Rs. 23 mn paid to Sri Lanka Railways for Indo-Lankan film shoot

A total Rs. 23 million was paid by the NE Commercial Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd. to the Sri Lanka Railway Department for shooting a film as a joint Indo-Sri Lankan cinema project, Railways Deputy General Manager (DGM) N.J. Indipolage said.

Suspect nabbed with 600,000 capsules of prescription drugs

A 44-year-old person was arrested by the Sri Lanka Navy and Police Special Task Force (STF) with 600,000 capsules of prescription drugs worth Rs. 60 million, suspected to be sold targeting the youth and school children.

Europe’s Hera Mission launches to visit an asteroid smacked by NASA

The European Space Agency’s Hera mission launched today (Oct. 7) at 10:52 a.m. EDT (1452 GMT), riding a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in coastal Florida.

Army promotes 139 officers, 1,273 other ranks

A total of 139 Officers of the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Forces) and 1,273 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular and Volunteer Forces) have been promoted to their respective next ranks to mark the 75th Army Anniversary Day (October 10).

More artistes take up active politics

Sri Lanka is to see the common phenomenon of artistes entering politics at this year’s General Election as well with a number of artistes entering the fray for the first time.

Adani project: New Govt. slides from cancellation to review?

National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in the run up to the September 21 presidential election vowed to cancel Indian conglomerate Adani’s 450 MW wind power project in Sri Lanka if elected.

India pile up World Cup high to rout Sri Lanka

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana hit half-centuries as India defeated Sri Lanka by 82 runs to boost their chances of making the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Concerns rise over heavy metal contamination in coconut oil ACTCOMA demands regulatory action

Amid the growing concerns about the dumping of chemically refined oil labelled as coconut oil in the local market, the government is urged to establish a transparent mechanism to differentiate chemically refined oil from natural coconut oil.

Tourist arrivals near 26,000 in first 6 days of October

Sri Lanka welcomed 25,966 tourists in the first six days of October, marking a rather slow start for the month, ahead of the winter season, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data showed.

Indian tycoon Ratan Tata dies

The Indian tycoon Ratan Tata, who is credited with transforming the Tata Group into a globally renowned conglomerate, has died at age 86, the company has said.

Wealthiest 20% enjoy half of SL’s pension benefits: IPS

A recent study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) highlighted a significant disparity in Sri Lanka’s Public Service Pension distribution scheme, revealing that around 50 percent of the pension benefits were enjoyed by the wealthiest 20 percent of the population.

New Board of Directors appointed for SriLankan Airlines

A new Board of Directors has been appointed for SriLankan Airlines with Sarath Ganegoda as the Chairman.

Postal Dept. celebrates World Postal Day with stamps of Harini, Vijitha

In a move seen more as hysterical than having any purpose, two new stamps were released as souvenirs by the Sri Lanka Postal Department today with the faces of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Minister Vijitha Herath.

CR to play rugby under floodlights

Ceylonese Rugby Football Club (CR and FC) will host their first league rugby encounter at Longden Place under floodlights, later next month.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa key for Jayasuriya’s brand of cricket

Middle order batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa is set to return to Sri Lanka T20 side after 20 months which could potentially be a significant part of the brand of cricket Sri Lanka is hoping to play under new coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

More artistes take to active politics

Sri Lanka is to see the common phenomenon of artistes entering into politics at this year’s General Elections as well with a number of artistes entering the fray for the first time.

Enhanced showery condition from tomorrow

Showery conditions are expected to enhance in the South-Western part of the country in the next few days from tomorrow (10), the Forecasting Division of the National Meteorological Centre said.

President meets Customs, IRD officials: Discusses strategies on enhancing revenue generation

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key meeting today with senior officials from both the Sri Lanka Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the government’s broader economic mandate.

Bhanuka Returns to Sri Lanka T20I Squad for West Indies Series

Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been recalled to the Sri Lanka T20I Squad, which will be captained by Charith Asalanka for the upcoming threematch series against the West Indies.

Court issues arrest warrant on Gnanasara Thera

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today issued a warrant for the arrest of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera for not being present in Court in connection with a case filed against him.

Swiss Ambassador pledges support to President for economic, anti-corruption efforts

While extending congratulations to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Swiss Ambassador Dr. (Ms.) Siri Walt expressed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka, particularly through the ongoing IMF programme and readiness to assist in President Dissanayake’s efforts to combat corruption.

SL opposes resolution passed by UNHRC

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) adopted a resolution today aimed at fostering reconciliation, accountability, and human rights in Sri Lanka, even though the new Sri Lankan government has dismissed it.

No suspension of school meal programme, confirms Education Ministry secretary

Despite ongoing discussions on social media over suspending the Education Ministry’s programme to provide a main meal to all students in Grades 1 through 5, Education Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara said that no such decision has been taken.

Shaahid Zumri to represent Kandy SC

Vice-Captain of the Isipathana College First XV Rugby Team this year and crack centre and fly half Shaahid Zumri will represent Kandy SC in the Inter-Club rugby season, which will kick-off in November, 2024. Shaahid completed a successful schools rugby stint, representing Isipathana First XV Rugby Team for three years.

Three-wheeler fares revised

The Western Province Provincial Road Passenger Transport Authority has announced a revision of three-wheeler fares with effect from October 7.

Pope Francis conveys greetings to Anura Kumara on his victory

The Vatican Ambassador, Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, where he conveyed heartfelt greetings from Pope Francis, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

SLPP to have a new face in North, Geethanath Cassilingham to contest from Jaffna

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Politburo member Geethanath Cassilingham signed nomination papers to contest the upcoming General Election from the Jaffna District.

Action ...

Actors and acressess in action between Ella and Demodara stations as filming takes place on the Nine Arches Bridge. Train services between Colombo Fort and Badulla were limited to the Ella station from today till October 15 due to an Indo-Lanka joint film project. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri

Concerns raised over disease spreading among pigs

Health authorities have sounded the alarm over the spread of a viral disease called ’Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome’ among pigs, hogs and boars in Sri Lanka.

Three-month grace period begins for Sri Lankans in Lebanon

A three-month grace period has been granted from October 8 for Sri Lankans living in Lebanon who have not registered themselves with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) or have not updated their registrations.