Oct 10 (TM) The Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Homicide and Organised Crime Investigation Division of the CID reported yesterday that journalist Tharindu Jayawardhana is allegedly obstructing the investigation related to a complaint made by retired DIG Palitha Siriwardena against former Senior DIG and incumbent Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne concerning the Easter Sunday attacks. During proceedings at the Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court, more..

Oct 10 (DN) �With the internal chaos and fragmentation within the opposing parties, we believe that it will present the NPP with a clear path to victory,� JVP Secretary Tilvin Silva said. Speaking at the Party HQ during the submission of district nominations for the next Parliamentary Election yesterday he further stressed, �In order to rebuild this nation, NPP has presented a highly balanced and strong list of candidates representing more..

Oct 10 (DM) Amid the growing concerns about the dumping of chemically refined oil labelled as coconut oil in the local market, the govt is urged to establish a transparent mechanism to differentiate chemically refined oil from natural coconut oil. All Ceylon Traditional Coconut Oil Manufacturers Association (ACTCOMA) reported that 80,000 metric tonnes of processed oil, derived from refining, bleaching and deodorising (RBD), have entered the market and are being sold as coconut oil, more..

Oct 10 (BBC) The UK has offered dozens of stranded migrants, held for years in a camp on a secretive UK-US military island in the Indian Ocean, a temporary move to Romania. After six months, they could be moved to the UK. Others in the group are being offered financial incentives to go to Sri Lanka where they say they face persecution, the BBC has learned. In 2021, dozens of Tamils became the first people ever to claim asylum on Diego Garcia after their boat ran into trouble. more..

Oct 10 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a key meeting today with senior officials from both the SL Customs Department and the Inland Revenue Department at the Presidential Secretariat today (9). The discussions centered on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the govt�s broader economic mandate. During the meeting, officials from both departments presented the challenges they face in more..

Oct 10 (Island) The SLAF will officially take delivery of Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, donated by the United States at the Katunayake airbase. The US Embassy in Colombo said that funded by the U.S. Department of Defense�s Building Partner Capacity programme was part of a long-term collaboration with the SL Air Force. �This advanced aircraft is designed to enhance SL�s capabilities in search and rescue operations, drug interdiction, and combating trafficking and smuggling. more..

Oct 10 (AD) Sri Lanka rejected the draft resolution which was tabled before the UNHRC seeking to extend the mandate of Resolution 51/1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. Earlier today (09), the draft resolution A/HRC/57/L.1 on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka was adopted without a vote during the ongoing 57th Regular Session of the UNHRC in Geneva. more..

Oct 10 (FT) Soaring on to the global stage, Smoke & Bitters made history this week by becoming the first and only bar and restaurant in Sri Lanka to ever make the World�s 50 Best Bars list, competing with the best bars in the world from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Middle East. The extended list, representing the ultimate international guide to the world�s top bars and drinking destinations, was announced on 8 October, ranking the beloved Smoke & Bitters at 86 more..

Oct 10 (TM) In response to a sudden surge in egg prices, CAA issued a stern warning to egg traders and producers, urging them to sell eggs at reasonable prices and to avoid arbitrary price increases that inconvenience consumers. Last week, eggs were sold at prices ranging from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30; however, prices have now escalated significantly, with retail costs climbing to between Rs. 34 and Rs. 45 in local markets. This sharp increase has raised concerns among consumers and more..

Oct 10 (DM) The Court of Appeal yesterday allowed Acting Controller of Emigration and Immigration to purchase �P� series ordinary passports instead of �N� series ordinary passports. The Court issued this directive after Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardhana PC informed Court that he has been informed by the Acting Emigration and Immigration Controller that �P� series ordinary passports have to be purchased. more..

Oct 10 (PMD) Ambassador of Vietnam to SL, Her Excellency Trinh Thi Tam, paid a courtesy call on Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (9). During the meeting, Ambassador Tam conveyed her congratulations on behalf of the Govt of Vietnam and expressed optimism for continued cooperation between the two nations. Vietnamese Ambassador also extended the greetings of the Vietnamese head of state, congratulating Prez Dissanayake on his more..

Oct 10 (FT) It is with great pleasure that we observe the recent appointments made by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. The appointments made so far to the Govt are on merit and of qualified, educated persons. This is indeed a positive sign to us SL citizens. Starting from the appointment of the lady prime minister. A lady who fights for women empowerment and benefits and welfare of the common man, whatever her family background is. In other words, she is for peoplism. more..

Oct 10 (DM) The NPP govt will not use state resources for the general election and that they will show it in practice this time, NPP member Lal Kantha said. "We will act exemplarily in all our political activities and election activities. We will not use state resources for election campaign. We will show it in practice this time," he said responding to a question after submitting nomination for the Kandy District. Lal kantha said the NPP is not required to launch a massive election campaign more..

Oct 10 (SLN) Commander US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen Koehler met with the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy HQ, Colombo today. The visiting delegates received a warm welcome upon their arrival at the Navy HQ where the 4-star U.S. Navy Admiral was accorded a Guard of Honour in compliance with naval traditions. Subsequent discussions between Admiral Stephen Koehler and Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera mainly focused on rising security challenges more..

Oct 10 (EN) Sri Lanka is projected to grow 4.4% in 2024 as the country emerges from an economic crisis but the recovery hinges on maintaining macroeconomic stability and continuing reforms, the World Bank said. �Sri Lanka�s recent economic stabilization, market by four quarters of growth and a current account surplus in 2023 is a significant milestone,� David Sislen World Bank Regional Country Director said. more..

Oct 10 (FT) The Sunday Times, features a news story titled Startling revelations: concerns over foreign observers� role at polls. It quotes the heads of election observer missions from the Commonwealth and the European Union as having said that their report would go beyond election observation to the country�s political climate and human rights. It also states there was the admission that the EU Observer Mission was here to ensure that SL complied with int'l treaties more..

Oct 10 (NW) The Dept of Post has issued a clarification over recent reports involving stamps which contain images of PM Harini Amarasuirya and Minister Vijitha Herath. Issuing a statement, the Department said that personalised postage stamps were presented to the Prime Minister and Minister Herath who were guests of honour at the event to commemorate the World Post Day. Clarifying further, the Dept noted that it issued postage stamps under several categories, more..

Oct 10 (TM) SL Computer Emergency Response Team (SL CERT) has reported a significant rise in complaints related to online financial fraud in 2024. Over 340 complaints involving financial scams have been received so far this year. �Up to September, we�ve received 7,210 complaints regarding online scams, with the majority of these linked to social media platforms. When we focus specifically on online-based fraud, around 20% of the complaints involve financial scams. more..

Oct 10 (AD) Justice Murdhu Fernando has taken oath as the Acting Chief Justice before Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake this morning. Justice Fernando is the second woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in SL�s history, after Shirani Bandaranayake in 2011. Fernando joined the Attorney General�s Dept as a state counsel, where she served for over 30 years having been promoted to senior state counsel, deputy solicitor general, additional solicitor general and senior additional solicitor general. more..

Oct 10 (AD) NFF led by former MP Wimal Weerawansa has announced that they will not contest in the upcoming General Elections either as an alliance or independently. Weerawansa stated that there is no doubt that some opposition forces serve an �imperial agenda hostile to the country in order to make Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake the second Gotabaya�. He has further highlighted that neither he nor his party will contribute to making the country more vulnerable to crisis by more..

Oct 10 (DM) Colombo High Court issued an order freezing two bank accounts belonging to former State Minister Anupa Pasqual, for three months. The Colombo High Court Judge made this order pursuant to a request by the Bribery Commission. Accordingly, two bank accounts maintained by the former State Minister were frozen for a period of three months. This freezing order was obtained by the Bribery Commission in terms of Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, more..

Oct 10 (EN) Prez Anura Dissanayake has met with officials of two major revenue collectors, Customs and Inland Revenue departments, to discuss enhancing tax collection. Dissanayake met senior officials from both the SL Customs Dept and the Inland Revenue Dept at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday. �The discussions centered on strategies to enhance revenue generation and improve operational efficiency within both departments, in line with the govt�s broader more..

Oct 10 (CI) Sri Lanka's head coach Rumesh Ratnayake has described his team's performance at the T20 World Cup as not acceptable, and a consequence of skill failing us after they were knocked out of semi-final contention by India. SL have lost all of their three matches so far in the World Cup, and cannot advance out of the group after coming into the event with the expectation they could go after an impressive last 20 months. more..

Oct 10 (NF) Former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and three other defendants were formally indicted today in the presence of Colombo High Court Judge R.S.S. Sapuwida. The charges relate to the alleged purchase of Greek treasury bills in 2012, which resulted in a loss exceeding Rs. 1.84 billion to the SL govt during Greece's severe economic crisis. During the court proceedings, defense attorneys argued that the defendants had fully cooperated with the investigations from the outset, more..

Oct 10 (SLN) PPA MONTECUCCOLI of the Italian Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit this morning. The visiting ship was welcomed by the SL Navy in compliance with naval traditions. PPA MONTECUCCOLI is a 143-metre-long Multi Purpose Combat Ship manned by a crew of 152. The ship is commanded by Commander Alessandro Troia. He is expected to call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe at the Western Naval Command HQ today. more..

Oct 10 (EN) SLs new administration decided to go ahead with a restructure deal reached with sovereign bondholders before the prez election to avoid bigger economic problems from a delay, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. �We as a govt did not change the process especially on ISBs,� Minister Vijitha Herath told reporters after this week�s cabinet meeting. �We intervened to take the process forward without breaking it down. more..

Oct 10 (AD) A private bus en route to Embilipitiya from Colombo was completely destroyed after catching fire in the Kawduwawa area of Madampe earlier today (10). The bus, which had nearly 50 passengers on board when it departed Colombo this morning, caught fire mid-journey. However, no injuries have been reported to any of the passengers of the bus. Local residents have helped bring the fire under control. Despite their efforts, the bus was entirely gutted by the flames, more..

Oct 10 (PMD) Khalid Alkahtani, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to SL, met with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning. During the meeting, Ambassador Alkahtani conveyed the best wishes of Saudi Arabia�s King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Prez Dissanayake on his recent election victory. The discussion covered various topics, including the current regional situation and SL�s support to Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Alkahtani praised SL�s more..

Oct 10 (DM) A total Rs. 23 million was paid by the NE Commercial Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd. to the SL Railway Department for shooting a film as a joint Indo-Sri Lankan cinema project, Railways Deputy General Manager (DGM) N.J. Indipolage said. Therefore, the train services between Colombo Fort and Badulla have been limited to the Ella station till Oct 15. As a result, train services between these stations have been restricted daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from last morning. more..

Oct 10 (AD) Former Minister Shehan Semasinghe has announced that he will not be contesting in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Issuing a statement, Semasinghe reflected on the country�s economic challenges over the past year and his dedication to rebuilding the economy alongside former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, following the economic collapse. Semasinghe expressed his belief that once the country and its economy stabilize, public would begin to appreciate more..

Oct 10 (NW) Champika Ranawaka�s party, the URF, has officially informed the SJB that they are withdrawing from the alliance ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Former MP Ranawaka, a key political figure, has also announced that he will not be contesting the election. In a letter to the SJB, Ranawaka pointed out that as per the MoU signed with the SJB, the URF had engaged in campaigning for more..

Oct 10 (PMD) Pakistan�s High Commissioner to SL, Faheem Ul Aziz, met with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake today at the Prez Secretariat. Aziz extended his congratulations to Prez Dissanayake on his recent election victory and conveyed Pakistan�s commitment to strengthening its partnership with SL. As part of the meeting, High Commissioner Aziz delivered a letter of congratulations from Pakistan�s Prez, Asif Ali Zardari, who emphasized the deep ties between more..

Oct 10 (CT) Central Bank of SL (CBSL), on Tuesday, announced a Treasury (T) Bond auction for the sale of Rs 95,000 million worth of T-Bonds tomorrow (11), the splits of which comprise Rs 70,000 million worth of 2028 maturities and Rs 25,000 million worth of 2032 maturities, respectively. In the immediately preceding T-Bond auction held a month ago on 12 Sept, CBSL had a total of Rs 290,000 million worth of T-Bonds for sale, the splits of which comprised Rs 100,000 million 2028 maturities, more..

Oct 10 (AI) Responding to the resolution on Sri Lanka adopted yesterday at the 57th session of the UNHRC, which extends the mandate of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) including the SL Accountability Project by one year, Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said: �The adoption of the UNHRC�s resolution underscores the continued need more..

Oct 10 (TD) On Sept 21, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake won Sri Lanka�s eighth prez election. Two days after being sworn in as the president, Dissanayake dissolved the Parliament and declared that a parliamentary election would be held in Nov 2024. It is no secret that Dissanayake�s victory comes amidst the worst economic crisis SL has encountered since independence, as well as the significant decline in popularity of other leaders alongside the crisis. more..

Oct 10 (CT) DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that CID investigations regarding the information received recently that there is a threat to the life of Sajith Premadasa, the leader of the SJB, revealed that there is no such threat. He said that the Police had also received a complaint in this regard and due to the attention of the Court, an investigation was conducted regarding the security of Premadasa. Accordingly, during the last elections, the former Opposition Leader had received information more..