President asks political parties to agree on electoral system within six months

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would go for a referendum to decide on the electoral system if political parties fail to come to an agreement within six months.

USAID to provide US$ 20 Mn as humanitarian aid

USAID Administrator Samantha Power said USAID will provide additional US$20 million as humanitarian aid in addition to US$40 million which will be given to procure fertilizer to assist one million farmers.

No businessmen should be appointed as ministers: SJB

The issue with the appointment of ministers and state ministers is not the matter where expenditure is involved, but what matters is the appointment of illegible people, SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne said today.

President to participate in Queen Elizabeth’s funeral at Westminster Abbey

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to fly to Britain to participate at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, to be held at Westminster Abbey, London on September 19, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Chili farmers ready to supply 20% of country’s demand

Chili farmers in Anuradhapura district said that they are ready to supply 20% of the chili needs of the country.

85 illegal migrants, trawler netted by Navy off Batticaloa

Sri Lanka Navy took into custody a local multiday fishing trawler carrying 85 individuals, suspected to be illegal migrants attempting to flee the country via sea, navy sources said.

Woman dies, six wounded in Keppetipola road mishap

A woman was succumbed to her injuries while another six were injured when the van they were travelling in plunged down a precipice in Belungala in Keppetipola.

USAID extends additional US$40 Mn in development assistance

USAID Administrator Samantha Power has announced an additional US$40 million in development assistance to help farmers purchase fertilizer and other vital agricultural inputs.

No moves by Vimukthi to enter politics

MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa who is familiar with the newly founded political party called New Sri Lanka Freedom Party scotched speculation today about former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s son Vimukthi Kumaratunga was joining politics at this moment.

Three killed, two injured in head-on collision in Kegalle

Three people were killed and two others injured when a van collided head-on with three motorbikes at Ranwala on the Colombo-Kandy main road this morning.

Printed ticket shortage; using old fare-marked tickets discusssed: Railways dept.

There is a shortage of train tickets and the Railways Department has decided to use the printed tickets in hand with previous fare marking to fill the shortfalling need, department’s Commercial Superintendent Vajira Polwatta said.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power arrives

Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power arrived in the country this morning on a-three day official visit.

Prices of lubricants, spare parts, accessories beyond affordability; threaten closure of industry

The All-Island School Van Operators Association (AISVOA) and the All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers’ Union (AITWDU) lamented that they are unable to continue with the service as the prices of lubricants, spare parts and all other accessories have gone beyond the level of affordability. Both these associations say that the prices of t

President takes action to expedite Indian development projects

President Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed officials to immediately revise circulars that impedes implementation of development projects at discussion on Indian investments , a statement from his office said.

SLFP MPs breached party position by accepting ministerial posts: MS

Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP ) leader former President Maithripala Sirisena said its MPS who accepted ministerial posts had done so without approval of the party .

ADB to disburse US $ 203mn emergency loan to support SL’s poor and vulnerable

Sri Lanka will receive an emergency assistance loan amounting to US $ 203 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure the poor and vulnerable, especially women and children, have access to food and have their livelihoods protected.

SL must put special emphasis on retaining Japanese investments: SLJBC

Sri Lanka must step up efforts to keep Japanese investments in the country, newly-elected Sri Lanka-Japan Business Council (SLJBC) President Mahen Kariyawasam said, so that bilateral trade within the two nations can be maintained and boosted.

Colombo Tea Auction sees 4.2 MnKgs under hammer this week

The total offerings at this week’s Colombo Tea Auction were fairly similar to last and totalled 4.2 MnKgs, which was met with good demand.

A comprehensive win for Sri Lanka ahead of Asia Cup final

Sri Lanka completed a remarkable comeback as they recovered from a crushing defeat in their Asia Cup 2022 opener to top the Super 4 stage.

Advised to implement e-motoring, smart technology card immediately: State Minister

Transport State minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna today advised the authorities to implement the e-motoring system for the registration of vehicles through an online system and to introduce the smart technology card to issue train tickets instead of the ordinary train ticket issuing procedure.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power to visit SL to discuss crucial issues

Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from September 10-11.

Activist Lahiru Weerasekera arrested

Social Activist Lahiru Weerasekera had been arrested by the police over an investigation over obstructing duties of police officers.

New features added to NFP system: Minister

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera today said that two new features have been added to the National Fuel Pass (NFP) QR system.

Train seat bookings accepted 30 days prior to date of travelling

The Sri Lanka Railways Department has decided to extend the number of days where people can make their seat reservations.

Basil left for USA

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa had left Katunayake airport for Dubai this morning to leave for the United States of America (USA) using a transit flight, the Katunayake airport duty manager confirmed.

No power cut this weekend: PUCSL

The public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) today decided not to have power cuts during this weekend.

D.V. Chanaka assumes duties as State Minister of Power and Energy

Parliamentarian D.V. Chanaka, who was sworn in as the State Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Forest Reserves assumed duties as the State Minister of Power and Energy this morning.

Import restrictions should impose by permitting import raw materials

While continuing the import restrictions, permission to import goods that cannot be manufactured locally, and the required raw materials to engage production, should be granted, Sri Lanka United National Businesses Alliance (SLUNBA) Chairperson Tanya Abesundara said.

GR to be personally named as a respondent in Trinco Oil Tank farm agreement case

The Supreme Court today granted permission to personally name former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a respondent party in connection with several Fundamental Rights petitions filed against Trinco Oil Tank farm agreement.

September 19 to be declared as Day of Mourning

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs to declare September 19 a day of mourning in view of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.