Finance Committee stresses need for regulating casinos

The Committee on Public Finance has stressed the need for setting up a casino regulatory body. The matter was discussed at the meeting of the committee which was held at the Parliamentary complex during the weekend.

Data Protection Authority to be set up next year

State Minister of Technology Kanaka Herath said the proposed Data Protection Authority to prevent irregularities in digitization would be established next year under Data Protection Authority Act passed in parliament this year.

Sri Lanka hopeful of unlocking IMF deal in January 2023

If Sri Lanka misses the December target, which now appears to be bit of a stretch, the country could still activate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescue package to unlock US$ 2.9 billion over a four-year span as very good progress is being made in the debt restructuring front, particularly with the country’s bilateral lenders.

New Central Bank law could finally see the light of day prior to IMF deal 

The new Central Bank Act will soon see passage through the Cabinet and Parliament as the final draft remains ready as part of a broader package of things to be met as prior actions required to unlock the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal to pull the country out of its current economic mess.

Extended power cut schedule for next two days issued

The power cut schedule for tomorrow (28) and Tuesday (29) for two hours and twenty minutes was announced by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).

No risk of another major Covid surge in Colombo; Chief Medical Officer

There is no risk of another major surge of COVID 19 in Colombo City, Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council ,( CMC) Dr. Ruwan Wijeyamuni said.

Releasing of elephants to claimants suspended: CA says court is mindful of cruelty to elephants

While recognising the rights and sentientness of elephants in the country, the Court of Appeal on Friday (25) issued an interim orders preventing the release of elephants back to their original claimants who are suspected of having committed offences under number of statutory laws.

Def. Min hopes to bring laws similar to Singapore to curb drugs trade

Laws similar to those of Singapore would be implemented to suppress the contraband trade of drugs and narcotics, State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon said.

14 teacher trainees injured in clash in Akmeemana

At least 14 teacher trainees of the Ruhuna National College of Education in Akmeemana had been injured in a clash between two groups of trainees last night.

Yala Park expanded by another 27,185 hectares

The 1,260 sq. km Yala National Park will be expanded by another 27,185 hectares following the step taken by the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation to designate the Lunugamwehera National Park as a wildlife zone belonging to the Yala National Park.

SJB appoints third deputy Chairman to party

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP J. C. Alawathuwela has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the party.

Prisons overloaded: Majority detained over drug-related charges

Although the maximum number of inmates that can be held in the prisons across the island is about 13,200, the prisons across the country are currently accommodating twice the maximum capacity, Prisons Department said.

World’s longest-serving president to continue 43-year-rule

The world’s longest-serving president has won re-election in Equatorial Guinea to continue presiding over his authoritarian regime.

T10 League plans expansion to five locations after thumbs up from 2 ICC full members

The organisers of the six-year old Abu Dhabi T10 League are planning to expand their reach to five different locations around the world.

COPF instructs to calculate selling price of egg and submit within one week

Chairman of the Public Finance Committee Dr. Harsha de Silva has instructed the Finance and Trade Ministry to calculate and give the final price at which an egg could be sold.

Sri Dalada Maligawa electricity bill settled, Rs.1.3 million paid

While rejecting reports circulating on social media, Sri Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela stated that the electricity bill received for the Sri Dalada Maligawa was paid using the facility provided by the chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL).

LPL played without Sports Ministry approval: Minister

Sri Lanka Premier League (LPL) tournament has been played without the approval of the Sports Ministry, Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe said.

Circular on dress code for govt. workers from next week

From next week, it will be mandatory for all government officers to report to work according to the recommended dress code as per the institution’s policies, the Public Administration Ministry said.

Stern measures against gold smugglers who arrive as air passengers

The government has decided to implement the law against people who come to Sri Lanka as air passengers for the purpose of smuggling gold articles unnecessarily, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya said.

Increase in use of ICE, tobacco related items among schoolchildren: NDDCB

There is a new trend of increasing use of synthetic drugs known as ’’ICE’’ (methamphetamine crystals) among schoolchildren, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) said.

World Cup hosts Qatar eliminated after defeat

Hosts Qatar have been eliminated just two games into the World Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium.

Curtailing inflation critical to avert Zimbabwe-like scenario

Although the prevailing high interest rate regime may discourage investments, Central Bank (CB) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe asserted that curtailing inflation is more critical for the survival of businesses over low interest rates and to avert a Zimbabwe-like scenario.

Tourist arrivals cross 600,000 mark

The tourist arrivals to the country for the first 20 days of November totalled 37,490, resulting in the total number of international visitors entering the country crossing the 600,000 mark.

Cabraal says he alone is not responsible for economic crisis

Former Central Bank governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in his recently released publication on the current economic meltdown ‘Amidst Economic Hit Men’ says that if anyone is to blame for the current predicament, it is not only him but the previous administration, previous cabinet, finance minister and the monetary Board of the Central Bank as all the fiscal and economic decisions were taken collectively and not by a single person.

Arjuna wants new selection committee for SLC

The National Sports Council (NSC) headed by Chairman Arjuna Ranatunga is set to propose to the Sports Minister to appoint only reputed veteran players in their field as members of the respective National Sports Associations (NSA’s) including c

Sheikh Hasina seeks Sri Lanka’s support for safe repatriation of Rohingyas

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought Sri Lanka’s support for sustainable, safe and voluntary repatriation of the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals, Rohingyas, to their ancestral land in Rakhine state of Myanmar.

Amitabh Bachchan’s name, voice and image can’t be used without permission

The Delhi High Court on Friday passed an interim order restraining unauthorised use of actor Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, image, name or any other trait exclusively identifiable with him by any individual.

Civil Aviation denies paying Basil’s Bill

The Civil Aviation Authority denied paying a single cent on behalf of any ceremony held at the airport on the day of Mr Basil Rajapaksa’s arrival.

Magistrate allows CID to question Thilini at Welikada Prison

The Colombo Fort Magistrate has permitted the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to record statements from owner of Thico Group Private Ltd. Thilini Priyamali who is in remand at the Welikada Prison.

Hejaaz Hizbullah Case: Witness admits he took contradictory stances

The main prosecution witness in the Hejaaz Hizbullah trial, Mohomed Malik today admitted of taking contradictory stances before judges at different times.