Nepal bans Telegram

Nepal has banned the messaging app Telegram, citing a rise in online fraud and money laundering, the country’s telecom regulator said on Friday.

Man who jumped from edge of space dies paragliding

Felix Baumgartner, who once broke the world record for the highest skydive by jumping from the edge of space, has died in a motorised paragliding accident in Italy.

Sri Lanka revises maximum financing limits for vehicles

The Central Bank issued fresh guidelines to the banks, finance companies and leasing establishments, outlining the new upper limits for loans and lease facilities granted to purchase vehicles, while removing the preferential high limit assigned for electric vehicles (EVs), effective from July 18.

Heavy rain and strong winds expected in several areas today: Met Department

The Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre has issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rain and strong winds across several parts of the country today (19).

Sri Lanka set to pay Rs.300-500 million to Adani

Sri Lanka is set to pay Rs.300-500 million to India’s Adani Company for initial costs sustained by it in terms of the two renewable energy projects, a top source said.

Millaniya Industrial City to be developed as Eco-Friendly Zone: Minister Abesinghe

The government has taken steps to develop the Millaniya Industrial City in the Kalutara District as an environmentally sustainable industrial zone, with a strong focus on protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for surrounding communities, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chaturanga Abesinghe said.

Economics and entrepreneurship must be rooted in humanity: Harini

Prime Minister and Education Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today said that economics and entrepreneurship should be built on a foundation of human values, rather than driven purely by monetary gain. She highlighted the importance of the “care economy” as a powerful example of this human-centered approach.

Tourists to get temporary driving licences at airport from August

The Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry has announced that, starting in August, foreign tourists will be able to obtain temporary driving licences directly at the airport upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

Brazil’s former president ordered to wear electronic ankle monitor

Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor, his press office said on Friday.

Opposition threaten legal action over unfair appointment of Special Commissioners to Local Bodies

The government’s plan to vest certain dysfunctional local bodies under special commissioners has sparked controversy, with opposition parties threatening legal action if such measures are implemented unfairly.

Kite flying near airports banned within 5km radius: AASL warns

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd (AASL) has warned the public not to fly kites or any other objects above 300 feet near international airports, saying it is dangerous and illegal.

Spike in schoolgirl pregnancies prompts urgent action: Minister Saroja Paulraj

Women and Child Affairs Minister Saroja Paulraj has raised alarm over a recent surge in pregnancies among school-aged girls, calling for immediate and comprehensive education on sexual health and responsibility.

CSE rebounds firmly as investor interest picks up

The Colombo Stock Exchange sustained its positive momentum throughout the trading session today, with the All Share Price Index (ASPI) climbing 96.85 points (+0.51%) to close at 18,973.70, while the S&P SL20 rose by 26.50 points (+0.47%) to end at 5,655.43.

Over 20 Indian nationals arrested in online gambling racket

Twenty-one Indian nationals were arrested in connection with an online gambling racket, following a raid by officers from the Investigation Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

CA overturns death sentence of 80-year-old woman in 1993 murder case

The Court of Appeal has set aside the conviction and death sentence imposed by the Hambantota High Court on an 80-year-old woman for a murder committed in 1993.

Air India captain may have shut off fuel ahead of deadly crash: Reports

Dialogue heard on a cockpit voice recording indicates that the captain of the Air India flight that crashed in June, killing 260 people, may have turned off the fuel just after takeoff, prompting the first officer to panic, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited sources familiar with U.S. official’s early assessment.

Galle Face Hotel says no order of kitchen closure by CMC; guests’ safety a priority

Following the Daily Mirror article on the Public Health Inspectors’ (PHIs) visit to Galle Face Hotel, the Hotel, in a statement, said that there had been no order to close their kitchen by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) or any other regulatory authority, and that they remained focused on providing a safe and comfortable environment for every guest.

Court rejects Rajitha’s anticipatory bail application

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayatunga rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne.

Average Israeli tourist spends approximately USD 150

An average Israeli tourist spends approximately 150 US Dollars which is a comparatively high amount, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Underage schoolgirl abducted by lover

A young man who had abducted an underage schoolgirl and had kept her at a house in the Haputale area was arrested by the Lindula Police last night.

KPMG official who conducted CPSTL forensic audit involved in deleting data: Dayasiri

An official of KPMG Sri Lanka that conducted the forensic audit over the fuel distribution of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) has been involved in deleting the data regarding fuel ditribution, SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara revealed today.

Talks on export tariff cuts to be held online

A group of Sri Lankan officials, led by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, is set to hold a virtual discussion with officials of the U.S. Trade Agency regarding the reduction of tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.

Over 3,200 suspects arrested in island-wide drug raids

Sri Lanka Police arrested 3,283 suspects involved in drug trafficking and related crimes during a special operation that began on July 11.

Six elephants released into Udawalawe Maw-Ara forest reserve

Six elephants cared for at the “Ath Athuru Sevana” (Elephant Transit Home) were released into the Udawalawe Maw-Ara Forest Reserve yesterday.

SLTB calls for applications to fill 750 driver and conductor vacancies

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has announced the recruitment of drivers and conductors on a contract basis, inviting applications from eligible individuals across the country.

Connie Francis: Pretty Little Baby singer dies at 87

Connie Francis, who was at one time the world’s biggest-selling female artist, has died at the age of 87.

One injured in Dehiwala shooting

A shooting incident was reported near the Dehiwala Railway Station, targeting an individual.

Former Deputy Minister Chandrasena further remanded

Former Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Special Projects, Samarakoon Mudiyanselage Chandrasena was ordered to be remanded further by Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali Jayathunga till August 1 over allegations of misusing state resources during the 2015 Presidential Election.

PHIs visit Galle Face Hotel after food poisoning complaints

A section of the main kitchen at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo was temporarily ordered to be closed by the Public Health Department of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) following complaints of suspected food poisoning.

Strong wind advisory issued for 15 districts amid active South-West monsoon

The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a strong wind advisory for 15 districts across the country, citing the active south-west monsoonal condition.