Colombo, December 11 An unidentified fever has claimed the lives of five people in the Jaffna peninsula over the past few days, according to health authorities. The affected patients exhibited symptoms of fever accompanied by respiratory difficulties.

Speaker Responds to Criticism in Colombo Media A heated debate over the usage of the “Dr.” title has captured public and media attention. Speaking to Colombo-based media outlets, Speaker Ashoka Ranwala, who is at the center of the controversy, shared his perspective.

The controversy surrounding the doctorate qualifications of Speaker Dr. Ashoka Ranwala is set to be addressed in the coming days. According to Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jeyatissa, Speaker Ranwala will soon make an official statement clarifying the matter.

A wave of influenza-like illness, reminiscent of the Congo flu, has been reported among children nationwide. Schools have become hotspots, with children exhibiting symptoms such as headaches, fever, chills, runny noses, fatigue, and sore throats.

Colombo - Prices of essential food items, including rice, eggs, salt, and coconuts, have surged dramatically, causing a significant 30% increase in canteen food prices. This announcement was made by Harshana Rukshan, President of the All Ceylon Canteen Operators Association, during a media briefing.

Colombo, Sri Lanka Between January and October 2024, the government under President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a total of 361 bar licenses across the country. Among these, six bar licenses were allocated to the Puttalam district, with one granted to Yashoda Range Bandara, the son of former UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara.

In a surprising turn of events, former Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Desapriya has publicly challenged Dr. Ashoka Ranwella, who currently holds the title of Speaker, to prove the authenticity of his academic qualifications.

Today, ITAK (Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi) Members of Parliament held a significant meeting with the President to address pressing political matters. Discussions focused on issues such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), provincial councils, federal governance, and upcoming elections.

In response to a question raised by Batti MP Sanakyan, Minister Nalintha Jeyatisa informed Parliament that the list of MPs who provided recommendations for bar permits during past ruling eras will be released this evening.

MP Sivagnanam Sritharan of the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) emphasized in Parliament that for oppression to end, there must be no oppressors. Speaking during the first session of the 10th Parliament, the ITAK MP expressed hope for a non-discriminatory society where self-determination rights are respected.