SL among the lowest in South Asia for spending on education: UNICEF

Sri Lanka allocated less than 2% of its GDP on education, which falls well below the international benchmark of 4-6% of GDP and is among the lowest in the South Asia region, a statement issued by UNICEF said.

Two pillows, mattress found inside a commitee room in Parliament

Two pillows and a mattress have been found in a committee room at the Parliamentary complex and investigations are to be conducted to determine as to why they were brought, an official of the House said.

Tickets for Sri Lankan leg of Asia Cup 2023 out today

The first phase of ticket sales of the Sri Lankan leg of the Asia Cup 2023, hosted by the Pakistan Cricket Board, will being from 12 noon Pakistan Standard Time today (August 17).

EU envoy urges swift global integration to avoid Sri Lanka falling behind regional peers

European Union (EU) Ambassador to Sri Lanka Denis Chaibi this week emphasised the urgent need for Sri Lanka to expedite its efforts in enhancing global integration, as the country could significantly lag behind its regional peers, if it were to lose access to the GSP Plus scheme. Chaibi pointed out that integrating Sri Lanka into key markets at present is GSP Plus and neglecting to seize this opportunity could place the country at a significan

Manufacturing hindered by persistent subdued demand; services sustain growth

Despite the recent improvements observed in the macroeconomy, Sri Lanka’s manufacturing activity has not yet shown signs of recovery, whereas the services sector continues to exhibit growth.

Wheezing, diarrhea on the rise among children: Consultant Paediatrician

Wheeze and diarrhea are on the rise among children these days due to the dry weather and dust, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Dr. Deepal Perera said.

China to help Sri Lanka address challenges of financial debt: Wang Yi

Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, vowed that China will help Sri Lanka effectively address the challenges of financial debt on Wednesday.

India officially grants Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft to SL

India officially handed over a substitute Donier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka to be used by the Sri Lanka Air Force, at a ceremony held in Katunayake today (16).

Petitioner seeks five-judge-bench to hear Diana Gamage’s citizenship case

Following the divergence of opinion between two judges of the Court of Appeal with regard to the writ petition filed over Diana Gamage’s citizenship issue, a motion has been filed seeking a fuller bench comprising five judges of the Court of Appeal to hear the petition, owing to the grave national importance of the matter.

No delay in ’’Aswesuma’’ programme due to Chairman’s resignation: Minister

The implementation of the ’’Aswesuma’’ programme will not be delayed due to the resignation of the Chairman of the Welfare Benefit Board, as reported in the media.

Fire breaks out at Finance Ministry

A fire has broken out at the Finance Ministry in Colombo a short while ago, the Colombo Fire Brigade said.

Applications called for appointment of President’s Counsels

Applications have been called for the appointment of President’s Counsels for 2022/2023 in accordance with Article 33 (e) of the Constitution of Sri Lanka, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

No decision to cancel leave for doctors: Health Ministry

Responding to media reports that the leave of medical consultants who are overseas have been cancelled, Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta said the Health Ministry has not taken such a decision as yet.

Over 600,000 selected groups to receive allowances

Funds have been allocated to pay allowances for 647,683 kidney patients, the disabled and low-income earning elderly people until a new scheme is prepared, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

SL engages with WHO for benchmark to set up high quality medicinal drugs testing lab

In the absence of a proper mechanism to ensure the quality of medicinal drugs, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella discussed with the World Health Organization (WHO) over a benchmark to set up a highly standardized quality laboratory in Sri Lanka to test the quality of pharmaceuticals.

At least 27 dead following clashes between rival factions in Libya

At least 27 people were killed and 106 others injured when clashes broke out between two powerful armed factions in the southern Libyan capital of Tripoli, the country’s emergency services said in a statement Tuesday.

State Pharmaceuticals Corporation gets new Chairman

Dr. Ajith Mendis has been appointed as the new Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation by Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

54 SL expatriates stranded in Kuwait arrive in SL

A group of 54 Sri Lankan expatriate workers including 53 housemaids and a male household servant, who were staying in Kuwait illegally without visas, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning.

Bandula says Channel Eye leased out to Lyca Mobile

Minister of Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena yesterday said that Channel Eye was leased out to Lyca Mobile Group on a short-term lease agreement and refuted claims that the Cabinet Paper in this regard was rejected.

Key wheat flour suppliers accused of raking in billions in undue profits amid import ban

The local wheat flour suppliers are facing allegations of reaping substantial undue profits in billions of rupees following a government-imposed ban on unlicensed wheat flour imports, as revealed during a recent meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).

Govt. to purchase three new CT scan machines worth Rs. 750 Mn

The Government is to spend a sum of Rs 750 million to acquire three CT scan machines, Daily Mirror learns.

SL to set up separate dept. for cinnamon development

Sri Lanka will soon establish a Department for Cinnamon Development to exclusively facilitate cinnamon cultivation, production and exports.

China’s Sinopec to begin operations on September 2

Chinese oil major Sinopec expects to start operations in Sri Lanka on Sept. 20 and will be allowed to sell fuel for less than....

Titans beat Strikers, oust Kandy for second place

Galle Titans recorded a convincing eight-wicket win over Colombo Strikers in the final match of the group stage of the Lanka Premier League at the R. Premadasa Stadium today, which secured them second spot in the points table.

IMF first review from Sept.14 to 27

The first review of Sri Lanka’s US $ 3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be held between September 14 and 27.

Falling tree kills Chief Security Officer of Dehiwala Zoo

The Chief Security Officer of the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens died this afternoon after a falling tree hit a power cable post which had in turn fallen on him, the Dehiwala police said.

Shooting in Kudawella leaves one dead

A 35-year-old man was shot dead at Kudawella in Tangalle a short while ago, Police said.

Water in Samanalawewa sufficient for three days’ power generation

The water capacity in the Samanalawewa reservoir is sufficient for a maximum of two days of hydropower generation if made with the maximum capacity, an engineer attached to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) said.

Some SJBers ready to extend conditional support to Ranil

Some SJB MPs are of the opinion that they should support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a future Presidential Election on the condition that he appoints Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa as the Prime Minister if he emerges victorious.

Alles complains to CID against Duminda Nagamuwa

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles today lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against Frontline Socialist Party activist Duminda Nagamuwa, who had made a statement involving the JVP and Minister Alles.