Rights Groups urge strong UN resolution on Sri Lanka

The United Nations Human Rights Council should adopt a strong resolution on Sri Lanka that strengthens current UN mandates on accountability for crimes under international law and monitors the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, four international human rights organizations said in a letter to council member states published today.

Authorities linked to health sector responsible for medicine scarcity: GMOA

The hospital health system, Health Ministry, Central Medical Store, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), State Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corporation (SPMC), and National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) should be held responsible for the medicine shortage prevailing in the country, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said.

China firmly supports Sri Lanka at the 51st UNHRC session

On 12th September, Ambassador Chen Xu, Permanent Representative of China to the UN Office at Geneva, openly spoke for Sri Lanka and opposed external interference during the Interactive Dialogue on the island nation at the 51st Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Alleged contemptuous statement by Sanath Nishantha: Order regarding issuance of summons fixed for Sept.29

The Court of Appeal today fixed for September 29 to announce whether it issues summons against State Minister Sanath Nishantha in connection with two contempt of court cases.

Lazard in talks with China, India, Japan on Sri Lanka debt

Financial advisory group Lazard has started talks with India, China and Japan on restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt, a spokesman for the Sri Lanka government said on Tuesday (Sep 13), as the crisis-hit island nation seeks an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

Gen Shavendra Silva’s father passes away

L. H Creasy Silva, former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and father of Chief of Defence Staff and former Army Commander General Shavendra Silva, has passed away at the age of 93 this morning.

New location for Aragalaya: Presidential advisor

A new location which is in line with the developing world will be provided for the youth to get on with their protest activities, Presidential advisor Sagala Ratnayake said today.

Committee to make recommendations on essential recruitment to public service

Cabinet approval has been granted to appoint a committee headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister to make recommendations on essential recruitment to public service and to resolve issues within.

Green light to appoint Cabinet sub-committee on economic revival and development

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal made by President Ranil Wickeremesinghe to appoint a Cabinet sub-committee on economic revival and development to take expeditious decisions.

Govt. declare next Monday holiday and mourning day

The government to declare a special public holiday for government institutions on September 19 on account of the royal funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

CB independence doesn’t mean lack of accountability: Harsha

As calls are growing for the independence of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank, which was also clearly laid out in the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there are growing concerns among certain sections whether total independence would mean lack of accountability for the actions the monetary authority takes to maintain price stability.

Tourist arrivals cross half a million mark

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka for the first eleven days of September have crossed the 10,000 mark, indicating a slow but steady increase in the number of visitors entering the country.

SL ranks 73 out of 191 countries in latest Human Development Index

Sri Lanka scored 0.782 points in the latest Human Development Index (HDI), ra​n​king 73 out of 191 countries.

Second school term for year 2022 begins today

The second term of schools under the government and government-approved private schools for the year 2022 will begin today (13), the Education Ministry said.

Teenager who stole a bus to go to see his girlfriend arrested

A 15-year-old youth, who had stolen a bus parked from the Piliyandala bus stand and gone to visit his girlfriend, was arrested three hours later, the Piliyandala police said.

No plan to remove PM: Chief Govt Whip

Chief Government Whip Minister Prasanna Ranatunga ruled out any plan to change premiership.

US, UK and EU ask SL to reform PTA

The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom called on the Sri Lanka government to reform the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in order to align with international human rights obligations and commitments.

Mano asks Samantha Power to ensure moratorium on PTA

The party leaders were Sajith Premadasa, Mano Ganesan, Rauf Hakeem, M. A. Sumanthiran, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Rishad Bathiudeen, and Harini Amarasuriya.

Opposition Leader visits UK High Commission to condole over Queen’s passing

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the UK High Commission in Colombo to express his condolences over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

White van press conference case: Rajitha pleads not guilty

Former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Chairman Rumi Mohammed today pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them in connection with the controversial White Van Press Conference Case.

Cricket and Netball Asian Champs to be paraded from BIA to Colombo

The national cricket and netball teams who emerged Asian champions will be welcomed in a rousing reception at the Bandaranaike International Airport tomorrow morning, the President’s Media Division said.

India expresses concern over Lanka’s lack of progress on solution to Tamil issue

India on Monday expressed its concern over of the lack of any measurable progress by the Sri Lankan government on its commitment towards reaching a political solution on the Tamil issue.

Sri Lanka rejects any follow-up action on UNHRC resolution: FM

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, in his address to the UNHRC, said Sri Lanka would reject any follow up action to the resolution 46/1.

Food insecurity in SL likely to worsen, FAO and WFP warn

Food insecurity in Sri Lanka is likely to worsen amid poor agricultural production, price spikes and ongoing economic crisis, FAO and WFP warn

Economic stability has to be achieved while ensuring national security: State Defence Minister

Economic stability has to be achieved while ensuring national security, political stability and maintaining law and order, newly appointed State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon said.

Sri Lanka situation fragile, called for accountability- UNHRC

Presenting a report on SriLanka, acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Nashif told the Human Rights Council that the situation here was fragile and called for accountability .

No intolerable price hike on eggs, chicken at year-end: Poultry Assn.

While denouncing reports circulating in the country, the All Island Poultry Association of Sri Lanka (AIPASL) today assured that there will be no maximum price increase for eggs and chicken at Rs.100 and Rs.2,000 respectively.

One-hour power cut until Friday: PUCSL

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) today approved power cuts of 1 hour from tomorrow (13) until Friday (16).

Deployment of army personnel to disperse Galle Fort protest: Petitions filed by 11 lawyers fixed for support

Fundamental Rights petitions filed by eleven lawyers challenging the legality of the deployment of Army personnel to forcefully disperse a peaceful protest held at the ramparts of the Galle Fort on June 29 have been fixed for support by Supreme Court.

MR visits UK High Commission to condole over Queen’s passing

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the UK High Commission in Colombo today to express his condolences over the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.