today, the Department of Meteorology said.

Update: Scientist killed in road accident in Horana

A scientist of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) was killed in a road accident at Kumbuka in Gonapola, Horana last night.

208 officers, 7,790 other ranks from Army promoted

A total of 208 Officers of the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Force) and a record 7,790 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular Force and Volunteer Force and Extra Regimental Employment Basis) have been promoted to their respective next rank in view of the 75th National Independence Day.

President’s Office says reports about diplomatic event in Kandy false

The President’s office has refuted social media posts regarding the diplomatic event that was held at the President’s House in Kandy on February 2, where 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and 6 High Commissioners presented their credentials to the President.

Gangarama Navam Perahera begins tomorrow

The 45th Navam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya will parade the streets of Colombo tomorrow and on Monday (February 5 and 6).

President to address the nation today

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the nation on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Independence at 6.45 pm today.