Fraud in North Central Provincial Council: Contractor decamps with Rs.14Mn

A missive fraud of Rs. 14 million in the North Central Provincial Council has been disclosed by the National Audit Office.

No travel ban, U.S. advisory for Sri Lanka similar to popular destinations, says Envoy

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said there is no travel ban on Sri Lanka, and the security advisory for Sri Lanka remains at Level 2, similar to other popular destinations such as France, Italy and the Maldives.

No decline in tourist arrivals at Arugam Bay - Residents

Residents of the area and those engaging in tourism in Arugam Bay tourist zone point out that there is no unusual decline in foreign tourist arrivals in the area but there is a decline since this is off season.

Prez vows to scrap perks for former presidents once again

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake vowed once again that the perks and benefits of the past heads of state would be scrapped completely, no matter what.

Ambanpola residents up in arms over liquor shop established amidst schools, temples

The residents of Ambanpola are protesting and complaining of an illegal liquor shop established amidst five schools, Dhamma schools and temples in the town, saying the bar rigorously violates Excise laws.

Policeman in a fix for sexually harassing three new constables

A police constable attached to the Tissamaharama Police has been arrested in connection with the sexual abuse of three newly recruited police constables in their single quarters, in addition to subjecting them to ragging as freshers to the service.

Disease spreading among pigs raises eyebrows

The highly contagious viral disease previously known as ‘Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome’ (PRRS), which is spreading among pigs, hogs, and boars in Sri Lanka, has been identified as the African Swine Disease.

Alliance for People’s Struggle calls for a fresh probe on passport issue

The Alliance for People’s Struggle yesterday called for a fresh probe on what they called the passport scandal stating that the truth of the claim made by Epic Lanka that it had signed an agreement with Department of Emigration and Immigration on printing passports is true or false.

Experienced persons should be in Parliament to take over government if the need arises : Ruwan

Experienced and able persons are needed in Parliament to take over the government if the need arises, UNP Deputy Leader and New Democratic Front (NDF) Gampaha District candidate Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Two wild elephants electrocuted in Mannar and Hambegamuwa

The death of two wild elephants due to human activities had been reported from Mannar and Hambegamuwa areas.

Immigration authorities to crack down on overstaying Russians, Israelis

The Department of Immigration and Emigration will visit the southern coastal belt in early November to look for any overstaying tourists from countries like Russia and Israel, where an influx of tourists are expected in the emerging South season for Christmas, the Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka may face another economic turmoil: Sajith

Sri Lanka is slated to face another economic turmoil no matter to whom people may vote at the General Election, former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

Former Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne complains of harassment on social media

Says mudslinging of women politicians over social media has to be especially probed

Sri Lanka addresses issues raised in recent travel advisories: President

Sri Lanka is addressing issues raised in recent travel advisories to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all tourists, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said during a meeting with two foreign envoys yesterday. During a meeting with the Ambassador of Myanmar, Malar Than Htaik at the Presidential Secretariat, he reiterated the government’s commitment to ongoing improvements in safety to protect the well-being of both international visi

Schoolteacher arrested for rape of 14-year-old girl

The police arrested a teacher of Oyagawa Junior School in Ranawaranawa in the Lunugamvehera Police area on suspicion of raping a 14-year-old schoolgirl.

Eight parties, one independent group in the fray for Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Election today

The first poll after National People’s Power (NPP) swept into power will be held today when the people of Elpitiya will go to polling stations to elect members for the Pradeshiya Sabha in their area. Some 28 members will be elected to the Pradeshiya Sabha according to the Election Commission. A total number of 55, 663 voters will cast their votes in 48 polling stations.

Sajith Premadasa, SJB lead in 2024 presidential campaign spending

The latest financial disclosures from the Election Commission reveal that Sajith Premadasa and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), lead in campaign spending for the 2024 Presidential Election, with a total expenditure of Rs. 1.13 billion.

Ranjan Ramanayake’s candidacy at General Election challenged in court

Petitioner alleges that Ranjan Ramanayake was convicted on charges of contempt of court and imprisoned

Enhanced security measures for Kandy hotels with Israeli tourists

Security for several hotels in Kandy providing accommodation to Israeli tourists has been stepped up by the police. Police have taken steps to obtain daily reports on foreign tourists seeking accommodation in hotels in the Kandy Police Division as well.

Prime Minister’s Office responds to Daily Mirror report

In response to Daily Mirror story headlined ‘AKD, Harini clashes over UGC Chairman appointment?’ in yesterday’s edition, the Prime Minister’s Office sent the following clarification.

McDonald’s Corporation and International Restaurant Systems (Pvt) Limited ends Franchise Relationship in SL

McDonald’s Corporation and International Restaurant Systems (Private) Limited ends Franchise Relationship in Sri Lanka, according to a statement from it.

in Dept. of Geology remain unassessed since 1964

It has been revealed that the value of 271 gemstones in the Department’s Geology division, which have been securely deposited at the Metropolitan Branch of the Bank of Ceylon since September 18, 1964, remains unassessed, the National Audit report in 2023 revealed.

AKD, Harini clash over UGC Chairman appointment?

A clear difference in decision was reported between Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the appointment of the new University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman.

Travel restriction US Embassy closely cooperates with SL authorities

In response to a question as to how it will help Sri Lanka in curbing the threat, a U. S. Embassy spokesperson said the mission is closely cooperating with the Sri Lankan authorities but refrained from making any additional comment.

Ranil refutes allegations made by Cardinal

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe today dismissed allegations made by Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith that the motives behind the committees to probe the action of intelligence units in lead up to the Easter Sunday attacks was to politically victimize officers Ravi Seneviratne and Shani Abeysekera.

A probe on slaughtering another peacock

Wildlife officers are to launch an investigation into a new video showing a foreigner slaughtering, roasting and consuming a peacock inside Maduru-Oya National Park.

Warning of a terror attack: Govt springs into action on multiple fronts

In the wake of the United States (U.S.) Embassy’s travel restriction to Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice, the Sri Lankan authorities have sprung into action on multiple fronts to take additional security measures and to ensure that the country is safe for tourist arrivals.

Indian Intelligence alerts Sri Lanka to potential attack in Arugam Bay

Sri Lankan security forces have been alerted to a potential attack on Israelis in the Arugam Bay area by Indian intelligence agencies.

Tourism industry on edge as travel advisories mount

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is bracing for challenges following a series of travel advisories issued by several key markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Russia.

Israelis top tourist arrivals in Arugam Bay, but reduced now

Ruling out any special instructions regarding the US Travel Advisory, the Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday said Israelis top the highest arrivals of tourists in Arugam Bay in all times, though it was seen much reduced this season.