Political authorities attempting to privatise free health care in a systematic manner: GMOA

It is observed that the political authorities are making a concerted effort to privatise free health care in a systematic way to plunge the health service further into crisis, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said.

Speaker orders Police to provide additional security to MPs

Steps have been taken to strengthen security of Parliamentarians and their residences following a request made by the party leaders, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeyawardane informed Parliament today.

IGP ordered to report progress to Speaker every other day: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today that he had instructed the IGP to report on the progress on the investigation conducted by the police on the attack carried out on the protesters in Galle Face and in front of Temple Trees to the Speaker every other day.

Petrol supply, distribution in restrictive nature: Minister

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera admitted today that there is a very restrictive nature on the distribution of 92 octane petrol in the country and stated that they hope to overcome the restrictive situation within two or three days.

IGP orders CID to act on AG’s directive

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) today instructed the CID to act on the instruction of the Attorney General, arrest and produce 22 persons, including MPs and former ministers, in connection with the attack on the peaceful protests at Galle Face and opposite Temple Trees on May 9.

Motion to suspend Standing Orders rejected by Parliament

The motion to suspend Standing Orders to take the no-confidence motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for debate today was defeated by 51 votes.

More than 8,000 people affected by inclement weather

More than 8,000 people had been affected due to floods following heavy rains experienced in the past few days, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.

10% of petrol distributed across country: Bowser Asso.

Only 10% of petrol is currently being distributed throughout the country, the Ceylon Petroleum Private Bowser Owners Association (CPPBOA) said today.

Ajith Rajapakse new Dy Speaker

SLPP MP Ajith Rajapakse was today elected Deputy Speaker by a majority of 31 votes in a secret ballot.

Train services as usual today

After lifting the curfew at 5.00 am today, all trains were back on line as per the usual and scheduled time table, the control room said.

Vote begins to appoint Deputy Speaker, SLPP goes against PM decision

Voting has begun to appoint a Deputy Speaker for Parliament with two names have been proposed.

Luggage in buses strictly prohibited: Gemunu

For the protection of the passengers, the Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) yesterday decided to strictly prohibit the carrying of unwanted luggage in buses.

O/L tuition classes banned from tonight: Exam Dept.

Conducting coaching or tuition classes aiming at 2021 (2022) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination aspirants will be prohibited from tonight until the date where the exam is concluded, the Department of Examinations said.

Parliament access road closed at Polduwa Junction

The access road to Parliament at Polduwa Junction near Diyatha Uyana has been closed for traffic, police said.

AG directs to arrest 22 including former ministers for attacking peaceful protesters

The Attorney General yesterday directed the IGP and the Senior DIG in charge of the CID to immediately arrest and produce 22 persons, including MPs and former ministers, in connection with the attack on the peaceful protests at Galle Face and opposite Temple Trees.

Rupee depreciation impact swells private credit in March

The sharp fall in the value of the rupee helped swell the amount of outstanding loans and advances to the private sector in March, as the banks revalued their foreign currency assets and liabilities at the weaker rupee stood at the end of the month compared to a month earlier.

CB expects middle spot exchange rate to strengthen rupee exchange rate

The Central Bank (CB) expects the recently introduced middle spot exchange rate to strengthen the rupee exchange rate and to ease the liquidity pressures in the domestic foreign exchange market.

No impartial inquiry on attack on ’GotaGoGama' protesters: Vijitha

Expressing its displeasure, the National People’s Power (NPP) criticised the government for not having implemented the law against the perpetrators behind the attack on peaceful protesters outside Temple Trees and at ’’GotaGoGama’’ on May 9.

Issuing passports back to normal from tomorrow: Immigration Dept.

Immigration and Emigration Department Spokesperson Deputy Controller Piyumi Bandara said although the routine operation commences tomorrow, the applicants should have to book an appointment before they seek services.

RW has yet to invite parties to join govt: Rajitha

People will accept the cabinet if Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has an open discussion with political parties representing Parliament and forms it according to a proper agreement, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.

The next couple of months will be the most difficult of our lives, PM informs the nation

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Monday said the next couple of months will be the most difficult ones in the lives of all citizens and the country must prepare to make some sacrifices and face the challenges of this period.

Tomorrow’s curfew time amended

The time of island-wide curfew, which was scheduled for tomorrow, was amended, the President’s Media Division said.

PM to give special statement at 6.30 pm

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will give a special statement to the nation at 6.30 pm today evening, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Diesel scarcity may force 80% private buses out of service from tomorrow: Assn.

About 80% of private buses will be out of service starting from tomorrow due to the unavailability of diesel, Inter-Provincial Private Bus Association (IPPBA) Secretary Anjana Priyanjith said.

3hr 40min powercut approved for tomorrow

The power cut schedule for tomorrow (17) for three hour and forty minutes was announced today, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

Fuel crises could hamper smooth functioning of schools: Teachers’ Union

Even though the school activities begin tomorrow as usual, the fuel crisis could affect the smooth functioning. Therefore the government should pay more attention to address this shortcoming, Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) Secretary Joseph Stalin said.

SJB decides to support progressive steps by new govt.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has decided to support all progressive steps taken by the new government, Party’s General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said.

Ranil tries to woo MPs to his side: Rajitha

People will accept the cabinet if Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has an open discussion with political parties representing Parliament and forms it according to a proper agreement, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Rajitha Senaratne said today.

Another 159 arrests related to recent violence

Another 159 persons have been taken into police custody who were suspected to have involved in violent activities near Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya and several other areas in the country causing damage to state and private properties, the police disclosed.

Curfew to be imposed tonight

Island-wide curfew will be imposed from 8.00 P.M today till 5.00 A.M tomorrow, the President’s Media Division said.