Visa free policy for 38 countries comes into immediate effect

The Cabinet has approved a ‘one chop’ system for the 38 visa-free countries, commencing with immediate effect, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism Harin Fernando said. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Fernando said the ‘one chop system’ adopted by Singapore refers to a more streamlined process of issuing a visa or a visa extension with just one official stamp or seal (‘chop’) on the applicant’s passport.

CA orders to register 41 assembled vehicles after a hiatus of 12 years

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued a Writ of Mandamus directing the Commissioner General of Motor Traffic to register 41 assembled motor vehicles under the terms of the Motor Traffic Act after a hiatus of 12 years.

Heavy rainfall: flood threat looms

The Irrigation Department warned of possible floods yesterday in the low-lying areas of Kuda Ganga and Madu Ganga valleys in the Kalutara District.

Sajith pledges land distribution, industrial development in the North

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa pledged to distribute lands to the people in the North and the rest of the country through a land distribution task force.

Too late for Ranil, Sajith alliance; people have already decided: Handunnetti

Any alliance between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa at this moment will have no impact as people have already decided whom to vote, NPP politburo member Sunil Handunnetti said yesterday.

ITAK takes majority decision to back Sajith

The party remained split on the matter with a faction led by MP S. Sridharan backing common Tamil candidate P. Ariyanethran whereas the other group backed by MP M. A. Sumanthiran insisting on a main candidate after studying their manifestos

Hill Country leopard dies due to lack of treatment

A hill country leopard released from a trap last morning by wildlife officers had died before any treatment could be provided.

Grand Zenith Banquet and Events Awards Ceremony held

The unveiling of Grand Zenith Banquet and Events and the Awards Ceremony to felicitate those who have contributed to the success story was held last week at the Zenith Banquet Hall on Pradeepa Mawatha, Colombo.

Fortieth anniversary of STF

The fortieth anniversary of the Police Special Task Force (STF) was celebrated yesterday in Kataragama giving priority to religious activities.

Thieving Wildlife officers arrested

A group of three wildlife officers attached to Wilpattu wildlife conservation office and a civil security constable were arrested on suspicion of attempting to steal the roofing sheets in an abandoned building in the national park.

Some powerful nations want a weak government in Sri Lanka

Some powerful nations including those from the region want a weak government in Sri Lanka so that they can get what they want, MP Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday.

Presidential candidate removed from PSC membership

Member of the Central Province Public Service Commission Keerthi Wickremeratne contesting the presidential election has been removed from the PSC by Governor Central Province Lalith U.Gamage.

Police Investigate mock election at Embilipitiya

Embilipitya police are investigating a mock election held by an individual in Embilipitiya town and sharing the results on facebook.

PNB nabs cosmetics trader with Rs.3Mn worth fags at BIA

A Sri Lankan passenger who tried to smuggle in foreign cigarettes worth over Rs.3 million under the pretense of carrying cosmetics from Doha, Qatar was nabbed by the Police at the Bandaranaike International Airport

Central Bank governor has become mouthpiece of Ranil: Nalinda

Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe was making certain statements on the economy to satisfy President Ranil Wickremesinghe, NPP politburo member Nalinda Jayatissa said yesterday.

India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrives in Sri Lanka

India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit K. Doval arrived in Colombo yesterday morning, official sources told The Hindu, to follow-up on the ongoing Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) initiative. He is also scheduled to meet with political leaders in Colombo.

Range Bandara denies crossover rumour

UNP General Secretary Range Bandara today denied reports that he had resigned from his post in the party and is going to shift sides.

Wanted criminal arrested in Dubai

A suspected underworld gangster and drug trafficker wanted in connection with murders and extortion was arrested in Dubai by a team of CID investigators and brought to the country last morning.

Ration allowance to be added to salary of military personnel: Minister

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon at a press briefing held in his ministry yesterday stated that the ration allowance for military personnel will be added to their monthly salary from next January 2025 instead of the present practice.

Former Provincial Council member arrested

A former member of the Western Provincial Council was arrested yesterday (29) by the Western Province (South) Crime Investigation Division in connection with the murder of businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera alias Club Wasantha at a tattoo centre in Athurugiriya.

Father arrested for inflicting grievous hurt to 12-year old daughter

An individual who caused grievous hurt to his 12-year old daughter by burning her face was arrested yesterday by Liyangahawela Police in Bandarawela.

Presidential Poll well under control and smooth so far – EC Chairman

Election Commission Chairman R. M. A. L. Rathnayake said yesterday that the process of conducting the presidential poll is progressing smoothly and remains well under control, with fewer election law violations compared to previous presidential elections.

Funeral of the father of Ex-ANCL Chairman Krishantha Cooray today

P. John Erick Reginald Cooray, former Managing Director of Hansa Marine Enterprises and former Director Ceylon Shipping Lines has passed away

Fowzie gets suspended imprisonment for corruption charges

Former State Minister A.H.M. Fowzie, who pleaded guilty to a corruption case, was sentenced yesterday by the Colombo High Court to a two-year suspended imprisonment. Colombo High Court Judge Nawaratne Marasinghe suspended the two-year imprisonment for ten years, considering the accused’s guilty plea and the fact that he is an 86-year-old elderly person. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 400,000 on the accused.

No one can prevent NPP victory; government servants, police, army support us: AKD

Claiming that some people have doubts that President Ranil Wickremesinghe might resort to a last-minute tactic to prevent National People’s Power (NPP) victory, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said yesterday no can prevent NPP’s victory this time. Speaking at a rally in Minuwangoda, he said most government servants, police, and army personnel support the NPP at this time and that Ranil Wickremesinghe would not be able to employ any trick.

Ginger prices up

The price of ginger has shot up to Rs.3200 in the market that resulted in a declining demand. Traders pointed out that the farmers were selling seed ginger to make a fast buck, but the medicinal ginger or the local ginger was in short supply.

Leopard in trap saved

A leopard caught in a trap laid by a poacher was saved by a team of wildlife officers from Bulathkohupitiya Wildlife Conservation office with the help of OIC Attidiya Wildlife Detention Centre Suhada Jayawardene.

SJB accepts RW’s challenge for live discussion with IMF

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is ready for the challenge posed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for a live discussion with the IMF, MP Harsha De Silva said yesterday. “We are ready for the meeting anytime,” Dr. De Silva told the Daily Mirror.

Indian fishermen saved by Navy

Sri Lanka Navy had saved two Indian fishermen who got into trouble when their boat capsized in the deep sea about eight nautical miles off Katchatheevu Island yesterday.

Namal pledges to protect dignity of Armed Forces

Claiming that only a Rajapaksa government would know the service rendered by the war heroes, SLPP presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa said yesterday only a future Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) government would protect the dignity of the Armed Forces.