US delegation arrives in Sri Lanka

A high-level delegation from the US Treasury and the State Department arrived in Sri Lanka this morning for a three-day official visit.

Tuk Tuk fares up; Rs.90 for second km onwards

The three wheeler fare for the second kilometre has been increased to Rs. 90 from today, the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union President Lalith Dharmasekera said.

CPC, LIOC increased fuel prices

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided to increase the fuel prices with effect from 2.00 am today.

Further delay in Petrol, Diesel and CrudeOil Shipments: Minister

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that Ceylon Petroleum Corparation (CPC) has informed him that the suppliers that had confirmed Petrol, Diesel and CrudeOil Shipments to arrive earlier this week and next week has communicated the inability to fulfill the deliveries on time for banking and logistic reasons.

Schools will function for three days next week: Ministry

The Education Ministry has planned to conduct academic activities in schools for three days in a week in urban areas where there the schools were closed last week.

Police advised to video if situation goes out of control at filling stations

Police officers have been instructed by the IGP to video if they are unable to control the situation and if a conflict breaks out between police officers and certain groups in the filling stations.

Refrain interfering in duties of new media activists - MLF to IGP

The Media Law Forum (MLF) has requested the police Chief to ‘welcome the rights of the social and new media activists and refrain from influencing and interfering with their work’ which amounts to violation of freedom of speech and expression.

High-Level US delegation to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow

A high-level delegation representing the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of State will visit Sri Lanka from June 26- 29, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo announced today.

Our hands are clean – Pillayan

The Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pullikal (TMVP) has denied allegations that it was involved in several kidnappings and murders as alleged by a former member who had fled the country.

SL amends limit on foreign currency possession

With the intention of attracting foreign currency in the hands of the public into the formal banking system, the Minister of Finance has ordered to reduce the amount of foreign currency retained in possession by a person in, or resident in, Sri Lanka from USD 15,000 to USD 10,000 or its equivalent in other foreign currencies.

Mahinda Samarasinghe meets Joe Biden

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States of America Mahinda Samarasinghe met US President Joe Biden at the White House Oval Office.

Tuna export scam: Lakshadweep MP, his nephew under CBI scanner

India’s Lakshadweep MP Mohammed Faizal has come under the CBI scanner in connection with alleged irregularities in the export of tuna fish to Sri Lanka.

Talks today to open schools next week: Edu. Min. Secy.

A discussion will be held at the Education Ministry today on opening schools next week, Education Ministry secretary Nihal Ranasingha said.

First aerial mapping of SL petroleum resources to be presented at SEAPEX confab

Bell Geospace, the world leaders in gravity gradiometry, is gearing up to present the insights gathered from the first aerial mapping of petroleum resources in Sri Lanka at the prestigious South East Asia Petroleum Exploration Society (SEAPEX) Asia Pacific Conference in London.

Tourism sector doing “everything possible” to stay afloat

Key authorities of Sri Lanka Tourism said they are doing “everything possible” and are exploring all avenues to pull the sector towards the positive growth trajectory, an effort that is becoming increasingly challenging as economic conditions worsen in the country.

SriLankan Airlines airlifts critical medicine

SriLankan Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SriLankan Airlines took on the cause of airlifting internationally donated essential medicines and medical equipment to hospitals in Sri Lanka, free of freight charges.

Kumara Welgama released from corruption case

The Bribery Commission informed court it has decided to withdraw this case reserving its rights to file a fresh indictment

Yellow is our colour -SJB

No one should use yellow for political purposes as it is the party colour of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), an MP representing the party said yesterday.

Sri Lanka to use another US $ 70 M from Indian credit line to import food

The recent economic, financial and humanitarian assistance of over US$ 3.5 billion was guided by ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision of PM Narendra Modi

Police told not to intercede checking underground storage tanks at filling stations

The Police Headquarters has instructed all police officers not to interfere in opening of underground fuel storage tanks at fuel stations at the request of the public.

Middle order steers Aussies home in tense chase

Australia’s middle-order overcame a stern examination by Sri Lanka’s spinners on a difficult surface to win the final ODI of their five-match series versus Sri Lanka by four wickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday.

Sri Lanka held a special place in Shane Warne’s heart, says his brother

The brother of the late Australian cricketing great Shane Warne said that Sri Lanka held a special place in his brother’s heart, being involved in relief efforts soon after the 2004 tsunami that hit the country.

Sri Lanka facing fullblown humanitarian emergency

Sri Lanka is facing a fullblown humanitarian emergency, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

Dhammika Perera sworn in as Minister

SLPP MP Dhammika Perera was sworn in as the Minister of Investment Promotion today evening, the President’s Media Division said.

Power cut experience for Australian cricketers

Few players of the visiting Australian Cricket team including Pat Cummins too have experienced the ongoing power cuts in Sri Lanka during a visit to a local restaurant earlier this week, a visiting cricketer revealed.

Consider European countries as friends of Sri Lanka: EU Ambassadors

Ambassadors of the European Countries have assured the continuous support to Sri Lanka at this challenging time.

Jehan Appuhamy, Jagath Manuwarna and two others granted bail

Four protesters including actors Jehan Appuhamy and Jagath Manuwarna held in remand custody for allegedly causing damages to Public Property while engaging in a protest on June 9 were today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate.

CID quizzes Johnston over May 9 attack on protesters

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has recorded a four-hour long statement from former minister Johnston Fernando over the attack on peaceful and unarmed protesters at the Galle Face Green and outside Temple Trees.

SL receives second consignment of humanitarian supplies donated by India

A humanitarian consignment worth Rs. 3 billion consisting of 14,700 MT of rice, 250 MT of milk powder and 38 MT of medicines donated by the people of India was handed over by Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay today.

SLMA writes to PM on tobacco and alcohol taxes

The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), the oldest national professional organisation of medical professionals in Australasia, has written to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe urging him to go by the guidelines of World Bank (WB) and World Health Organization (WHO) when determining taxation for tobacco and alcohol.