CB offers strongest defence against calls for lower tax rate on forex earnings

Staging strong defence against those who sought preferential tax treatment on foreign exchange earning companies, Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe yesterday questioned whether the decades-long practice of taxing the exporters and others who earn in foreign currency lower had delivered the country the desired objectives.

Proposed ganja cultivation may destroy the crippled nation: Ven. Sobitha Thera

Any attempt to legalize the cultivation of cannabis (ganja) by naming it as ’’Triloka Patra’’ is the beginning of the downfall which will completely pulverise the already-crippled nation, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said.

Diana Gamage’s citizenship issue challenged in Court of Appeal: Social activist files writ petition

A social activist today filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal seeking an order declaring State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament since she is a British citizen.

IPL: Chameera released; Rajapaksa, Hasaranga, Theekshana and Pathirana retained

Sri Lankan fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was released by the Indian Premier League franchise the Lucknow Super Giants, as the eight teams released their lists of players retained ahead of December’s Player Auction.

If Islamic extremist teachings removed from textbooks, why not distributing them? Minister

While commenting on the start of distributing textbooks for Islamic schools that contain extremist teachings, the education minister said several amendments have been made to remove certain words and sentences from textbooks through a committee appointed by the ministry.

Jacqueline granted bail in Rs.200 crore money laundering case

A Delhi court Tuesday granted bail to actor Jacqueline Fernandez in a Rs 200 crore money laundering case involving conman Sukesh Chandrashekar.

Man critically wounded by shooting in Gampaha

A 42-year old man was critically wounded when two men arrived on a motorcycle open fire at him in Makevita, Gampaha.

Sri Lanka abstains from UN vote seeking Russian reparations to Ukraine

Sri Lanka abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for violations of international law by its invasion of Ukraine and requiring Moscow to pay reparations to Kyiv for damages, loss and injury resulting from the war.

KKR release Chamika Karunaratne ahead of auction

Kolkata Knight Riders have released the former Afghanistan captain Mohammad Nabi and Sri Lankan all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne ahead of IPL 2023 mini-auction.

Conduct LG polls, General election on same day in March 2023: Harsha

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva today suggested conducting the local government and general elections in March next year.

Over 3.4 Mn families appeal for relief: Siyambalapitiya

More than 3.4 million families out of the total of 5.7 families have requested for relief from the government due to the current economic crisis, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today.

Hirunika and 14 others granted bail

Fifteen suspects including National Organiser of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Women’s Wing former MP Hirunika Premachandra were today ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Japan gov’t to submit security footage to court over death of detained Sri Lankan

The Japanese government informed the Nagoya District Court on Nov. 14 that it will submit security camera footage as evidence in a lawsuit over the death of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration facility here, a legal representative of her bereaved family revealed.

Damage to crops from wild animals estimated up to Rs.54 billion a year: Amaraweera

According to the estimates made by the Agriculture Ministry, it has been confirmed that crop damage caused by wild animals in Sri Lanka is approximately Rs. 54 billion per year, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

World population hits the 8 billion mark: UN report

A baby born somewhere on Tuesday will be the world’s eight billionth person, according to a projection by the United Nations.

Xi Biden meeting: US leader promises ’no new Cold War’ with China

US President Joe Biden has promised there will be no ’’new Cold War’’ with China, following a conciliatory meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Drivers’ licence cards received, issuing should be regularised: State Minister

As the much needed cards for issuing drivers’ licences have reached, issuing them should be done promptly, Transport State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna said.

100mm rain forecast today: Met. Dept.

Heavy rains over 100mm could be expected today in the Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces after 2.00 pm, the Meteorology Department said.

Tariff hike not enough to cover CEB’s operating costs: Fitch

Despite the sharp electricity tariff revision in August, it would not be enough to cover the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) operating costs, according to Fitch Ratings.

Budget 2023 sticks to reform path with IMF nod pending

With an International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal yet to be sealed, Budget 2023 presented to Parliament yesterday stuck with the reform path....

Poultry industry in the verge of collapse: Assn.

The All Island Egg Producers Association (AIEPA) said today that 50% of the workers have begun to leave the industry and as a result, the industry is on the verge of collapse.

IGP, Public Security Ministry Secy summoned by SLHRC

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Public Security Ministry Secretary were summoned by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (SLHRC) to inquire into possible violations of human rights following the arbitrary actions by policemen these days.

Diana pleased with budget proposal to promote growing Cannabis

State Minister Diana Gamage today said she was extremely happy about the proposal made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to grow Cannabis in Sri Lanka.

President pledges to introduce new economic order to suit new world order

President Ranil Wickremesinghe today pledged to introduce a new economic order to suit the new world order and highlighted that Sri Lanka will embark on this new path through the 2023 budget.

Ravi K tipped to be UNP General Secretary

Former Minister Ravi Karunanayake is expected to make a return to active politics as the new General Secretary of the United National Party, Daily Mirror learns.

Power cut schedule until Friday announced

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) today approved a two hour powercut until Friday (18).

Hirunika, 14 other SJB members arrested during protest in Colombo 7

At least 15 protesters of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) including National Organiser of the SJB Women’s Wing former MP Hirunika Premachandra were arrested by the Cinnamon Garden police during a protest at Colombo 7 a short while ago.

2021 O/L results to be released end of this month: Exam Dept.

The results of the 2021 G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will be released by the end of this month, the Examinations Department Commissioner General L.M.D. Dharmasena said.

Applications called for CC members

Applications are being called from professionals who are not members of any political party, to be appointed as members of the Constitutional Council (CC) as proposed by the 21st Amendment, Communications Department of parliament said.

Govt. gains profits from all petroleum products; latest cost breakdown revealed

The government is gaining profits from all Petroleum products with the recent price revision, according to the minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera.