Sri Lanka’s economic growth to drop to 3.5 per cent this year, 3.1 next year, World Bank Reports

Sri Lanka’s economic growth is forecast to decelerate to 3.5 per cent this year, reflecting the scarring effects of the crisis, structural impediments to growth, and heightened global economic uncertainties, according to the World Bank.

Who are the victims of the Air India plane crash?

All but one of those on board an Air India flight bound for London Gatwick Airport that crashed shortly after take-off in western India on Thursday have died, the airline has confirmed.

Black box found at Air India crash site as families wait for answers

A black box has been found at the site of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India’s civil aviation minister said on Friday.

Animal census not scientific, data cannot be used for any conclusion on wildlife population: Environmentalist

The recent data on the animal census conducted by the Agriculture Ministry cannot be used to identify whether the animal species counted are endangered or not, due to a lack of scientific methods to back the results, a senior environmentalist said.

Is airline safety becoming a serious concern?

The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787 in Ahmedabad, which claimed the lives of more than 240 people, has brought global attention to aviation safety and Boeing’s troubled record.

Chikungunya strikes women, middle-aged hardest, study finds

Women appear more susceptible to chikungunya, with 58.6% of reported cases affecting females, compared to 42.6% among males, according to a recent situation analysis from the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit.

South Africa on brink of World Test Championship glory

South Africa are within touching distance of World Test Championship victory as Aiden Markram hit an unbeaten century.

Iran retaliates with missile attacks on Israel

Iran on Saturday retaliated with missile attacks on Israel a day after Tel Aviv struck what it claimed were Iranian nuclear targets and also on other sites with an aim of stalling Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Economic fallout of Middle East

As geopolitical tensions rise in the Middle East, Sri Lanka finds itself in a challenging economic position, reflected in its national balance sheet. The country, already facing the aftermath of a financial crisis, encounters compounded issues due to IMF-mandated austerity measures and external pressures. Key sectors are under strain, threatening to impact the nation’s financial stability and recovery.

Middle East tensions prompt selling stance in secondary market

Influenced by heightened Middle East tensions, investors in the secondary market adopted a selling stance.

SC orders to address overcrowding at Anuradhapura Central College

The Supreme Court yesterday directed the Ministry of Education to increase the number of classrooms in order to resolve the issue of student overcrowding at Anuradhapura Central College, which has a negative impact on the quality of education.

NPP claims chairmanship of Medawachchiya PS, SLPP secures deputy post

The National People’s Power (NPP) has secured the post of Chairman of the Medawachchiya Pradeshiya Sabha, while the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) claimed the Deputy Chairman position following a vote held today.

Court issues restraining order over defamation against MP Mujibur

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today issued a conditional restraining order against Pradeep Charles, Chairman of the United National Self-Employed Traders’ Association and a former member of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), along with several others, over allegedly defamatory and derogatory statements made against Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman and published online.

Rainfall over 100mm likely in several areas

The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather advisory forecasting showers at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, and North-Western provinces.

No criminal offence in sugar tax reduction in 2020: CID tells court

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today that the Attorney General has concluded that no criminal offense had occurred in the process of reducing the special commodity levy on imported sugar from Rs. 50 to 25 cents per kilogram, a decision made four years ago.

Ranil expresses concern over economic implications of conflict in Middle East

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed concern over the current government’s lack of preparedness for a potential conflict in the Middle East.

Israel’s main airport is closed, airlines canceling flights due to escalation in the region

With Ben Gurion Airport closed to arrivals and departures until further notice, after Israel launched a major offensive against Iran and its nuclear program overnight, individual airlines are starting to issue notices of cancellation.

President invites German investors to explore new opportunities in tourism sector

Highlighting the new investment opportunities emerging in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended an open invitation to German investors to explore and participate in tourism-related ventures in the country.

Keep sick children at home amid surge in viral infections: Pediatrician

Health authorities urge parents to refain from sending children exhibiting symptoms of Dengue, Chikungunya or influenza, to preschool or school, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Sole survivor of Air India crash recounts final moments of doomed flight

The British survivor of the Air India plane crash has described the horror of watching people “dying in front of my eyes”.

CSE declines following geopolitical tensions in middle east

The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) closed the day on a negative note, following a major military strike launched by Israel on multiple military and nuclear sites across Iran. This geopolitical escalation led to heightened investor caution, contributing to a broad-based decline in the market throughout the trading session.

Sri Lanka calls for restraint amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran

The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, calling on both nations to prioritize diplomacy and dialogue to ease the situation.

Iran condemns Israeli airstrikes

Iran has strongly condemned what it described as a “criminal and aggressive” airstrike by the Israeli government in the early hours of Friday, which targeted multiple locations including residential areas in Tehran and other cities.

Medicine shortages continue to strain Sri Lanka’s healthcare system

The country’s healthcare system is facing mounting pressure as shortages of essential medicines persist across government hospitals and central storage facilities.

Iran Leader vows harsh retaliation after Israeli airstrikes assassinate top military commanders

In a public message, Ayatollah Khamenei condemned the “criminal act” and said the Israeli regime had exposed its “malicious nature” by striking civilian areas.

Air India flight makes emergency landing in Thailand after bomb threat; all passengers off plane

An Air India flight from Phuket in Thailand to India’s capital New Delhi received an onboard bomb threat on Friday and made an emergency landing on the island, airport authorities said.

Opposition secures Udu Dumbara Pradeshiya Sabha

The Opposition managed to secure the Udu Dumbara Pradeshiya Sabha today, the Opposition Leader’s office said.

IMF praises Sri Lanka’s reform progress, nearing next tranche of funding

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Sri Lanka for making significant strides in implementing tough but necessary economic reforms, bringing the country closer to receiving the next tranche of IMF financial assistance.

SriLankan Airlines adjusts European flight routes amid Middle East tensions

The SriLankan Airlines said today it has been compelled to make changes to its European routes, including London due to escalating tensions in the Middle East to avoid the conflict zone.

Oil soars more than 6% after Israel’s strike on Iran alarms market

June 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices jumped more than $4 a barrel on Friday, hitting their highest price in almost five months after Israel struck Iran, dramatically escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising worries about disrupted oil supplies.