Corrupt politicians quitting politics, a victory of Anura becoming President: Bimal

Claiming that corrupt and racist politicians have opted not to contest this year’s General Election to evade defeat, NPP member Bimal Ratnayake said today it was a great victory secured by the NPP even before the General Election victory to make sure that such politicians have not even become candidates at this year’s elections.

Techno 2024...

Techno 2024 exhibition opens at BMICH, offering insights from technology experts. Runs from today until Sunday night, October 13. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

President holds virtual discussion with Samantha Power

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conducted a virtual discussion today (11) with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Ms Samantha Power.

Everest explorer’s ‘remains’ found 100 years after disappearance

A documentary team discovered human remains on Mount Everest apparently belonging to a man who went missing while trying to summit the peak 100 years ago, National Geographic magazine reported Friday.

690 nomination papers accepted, 74 rejected

The Election Commission confirmed that 690 nomination papers from political parties and independent groups have been accepted for the 2024 General Elections.

SJB and New Democratic Front release National List

The New Democratic Front (Gas Cylinder) and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have released their national lists for the upcoming Presidential Election.

Namal not to contest, goes on National List

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has announced its 29-member National List for the upcoming General Election.

SC suspends decision to deactivate political party

The Supreme Court suspended a decision by the Elections Commission to deactivate the Lanka Janatha Party and allowed the party to contest the General Elections .

Barath Arullsamy submits nomination for General Election

Former Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) Vice President Barath Arullsamy submitted his nomination today (9th) to contest for the Kandy District under the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Alliance in the upcoming General Election.

Pensioners to get Rs. 3,000 monthly interim allowance from next week

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3,000 to all pensioners from next week.

Prompt return of Ministerial quarters a legal obligation, not political revenge

Do not consider handing over Ministerial quarters as political revenge. It is necessary to return the Ministerial quarters promptly after the abolition of a Ministry. Official residences should be handed back without delay. Reminders should be sent to those who have not yet vacated their apartments, and if there is no response, legal action should be enforced, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.

Cassilingham challenges Jaffna candidates to declare no involvement in liquor licenses

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham, who is contesting the upcoming General Election from the Jaffna District, today challenged his co-candidates to prove they have never solicited or mediated liquor licenses.

Five DIGs including CID chief transferred: Ampavila to lead CID

The National Police Commission has transferred five Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), including DIG Rohan Premaratne, who was overseeing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Damitha removed from SJB’s Ratnapura nominations list

Actress Damitha Abeyratne, who claimed that she will contest the general elections from the Ratnapura District, has not been included in the nominations list of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the Ratnapura District.

Nomination papers submitted...

Nomination papers were handed over by recognised political parties and independent groups at their respective dsitrict offices to contest the 2024 General Elections. Representatives of the political parties handed over their nomination papers at the District Secretariat, Narahenpita to contest the Colombo District. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Minor floods in Kalutara, Ratnapura

Heavy rains experienced in the Kalutara and Ratnapura districts have resulted in the overflow of the Kalu Ganga creating a minor flood situation in the low lying areas.

Elon Musk unveils two-door robotaxi

Elon Musk showcased a robotaxi with two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals at a splashy event on Thursday and added a robovan to the roster as Tesla’s goal shifts from low-priced mass-market automaker to robotics manufacturer.

Gunmen kill at least 20 miners in Pakistan

Gunmen have killed at least 20 people at a coal mine in Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan, according to local police.

18 passengers hospitalised after bus accident

A total of 18 persons have been injured following a bus accident in the Utuwankanda area on the Kandy-Colombo main road, police said.

Former Deputy Minister W.B. Ekanayake dies at 76

Former Anuradhapura district MP and Deputy Minister W.B. Ekanayake passed away at the age of 76.

Welipanna interchange closed due to floods

The entrance of the Welipanna interchange on the Southern Expressway has been closed due to a minor flood situation around the area, the Road Development Authority said.

In memory of late schoolmates

Students of Colombo International School (CIS) held a walk this morning in memory of their late school mates, including the female student who tragically fell from the Lotus Tower recently. The silent walk began at Independence Square and ended at the school. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Shani appointed as Director Crimes of SL police

Former Director CID, SSP Shani Abeysekera has been appointed Director of Crimes of Sri Lanka Police.

Nomination period for General Election ends today

The accepting of nominations for the 2024 General Election which commenced on October 4, will conclude today (11) at 12 noon.

CMC continues removal of high-risk trees in Colombo

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) yesterday said that it is still in the process of identifying trees that pose a risk to the public within the CMC areas and the trees already flagged as high-risk by the police and the public, are currently being removed.

More key politicians back out from contesting General Election

More key political figures have backed out from contesting the November 14 General Election, marking an end to their parliamentary careers and paving way for the new Parliament to have new faces representing the political parties.

Resigned Cey-Nor Chairman complains to police over Piyal Nishantha’s threats

The former Chairman of Cey-Nor Foundation Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi who resigned last March owing to alleged threats by former Fisheries State Minister Piyal Nishantha has lodged a complaint with the police yesterday owing to the continuing threats.

Colombo Excise seize Rs.7.5Mn worth devil’s brew from Muthurajawela swamp

Colombo Excise Station busted a major illicit liquor manufacturing distillery carried out in the depths of Muthurajawela swamp and seized a large quantity of Kasippu worth over Rs.7.5 million yesterday.

PM seeks Thai help to rescue Sri Lankans in Myanmar’s cybercrime zone

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya today requested the Thailand Government to assist the Sri Lankan government in rescuing the Sri Lankans still held in the cyber crimes area in the Myawaddy district in Myanmar.

Over 150mm rain likely tomorrow

Due to the development of atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of the country, heavy showers above 150mm are likely in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts in the next 24 hours, the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Meteorology Department said.