Type in a keyword and see the report right away. Explore your online world!
If you have already a Newsmeter account:
You can free sign up for Newsmeter:
x
Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and ex-minister Arjuna Ranatunga has dispelled recent rumors suggesting his affiliation with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB). Ranatunga, who attended the SJB's May Day rally in Thalawakele on May 1st, clarified that his presence was in response to an invitation from SJB MP Palani Digambaram. He emphasized that his attendance should not be misconstrued as joining the SJB.
In response to the recent reduction in fuel prices, the National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that bus fares will remain unchanged. Despite a significant decrease in diesel prices by Rs. 30, the NTC stated that there will be no adjustment in bus fares. This decision aligns with the stance of the All Ceylon Private Bus Owners Association, which also emphasized the inability to reduce fares despite the drop in diesel prices. The reduction in diesel prices came into effect fol...
As International Labour Day approaches on May 1st, various political parties in Sri Lanka have initiated preparations for their respective May Day rallies. The United National Party, led by General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, is set to hold its rally at Maligawatta, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe expected to attend. Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, represented by MP Tissa Attanayake, plans to host rallies at Chatham Street, Pettah, and Talawakelle. The Sri Lanka Podujan...
A coalition of Members of Parliament and ministers have united in advocating for tax-free vehicle imports. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena disclosed receiving a joint letter signed by members from both political factions, underscoring the urgency of the matter. He affirmed his commitment to presenting their appeal to President Ranil Wickramasinghe. Noteworthy is the decade-long restriction barring MPs from importing vehicles juxtaposed with ministers' dependence on vehicles exceeding ...
The Cabinet has granted approval to transform the Mirissa marine zone into a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a marine wildlife sanctuary, aligning with international standards. During the May 2023 meeting, the Cabinet of Ministers deliberated on a proposal to designate the Mirissa Marine Zone as a wildlife sanctuary. To delve deeper into the matter, a ministerial sub-committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, was tasked with studying the proposal alongside relevant stakeholders and presentin...
Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe is set to represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) annual meetings, scheduled from today, May 2nd, to May 5th in Tbilisi, Georgia. As a founding member of the ADB, Sri Lanka has actively engaged in fostering partnerships to address the nation's developmental challenges. Through collaborative efforts with the ADB, Sri Lanka has witnessed sustainable progress and growth across various sectors of its economy. The upcoming meetings will ...
The Department of Meteorology forecasts showers in some regions of Sri Lanka today, primarily after 2:00 p.m. Showers or thundershowers are anticipated in select areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-western provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, and Mannar districts during the afternoon. Misty conditions may prevail in certain areas of the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Central provinces, as well as in Galle and Matara districts during the morning hours. In the eveni...
The Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, May Elin Stener, held a significant meeting with Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa on Thursday (May 2). The discussions primarily revolved around the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka, with MP Premadasa highlighting the nation's economic crisis and outlining the Samagi Jana Balawegaya’s (SJB) strategies to tackle it. With the upcoming election looming large, MP Premadasa shed light on the SJB's vision to revitalize the country following pa...
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully intercepted a Pakistani boat off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat, seizing 86 kg of suspected heroin valued at Rs 602 crore.The operation, conducted jointly with the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), led to the arrest of 14 crew members. The drugs, intended for delivery to Sri Lanka, were intercepted following intelligence indicating the involvement of a Pakistani drug operative named Haji Aslam. Despite resistanc...
Vehicles purportedly linked to the notorious drug figure known as 'Ratmalane Sana' have been apprehended. The Police Narcotics Bureau, during a raid in Kahathuduwa, seized a car and a jeep believed to be associated with the alleged drug lord. Authorities disclosed that the vehicles were located at a residence owned by the suspect. The capture follows a pursuit initiated by law enforcement officers after observing a suspicious vehicle on Thursday evening. 'Ratmalane Sana' is presently i...
In a stern address at the NPP May Day rally in Colombo, NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a caution to Sri Lankan media entities, asserting that under an NPP government, no Presidential Pardon would be granted to individuals accused of murder, child and women abuse, or corruption. Dissanayake criticized certain media outlets for allegedly shielding such individuals and urged them to operate independently without succumbing to familial pressures. While acknowledging the medi...
In a daring breach of security, a 30-year-old man made his way onto the tarmac...
The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa Yoko, is poised to embark on a diplomatic mission to Sri Lanka today. The Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka has confirmed Minister Yoko's itinerary, spanning today and tomorrow. During her visit, Minister Yoko will engage in bilateral discussions with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry, underscoring the ongoing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The President's Media Division (PMD) issued a cautionary statement urging the public to remain vigilant against individuals falsely purporting to hold positions within the Presidential Secretariat. Reports have surfaced indicating that these individuals are deceiving investors, job seekers, and visa applicants by submitting forged documents and unlawfully acquiring money. The PMD emphasized the importance of verifying the identities of such individuals and encouraged contacting Senior ...
Academic operations across all universities have been brought to a standstill due to an ongoing strike led by non-academic staff. Vice-chancellors confirmed that all examinations have been postponed indefinitely. The strike, initiated by non-academic staff, commenced at noon on Thursday in protest against a 15 percent salary reduction and the absence of an increase in their monthly allowances. Dhammika S. Priyantha, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee of University Trade Unions, warned ...
