PCR, RAT test kits are limited; stringent effort to control spread underway: Dr. Herath

Due to the limited number of PCR and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits, tests are carried out under a selected method to detect COVID-19 virus infections among people, the Health Ministry said.

Three Indians nabbed with gold jewellery worth Rs.18mn

Officers attached to the customs Narcotics Control Unit apprehended three Indian Nationals with gold jewellery while attempting to smuggle into the country, Customs Media Spokesman Deputy Customs Director (Legal Affairs) Sudatta Silva said.

IMF eyes creditor assurances as it prepares Sri Lanka visit

The International Monetary Fund said it will need ’’adequate assurances’’ from Sri Lanka’s creditors for a new program as it prepares a visit to Colombo later this month.

Gazette issued to maintain Public Security Ordinance

A gazette notification was issued yesterday calling on all the members of the armed forces to maintain the Public Security Ordinance with effect from Monday (22).

Cabinet to be sworn in next week

The Cabinet and State ministers will be sworn in next week, an informed source said. According to the informed source, 30 Cabinet ministers will be appointed. Most ministers who currently hold two or more portfolios each will lose one of them for the accommodation of new comers to the Cabinet.

Land Value Indicator of Colombo district expands by 17% in 1H22

The Colombo district saw its Land Value Indicator (LVI) increase to 186.9 during the first half of 2022.

Tea export volumes down 7.8 MnKgs in July

The tea exports for the month of July saw a decrease of 7.8 MnKgs when compared with the corresponding month of the previous year.

Disciplinary action against missing Beach VB players

Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVB) has appointed a three-member disciplinary committee to investigate the decamping of the Sri Lanka Men’s Beach Volleyball Team during the 22nd Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.

Egg to be sold at Rs. 43; Gazette issued

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has issued a gazette notification declaring the maximum retail price for eggs with effect from Friday (19).

Police says three protesters including IUSF convenor detained 72 hours so far

Though the request was made to the Ministry of Defence to obtain detention orders beyond 72 hours on IUSF convenor Wasantha Mudalige and two others, police said no actions have been taken so far as reported by certain media.

Egg prices to come down by Rs.5 from Monday: Poultry Assn.

Following a meeting with the Cost of Living Committee and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA), the All Island Poultry Association of Sri Lanka (AIPASL) has decided to reduce the price of an egg by Rs.5 from Monday (22).

Fuel distribution to 12 filling stations suspended: Minister

The power and energy ministry today decided to suspend fuel distribution to 12 filling stations that did not comply with the fuel dispensing guidelines, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

Three-hour power cut during weekend

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved 3-hour power cuts for August 20 and 21.

Gotabaya should be tried for allegations of misusing funds: SJB

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has the right to return to the nation but he should be tried for allegations of misuse of funds as he no longer enjoys legal immunity, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today.

CID records statement from Maithripala

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has recorded a statement from former President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday in connection with granting a presidential pardon to Royal Park murder convict Shramantha Jayamaha.

Carcasses of Sambar deer floating in Ambewela reservoir

The carcasses of a large number of Sambar deer that inhabit in Hortain Planes were found floating in the Ambewela reservoir in Nanu- oya, people fisihing in the reservoir said.

UNP still our ancestral home: Mayantha

’’UNP is still our ancestral home and we love it, but we will only support a program to revive the nation which is established with the agreement of all parties’’, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Mayantha Dissanayake said today.

Finnish PM Sanna Marin facing backlash over leaked party footage

Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin is facing a political backlash after video footage of her partying with fellow politicians and celebrities was leaked online.

Government officials’ foreign employment and referral program expedited: PMD

The attention of the government has been directed towards the expansion of the government officials’ foreign employment and referral program, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Premium experience for high-income airline passengers at BIA

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) opened the ’’Golden Route’’ arrival lounge yesterday to provide a premium airport experience for high-end passengers who travel through the airport.

10-hour water cut in Colombo tomorrow

A 10-hour water cut will be in place in several areas in Colombo on Saturday (20) from 11.00 pm to 9.00 am on Sunday (21) due to essential improvement improvement work, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Abans Auto to assemble and manufacture Hyundai automobiles in Sri Lanka

Hyundai Motor Company, the world’s sixth largest automobile manufacturer and a leader in future mobility has entered into an agreement with Sri Lanka’s Abans Auto, authorizing the reputed local automotive retailer to assemble and manufacture Hyundai automobiles and components under license in Sri Lanka.

Significant deceleration in money printing expected: CB

Central Bank (CB) expects the government’s appetite for monetary financing, which is loosely known as money printing to reduce significantly in the period ahead as a result of fiscal consolidation measures alongside with the planned reforms in state-owned enterprises.

SL to request Japan to initiate dialogue with creditors

Sri Lanka is likely to request Japan to initiate a dialogue with Sri Lanka’s creditors including China and India, foreign media reported yesterday.

CB optimistic of wrapping up IMF staff-level deal towards end of this month

The Central Bank (CB) is optimistic of wrapping up the much-anticipated staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package during the upcoming staff team visit scheduled for end of this month.

Facilitate safe return of Former President: SLFP requests President

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to facilitate safe return of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to the country, informed sources said.

Australia kicks in extra $25mn emergency aid to Sri Lanka

The Albanese government will lift emergency aid to Sri Lanka to $75 million as the south Asian island grapples with an economic crisis that has triggered a new surge of people fleeing on boats for Australia.

Minister lodged complaint with CID to investigate CPC, CPSTL activities

The Power and Energy Minister today said that he had lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) activities.

Will take legal action against activists: Minister

Necessary legal actions will be taken to recover the damage caused to the Galle Face Green due to the long stay of the activists, Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Application deadline for 2022 A/L exam extended

The deadline for calling applications from candidates for the 2022 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level (A/L) has been extended, the examination department said.