Cabinets approves to table IMF report in Parliament

The Cabinet has approved the proposal submitted by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to present the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Sri Lanka to Parliament.

Three students arrested over fellow student’s death in Pelmadulla

Three schoolchildren have been arrested in connection with a death of 16-year old student who reportedly drowned while bathing at Kirindiela anicut in Pelmadulla.

Wimal hints at forming new opposition group

Former Minister and Government MP Wimal Weerawansa has hinted at moves to form a new opposition group and sit in the opposition benches in Parliament.

’’I will continue as PM, I have nothing to do with Ranil or Sajith: MR

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday evening denied reports that he will step down from his position and make way for UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to be sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the country.

Hot weather strikes again; public asked to stay hydrated

Referring to the prevailing hot weather in the country, an expert from the Meteorological Department said it would be advisable for people to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and to drink plenty of fluids on a frequent basis.

Money Changers warned of license suspension : CBSL

Money Changers have been informed that their licenses would be suspended/ revoked if they transact any foreign currency transactions at rates beyond the rates stipulated by Licensed Banks, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) announced last night.

SLTDA overestimates tourism earnings; reveals CB data

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has overestimated the revenue generated by the sector for the first two months of the year, the latest Weekly Economic Indicators report by the Central Bank revealed.

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka seeks further US $ 1bn credit line from India: sources

Sri Lanka has sought an additional credit line of US $ 1 billion from India to import essentials amid its worst economic crisis in decades, two sources said yesterday, as the Indian foreign minister began talks with the government of its neighbour.

Prices of multiple medical devices revised

The maximum retail price of a number medical devices including stents, test strips, intraocular lenses, blood glucose monitoring systems and pulse oximeters has been amended in an Extraordinary Gazette.

Selected families to get Rs. 5,000 during festive season

The Cabinet has decided to pay a special allowance of Rs. 5,000 per family for two months to identified 3.1 million low income earning families during festive season, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Cabinet nod to up train fares

The Cabinet today approved the revision of train fares, Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama said.

More than 7-hour power cut tomorrow

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has given approval to impose over seven hours countrywide power cut tomorrow.

US to provide credit facilities for Renewable Energy Projects in SL

US Ambassador Julie Chung said that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide credit facilities for Renewable Energy Projects,President’s Media Division said.

UNP hints RW to play a major role soon?

UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardene today hinted that there will be a national consensus soon where all the parties will get together to resolve the crisis which Sri Lanka has been plunged into and Ranil Wickremesinghe will play a major role in it.

Special import levy on dates reduced by Rs.199

The special import levy imposed on per kg of dates has been reduced by Rs.199 with effect from today (28), the Finance Ministry announced.

SriLankan Airlines suspends flights to Moscow

The operations between Sri Lanka and Moscow, Russia have been suspended with effect from today due to operational restrictions that are outside of the airline’s control, SriLankan Airlines announced today.

FR petitions challenging decision to pardon Gnanasara thera fixed for support

Two Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging former President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to grant pardon to Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Atte Gnanasara Thera were today fixed for support by the Supreme Court.

Indian External Affairs Minister calls on Basil Rajapaksa

The discussions between Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar were held today pertaining to the prevailing economic situation.

Declared unfit to play for Sri Lanka, Bhanuka hits 43 off 22 in IPL debut

Dropped from the Sri Lankan team over fitness concerns, Bhanuka Rajapaksa delivered a statement of intent on his IPL 2022 debut on Sunday.

Will Smith hits Chris Rock on Oscars stage

Will Smith hit Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about the actor’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

BR tries to duck IMF debate, MR gives nod

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who has not attended Parliament for the past three months will finally have to attend sittings and face questions from legislators when the IMF debate is taken up for discussion in the first week of April following a nod given by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.

Russian Foreign Minister to visit Delhi this week amid Ukraine war

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Delhi this week for official meetings, as the war in Ukraine completes one month, sources confirmed.

132 drug traffickers on INTERPOL Red Notice list: Police

Some 132 red notices have been issued through the INTERPOL on Sri Lankan fugitives who have fled Sri Lanka after having committed various offences related to drug trafficking, senior Police Spokesman Ajith Rohana said.

Tense situ during Trinity, St. Thomas rugby match: Police says case settled

The rugby match between Trinity College in Kandy and St. Thomas’ College in Mt. Lavinia ended in a tense situation where a match referee was assaulted after S. Thomas’ College beat Trinity College at Havelock Park in Colombo yesterday.

SL needs a new beginning: Cardinal

Sri Lanka needs a new beginning and a national conversion, Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said today.

Govt. decides to hold debate on IMF report

The government has decided to allocate a date for a debate on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report on Sri Lanka, Cheif Government Whip Minister Johnston Fernando said.

I am ready to quit as minister if SLFP ministers take the lead: Namal

Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said he is ready to resign from his ministerial portfolio so as to reduce the number of ministers in the Cabinet, if the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) sets an example by asking its ministers to resign first.

Ranil calls for immediate debate on IMF report

Former Prime Minister and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an immediate debate in Parliament on the IMF report on Sri Lanka.

Special committee appointed to deal with IMF

A special committee has been appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to select an international law firm to deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

43 Brigade ready to work with any political party opposing Rajapaksas: Champika

The 43 Brigade is willing to work with any political party which opposes Rajapaksas, including those who are with SLPP, it’s head Patali Champika Ranawaka said today.