No electricity tariff revision for this year: PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for this year, due to delays in the submission of proposals by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB).

Vocational education key to economic growth, future success: Prime Minister

As a subject, vocational education directly contributes to the economy and should be considered a respectable choice. It provides a clear pathway from school education to higher education, leading to a promising future, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said.

Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2024...

Competent Authority appointed for Ruhuna University

An extraordinary gazette notification was issued today, appointing Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayaka as the Competent Authority of the University of Ruhuna, effective from tomorrow (25).

Fishermen advised to avoid rough seas from Mannar to Hambantota

The Meteorology Department has issued a warning for naval and fishing communities, advising them to avoid sea areas off the coasts from Mannar to Hambantota via Kankesanthurai, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Pottuvil, starting from today until further notice.

Sri Lankan fishing trawler seized in Maldives with over 450kgs of heroin and Ice

A Sri Lankan fishing trawler, was seized by the Maldivian Coast Guard after it was found carrying over 450 kilograms of illicit drugs. The haul included 344 kg of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) and 124 kg of cocaine.

Two arrested with ambergris worth Rs. 8 million in Anuradhapura

Two individuals illegally in possession of highly valuable whale ambergris worth nearly Rs. 8 million were arrested during a raid in Anuradhapura.

Sri Lanka launches new initiatives to attract Indian tourists

Aiming to cash on growing outbound Indian tourists, Sri Lanka and Australia have launched new initiatives to cash in on this. Sri Lankan Airlines has launched a unique package for Indian tourists- the ’’Ramayana Trail’’ that includes 50 significant locations in the country which is associated with the Hindu epic.

Flood warning issued for several areas

The Irrigation Department has issued a prior flood warning in several areas from November 25 to November 28, 2024 due to the current low-pressure situation in the Bay of Bengal and its possible further developments within the next few days.

Excavation for alleged buried treasure concludes without findings

The excavation in search of alleged buried treasure near the Central Expressway construction site in the Wanduramba area of Veyangoda ended yesterday evening without any discovery of treasure or items of archaeological value.

Prez Dissanayake must fully implement ’vision document’ with India: Wickremesinghe

Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said his successor Anura Kumara Dissanayake should fully implement the “vision document” adopted with India last year.

IPL teams set to splash the cash at 'mega-auction' in Saudi Arabia

The Indian Premier League opens its ’’mega-auction’’ later Sunday in Saudi Arabia with teams primed to splash out millions of dollars on world-class cricketers for the lucrative Twenty20 tournament.

Only invigilators allowed to use mobile phones during A/L exams this time

Only the invigilators will be allowed to use mobile phones in the examination centers during the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) examinations which is scheduled to begin on Monday (25).

Mahinda Deshapriya’s house in Ambalangoda robbed

Former Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya’s residence in Ambalangoda was robbed, and items valued at approximately Rs. 300,000 stolen, police said.

Low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal intensifying into depression tomorrow

The low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to move west north-westwards and intensify into a depression tomorrow, the Meteorology Department said.

Local Government polls to be held early next year: Vijitha

The Local Government elections will be held at the beginning of next year, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.

Another student injured in Badulla KDU bus accident dies

Another student who was receiving treatment at the hospital after a bus carrying students of the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) overturned on November 1 has died today, police said.

Health officials warn of spreading viral fever

Health officials have issued a warning on the spread of a viral fever in the community. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat and cough. They urge individuals to seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms last for longer than three days.

Human trafficking on the rise Sri Lanka sees 60% surge in cases in 2024, Report reveals

The 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report conducted by the US Department of State disclosed a significant increase in trafficking cases in Sri Lanka, rising from 59 cases in 2023 to 95 cases in 2024.

IMF staff and SL reach staff-level agreement

IMF Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, Peter Breuer, attended a press conference in Colombo today. Photo by Pradeep Pathirana

Preparing for Christmas...

People are seen buying Christmas decorations from shops in the Colombo area in line with the Christmas season. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

35 MPs seek housing facilities at Madiwela complex

Thirty-five new MPs have asked for housing facilities at the Madiwela Housing Complex, according to an informed source.

150 mm rain today

Heavy showers or thundershowers of about 150 mm will be experienced today in the Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva Provinces the Meteorology Department said.

Jeep plunges into stream: Two brothers killed

Two bothers were killed after their jeep plunged into the Bujgamuwa stream at the Kamburapola bridge on the Kuliyapitiya-Hettipola Road early this morning.

Discrepancies in issuance of permits to expatriate workers to import electric vehicles

There have been abuses in the issuance of permits for expatriate workers to import electric vehicles, according to an audit report.

Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving the way for the next tranche, for US$ 333 million, of the four-year Extended Fund Facility.

Quandary over nomination papers for LG polls due to changes in political affiliations

There is a quandary over nomination papers submitted for the local authorities’ election because of changes in political affiliations among candidates but the Election Commission has no choice but to proceed with the conduct of polls early next year, an official said.

Chewing betel and spitting, Badulla Municipality to book bus drivers, conductors, passengers

Badulla Municipal Council’s health department has decided to take legal action against individuals spitting in public places after a chew of betel or smearing chunam in quid of betel on walls in public buildings.

Only 3% of SL’s workforce pursue entrepreneurship, says NEDA

The National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) recently shared that Sri Lanka has a drastically low entrepreneurial interest among its citizens as only 3 percent of the current working population are engaged in entrepreneurship.

Market experiences limited activity and trades

The secondary market yield curve remained relatively fixed and broadly unchanged amidst a notable lack of activity in the market yesterday.