ADB approves USD 57m for Sri Lanka rooftop solar aggregation project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday said it has approved a USD-57.4-million (EUR 50.4m) financing package for a solar aggregation and virtual net metering project in Sri Lanka.

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Gnanasara Thera’s case over alleged anti-Islam remarks fixed for July 31

The Colombo High Court today ordered that the case filed by the Attorney General against Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaththe Gnanasara Thera, over allegedly insulting Islam be recalled on July 31 for a preliminary trial conference.

Govt will control solar power systems by next year: Minister

The government will be able to take control of solar power systems by next year with the fixing of 2,000 modems, Deputy Minister of Power and Energy Akram Ilyas told Parliament today.

King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after refurbishment completion

King Charles III will not live at Buckingham Palace after the completion of a 10-year, 369 million-pound (US$487 million) refurbishment programme as the monarchy seeks to increase public access to the historic building that has been the centre of royal life for almost 200 years.

SLTB to receive 600 new buses by year-end

The Ministry of Transport and Highways has announced plans to add 600 new buses to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) fleet by December in a bid to strengthen public transport services across the country.

Large rooftop solar owners asked to disconnect from grid during Poson

As electricity demand is expected to fall during the Poson holidays, owners of rooftop solar systems with a capacity of 300 kW and above have been asked to disconnect from the national grid during daytime from June 27 to 29, Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas informed Parliament today.

Dayasiri, Kumara Jayakody stage showdown in Parliament

Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera and former Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody engaged in a heated argument in Parliament on the issue of inferior quality coal.

SJB suspends Horana Organiser Charith Abeysinghe

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has taken steps to suspend the party membership of its Horana Organiser, Charith Abeysinghe, following his arrest and subsequent remand over an alleged bribery incident.

Confiscated narcotics to be destroyed in Puttalam tomorrow

A quantity of confiscated narcotics is scheduled to be destroyed tomorrow morning (June 27) at the incinerator facility located at Lactowatta in Wanathavilluwa, Puttalam.

Saudi Aramco resumes oil loading at Ras Tanura after 4-month halt

Saudi Aramco resumed oil loading on ​Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf after a near four-month halt, shipping data from LSEG showed, in a sign ‌that Middle Eastern producers are pushing forward with plans to boost exports despite a ship attack in the Strait of Hormuz.

Warning over power bank fire risk on flights as summer holidays begin

Flight passengers are being warned not to pack power banks or vapes in their hold luggage ahead of the busy summer holiday travel period beginning for parts of the UK.

Opposition MPs sign motion on judicial appointments delay

Opposition MPs began signing a motion today to request for a special debate on the delay in appointing senior judicial officers.

President doesn't answer MPs’ phone calls: Dayasiri

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake never answers MPs’ phone calls, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekera told Parliament today.

Anti-drug awareness march in Colombo

Seven more battery energy storage systems arrive at Colombo Port

A consignment of seven additional Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) arrived at the Colombo Port yesterday evening.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government imposes smartphone ban on government officials

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has ordered a nationwide ban on civil servants’ smartphone use, a military court order showed, prompting ​warnings from rights activists that the move could further restrict access ‌to information.

Country loses US $ 1 billion in fraudulent transactions, certain banks involved

In a shocking disclosure, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in Parliament yesterday that the country had lost as much as US $ 1 billion because of the transfer of a whopping Rs.300 billion ill-gotten cash in terms of Telegraphic Transfers and Advanced Payments for imports. He said that certain banks had been implicated in the fraudulent transactions.

At least 40 injured in head-on bus collision in Matara

At least 40 people have been hospitalized following a head-on collision between two private buses along the Matara-Talalla road, police said.

Philippines bans video game played by alleged high school shooter

The Philippines has temporarily blocked gaming app Gorebox after an initial investigation found that a teenage suspect in a rare school shooting had been playing the game.

UN halts escort of ships through Hormuz after vessel comes under attack

The U.N. International Maritime Organization paused its operation to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday after a vessel reported an attack, reigniting concerns about ‌whether a preliminary deal to end the Iran war will hold.

Chief Inspector arrested over death of female physiotherapist

A Chief Inspector of Police has been arrested in connection with the death of a female physiotherapist found inside a car in Teldeniya.

Australia considers tougher enforcement of social media ban for teens

Australia’s prime minister ​said on Friday he was keen to make sure the country’s social media ban ‌for children was as strong as possible, as a new study found that the measure — the first of its kind and now six months old — had little impact on teen use.

Malaysia deports alleged underworld gunman to Sri Lanka

An alleged underworld gunman linked to organized crime figure Kehelbaddara Padme was deported from Malaysia and taken into custody by Sri Lankan authorities upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake last night (25).

Rescuers search rubble for survivors as Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 235

Rescuers are searching through rubble in a rush to save lives after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near the capital, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500.

Contract farming gains momentum as IFC backs local poultry sector

The local poultry sector is seeing a renewed push towards contract farming and sustainable production, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) backing an expansion by New Anthony’s Farm Group

CCC outlines three-year plan to strengthen Sri Lanka’s competitiveness

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday said it is working with a three-year strategy to accelerate investment, boost exports and strengthen support for small businesses, as the private sector seeks to play a larger role in sustaining the country’s economic recovery.

Trade Ministry seeks closer collaboration with retailers, says Minister

The Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry is looking forward to strengthening its collaboration with the Sri Lanka Retailers Association (SLRA), Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe said while addressing the association’s 9th Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Two fined Rs. 450,000 each for trading protected wildlife parts

Two men from Wariyapola and Minuwangate were fined Rs. 450,000 each by the Wariyapola Magistrate’s Court for possessing and trying to sell protected wildlife items.

Govt aims to complete national digital land database this year

The Government plans to complete a nationwide digital land information system within this year to improve land administration and speed up investment-related processes, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha said.