Say 'No' to budget and tax policies

The Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) today staged a protest in front of the University Grants Commission (UGC) demanding the government with the theme ’Say no to oppressive budget and tax policies’. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

US envoy controlled both Aragalaya, GR to suit her agendas: Wimal

The US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung had controlled the Aragalaya people with one hand, and used the other hand to control former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa charged today.

Committee probing SLC affairs quiz Pastor Jerome Fernando

The committee appointed to investigate incidents involving the Sri Lankan cricket team during the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia has recorded a statement from controversial Sri Lankan preacher and self proclaimed Prophet, Pastor Jerome Fernando for more than two hours.

Animals died due to shock caused by extreme cold: Report

The recent large number of cows, buffaloes, and goats that died in the northern and eastern provinces was due to the shock caused by extreme cold, the Animal Production and Health Department report said.

Basil finally admits he did not pay for tea at BIA, a state minister pays it instead

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who arrived in Sri Lanka last month from the United States has admitted that he had not paid for the refreshments served at the VIP Lounge of the BIA, but the bill was instead paid by a state minister on his behalf.

Wasantha Mudalige further remanded till Jan. 17

Convener of Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige was today further remanded till January 17 by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly committing offences under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Final decision on restructuring SLT after committee report: Semasinghe

The final decision on restructuring Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) will be decided upon, when the report of the Finance Ministry’s state institutions restructuring unit comes out, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semadinghe told Parliament today.

Cabinet approves spiritual guidance to prevent violence in schools

Cabinet approval was granted for a pilot programme to improve spiritual and mental wellbeing in schools, under the guidance of Ven. Udaeeriyagama Dhammajiva thera, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.

Belgian police search European Parliament offices as bribery inquiry grows

Belgian police have searched European parliament offices as part of a growing investigation into alleged bribery and corruption, as senior EU leaders warned the credibility of the bloc was at stake.

Four children arrested for stealing cab & driving to the beach

Four children of a children’s home in Nuwara Eliya have been arrested by the Nittambuwa Police after the cab they were driving to Negombo met with an accident in Nittambuwa Town.

Uma Oya project to be completed by end April; to be add to national grid by June 2023: Minister

The construction of the Uma Oya project will be completed by the end of April and it will be connected to the national grid by June 2023, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Court grants bail to SL Embassy’s 3rd secy in Oman

Third Secretary at Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman E. Kushan who was in remand custody over human trafficking case granted bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Former ruling party, myself, accountable for economic collapse: Prof. Jayasumana

Parliamentarian Professor Channa Jayasumana said that all the members of the former ruling party, including the former President, and himself were responsible for the collapse of the country’s economy, and no one could escape from the collective responsibility.

Indian and Chinese troops clash on disputed border

Indian and Chinese troops have clashed on their disputed Himalayan border, the first known incident between the two nuclear-armed Asian powers in nearly two years.

PTF to prevent spread of drugs among University, schoolchildren: Bandula

Cabinet of Ministers yesterday approved a proposal to appoint a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to prevent the widespread use of dangerous drugs including ICE among university and schoolchildren, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said today.

Nihal Nelson no more

Sri Lankan veteran baila singer Nihal Nelson passed away this morning at the age of 76 (1946 -2022), President of Sri Lanka Singers’ Association Keerthi Pasquel said.

CID officer arrested along with Shani Abeysekera reinstated and given full salary: AG

The Attorney General’s Department yesterday informed Supreme Court that Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis who was arrested and interdicted along with former CID Director Shani Abeysekera has now been reinstated and he will be given his full salary.

Wildlife photography

An image of a 3-month-old lion cub falling out of a tree has been named the overall winner of this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards. As well as providing some light-hearted fun, organizers want to raise awareness around wildlife conservation. 10% of net revenue will be donated to the Whitley Fund for Nature -- a UK charity that supports conservation leaders working in their home countries across the Global South. (CNN)

Mercedes driver involved in Kollupitiya fatal accident arrested at BIA

The 26-year old driver of the Mercedes car, Mohammad Ryzul Rizzaq, who fled the scene after the fatal accident in Kollupitiya on Saturday morning was arrested last night at the Katunayake airport when he returned from Dubai, police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.

Six Peradeniya Uni students arrested over attack on fmr VC

Six students of the Peradeniya University have been arrested last night over the attack on former Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya University Prof. Athula Senaratne and his son.

Weaker rupee to lead swift tourism industry recovery

Driven by the country’s growing appeal as a low-cost tourist destination, following the steep depreciation of the rupee, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is expected to make a swift and steady recovery in this winter season, with tourist arrivals surpassing pre-crisis levels in 2024.

Permit issued to Prasanna Money Exchange cancelled

The Central Bank yesterday announced the permanent revocation of the money changing permit issued to Prasanna Money Exchange (Pvt.) Ltd, for the violation of the country’s foreign exchange laws.

Indian Navy Chief begins four-day Sri Lanka visit

Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar will begin a four-day visit to Sri Lanka on Tuesday with an aim to bolster overall bilateral maritime cooperation amid concerns in India over China’s persistent attempts to expand influence over the island nation.

Nominations for LG polls between 26-30 December: EC Chairman Punchihewa

The Election Commission (EC) will issue the gazette notification calling nominations to elect 8,327 members for 24 Municipal Councils, 41 Urban Councils and 276 Pradeshiya Sabhas within 5 working days of the final week of December, its Commissioner General S.G. Punchihewa said today.

1,660 cows, buffaloes, goats in northern, eastern provinces died of cold weather: Ministry

The extreme cold weather that swept the North Eastern Provinces in the recent days, as many as 1660 cows, buffaloes and goats reported to have died in the northern and eastern provinces in the recent days.

Parliament to meet on January. 5

The Committee on Parliamentary Business decided today that following the sitting of Parliament to be held tomorrow, Parliament will meet again on January 5, Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.

Nora Fatehi sues Jacqueline Fernandez for defamation

Actor-dancer Nora Fatehi has filed a defamation suit of Rs 200 crore against the Sri Lankan actor Jacqueline Fernandez.

12 undergrads suspended over attack on Fmr. Pera Uni VC

Twelve students of the Peradeniya University have been suspended over the assault on former Vice Chancellor of the Peradeniya University Prof. Athula Senaratne and his son.

Public advised to be vigilant on scam calls, text messages, emails via social media platforms: FIU

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) urges the public not to deposit money to the bank accounts of unknown parties or remit money through other means based on the above information without proper verification.

Enrollment for grade one, A/L only done by schools: Ministry

The Education Ministry announced today that the admission of children to grade one is done only by the respective schools and not through the Ministry.