Sugar factory shock:170kg stone found in sugarcane stock
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, R.M. Jayawardena, who is also the Chairman of the Monaragala District Coordination Committee, visited the Sevanagala Sugar Factory today August 1, 2025, to discuss the unfolding issues. His visit comes after a stone weighing approximately 170 kg was discovered hidden among sugarcane stock at the factory on July 30, 2025. Deputy Minister …
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Immigration Department welcomes 50 new officers
The Immigration Department has hired 50 new ‘Operational Assistant’ officers. This new Grade III position was created to help ease the department’s workload and improve efficiency at airports, ports, and detention centers. The appointments were made under the guidance of Minister Ananda Wijepala, who stated that the government is focused on recruiting based on talent and qualifications, free from influence. …
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Trump ends duty-free imports from Shein, Temu
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an order to end a rule that allowed cheap goods from overseas, including from popular shopping apps Shein and Temu, to enter the U.S. without paying tax. The new rule takes effect on August 29. Until now, packages under $800 could come into the U.S. without customs duties. Many of these came from China. …
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Body of elephant handler found in lake
The body of a young elephant handler assistant who had participated in the Kandy Perahera was discovered floating in the Kandy Lake this morning July 31,2025. According to police, the deceased was a 28-year-old man named Achalanka. He had travelled from the Aranayake area to Kandy to take part in the Perahera procession on behalf of the Kataragama Devalaya. He …
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Thundershowers and strong winds ahead
The Department of Meteorology has warned of evening thundershowers and strong winds in several areas over the next few days. Heavy showers are expected in the Northern, North-Central, Uva, Eastern, and Central provinces after 1:00 p.m., with rainfall possibly exceeding 50 mm. Light showers may also occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Galle, and Matara areas. Winds of up to 40 …
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Kandy Esala Perahera 2025: Timetable and Key Dates
The much-awaited Kandy Esala Perahera begins today, July 30, 2025. The grand procession will continue daily until August 8, 2025. The festival will conclude with the traditional Diyakepuma ceremony on August 9, 2025. This schedule marks the official timeline for one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most celebrated Buddhist festivals, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe. …
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Powerful quake hits Russia, Tsunami warnings issued
A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit near the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East today. The earthquake happened about 126 km from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and was felt strongly in nearby areas. The quake caused tsunami warnings in several countries, including Japan, the United States, and Guam. In Russia, tsunami waves of 3 to 4 metres were reported in …
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SL Press Association and SACCJF launch SL chapter to strengthen South Asian climate journalism
The South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum (SACCJF) officially opened its Sri Lanka Chapter on Saturday, July 26th, at the scenic Bolagala Agro Floating Resort in Katana, Negombo. This new chapter is part of a growing regional network aimed at raising awareness of climate change issues. SACCJF has already launched chapters in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The Pakistan Chapter is …
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Boeing flight catches fire on runway at U.S. airport
A Boeing 737 Max 8 operated by American Airlines caught fire on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday, prompting a swift emergency evacuation of more than 170 passengers. The aircraft, operating Flight 3023 to Miami, experienced a mechanical issue involving a tire while accelerating for takeoff. This led to smoke and a small fire near the plane’s landing …
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30% U.S. Tariff: Sri Lanka’s Tea and Rubber exports under threat
The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) has voiced serious concerns following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 30% tariff on all goods imported from Sri Lanka, effective August 1, 2025. The U.S. is one of Sri Lanka’s key markets for both tea and rubber. In 2024, the U.S. bought 6.4 million kg of Ceylon Tea worth USD 45 million. …
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