News

Bulk of imported Basmati rice failed quality standards!

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2023

editor

Tests conducted by the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) in Batalagoda have revealed that 162 out of 365 samples of Basmati rice imported to Sri Lanka in the last 03 years since 2021, are of substandard quality.

Accordingly, 203 samples had met import standards.

From the year 2021, Basmati rice has been imported to Sri Lanka from various countries including India and Pakistan.

Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries – Mahinda Amaraweera, had recently informed the RRDI to provide a quality report on the samples of Basmati rice imported to Sri Lanka from 2021 to date.

Accordingly, 109 samples of Basmati rice imported from India during this time were given to the RRDI. Of these, 68 samples were declared acceptable while 41 were rejected.

Similarly, 214 samples of Basmati rice from Pakistan were also tested with 121 samples deemed acceptable and 93 failing to meet quality standards.

Also, 42 rice samples from other countries were provided to the RRDI, of which only 14 samples were found to be of suitable quality.

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

3 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

3 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

3 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.