Health experts reject PM’s claims linking dengue surge to ‘new strain’

Health experts have rejected recent statements by Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Hansaka Wijemuni attributing the current surge in dengue cases to a new or modified strain of the dengue virus, insisting there is no scientific evidence to support such claims.

Special drive launched to restore elderly allowance

The government has launched a special expedited programme to issue National Identity Cards (NICs) to elderly people from low-income families who have lost their monthly elderly allowance due to the absence of an NIC.

Suresh Sallay transferred to cardiology unit

Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) Suresh Sallay has been transferred to the Cardiology Unit of the Colombo National Hospital.

Senior Presidential Secretariat Official arrested over fake passport scam

A Senior Assistant Secretary attached to the Parliamentary and Cabinet Division of the Presidential Secretariat was arrested for allegedly forging a passport under another individual’s name to assist an organized criminal in fleeing the country.

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.

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.

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.

Rakitha Rajapaksa, Charith Abeysinghe remanded

The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today remanded until July 3 the son of a former Justice Minister, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) electorate organiser, and another individual over allegations that they accepted a Rs. 120 million bribe from the wife of alleged organised crime figure Nadun Chinthaka Wickramaratne, alias “Harak Kata.”

Two Indian witnesses to be summoned in Namal’s Krrish deal case

The Colombo High Court today ordered summons to be issued to two Indian nationals to provide evidence in the controversial Krrish deal case involving Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa.

Bribery Commission arrests Rakitha Rajapaksa, SJB organizer over Rs 120Mn bribe

Attorney-at-Law Rakitha Nirmala Rajapaksa, son of former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Horana organizer Charith Abeysinghe, and former Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Corporation Director Warusha Hennadige Aruna Sri Chaturanga were arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

154 death row inmates cleared for Presidential Pardon remain in Prison after more than four years

A total of 154 death row inmates who were recommended for release under a presidential pardon by several expert committees appointed by the Ministry of Justice in previous governments have remained behind bars for more than four years, according to prison sources.

Rupee depreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated further against the US Dollar today (24), with the selling rate crossing the Rs. 340 mark, according to the latest exchange rates released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Govt. retains Rs. 60 Mn VAT threshold, drops planned reduction

The government has decided to retain the current Rs. 60 million annual turnover threshold for Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL), postponing a previously proposed reduction to Rs. 36 million that was scheduled to take effect from July 1.

Processed meats, sugary snacks, soft drinks banned from school canteens

The Ministry of Health has announced a list of food items that will be prohibited in school canteens under its newly introduced ’Guidelines on Healthy School Canteens’, aimed at ensuring students have access to affordable, safe and nutritious meals.

High Court upholds Gnanasara Thera’s nine-month jail term

Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne today rejected the appeal filed by Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera and upheld the nine-month rigorous imprisonment sentence imposed by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court.

Dengue passes 1,000 cases daily

Sri Lanka is experiencing an unprecedented surge in dengue infections, with more than 1,000 cases reported within a single day.

SC to hear appeal on Minister Wijepala’s parliamentary eligibility

The Supreme Court today granted special leave to appeal against a Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed a challenge to the parliamentary eligibility of Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala.

Sri Lanka reaffirms neutral foreign policy in talks with senior US Official

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining neutrality and adhering strictly to international law during discussions with Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur.

Hold SLC elections or get blacklisted, ICC informs President AKD

The International Cricket Council has put forward a request to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to hold the elections of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on or before July 31, and has emphasised that if local authorities fail to do so, Sri Lanka once again risks being blacklisted by the ICC, the Daily Mirror reliably learns.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations - MEHR

Iran’s top joint military command, ​Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said on Saturday that the Strait ​of Hormuz would ​be closed to vessel ⁠traffic, citing ​alleged violations of a ​ceasefire agreement by the U.S. and Israel, Iran’s ​Mehr state ​news agency reported.

G.C.E. O/L examination results released online

The Department of Examinations has released the results of the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) Examination online. Students can now access their results over the internet.

Sri Lankan Rupee appreciates further against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee appreciated further against the US Dollar today (19), with the selling rate falling to Rs. 338 compared to Thursday’s exchange rate.

Sri Lanka tightens import remittance regulations

The Government has introduced new regulations aimed at strengthening the monitoring of outward remittances linked to import transactions through a Gazette Extraordinary issued under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, No. 1 of 1969.

Three types of cardiac stents withdrawn immediately due to safety concerns

The Medical Supplies Division (MSD) have ordered the immediate withdrawal of three types of ’inferior’ cardiac stents and instructed hospitals across Sri Lanka to isolate all remaining stocks without using them, in a major nationwide safety alert affecting heart treatment services.

Middle East conflict puts global spotlight on Colombo Port, World Bank tells government

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has placed the Colombo Port under increased global attention, prompting the World Bank to urge the Sri Lankan government to exercise great care in its future development and management, during discussions with Civil Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake at the Ministry premises.

Ghost’s children have entered UNP working committee: Ravi K

Ghost’s children have entered the United National Party (UNP) working committee while seniors have been kept out, MP Ravi Karunanayake said today.

Daily vehicle import bill drops below USD 4Mn

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando said that Sri Lanka’s daily foreign exchange outflow for vehicle imports has fallen to below USD 4 million following the introduction of a temporary surcharge on Customs Import Duties for vehicles.

No room for fuel price cut despite global price drop: Govt.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando said the government is currently unable to reduce domestic fuel prices despite the decline in global fuel prices, as Sri Lanka is still using fuel stocks purchased at higher prices.

Gotabaya’s writ petition fixed for tomorrow

The writ petition filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks was today fixed for tomorrow by the Court of Appeal.

Bribery Commission arrests Yoshitha over Navy probe

Yoshitha Rajapaksa, the second son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) this morning (17) after appearing before the commission to provide a statement.