IMF restrictions on tax exemptions stand in the way of attracting FDIs

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) restriction on granting tax exemption has kept key FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) projects on hold.

Aswesuma allowance for elderly to be credited tomorrow

The monthly allowance for elderly persons receiving Aswesuma benefits will be credited to their bank accounts tomorrow (30), the Welfare Benefits Board said.

Eight special trains for Kandy Esala perahera

The Sri Lanka Railways Department has announced that eight special train services will operate for the convenience of pilgrims and tourists travelling to Kandy for the Randoli Perahera of the annual Esala Perahera.

Opposition Leader of Yatinuwara PS, family found dead

Police said that the bodies of the Opposition Leader of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, his wife, and their daughter were discovered at their residence in Yahalatenna.

Former senior DIG arrested over false complaint

Former Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Priyantha Jayakody has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for allegedly filing a false complaint claiming that underworld figure ’Kehelbaddara Padme’ had threatened him.

Underworld figure ‘Midigama Sahan’ caught returning from India

An organized crime gang member, Hikkaduwa Liyanage Sahan Sisikelum, alias Midigama Sahan, was arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the arrival terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last night while returning from India.

Retired MPs collective contemplating legal action against slashing of pensions

Retired MPs Collective is contemplating legal action if MPs pension is abolished, its secretary Premasiri Manage said.

Parliamentary Committee to consult experts on education reforms

Whilst an extensive public debate is being carried out on the government’s education reforms, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on education has decided to seek the assistance of experts who have been involved in compiling education reforms in the past.

Giant manta ray weighing over 500 kilograms caught in Mannar

A giant manta ray (locally known as kombu thirukkai) weighing over 500 kilograms was caught today in the coastal waters of Mannar’s Mutharipputhurai area.

Rugby swings back into caretaker hands

In yet another move the administration of rugby was passed back into the hands of the stop gap Working Task Force (WTF) this time following objections raised by the Attorney General’s Department over the granting of a court Stay Order sought by the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU).

Rs. 43Mn financial fraud: Court summons Colombo business couple

Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura issued notice to businessman Narej Parasuram Bhoomani and businesswoman Meena Bhoomani, instructing them to appear before court on August 20 in connection with a cheque fraud case involving over Rs. 43 million.

Two nabbed with 47kg of spotted deer meat from Yala National Park

Two individuals were arrested yesterday while transporting 47 kilograms of spotted deer meat on two motorcycles from Yala National Park, the Wildlife Department said.

Two agreements signed between Sri Lanka, Maldives

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a state visit to the Maldives, held bilateral discussions with Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu this afternoon at the Maldivian Presidential Office.

Attorney with 37 years’ experience disbarred for fraudulent land deal

The Supreme Court has found an attorney with over 37 years of legal practice guilty of deceit and struck him off the roll of Attorneys-at-Law for misconduct and malpractice. He was also permanently barred from engaging in notarial practice.

Red warrant obtained against Royal Park convict: AG

The Attorney General informed the Supreme Court yesterday that authorities have obtained a red warrant for the arrest of Jude Shamantha Jayamaha, who was sentenced to death in connection with the Royal Park murder case.

Former Navy Commander Ulugetenne remanded

Former Navy Commander Admiral (Rtd) Nishantha Ulugetenne was remanded till July 30 by the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court.

CSE records modest gains

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) began the week on a positive footing, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbing nearly 122 points in early trading. While the market experienced a slight loss in momentum as the session progressed, it managed to close with a gain of 50.15 points (+0.26%) at 19,517.86.

Immigration nabs three Bangladeshi nationals with fake Sri Lankan passports at BIA

Three Bangladeshi nationals bound for Tehran, Iran were arrested by the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DIE) officials at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this evening for having forged Sri Lankan passports in their possession.

Male leopard found dead in Katukitula

An adult male leopard was found dead in Katukitula area in the Kothmale in what is suspected to be yet another tragic incident involving the illegal use of ’Hakka Patas’—a deadly trap commonly used to kill wild animals.

Thilini Priyamali released on bail

Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali, who was arrested by the Homagama Police for allegedly obstructing the duties of an official at the Homagama Magistrate’s Court, has been released on bail.

Broker arrested for bribery near Motor Traffic Department

A broker was arrested today by the Bribery Commission while accepting a bribe near the Department of Motor Traffic in Narahenpita.

Man caught killing and skinning protected fishing cat

A man has been arrested for killing and skinning a fishing cat which is an animal classified as highly protected within the Karawilagala area of the Pallekele Sanctuary in Kahalla, authorities said.

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne arrested

Former Navy Commander Nishantha Ulugetenne has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with an investigation into a kidnapping incident in the Pothuhera area.

Rs. 50 million worth foreign cigarettes seized at BIA cargo village

A stock of foreign-manufactured cigarettes worth Rs. 50 million was seized by the Central Intelligence Unit of the Sri Lanka Customs today at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Cargo Village.

No shortage of essential medical items: Ministry of Health officials

The Ministry of Health officials informed the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Health, Media and Women’s Empowerment that there is no shortage of essential medical items at present.

Allow only bottled coconut oil, Consumer group tells Coconut Development Board

The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NCMRP) requested the Chairman of the Coconut Development Board (CDB) to allow only bottled and labeled coconut oil to be sold in the market, in order to prevent the ongoing racket of selling adulterated coconut oil, which is harmful to health.

Thailand and Cambodia agree to ceasefire - Malaysia PM

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to end their border clashes, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Monday, following talks in Malaysia between the two Southeast Asian neighbours.

Arrest warrant issued on Namal Rajapaksa

An arrest warrant was issued by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court against Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna MP Namal Rajapaksa today.

Crane driver suspected to be high on cannabis causes fatal crash in Borella

The crane driver arrested this morning following the accident near the Kanatta roundabout in Borella, which left one person dead and seven others injured, is suspected to have been under the influence of cannabis at the time of the incident.

President, Namal airborne together

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa happened to be on board the same flight to the Maldives today.