SL requests China to amend agreement

Sri Lanka is in engagement with China to amend the terms and conditions of the US 1.5 billion currency swap deal so that it can be used, a top source said.

Probe on attack on Galle Face protesters: Law and Order Ministry Secretary noticed to show cause

Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage today issued an order directing the Secretary to the Ministry of Law and Order to show cause as to why the Ministry failed to transfer Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon, ignoring the Attorney General’s instructions.

Appointment of Dhammika Perera as a MP challenged in SC

The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court challenging the appointment of businessman Dhammika Perera to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, as a Member of Parliament.

Steps to decentralize all govt. services at district, divisional levels: President

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that there is a timely need to decentralize all public services at the district and divisional levels similar to the work-from-home concept.

People in Pakistan urged to drink fewer cups of tea

People in Pakistan have been asked to reduce the amount of tea they drink to keep the country’s economy afloat.

CEB chairman drama will have dire consequences

The drama caused by the Former Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will result in dire consequences especially if the Indian Govt gets offended and refuses assistance to Sri Lanka, Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Deputy Leader P. Digambaram said today.

US approves USD 120 million new loan to support crisis-hit Sri Lankan economy

The US on Wednesday announced USD 120 million in new loans to Sri Lanka to grow and support small and medium-sized businesses in the debt-ridden island nation.

National Policy for Tourism final draft unveiled

The final draft of the National Policy for Tourism (NPT) was presented to the sector stakeholders for their input before moving the strategy set towards the implementation phase.

China reaffirms its continual support to SL

China has reaffirmed its continual and concrete support including grant, trade and investment to Sri Lanka during the present crisis.

Govt to take policy decision to up train fares: GMR

The government will take a policy decision and allow the Railway Department to increase train fares, Railway General Manager (GMR) Dhammika Jayasundara said.

Sanath Nishantha, Moratuwa Mayor granted bail

Three suspects including SLPP parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha and Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando were today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate.

Monitor banks’ lending policies: PM instructs CB Treasury

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today instructed the Central Bank (CB) and Treasury officials to monitor the banks’ lending policies, while ensuring that loans granted by Bank of Ceylon were in line with the Government’s financial policies.

GMOA gets new Head

Specialist Dr. Dharshana Sirisena has been elected as the new President of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).

Requested to increase price by Rs.200: LITRO Chairman

While condemning the media statements regarding a price increase of a gas cylinder, the LITRO Gas Lanka Ltd said that they have requested the responsible authorities to increase the price of a domestic gas cylinder by Rs. 200, LITRO Chairman, Muditha Peiris said.

Protesters block Galle Road from Dehiwala demanding fuel

The Galle Road had been blocked from Dehiwala by a group of people demanding for fuel.

Speaker endorses certificate on Electricity Bill

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has endorsed the certificate on the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in Parliament last week. Communications Department of Parliament said.

Another 64 illegal migrants arrested in Trincomalee

Another 64 persons who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate from the country via sea routes, have been taken into the Navy custody this morning during a special operation by Sri Lanka Navy in the eastern seas .

WHO to determine if Monkeypox should be declared ‘Emergency of International Concern’

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Tuesday that the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee has been convened due to the spread of the Monkeypox virus to 32 non-endemic countries.

Official report on UL504 filed, report confirms possible collision avoided

An official report on the possible mid-air collision avoided by UL 504 has been filed by the crew upon their return to the BIA yesterday which has confirmed that due to the vigilance and action taken by the crew, they had managed to avert one of the worst mid-air collisions.

STF arrests man for transporting over 1 kg of ICE drugs in Wattala

A 37-year-old man was arrested while transporting more than 1 kg of Methamphetamine known as ICE drugs in Wattala.

Madras HC upholds fine on Sri Lankan family for trying to sneak in 1,594 g gold

The Madras High Court has upheld the penalty imposed on a Sri Lankan family that attempted to walk through the green channel of Chennai airport wearing 1,594 g of gold jewellery and carrying 112 liquor bottles without properly declaring the value of the assets.

UK govt. not party to training SL’S STF personnel in 1980s – Britain

The British Government was not party to the agreement between the Sri Lankan Government and a British security firm, Keenie Meenie Services (KMS) in the 1980s, where the KMS trained Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force members in1980s, the British government reiterated on Monday.

New rules to facilitate State employees seeking foreign employment

Cabinet nod has been granted to issue new rules to enable State employees to take on foreign employment by granting a five-year no-pay leave with no impact for their seniority and pension package.

UL 504 avoids biggest possible mid-air collision with British Airways

UL 504, flying from London to Colombo landed at the BIA last afternoon, avoiding its biggest possible mid-air collision with a British Airways flight while in Turkish airspace, the Daily Mirror learns.

I stand by what I said: Harsha

Despite the claim made by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed that his story is not accurate, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said he stands by what he said.

Nasheed refutes Harsha’s claims

Maldivian Parliamentary Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed has denied SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva’s claims that several countries have refused to assist Sri Lanka.

Maxwell guides Australia to early series lead

Glenn Maxwell played the decisive hand in Australia’s successful chase of a revised target of 282 for a two-wicket win and 1-0 series lead over Sri Lanka, at the Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday.

Possible to meet 50% demand for gas, fuel in coming weeks: PM

It would be possible to meet around 50 percent of the demand for gas and fuel in the coming weeks, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a statement.

Mendis anchors Sri Lankan batting in first ODI against Australia

Wicketkeeper Kushal Mendis anchored Sri Lanka’s batting performance to help their team reach 300-7 against Australia in Tuesday’s first one-day international.

Gazette to be issued lifting English colonial era ban

Sri Lanka is to issue an extraordinary gazette notification soon lifting the decades old ban on the country’s Martial Arts -Angampora- on order to promote the local martial art in the country, the government said today.