Afghanistan win the toss, opt to field first; debuts for Pathirana and Hemantha

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Hambantota.

Central Bank shifts gears to growth with surprise policy rate cut

The Central Bank yesterday delivered a surprise policy rate cut, bringing nearly two years long tightening cycle to a close and left open the door for further rate cuts in the next few months among other measures to ease remaining restrictions on imports to reverse the prolonged economic contraction.

Discussions with UNDP for low-floor electric buses successful: Gemunu

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said today it had a discussion with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to obtain at least 50 low-floor electric buses to add to the existing fleet.

Punish those who are responsible for causing inconvenience to the monk –President’s Secretary

President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake had informed the Secretary Ports and Aviation Ministry to hold an inquiry and punish those who are responsible for keeping Venerable Ajan Brahim Thera for 12 hours.

Tax files for all those above 18 years from Jan.1

A tax file will be opened by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for all those above the age of 18 from January 1, 2024, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday.

Heads will roll unless state institutions perform; President warns

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his televised address to the nation, asserted that his government would not hesitate to replace the heads of the state institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and SriLankan Airlines unless they improved their performance in conformity with the restructuring plan for public enterprises.

Indian company ordered to recall contaminated eye drops after SL raises complaint

India’s Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil ) which is part of the Ministry of Commerce has asked Gujarat-based pharma company-- Indiana Ophthalmics to recall Methylprednisolone linked to causing eye infections in more than 30 people after Sri Lankan Ministry of Health raised a complaint to the Indian government.

IMF deputy urges SL to keep up momentum on economic reforms

Sri Lanka is showing a ’’strong commitment’’ to implementing economic reforms but must continue this momentum amid a challenging economic environment, International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura said on Thursday.

Elon Musk reclaims title of world’s richest person

Elon Musk has reclaimed his title as the world’s richest person, knocking the boss of luxury goods giant LMVH, Bernard Arnault, off the top spot.

Monthly tourist arrivals fall below 100, 000 for first time this year

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka fell below the 100,000 mark for the first time this year due to the drop in momentum in the month of May,

CID, Intelligence unit pay close attention over fake social media posts on children being abducted

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Intelligence Unit will be paying close attention to those who publish fake posts on social media platforms about children and school students being abducted.

It was not Dinesh who caused delay for Ajahn Brahm Thera at BIA but Nimal Siripala de Silva

Despite initial reports that Ven. Ajahn Brahm was held back at the BIA due to the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane at the airport, sources clarified that it was not due to the Prime Minister that caused the delay but it was instead because of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Indian Coast Guard, DRI seize INR 20 crore worth of gold smuggled from Sri Lanka

In a joint operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with the help of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mandapam & Ramnad Customs, Preventive Division, intercepted two fishing boats and seized 32.869 kg of foreign origin gold valued at Rs. 20.21 crore that was smuggled into India from Sri Lanka through the coast.

LSSP to take action against Prof. Tissa Vitharana

Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP) has decided to take action against Prof. Tissa Vitharana for misleading the public by making statements in the Parliament, thus creating disputes within the party.

Institutions under more ministries to change hands: UNP

More Gazette notifications similar to the one issued on Wednesday night under which several institutions were brought under the President’s purview will be published in the future as more of the institutions have to be converted to profit-making entities, UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena said.

Elle Gunawansa Thera urges SC to dismiss Pastor Jerome’s petition

In an intervention petition, Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera has urged the Supreme Court to dismiss the Fundamental Rights petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando who sought order against his imminent arrest by police.

Social media activist Bruno Divakara remanded till June 7

Social media activist Bruno Divakara arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting in publishing the controversial remarks made by Nathasha Edirisooriya was remanded till 07 June after being produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Debuts for Hemantha and Pathirana on the cards as Sri Lanka build up to key World Cup qualifiers

Leg spinner Dushan Hemantha and sling-armed fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana are in line for One Day International debuts when Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in the first ODI in Hambantota tomorrow.

Ajahn Brahmawanso Thera not originally booked on SriLankan Airlines

Responding to the allegations related to the incident involving Ven. Ajahn Brahmawanso (Ajahn Brahm), where the Thera was held back at the airport for 12 hours, SriLankan Airlines clarified that the Thera was not originally booked to travel to Bangkok or any other destination on SriLankan Airlines but was booked on a different airline when the delay occurred.

Abu Dhabi cargo vessel chief engineer dies after falling from ship at Galle port

The Harbour Police launched an investigation after the chief engineer of a cargo ship owned by Abu Dhabi, which was anchored at the Galle port, died after he fell into the sea today.

Don’t panic, enough fuel in stock: Kanchana

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara requests the public not to panic over fuel shortages as the CPC and LIOC have adequate stocks in hand.

BIA bumps Ven. Ajahn Brahmawanso Thera from Bangkok flight to make way for Dinesh

Ven. Ajahn Brahmawanso Thera, who arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), to leave for Bangkok had been kept waiting at the airport for 12 hours as Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane was also set to leave for Thailand on the same flight.

Sri Lanka set to unleash IPL star Matheesha Pathirana ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Although Pathirana has played just one Twenty20 International, he is already a star after performing a key role for Chennai in the Super Kings’ run to a record fifth Indian Premier League title.

Sri Lanka Rupee further appreciates against US Dollar

The Sri Lanka Rupee (SLR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar (USD) today, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said.

Now goats also to be insured

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has decided to introduce an insurance scheme for goats, its Chairman W.M.B. Weerasekara said.

Shavendra Silva sends letter of demand to Wimal

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva has sent a letter of demand to MP Wimal Weerawansa for allegedly making defamatory remarks on him recently.

Professionals from 14 categories required to register with IRD from today

A special Gazette notification has been issued making it mandatory for professionals belonging to 14 categories including Doctors, Engineers, Chartered Accountants and Architects to register themselves with the Inland Revenue Dept from today (01 June).

Tuk-Tuk fares can be reduced by Rs. 1, but no mechanism to implement: Union

Considering the previous and recent fuel price revisions, the three-wheeler fares can be reduced by Rs. 1, but there is no mechanism in place to implement it, All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDU) president Lalith Dharmasekera said.

Current fuel shortage due to delay in placing orders, will be rectified soon

The Petroleum Dealers’ Association (PDA) today said there is a fuel shortage in the country after the recent fuel price reduction.

Afghanistan star ruled out of opening ODIs of Sri Lanka series

Star spinner Rashid Khan will be sidelined for Afghanistan’s opening two matches of the three-ODI series against Sri Lanka due to a lower back injury.