Banks see deceleration in deposits amid hyperinflation

The bankers say they observe a significant slowdown in deposit growth lately, despite offering higher and competitive rates, a condition they attribute to a significant squeeze in the household and corporate balance sheets after the hyperinflation became persistent and started biting into real incomes and margins.

Consular Services for public only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday

The Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Affairs Ministry will provide services to the public only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with effect from tomorrow.

Around 250 Kandakadu detainees arrested

Reports reached that 248 detainees at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Centre have been arrested, however search operations are underway to apprehend more than 200 more inmates who fled the Centre this morning, Police said.

Mobilise the entire nation to oust the present ruler: Anura

‘Leader of the Jathika Jana Balwegaya Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his party was planning to mobilize the entire nation to oust the present rule and requested the people to be prepared for that campaign.

26 train services cancelled as railway guards unable to report to work due to lack of fuel

A total of 26 train services including office and intercity trains which were scheduled to operate yesterday were cancelled following difficulties faced by the Station Masters (SMs) and junior staff in reporting for work due to the prevailing fuel crisis, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) said.

Diesel shipment due mid July and Petrol by July 22

Prime Minister’s advisior Sagala Ratnayake today said that a Diesel shipment containing 30,000 metric tons was due between July 11-15 and a Petrol shipment from India is due by July 22 although the government is trying to source a Petrol shipment by July 10.

President to visit UAE to procure fuel: Mahindananda

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was expected to visit United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the near future to procure fuel, Parliamentarian Mahindananda Aluthgamage said yesterday.

SJB says local fuel crisis purposely created

Whilst alleging that liberalising Sri Lanka’s fuel distribution will result in the closure of the Sapugaskanda refinery, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa today said he together with other opposition political parties will launch a struggle to save it.

Police removed “Gota Go Home” protesters from Galle Fort

A group of protesters who were holding banners and placards with ‘Go Home Gota’ slogans have been removed from the Galle Fort by the Police today.

Yet another shoot out; 2 killed

Two persons were reportedly killed during a shooting incident at Katubedda in Moratuwa a short while ago, police said.

Tense situ at Kandakadu Rehab Centre: One inmate killed

An inmate at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Polonnaruwa died after a brawl between two groups last night.

Tourism industry renews call for moratorium extension

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry stakeholders yesterday warned that the industry is likely to further crumble if relevant authorities continue to delay in extending the necessary intervention.

Economy contracts 1.6% in first quarter

Sri Lanka’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted by 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2022 as the island nation’s economic activity slowed significantly despite the expectations of a recovery after two years of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The Department of the Census and Statistics (DCS) said the economic growth cratered due “factors such as inflation, foreign exchange devaluation and dollar deficit.”

Lands belonging to religious establishments to be utilised to cultivate food crops

The government has decided to utilise 250,000 hectares of cultivatable land belonging to religious establishments to cultivate food crops under the national food production programme themed ‘Ekwa Wawamu – Rata Dinawamu’ as a speedy solution to the looming food crisis.

'Stop the vehicles protest' begins at 10 am

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka yesterday announced regarding an on-the-spot demonstration alert of a countrywide ’vehicle protest’ which is scheduled today (29), from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

One Country - One Law report to President today

The report prepared by the Presidential Task Force working on ’One Country-One Law’ will be handed over to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today.

Would not get support from Security council: UK

Britain on Monday said that, while Sri Lanka is a human rights priority country for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, its assessment was that a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against those responsible for alleged human rights violations in Sri Lanka would not have the required support from members of the UN Security Council.

Sri Lanka to purchase four fuel shipments from India on cash payment terms

In a step close to integration with India in energy security, Sri Lanka has sought to purchase four shipments of fuel – 40,000 tonnes each- from India on cash payment terms, Daily Mirror learns.

Several trains off track incl. Udaya Devi, Yal Devi this morning

The trains scheduled to leave for Batticaloa and Kankesanthurai (KKS) from Colombo Fort to be cancelled following difficulties faced by the Station Masters (SMs) and junior staff reporting for work due to the prevailing fuel crisis, the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU) said.

Govt. designates media non-essential: Ananda Palitha

The government is suppressing the media to prevent them from exposing the corrupt and fraudulent activities of the government by not allowing them to obtain fuel under essential service category, Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) convener and media spokesman Ananda Palitha said.

Postal services limited for three days due to fuel crisis

Considering the current fuel shortage in the country, the Postal Department has decided to open post and sub post offices three days a week.

LIOC curtails pumping fuel for light vehicles

The Lanka Indian Oil Corporation (LIOC) had decided to restrict their fuel sales for vehicles at filling stations from today.

Champika Ranawaka teams up with some SLPP MPs

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Patali Champika Ranawaka who fell out with the party leadership and decided to sit independently in Parliament teamed up with a team of MPs from Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in meeting with Chinese ambassador Qi Zhenhong to discuss the current situation and to seek for more assistance from China.

Services at Registrar General’s Dept. during next 10 days announced

The Registrar General’s Department has decided to limit the services provided by the District offices to two days a week within the next 10 days.

Tourism vehicles registered with SLTDA declared essential service: Harin

Tourism vehicles registered with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) have been declared as an essential service to ensure transport for all tourists, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.

Kanchana met Qatar’s Energy Affairs State Minister

Power and energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara today met with Qatar’s Energy Affairs State Minister and President and CEO of Qatar Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, to discuss the supply of petroleum needs.

Exam. Dept. to conduct A/L Eng. Tech. Practical test from tomorrow

The examination department has decided to conduct the Engineering Technology Practical Tests for the 2021 Advanced Level (A/L) Exam from tomorrow (29) to July 9, Department Commissioner General L.M.D. Dharmasena said.

Health professionals announce a two-day strike

Public Health Inspectors Union President Upul Rohana said several health unions have decided to launch a two-day strike due to the unavailability of fuel.

Biden announces $20 Million in additional assistance to feed over 800,000 Sri Lankan children

At the G7 Summit today, President of the United States Joe Biden announced $20 million in additional assistance to strengthen food security in Sri Lanka.

Barricades for Hirunika

Hirunika Premachandra protested against security force personnel who put barricades on the road leading up to the Presidential palace.