4,421 armed forces, police personnel to participate in Independence Day parade: Army Commander

Some 4,421 personnel of the armed forces and police will participate in the Independence Day parade this time, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo said today.

Rs. 80 million allocated to 77th Independence Day celebrations: Govt.

The government has allocated Rs. 80 million for the 77th Independence Day celebrations, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna said today.

Independence Day Celebrations open to public this time: Minister

The government has decided to open the 77th Independence Day Celebrations for the public to witness, Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Minister Dr. A.H.M.H Abayarathna said today.

Sri Lanka looks to turn to Indonesia for coconut product imports

To combat the current coconut shortage, Sri Lanka looks at importing coconut products from Indonesia, an official said.

American Airlines jet collides with helicopter near Washington’s Reagan Airport

An American Airlines regional passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the Potomac River after a midair collision near Reagan Washington National Airport on Wednesday night, officials said.

Don’t panic over foggy conditions, advises medical specialist

In light of the foggy conditions prevailing in many parts of the country, Consultant Respiratory Physician Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake urged the public not to panic, noting that such phenomena not abnormal and usually transient.

SL defends legality of operations amid India protest

While defending the legality of the Sri Lanka Navy’s conduct amid strong protests with Sri Lanka over an incident of firing by the Sri Lankan Navy, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha said that Sri Lanka will continue to search vessels entering its waters, regardless of their country of origin, in accordance with legal protocols to prevent illegal activities.

Current policy rate sufficient to bring inflation back to 5% target: CBSL

In line with widespread expectations, the Central Bank kept its Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) — its new key policy rate — at 8.00 percent at its first policy meeting of the year.

Sri Lanka must shift from bailouts and handouts to export-driven growth: ADB

Sri Lanka must focus on developing an export-oriented industrialisation policy rather than relying on bailouts and handouts for economic recovery, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday.

Former ITAK MP Mavai Senathirajah passes away

Former Member of Parliament from ITAK, Mavai Senathirajah passed away a short while ago after suffering a brief illness.

Opposition parties united against Govt over lack of slots in parliamentary bodies

The political parties representing Parliament will unite in a joint effort to challenge the ruling National Peoples Power (NPP),accusing it of undermining parliamentary tradition by failing to allocate an adequate number of slots to them in committees.

Western Province Governor denies knowledge on container clearance

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof today denied any knowledge of the 323 containers which were said to have been cleared from the Colombo port without subjecting them to inspection.

323 containers did not belong to WP Governor Hanif Yusoof: SL Customs

The Sri Lanka Customs today denied allegations that the recently released 323 containers belonged to Expolanka Holdings Limited, which is headed by Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof.

Police constable arrested for drunk driving in Ratmalana

A police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station was arrested for causing an accident under the influence of liquor, police said.

Will not force farmers to sell paddy to government: Namal Karunaratne

Claiming that the government will not force the farmers to sell paddy to the government, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunarathne requested the farmers to provide some amount of paddy to the government at the minimum guaranteed price.

Come with us to meet farmers and see their frustration: Opposition MP

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Kavinda Jayawardene invited Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne to accompany them to go and meet farmers and see their frustration.

Working Journalists stage protest...

The Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association held a protest in Colombo urging the government to expedite action against those who were involved in killing and attacks on journalists during the past years. A petition on this was also signed. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Loon Tao reopens...

MP Archchuna Ramanathan arrested

Jaffna District MP Dr. Ramanathan Archuna was arrested in Jaffna over obstructing duties of police officers, Police Media spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunge said.

Independence Day rehearsals

Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition at BMICH

The 6th Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition was inaugurated today at the BMICH in Colombo. It will be held till February 2. The Chief Guest was Ms. Mahwash Sami, Trade and Investment Attaché, High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Govt. will not retain CDS position: Defence Secretary

The government will not retain the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha said.

Another illegally assembled jeep found in Ratnapura

Three suspects were arrested along with an illegally assembled Prado-type jeep at Angamman in Ratnapura by the Walana Anti-Vice Squad.

Committee submits report on passport issue

The committee appointed to study the passport issue and work out recommendations to resolve it has handed over its report to the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala.

Head-on collision between two buses in Habarana injures 16

A head-on collision between a private bus and a Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus on the Habarana-Minneriya road left 16 people injured this morning (29).

Harsha Ilukpitiya’s bail application fixed for inquiry by Supreme Court

A bail application submitted on behalf of Harsha Ilukpitiya, the former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, was fixed for inquiry by the Supreme Court today.

Female hotel officer injured after alleged abuse by Polish tourists

A female Executive Public Relations Officer at a leading five-star hotel in Wadduwa has reportedly fallen ill after an incident in which she was allegedly abused by a group of Polish nationals.

Schoolboy dies in wasp attack at Pussellawa

A school student died and seven others, including four members of the same family, were injured in a wasp attack in Pussellawa, police reported.

Sri Lanka Transport Board Chairman Ramal Siriwardena resigns

Ramal Siriwardena has resigned from his position as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), the Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation said.

Trump offers millions of federal workers eight months pay to resign

President Donald Trump has offered buyout packages to almost all federal workers who do not want to return to the office, a major move designed to shrink the US government.