LKR depreciates to the highest point in history

The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated to the highest point in history today reaching Rs. 249 against the US Dollar.

One of oldest women in Sri Lanka passes away at 116

Kankanam Gamage Dingihami, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest women has passed away this morning at the age of 116.

Ratmalana Airport starts scheduled intl., regional flights from today

Scheduled international and regional flight operations commenced from the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) today after 54 years.

Death of a woman in gas explosion: CA issues notices on officials including Litro Gas Chairman

The Court of Appeal today issued notices on respondents including the Chairman of Litro Gas Company returnable for April 8 in connection with the writ petition filed by the family members of the 51-year-old woman who died due to a household LP gas explosion in Kandy.

Justice Kodagoda declines to hear Shani’s petition

Supreme Court Judge Yasantha Kodagoda on Thursday (10) recused himself from hearing the Fundamental Rights petition filed by former CID Director Shani Abeysekara.

SL rupee hits Rs. 260 against US Dollar at several banks

In the wake of the decision of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to float the value of the rupee against US Dollar, several licensed Commercial Banks have today sold a US Dollar at Rs 260 while the buying rate is at around Rs. 250 per USD.

Variant that combines Delta and Omicron identified

Scientists have for the first time provided solid evidence of a covid strain that combines Delta and Omicron variants – but do not believe it poses a cause for concern.

Basil’s absence causes furore in Parliament

As the opposition alleged that Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa has not made any statement in Parliament since December 10 last year on the status of Sri Lanka’s economy, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene said he has no right to force any Minister to make a statement in the House.

Lohan gets State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats, Shipping Industry Development

MP Lohan Ratwatte has been given another State Ministry in addition to his current position as the State Minister of Gem & Jewellery related Industries.

Personal Data Protection Bill should not be passed in haste: NMSJ

The recently proposed Personal Data Protection Bill must only be passed following a broad social discourse on the subject and it should not be passed in haste at this juncture, National Movement for Social Justice said.

Prices of imported medicines up on par with dollar exchange: Jayasumana

The Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals State Ministry yesterday agreed to revise the price of imported medicines that are under control in proportion to the change in dollar.

U.S. man with transplanted genetically modified pig heart dies

A 57-year-old man with terminal heart disease who made history as the first person to receive a genetically modified pig’s heart died on Tuesday at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the hospital said.

Diesel scarcity leads Kelanitissa GT-7 power plant shut down

The single power generation unit of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) GT-7 at the Kelanitissa power plant premises was shut down abruptly this morning due to absence of diesel, the CEB spokesperson said

SL at the heart of Indo-Pacific to play leading role: U.S. Ambassador

U. S. Ambassador Julie J. Chung said her country recognizes that much of the planet’s future will be written in the Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka is at the heart of the Indo Pacific to play a leading role.

Temporary driving licenses to be issued for expired licenses

Due to issues with importing Smart Card Driving License (SCDL) for printing, the transport ministry has decided to issue a temporary driving license card including a security code valid for one year, Transport Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

New Fortress Energy to continue with plans for Sri Lanka LNG project

New York-based gas-to-power developer New Fortress Energy will continue with the plans for the Sri Lanka LNG project after the country’s court discharged the opposing development.

Media denied access to cover handing over

The media personnel who went to cover the official event denied access to cover the handing over the items used by the state Minister Jayantha Samaraweera, who resigned recently.

Rampant policy confusion!

Confusion appears to be the order of the day. Just after the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal told bank CEOs today that the rupee was floated, providing some much needed clarity, the Finance Ministry in a bizarre statement announced a Rs.20 Avurudu incentive for each migrant dollar.

Special incentive for migrant worker remittances for New Year

The Finance Ministry announced today that it will increase the special allowance given to remittances of the migrant workers in view of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year so as to encourage migrant workers.

PUCSL approves powercuts for tomorrow

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) today approved power shedding schedule for several areas in the country.

No issue if media prepared to take responsibility for information published : Namal

Media does not have to worry about the Data Protection Bill as long as they are prepared to take responsibility for the information they publish, Minister Namal Rajapaksa told Parliament today.

Personal Data Protection Bill passed with amendments

Personal Data Protection Bill was passed in parliament with amendments today.

Imports of 367 non-essential items restricted

The Gazette notification restricting the imports of 367 non-essential items without a valid licence has been issued, with effect from midnight today, Department of Imports and Exports Control said.

President calls for all party conference: Dinesh

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had called for an all party conference to discuss the current economic situation in the country, Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardene informed Parliament today.

Epidemiology Unit to conduct separate study on antibody response after vaccination: Prof. Jayasumana

The Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry is planning to conduct a separate research on antibody response after vaccination against Covid-19, apart from the research conducted by the Sri Jayewardenepura University on the matter, State Minister Channa Jayasumana told Parliament today.

Lawsuits claiming compensations: Court grants leave to proceed with Maithri’s appeal

Colombo Civil Appellate High Court today granted leave to proceed with an appeal filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena challenging the District Court’s decision to reject his request that he be discharged from several civil lawsuits filed by the victims of Easter Sunday attacks.

Power crises forces Parliament to curtail power usage: Speaker

Usage of power has been limited in the Parliamentary complex due to the present power crisis, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene announced today.

Court of Appeal issues notices on Litro and Laughs Gas Companies and others

The Court of Appeal today issued notices on Litro and Laughs Gas Companies, Consumer Affairs Authority and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) standards, returnable for June 6 in connection with a writ petition filed challenging the gas companies’ decision to release unsafe gas cylinders to the market.

Ranjan to express special regret over utterances in second contempt of court case

Former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayak through his counsel today informed Supreme Court that he is expecting to make a special regret if his utterances have caused any contempt towards the Supreme Court.

No A/C after 2.30 p.m. at State institutions; new circular issued

In the wake of the foreign exchange crisis which has adversely affected fuel importation, the Ministry of Public Services has issued a new circular in respect of the consumption of electricity and fuel at all public institutions.