News

Iran launches ballistic missile attack on Israel

Published

9 months ago

October 2, 2024

editor

Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel, causing sirens to sound all over the country, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday.

More than 100 missiles were launched, according to Israeli media.

Israel assesses that Iran is likely to attack three Israeli air bases and an intelligence base located just north of Tel Aviv, foreign media reported.

The intelligence base in Glilot was evacuated Tuesday afternoon, and the Israeli military has put contingency plans for the safety of personnel at those bases into effect.

The Israeli military said all civilians were in bomb shelters as the rockets were fired.

The assault follows Israel launching widespread attacks in Lebanon, including the killing of Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah and a ground invasion of the south of the country.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it fired dozens of missiles at Israel in response to Israels actions in Gaza, and the killing of leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.

Jordan’s state news agency reports that it has suspended air traffic temporarily.

Israeli Army Radio reports meanwhile that take-offs and landings have been halted at Ben-Gurion Airport.

U.S. officials warned earlier in the day that Iran was preparing a ballistic missile strike targeting Israel.

US President Joe Biden has said the United States is prepared to help Israel defend itself from Iranian missile attacks and to protect the American military in the region.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres “is extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon” and is appealing for an immediate ceasefire, according to a statement from his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.

The statement warned that an “all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs.”

Sri Lankan diplomats in Israel say there are no reports of Sri Lankans in Israel being affected by the missile attack

(News1st)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

26 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, arrested

Published

37 minutes ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

3 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.