Deluge to continue today and for next few days

The prevailing showery and windy weather conditions over the island are expected to intensify during the day today and the next few days, the Metrology Department said.

Shashi Weerawansa released on bail

Shashi Weerawansa, the wife of National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa was today released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Case against Prasanna Ranatunga fixed for judgment

The case against Minister Prasanna Ranatunga and his wife was today fixed for judgment by Colombo High Court.

Gazette issued detailing functions of ministries: Telecom, BOI comes under President

Forty-two Department, Statutory Boards and State Corporations including the Sri Lanka Telecom, Board of Investment and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission has been gazetted under the Defence Ministry which is under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Gold worth over Rs.43 mn seized

Gold biscuits worth Rs. 43 million, weighing 1.912 kg was confiscated by the Sri Lanka Customs sub prevention office in Kankesanthurai on Saturday (May 28), Customs Deputy Director (Legal) and media spokesman Sudatta Silva said.

Rs. 695 bn Supplementary Budget receives cabinet nod

The proposal to submit a supplementary estimate for the provision of Rs. 695 billion under the ‘Budget Assistance Services and Emergency Responsibilities’ project of the National Budget Department received the Cabinet nod on Monday.

Oil climbs above $121 a barrel

Oil prices climbed above $121 a barrel on Monday, hitting a two-month high as China eased COVID-19 restrictions and traders priced in expectations that the European Union will eventually reach an agreement to ban Russian oil imports.

Freighter carrying 40,000 MT diesel reaches port

With a view of empowering the country, a shipment of 40,000 MT of diesel supplied under Indian assistance reached the Colombo port yesterday evening, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Five-point assistance from China to overcome crisis

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong highlighted a five–point assistance from China to Sri Lanka in view of the economic crisis, fast-track ongoing projects and more FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and Trade, bilateral debt settlement, support to Sri Lanka in its talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and regarding International Sovereign Bonds and tourism after Covid, a statement from the Embassy said.

Sri Lankans to grow older before economy gets bigger and better

Sri Lankans are getting older before they attain any economic well-being, as people are forced to contend with difficult economic conditions during their lifetime brought about by decades-long economic mismanagement by successive governments.

CB says open account suspension won’t cause huge shortages

Shrugging off concerns raised by various parties that the restrictions imposed on Open Account Payment Terms would lead to a large-scale shortage of essential food items, the Central Bank yesterday assured the public that it would ensure availability of foreign exchange through the banking system for the importation of essential goods, including food items.

TUI extends suspension of all tours to Sri Lanka till June 12

London-based leading tour operator TUI has further extended its pause on all tours to Sri Lanka, as improvements in the political, economic and social landscape are not as expected.

Sri Lanka seeks another US$ 500 million credit from India for fuel

Sri Lanka is in discussion with India for another credit line of US $ 500 million for fuel imports, Daily Mirror learns.

Boralesgamuwa UC Chairman arrested

The Boralesgamuwa Urban Council Chairman has been arrested by the CID over the incidents at Galle Face Green on May 9.

Focus on establishing a joint framework: Wajira

All political parties should focus on establishing a joint framework to ensure the availability of essential items rather than playing political games with the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said today.

Gnanasara Thera visits Saudi Arabia to discuss religious extremism in SL

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had reportedly extended its support to mitigate religious extremism in Sri Lanka during a special meeting they had with Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who made a recent visit to Saudi on a special invitation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Social media activist ’Ratta’ arrested

The Slave Island Police has arrested Rathindu Senaratne alias Ratta, a prominent social media activist and a leading activist at the ’GotaGoGama’.

Update: Kottu maker revealed truth in nine-year-old girl's murder

A Kottu roti maker revealed the truth in the murder of nine-year-old girl in Atulugama, Bandaragama.

SJB says will support 21A only if shortcomings rectified

The Samagi Jana Balawegauaya (SJB) will support the 21st Amendment only if its shortcomings are rectified, SJB CEO Ajith P. Perera said.

World Bank denies Foreign Ministry’s claim of $700 million financing

The World Bank today refuted the Foreign Ministry’s claim that it has promised to disburse approximately USD 700 Million to Sri Lanka within the next few months.

Minor technical fault reported at Sapugaskanda refinery

A minor technical fault has been reported today at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

If President resigns, Basil could become President: Wijeyadasa

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said if President Gotabaya Rajapaksa steps down as the Presidet, Basil Rajapaksa could become the President as he commands the majority support in Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP).

10 including JVP former PS member arrested over May 9 violence

Ten persons including JVP former PS member Lakshman Palliyaguru have been arrested in connection with the violence on May 9.

Railway dept. to revise seat reservation charges

The Railway Department is contemplating to increase the seat reservation charges from 30% to 60% from June 1, Railway Department Deputy General Manager (Commercial) V.S. Polwattage said.

Deshabandu Thennakoon takes leave: Acting SDIG appointed for WP

Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon has gone on a 14-day leave, police said.

Bribery Commission files fresh indictment against Johnston Fernando

The Bribery Commission today filed a fresh indictment against three accused including former Minister Johnston Fernando instead of the indictment withdrawn previously.

Causing disturbance to public: Case against Wimal and others fixed for trial

A case filed against National Freedom Front (NFF) leader Wimal Weerawansa and six other party activists for allegedly providing leadership to a protest which blocks the main roads at Bauddhaloka Mawatha, causing disturbance to the people and the normal flow of traffic was yesterday fixed for trial by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

SPC, Medical Supplies Division summoned before COPE tomorrow

The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) and the Medical Supplies Division of Ministry of Health have been summoned before the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) tomorrow (31) at 10.00 am, Communications Department of Parliament said.

One killed, another injured in shooting in Pettah;CCTV footage released

A 30-year -old youth was killed and another was injured when unidentified men arrived in a motorcycle and opened fire on them at Bastian Mawatha in Pettah this morning.

Shipment of 3,500 MT of LP gas arrives in SL

A shipment of 3,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas has arrived in the country today, LITRO Gas Lanka said.