SL subject to trans-boundary air pollution: Minister

Sri Lanka is currently subject to trans-boundary air pollution where Carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide particles flying in from India and other countries with the onset of winds, Minister of Environment Nisir Ahamed told Parliament today.

Air in Mumbai getting worse than smog-filled Delhi

India’s financial capital Mumbai has been witnessing ’’very poor’’ air quality in recent days.

MILCO won’t hike prices of its products: Chairman

Though the prices of imported milk powder has been increased, the chairman of MILCO Private Limited today said that MILCO will not rise its prices, despite the challenges they face with packaging costs and taxes.

Grade 5 tuition classes banned from Dec.14

Conducting coaching or tuition classes targeting at the 2022 grade five scholarship examination will be prohibited from next Wednesday (14), Examinations Department Commissioner General L.M.D. Dharmasena said.

Second largest ever smuggling of gold seized at BIA

The officers attached to the Customs Narcotics Control Division today carried out the second largest raid on gold at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in the customs history.

Over 160 dairy cows killed due to extreme cold

At least 165 dairy cows were reported dead in Kilinochchi due to the extreme cold weather that gripped the island over the past few days, area residents said.

Price of imported milk powder increased

The price of a 400g imported milk powder packet has been increased by Rs. 100 from today, the Importers Association said.

Suspect arrested for obstructing police duties, remanded

The individual who had obstructed duties of two Traffic Police officers in Delkanda recently were remanded until December 23, by the Nugegoda Additional Magistrate today, Police said.

Condoms to be free for young people in France

French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that condoms would be made available for free in pharmacies for 18- to 25-year-olds in a bid to reduce unwanted pregnancies among young people.

Anti-Corruption Unit OIC, cop caught for accepting bribe

Two policemen including the Anti-Corruption Unit OIC of the Ipalogama Police Station were arrested by the officer of the Bribery Commission for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs.15,000.

High income earners should look after low income earners: Siyambalapitiya

While highlighting that only ten percent of the population will have to pay increased income tax, the State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said those who pay increased taxes should look after the low income earners who are affected by the economic down turn.

SL Navy's ships anchored off the Galle Face Green to mark its 72nd Anniversary

Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation is marking the organization’s 72nd Anniversary today (December 9). Accordingly capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy are seen anchored off the Galle Face Green today to mark its 72nd Anniversary, giving the public an opportunity to have a glance at some of the major ships of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Inquiry over verbal abuse at Diana Gamage in Parliament: Dy. Speaker

Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapaksa today said an inquiry would be conducted on the incident in Paiament on Thursday where MP Diana Gamage came under verbal criticism by SJB MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha.

Atmospheric air pollution level subsides:NBRO

Following reports issue by the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) said that the air pollution level in the country’s atmosphere is gradually subsiding.

Cloudy skies visible over most parts of the country; heavy showers over 100mm forecast

There could be heavy showers over 100mm in Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam and Maha Illuppallama areas.

Sri Lanka Navy turns 72 today; Promotes 3,770 naval personnel

Sri Lanka Navy which is held in high esteem as the First Line of Defence of the Nation is marking the organization’s 72nd Anniversary today (December 9).

First Chinese-built passenger jet completes ‘beautiful’ maiden flight

The world’s first C919 aircraft, with registration number of B-919A, was delivered to its world’s first launch customer, China Eastern Airlines (CEA).

Casino Business (Regulation) act Committee approval granted to clauses, with strict conditions

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday said the committee approval was granted to clauses under the Casino Business (Regulation) act with strict conditions.

Government takes one step forward, but two steps back in helping tourism sector: SLAITO

The country’s travel and tourism sector stakeholders yesterday welcomed the move by the health authorities in removing the COVID-19 protocols for tourists as the step will help increase the appeal of the destination.

Govt. announces plan to appoint dedicated power sector regulator

The government plans to appoint a dedicated regulator for the power sector while splitting Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) into eight separate companies in accordance with the CEB re-structuring plan approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Tax incentives essential to market Port City, says project company

The project company of the Colombo Port City (CPC) project stressed that the multi-billion-dollar project cannot be marketed to foreign investors in the present context sans tax incentives.

’Mandous’ likely to move towards North TN, Puducherry, South AP coast tonight

The cyclonic storm nicknamed ’Mandous’ is very likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the coasts of Northern Tamil Nadu (TN), Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh around mid-night today, and the naval and fishing communities are still advised not to venture into the deep sea areas until further notice, the Meteorology Department said.

BMICH says no to Human Rights Day conference tomorrow

The management of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMCIH) yesterday cancelled the booking of a conference to be held tomorrow (10) to mark the Human Rights Day, saying the purpose of the event was politically motivated to promote the ‘Aragalaya’.

Ministry of Sports hands suspension to rugby president

Ministry of Sports on Thursday (8) announced that Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas has been handed a suspension from engaging in any rugby related activities in Sri Lanka.

Singer Nuwan Gunawardana bids eternal adieus

Veteran singer Nuwan Gunawardana passed away this evening at a private hospital. He was one of the popular playback singers in the Sri Lankan Sinhala cinema.

Special holiday for schools tomorrow

Education ministry has declared tomorrow (Friday) as a special holiday for all the public and private schools due to the prevailing bad weather in the country.

Uvatenne Sumana Thera remanded over alleged financial fraud

Chief incumbent of the Maligawatta Sri Bodhirajarama Vihara Uvatenne Sumana Thera has been remanded till December 14 by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court over an alleged financial fraud relating to coconut oil deal.

GSMB chairman removed, DG on compulsory leave

The Chairman of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) was advised to vacate his post over charges of corruption, sources said.

Alarm bells over SL covering smog

Sensitive people have been urged to remain indoors following the air pollution caused by the northeast Monsoon winds blowing from the Indian sub continent.

Budget 2023 passed with amendments

Third reading of the budget was approved by a majority of 43 votes in Parliament with 123 members voting in favour while 80 voted against.