Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa, who is in remand custody over the controversial Airbus deal, has been ordered to be produced before the Colombo Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar tomorrow (28). Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama directed that Rajapaksa remain in custody until he is produced before the court. The Chief Magistrate also ordered that a report on the matter be submitted to the Magistrate’s Court on 30 October.

Namal Rajapaksa ordered to appear before High Court Trial-at-Bar tomorrow

Water levels in several rivers that rose due to the effects of Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab’ are gradually receding, but the risk of flooding has not yet subsided, an Irrigation Department official warned. Director of Irrigation, Engineer L. S. Sooriyabandara made these remarks while participating in the ‘Ada Derana ‘Big Focus’ programme, which discussed the weather conditions affecting Sri Lanka due to Cyclonic Storm ‘Arnab.’ He said that although Sri Lanka was not directly affected by the cyclone, strong winds and heavy rainfall had caused significant impacts across several parts of the country. The districts of Galle and Matara, the Western, North Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, and the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts in the Central Province were among the worst affected by the rainfall, he said. The highest rainfall during the past 24 hours had been recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Gin, Kelani, Attanagalu Oya and Maha Oya rivers. Significant rainfall was also recorded in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River yesterday evening (26), with certain locations receiving between 125 and 150 millimeters of rain. This had caused water levels in several major rivers to rise considerably, he added. According to Sooriyabandara, minor flooding is currently affecting the middle and lower reaches of the Nilwala River, particularly in Akurassa and areas downstream, following heavy rainfall in its upper catchment areas. Although water levels in the upper reaches of the Nilwala River and around Akurassa have begun to recede, levels in low-lying areas continue to rise. However, there is no current risk of the situation escalating into major flooding, he said. Meanwhile, water levels in the Gin River around Baddegama and neighbouring low-lying areas have risen above normal and are approaching minor flood levels. The rising water levels of the Kalu River yesterday also resulted in minor flooding in the Ratnapura area, with levels in downstream areas continuing to increase. However, water levels in Ratnapura are now gradually receding. Meanwhile, water levels in the Millakanda area along the Kuda Ganga, low-lying areas of Kutupawla, and certain low-lying areas in the Kalutara District remain above normal, the official said. He further stated that water levels in the Kelani River rose significantly within a short period yesterday, inundating several areas, including Kitulgala and Hanwella. Water levels in the river are now gradually declining. Minor flooding and above-normal water levels also persist along the Attanagalu Oya in the Dunamale area of the Gampaha District, posing a continued risk of inundation in downstream low-lying areas. Although water levels in the Badalgama area are receding, a further rise in water levels has been observed in low-lying areas, he added. Sooriyabandara urged the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures, warning that further rainfall is expected today and that flood risks remain in several areas.

River water levels receding, but flood risks remain amid Cyclone Arnab’s impact – Official

Macklemore has begun his Free Palestine tour in Dublin after Ed Sheeran's controversial decision to drop the rapper from his tour last month. The American star played to a crowd of up to 13,000 at the city's 3Arena, having promised "many incredible surprise guests" on the bill for the sold-out show. The artist, whose real name is Benjamin Haggerty, announced the tour days after being dropped from Sheeran's Loop Tour after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage. He was criticised by Jewish groups after saying "free Palestine" at two concerts and making political speeches, including referring to the death toll from Israel's military action in Gaza as a genocide - a claim that Israel rejects. Sheeran later said that the decision to drop Macklemore was made by his promoter, not by himself.Among the acts who performed at Macklemore's Dublin show were singer-songwriter Hozier, rap trio Kneecap and folk band Beoga, who had also performed on Sheeran's tour. Macklemore has said that proceeds from his Free Palestine tour will go to organisations supporting Palestinians. He will perform in Paris on Thursday and in London on Friday. The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to an unprecedented Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. During Israel's military campaign in Gaza more than 70,000 people have been killed, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the UN. Israel says its troops conduct self-defence operations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank in accordance with international law. 'This is the hottest ticket' Tickets for the Dublin show sold out and dozens of concertgoers were queueing at the venue hours before its doors were opened. Some were dressed in Palestinian jerseys, others had tied Palestinian and Irish flags to themselves, and many were wearing keffiyeh scarves, a symbol of Palestinian identity. Vendors outside the arena sold Palestinian bucket hats and flags, as well as hats and flags with the Kneecap logo. Nicola McCollough travelled with her daughter Lily Rose Murphy from Belfast for Lily Rose's first ever concert. They both said they were happy Macklemore spoke out in support of Gaza. "More people need to, if you have the platform, do it because not everybody has that kind of stage," said Nicola. "I would speak about anything if I'm supportive of it," said Lily Rose. Gillian Duffy travelled from Cork with her son Joshua. She said that if Macklemore had "put on 10 shows in Dublin, all 10 would have been filled". "This is the hottest ticket because people want to be here, they really, really want to show their support," she said. "You're going to hear [the chant] 'Free, free Palestine' all over Dublin tonight." Jess O'Riordan, who also travelled from Cork, said it was "absolutely appalling" when Macklemore was "kicked off" Sheeran's tour. "I wish we had more people out there that would use their platform the way he does," she added. Why was Macklemore dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour? The controversy began when Macklemore, performing as the opening act for Sheeran at a concert in New Jersey in early September, said: "A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so that I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very, very dear to my heart: Free Palestine." The Thrift Shop rapper then performed a song dedicated to pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University in the US. The lyrics are critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza after the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack.After he was taken off the tour on 14 September, Macklemore accused stadium owners of rallying together to push him out. He was also accused by billionaire stadium owner Robert Kraft of hate speech and antisemitic rhetoric surrounding Israel and Gaza. Sheeran said that the decision to drop Macklemore from his tour was made by concert promoter Messina Touring Group. His early remarks led to all of his support acts to drop out of the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, and fans to express frustration. Sheeran then addressed the controversy during the start of a gig in Philadelphia. He said he had made "mistakes" handling the fallout, apologising to fans and taking a stand on the Israel-Gaza conflict, which he said was "a humanitarian issue". He described the 7 October 2023 attacks as "horrific" and also called the situation in Gaza "unjustifiable and disproportionate". Source: BBC

Macklemore begins Free Palestine tour after Ed Sheeran fallout

Pope Leo's trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru will go ahead, the Vatican said on Monday, indicating that Leo's recovery from lung cancer surgery was on track and that he was fit enough to make the November 6-17 ​journey. The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering from an October 13 surgery in which doctors removed the lower ​lobe of his right lung and diagnosed him with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common ⁠form of lung cancer. "The Holy Father’s recovery after the surgery continues, and the latest medical examinations ​attest to his good health and favorable clinical condition," the Vatican said in a statement, citing Leo's ​personal physician Luigi Carbone. "Based on his current clinical status, as well as the instrumental and laboratory tests performed, there are no contraindications that would prevent him from undertaking his upcoming apostolic journey," the statement said. POPE RETURNING TO FAMILIAR ​REGION Leo's South America tour is set to be one of the most intense foreign trips taken ​by a Catholic leader in decades. The pope is scheduled to travel some 31,000 km (19,300 miles) over the 10-city ‌tour ⁠and give 36 speeches. The Vatican said the trip would proceed with no changes to the previously published agenda. Leo had spent decades as a missionary in Peru before his predecessor Francis called him back to Rome in 2023 and promoted him to Vatican positions, so the trip will mark a homecoming ​of sorts for the ​first US pontiff. "I am ⁠looking forward to returning to the continent where I’ve experienced so many moments of my life," he said in the Vatican message. "May this journey be ​an occasion for us to open our hearts to one another, strengthen ​our communion ⁠as brothers and sisters, and renew our commitment to proclaiming the Gospel with joy," Leo said. In its statement, the Vatican said Leo was "adjusting his daily schedule in consultation with his doctors to prioritize his recovery ⁠while ​continuing to fulfil the responsibilities of his ministry." On Sunday, the ​pope addressed the faithful in St Peter's Square, but on doctors' advice he cancelled a day visit to the central Italian town of ​Assisi, which had been scheduled for Tuesday. Source: Reuters

Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has responded to the congratulatory message extended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake following his latest election victory. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Lula said he was pleased to have met President Dissanayake in India in February this year. He further noted that the Brazilian people had demonstrated through their victory that democracy could be defended against disinformation and extremism, describing it as a “great victory.” “I hope we can deepen technical cooperation and bilateral trade between our countries,” the Brazilian President also stated. President Dissanayake yesterday (26) extended his congratulations to President Lula in a post on X following his election victory as President of Brazil for a fourth term.

Brazilian President Lula responds to President Anura Kumara’s congratulatory message

The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that indictments have been filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa and three others over the controversial Airbus deal. Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara, appearing for CIABOC, informed the court on 27 October that the indictments contain 24 charges against the defendants. The indictments have been filed before a Permanent Trial-at-Bar.

24 charges filed against Namal Rajapaksa and three others over Airbus deal

The Department of Meteorology has issued an ‘Amber’ advisory for severe lightning in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts. The advisory, issued at 11.30 a.m. today (27), will remain in effect until 11.30 p.m. tomorrow (28). According to the advisory, thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts. Temporary, localized strong winds may occur during thundershowers, it said. Meanwhile, the general public has been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damage caused by lightning.

Advisory issued for severe lightning

US President Donald Trump's public approval rating inched higher to 32%, ‌up a percentage point from last week's record low, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections that will decide which party controls Congress, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday. Trump's fellow Republicans are fighting to retain the party's majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate. The five-day nationwide poll also showed that ​registered voters broadly favored Democrats over Republicans by 47% to 36% when asked which party they would pick for ​Congress in what is known as a "generic ballot" question. Some 11% said they did not know who ⁠they would vote for if the election were held today. That gap of 11 percentage points between Democrats and Republicans was 1 ​percentage point tighter than in a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on October 19.&nbsp; The latest poll additionally asked undecided voters which party they ​were leaning toward. Factoring in their responses, the national race appeared somewhat tighter, with Democrats leading by 9 percentage points, 50% to 41%. For Republicans, losing control of either chamber could complicate Trump's agenda in the last two years of his second term as president. Generic ballot polls are national polls that ​provide an overall view of which party poll respondents would like to see in charge in Congress.&nbsp; While these polls provide a ​view of national public sentiment, they do not capture the nuances of the state-by-state and district-by-district contests that determine control of the Senate and ‌House, contests ⁠in which Republicans hold some structural advantages. STEEP SENATE CLIMB FOR DEMOCRATS Political analysts generally see the Democrats having a good chance of winning control of the House, but think they face a steeper climb to win the Senate. It remains to be seen how many voters will actually cast ballots. The voters who appeared most likely to vote still favored Democrats over Republicans by 9 points, 53% to ​44%. The fight for Congress has appeared ​to turn on views around ⁠inflation, which has surged since Trump ordered military strikes on Iran in February that sent gasoline prices higher. Some 73% of voters in the poll said their cost of living was heading in ​the wrong direction. Prior to the start of the war, Reuters/Ipsos polls showed voters preferring Republicans over ​Democrats as the ⁠better stewards of the US economy. The latest poll showed 37% of voters said Democrats have a better approach on the economy, compared to 33% who picked Republicans on the issue. The poll also suggested Democratic voters were more excited about voting, with 46% of Democrats saying ⁠they were ​very enthusiastic about the midterms, compared to 30% of Republicans who said the ​same. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, which was conducted online, gathered responses from 1,679 US adults, including 1,280 registered voters, and had a margin of error of 2 percentage points for ​all adults and 3 points for registered voters. Source: Reuters

Trump approval rises from record low to 32% ahead of midterm election, Reuters Ipsos poll finds

All schools across Sri Lanka will remain closed today (27), as a precautionary measure due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions.&nbsp; &nbsp; According to the Ministry of Education, the decision has been taken to ensure the safety of students and school staff amid the current weather situation. However, the practical examinations for the Aesthetic Subjects of the G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination will be conducted as scheduled, the Education Ministry noted.

Namal Rajapaksa ordered to appear before High Court Trial-at ...

River water levels receding, but flood risks remain amid Cyclone Arnab ...

River water levels receding, b ...

Macklemore begins Free Palestine tour after Ed Sheeran fallout

Macklemore begins Free Palesti ...

Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

Pope fit enough to make Latin ...

Brazilian President Lula responds to President Anura Kumara’s congratu ...

Brazilian President Lula respo ...

24 charges filed against Namal Rajapaksa and three others over Airbus ...

24 charges filed against Namal ...

Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lig ...

Trump approval rises from record low to 32% ahead of midterm election, ...

Trump approval rises from reco ...

All schools across Sri Lanka to remain closed today due to adverse wea ...

All schools across Sri Lanka t ...

River water levels receding, but flood risks remain amid Cyclone Arnab ...

River water levels receding, b ...

Macklemore begins Free Palestine tour after Ed Sheeran fallout

Macklemore begins Free Palesti ...

Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

Pope fit enough to make Latin ...

Brazilian President Lula responds to President Anura Kumara’s congratu ...

Brazilian President Lula respo ...

24 charges filed against Namal Rajapaksa and three others over Airbus ...

24 charges filed against Namal ...

Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lig ...

Trump approval rises from record low to 32% ahead of midterm election, ...

Trump approval rises from reco ...

All schools across Sri Lanka to remain closed today due to adverse wea ...

All schools across Sri Lanka t ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

River water levels receding, but flood risks remain amid Cyclone Arnab ...

River water levels receding, b ...

Macklemore begins Free Palestine tour after Ed Sheeran fallout

Macklemore begins Free Palesti ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Pope fit enough to make Latin America trip next month, Vatican says

Pope fit enough to make Latin ...

Brazilian President Lula responds to President Anura Kumara’s congratu ...

Brazilian President Lula respo ...

24 charges filed against Namal Rajapaksa and three others over Airbus ...

24 charges filed against Namal ...

Advisory issued for severe lightning

Advisory issued for severe lig ...