Polish national arrested at BIA with cocaine worth Rs.245mn

A 60-year-old Polish national was arrested by the customs narcotic division officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) while he was attempting to smuggle Rs.245 million worth of cocaine into the country, Customs Deputy Director (Legal) and media spokesman Sudatta Silva said.

Govt. seeks multi-party consensus to set up private universities

As Sri Lankan students studying overseas are struggling to find their tuition fees amid the on-going forex crisis in the country, the government....

Central Bank lifts forced dollar conversion rule on services export receipts

The Central Bank yesterday said it has lifted the mandatory requirement to convert services export proceeds that are received in Sri Lanka on or after August 12, 2022.

No contribution was made by govt. for fmr prez’s foreign tours

Whilst Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardana admitted that the Sri Lankan government footed the bill to provide former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to fly to Thailand from Singapore in a chartered flight last week, Information Department said government made no contribution for it.

Adani Green Energy issued provisional approvals for two wind projects

Adani Green Energy was issued provisional approval for two wind projects of 286MW in Mannar and 234MW in Pooneryn for an investment of over US$500 million, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.

LPBOA proposes NTC establish tourist information unit

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) had made a proposal to the National Transport Commission (NTC) to establish a tourist information unit at the Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo with a rest room.

Emergency will not be extended beyond Aug. 18: President

The emergency regulations which is currently in force in the country, will not be extended after August 18, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced today.

Kaduwela OIC averts planned attack by gang: Three arrested

Three suspects who arrived to carry out an attack on drug trafficker’s house were arrested last night by the Kaduwela Police following a shootout.

Authorities remain to be vigilant on delisted persons & entities - SL

While claiming that 316 individuals and 06 organizations have been delisted since they are no longer continue to fund terrorist activities, the government today said that relevant authorities remain to be vigilant on the activities of the delisted individuals and organizations.

SL to get access to UK market for over 80% products under new Trading Scheme

Sri Lanka is included in the UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) which replaces the UK’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), accessing to the UK market for over 80% of Sri Lankan export products.

British State Minister for South Asia assures UK’s continuous cooperation to SL

British State Minister for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmed assured that the government of the United Kingdom looks forward to working with the government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to resolve economic and social issues faced by the island nation.

No monkey pox cases detected so far, we have facilities to check cases locally: Dr: Herath

While claiming there are no suspected monkey pox cases detected in the country so far, Health Services Deputy Director General Dr. Hemantha Herath said that the country has the facilities to check suspected cases locally.

Govt. should intervene to stop indiscriminate medicine price hike: GMOA

The government should intervene to stop the unusual price increase of medicine and to protect people’s lives, the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) said.

Man gets bail for stealing Minister’s daughter’s diamond ring worth Rs. 2.2Mn

A man who was arrested for having stolen a diamond-encrusted gold ring worth Rs. 2.2 million at a hotel near the Yala National Park, was released on bail by the Thissamaharama Magistrate’s Court.

We footed up the bill for fmr President Gotabaya: Bandula

Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana today admitted that the Sri Lanka government footed the bill to provide former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to fly to Thailand from Singapore in a chartered flight last week.

Committee to grant approval for new appointments or changes to heads of govt institutions

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a committee to oversee and grant prior approval for new appointments or changes to the existing positions of chairmen and directors of state corporations, statutory boards and state-owned enterprises.

CA rejects British instagrammer’s writ petition against deportation

A writ petition filed by British woman instagrammer Kayleigh Fraser challenging the authorities’ decision to deport her from Sri Lanka was today dismissed by Court of Appeal.

No fuel price revision despite drop in world market

Despite the fact that the price of a crude oil barrel in the global market has currently dropped significantly, no fuel price revision will come into effect for the second quarter of this month.

Male body washed ashore at Ratmalana Beach

The body of a male was found washed ashore on the Ratmalana Beach this morning, police said.

Motor Traffic Dept. to amend all charges including driving license

The Department of Motor Traffic has sought approval to amend all its charges including the driving license and vehicle transfers in the near future amidst a growing trend of people applying for their driver’s license for foreign employment.

Full face helmet law relaxed; new regulations issued to rider, pillion

While removing the full-face helmet law, a gazette notification (2287/28) was issued citing regulations making it compulsory to wear protective helmets for both the rider and the pillion.

Chinese vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrives

The chinese scientific research vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrived at the Hambantota port this morning amid concerns raied by India.

Total SOE losses in first 4 months of 2022 surpass annual losses in 2021

The cumulative losses of 52 key state-owned enterprises (SOEs) during the first four months of 2022 topped the total annual loss recorded in 2021, with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) contributing 73 percent of the total SOE losses, driven by foreign exchange losses.

Jayakantha appointed as new Civil Aviation DG

A veteran in the field of aviation, P.A. Jayakantha has been appointed as the new Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL).

Certain elements spreading malicious propaganda to destroy confectionery industry: Association

Claiming that they have never made unreasonable increases in confectionery items such as biscuits, Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association today said certain elements were spreading false propaganda on social media with the aim of destroying the confectionery industry.

Prez has not learned anything from the past: Ven. Sobitha Thera

The current president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was appointed to the post for the sake of the Aragalaya and it seems he has not learned anything from the past, Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said.

2500 academics and professionals identified to advise govt. : NMSJ

Claiming that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa failed because he did not heed expert opinion, National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) said they have identified about 2500 academics and professionals who have experience in relevant fields to advise the government.

Jayanath Colombage approved as Ambassador to Indonesia

The Parliamentary Committee on High Posts has approved Admiral Jayanath Colombage as the new Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Indonesia.

SLC Exco sends LoD on Rs. 2Bn to National Sports Council Chairman Arjuna

Members of the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have sent Letters of Demand to the newly appointed Chairman of the National Sports Council Arjuna Ranatunga, claiming Rs. 2 billion, the SLC said.

UK becomes the first country to approve a dual Covid vaccine targeting omicron

Britain on Monday became the first country in the world to approve a dual Covid-19 vaccine, which tackles both the original virus and the newer omicron variant.