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.

Stop privatising SLT....

A large number of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) workers engaged in a protest outside the Colombo Fort Railway Station yesterday against privatising Telecom. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Give us relief!

Several Tread Unions and Multi-national Organizations jointly staged a protest in front of the Labour Office against the state repression and high cost of living. Pix Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

AI to be included as a subject in grade 8: Minister

The Education Minister, Susil Premajayantha said the department would start teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a subject in grade eight.

Badulla-Colombo night mail trains cancelled today

All night mail train services on upcountry railway lines were cancelled today due to trees fallen on the tracks between Ohiya and Idalgashinna railway stations, the Railway Department said.

STF sergeant drowns, two others rescued after they fall into ZD Canal

A Sergeant of the Police Special Task Force (STF) drowned and two other personnel were rescued when they fell into the ZD Canal at Maduru Oya in Polonnaruwa today.

Election Commission decides to call nominations for LG polls

Nominations for the Local Government Elections will be called for during the final week of December, the National Election Commission said today.

Chennai-Jaffna flights to resume on Monday

Alliance Air will resume its flight services connecting Chennai and Sri Lanka’s northern city of Jaffna from December 12, after a nearly three-year, pandemic-induced break.

NR Consultation case against Namal and others: Court sends a reminder to AG

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today sent a reminder to the Attorney General to expedite his legal advice regarding a case filed against former Minister Namal Rajapaksa and four others for their alleged involvement in money laundering amounting to Rs.15 million in a company owned by Namal Rajapaksa.

President hits out at PUCSL Chairman

Whilst stating that authority of revising electricity tariffs is vested with the Power and Energy Minister and the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe today requested Parliament to decide whether an inquiry should be conducted against the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission (PUCSL).

Power Plants to be run by Companies: Minister confirms

Each power plant will be run by respective companies as per the government’s restructuring plan of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) , minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara told Parliament today.

New Peru president sworn in, predecessor Castillo arrested

LPeru swore in a new president on Wednesday after a day of political drama that saw leftist leader Pedro Castillo arrested after his ousting from office in an impeachment trial following his last-ditch bid to cling to power by dissolving Congress.

Naval, fishing communities cautioned not to venture into deep sea

Naval and fishing communities are cautioned not to venture into the deep sea areas off the coast until further notice due to the deep depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, the Meteorology Department said.

Sri Pada season commences with the dawn of Unduwap Poya

Sri Pada pilgrim season 2022/23 commenced last morning with the dawn of Unduwap full moon Poya.

Seven more ministers to be appointed

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) made fresh engagements with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane on the next Cabinet reshuffle expected after the final vote of the budget in Parliament today, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka’s air quality deteriorates

The fog or mist seen these days is not natural occurrence as the air quality has reached very unhealthy levels in the Northern part of Sri Lanka.

Youth dependent mentality must change; contribute to country’s development ambitions: Prasanna Ranaweera

The dependent mentality of the country’s youth should be changed to contribute to the country’s national development ambitions and entrepreneurship objectives, Small and Medium Enterprises Development State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera said.

Government to expedite FTA talks with India, China and Thailand

The government plans to resume free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with India, China and Thailand and expedite the completion process, a senior official said.

Prez calls on larger players not to leave SMEs behind

As all sections of the business community are leaving no routes unexplored to ensure they stay afloat, the vulnerable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must not be left behind, asserted President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Chamika loses four teeth following a fielding mishap

Chamika Karunaratne of the Kandy Falcons has lost four teeth following an injury during the match against the Galle Gladiators today.

47th annual SL school aquatic championship begins

The 47th annual Sri Lanka schools aquatic championship began today at Sugathadasa swimming pool, in the presence of Education Minister Susil Premajayantha. Offering a national platform for 5,000 children representing over 200 schools, the championship is organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association and sponsored by Nestle Milo. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Pindapatha mission

A pindapatha mission with the participation of more than 200 monks was observed as a part of a series of religious programs during the Uduvap poya day named Metta Sanghadana at Kotte today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Deep depression over Southeast Bay of Bengal could intensify into cyclonic storm: Met Dept.

The Meteorology Department said today that a deep depression over the Southeast Bay of Bengal has formed up and expected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm this evening.

Presidential election next year?

Whilst highlighting that a Presidential election is the best option when it comes to seeking a mandate of the people, UNP stalwart Navin Dissanayake today said one could expect a presidential poll in August 2023.

Race against time to save India boy stuck in well

A rescue operation is underway to save an eight-year-old boy who has been stuck in a narrow well in India for over 16 hours.

To overcome crisis, electricity bill should be increased: CEB chairman

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is submerged in a huge financial crisis, and an increase in electricity consumption charges must be done to cover the cost of the board, CEB Chairman Nalinda Ilangakoon said.

Private hospital exposed over alleged kidney racket responds

Western Hospital, the private hospital at No. 218 Cotta Road, Borella which was exposed in connection with the alleged kidney racket has denied any involvement with organ trafficking or the smuggling of organs.