Software engineer arrested over NMRA data loss granted bail

The software engineer of Epic Lanka Technologies, who was arrested in connection with the deletion of National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) data, was granted bail today (Nov. 17).



Cannabis a ‘God-given gift’ – MP Diana Gamage

Claiming that cannabis is a ‘God-given gift’ to Sri Lanka, MP Diana Gamage yesterday (16) proposed to make it a commercial crop in Sri Lanka and start exporting products made with cannabis to uplift the country’s hard-hit economy.



Central Bank denies attempt to convert worker remittances into Sri Lankan rupees

The Central Bank yesterday denied speculations that worker remittances will be forcibly converted into Sri Lankan rupees under the proposed Securitised Financing Arrangement (SFA) as being unfounded.



SJB rally goes ahead with crowds thronging the venue

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) held a rally under the slogan ‘People’s Power against the Cursed Government’, yesterday (16) at the Galle Face Green roundabout.



Cabinet approves Private Data Security Bill

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Technology Minister of to publish the gazette notification pertaining to the Private Data Security Bill and subsequently submit it to Parliament.



Wijeyadasa call for a new program to unite all factions

Day three of the debate on the second reading of the 2022 Budget will commence this morning.



Sri Lanka to begin vaccine booster rollout for over-60s

Sri Lanka will commence administering the Pfizer vaccine as the booster dose to those over the age of 60 starting from tomorrow (17), State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.



Central Expressway: Mirigama to Kurunegala section to open soon

The section of the Central Expressway between Mirigama and Kurunegala will be opened this month, Highways Minister Johnston Fernando said in Parliament yesterday (15).



Tunisian arrested at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 180 million

A Tunisian national was arrested with a stock of cocaine worth Rs. 180 million by the Customs Narcotics Division at the Bandaranaike International Airport.



Sri Lanka approves use of Anti-COVID pill Molnupiravir

Sri Lanka COVID-19 Technical Committee has granted approval for the use of oral antiviral pill ‘Molnupiravir’ in Sri Lanka.



Riyaj Bathiudeen released from detention order

Riyaj Bathiudeen, the brother of MP Rishad Bathiudeen, has been released from the detention order under strict conditions by the Supreme Court.



Schools to open for all grades from next week

The government has decided to reopen all the remaining grades in government schools from next week, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardane says.



Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery to be shut for first time as no Crude Oil

The Ministry of Energy has decided to shut down operations at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery from today (15) for the first time in history due to a shortage of crude oil.



Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini arrives at CID to record statement

Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando arrived at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) this morning (15) to record a statement in connection with a complaint filed by the country’s intelligence chief.



Sajith slams Government for ‘insulting’ public service

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) condemns the insult to public servants after the Finance Minister stated that the public service has become a burden to the country.



New laws needed to evict persons from disaster prone areas – Minister

Parliament will have to formulate strict new laws to evacuate the people from the natural disaster prone areas permanently, Irrigation Minister and National Security Disaster Management and Home Affairs State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa told Parliament on Saturday.