Basil resigns

SLPP National list MP Basil Rajapaksa resigned from his Parliamentary seat today.

China lauds India for helping SL amid economic crisis

China on Wednesday praised India for helping Sri Lanka amid the unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation that has led to a shortage of fuel and other essential items.

Lankan dies in Japan in suspected homicide

Police in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, are investigating the death of a 45-year-old Sri Lankan man as a possible case of homicide.

Demand for passports up by 250%: Immigration Dept.

There is a 250 percent increase in the passport issuing process daily at the Immigration and Emigration Department and there is no shortage of material to make passports to meet the demand, the department’s Deputy Controller and Media Spokesperson Piyumi Bandara said.

Pushpa Rajapaksa left for US

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s spouse has left the Katunayake International Airport for the United States via Dubai this morning, airport sources said.

Basil says he will tender resignation today

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP) National Organizer MP Basil Rajapaksa said he would tender his resignation from Parliament today morning.

Recent power outage activity a sabotage: PUCSL Chairman

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) unions are misusing their privileges, as power outages enveloped several areas of the country and it can be considered as a sabotage, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Rathnayake said.

Thefts, robberies & house breaking on the rise amidst economic crisis

Due to the prevailing economic crisis in the country, not only the prices of essential commodities have gone up but also the thefts, robberies and burglaries (house breaking) in the country are increasing rapidly.

Island-wide strike called off after president’s assurance: CEB Workers’ Union

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) United Trade Union Alliance has decided to call off the proposed island-wide strike today, Trade Union Alliance Convener Ranjan Jayalal said.

AUS defeat SL by 3 wickets, seal series

Sri Lankan batters failed to fire for the second consecutive T20 match against Australia and managed 124-9 in Colombo after the visitors won the toss and chose to field yesterday.

Foreign reserves marginally up to US $ 1.92bn but usable reserves remain next to nothing

Sri Lanka’s official reserve assets edged up in May but not even close to bring any kind of stability to the domestic foreign exchange markets or to restore the normal outflows in respect of fuel, gas and other essential imports, as US $ 1.5 billion in it remains only a number since the former officials engaged in window-dressing to make the country’s reserve position look better and bigger.

Government says will complete SriLankan Airlines restructuring this year

While urging the local investors to come forward, the government plans to complete the restructuring process of loss-making SriLankan Airlines in a transparent manner within this year.

Supply of electricity declared as essential service

While issuing an extra ordinary gaxette notification, the supply of electricity has been declared as an essential service by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

MR and several others yet to surrender their passports to court custody - AG

The Attorney General today informed the Court that despite a Court order, several individuals including former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and several other politicians have so far failed to surrender their passports to the court custody.

Countrywide power outage possible

A total power system failure across the country will be experienced from midnight today as the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) decide to proceed with their scheduled trade union action.

Upgrade SL Passport, enable people to travel to 190 countries without VISA

Ratata Hetak CSR programme today requested the speaker to take action to uplift the grade of the Sri Lanka Passport while enabling people to travel to at least 190 countries without a VISA.

Basil out, Dhammika or Renuka in?

SLPP MP Basil Rajapaksa has decided to step down from his parliamentary seat by tomorrow, sources said.

Can Mr. Clean sit with Mr. Dirty? SJB MP asks PM

SJB MP Thushara Indunil asked how could Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was called ’Mr. Clean’ , sit in the House alongside someone who was convicted by the court.

PM warns CEB TUs not to go for blackout; says it will impact help sought from India

While warning Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unions not to go for a blackout, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said he could not guarantee that India would help Sri Lanka to obtain fuel if they did so.

Court issues arrest warrant against Johnston Fernando

Colombo Fort Magistrate today issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister Johnston Fernando in connection with the Galle Face attack case.

Committee appointed comprising UNPers to oversee essential services defunct now: PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today said the committee which he appointed comprising UNPers had become defunct after the appointment of the cabinet.

Fmr UC Chairman Ravindu Wedaarachchi & his wife granted bail

Former Chairman of the Tangalle Urban Council Ravindu Wedaarachchi and his wife Nethmi Harindika Silva who were arrested in connection with obstructing duties of a police officer and alleged attempt of assault, were granted bail by the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court today.

China willing to help Sri Lanka deal with debt burden: Zhao Lijian

China is willing to play an active role in helping Sri Lanka deal with its debt burden along with other countries and international organizations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

Champika to function as independent MP in Parliament

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka today informed Parliament that he would function as an independent MP in Parliament from today.

Man arrested for hiding fuel bowser at private company premises in Sapugaskanda

A 50-year-old man was arrested for hiding a fuel bowser containing 3500 litres of diesel illegally at a private company premises in Sapugaskanda yesterday.

Ranil holds discussion with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe held a discussion on Tuesday evening with the Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, regarding the current economic situation in the country where the latter had assured support to Sri Lanka during difficult times, the Prime Minister’s office said today.

Johnston files writ petition to prevent his arrest over Galle Face incident

Former Minister Johnston Fernando has filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order preventing him being arrested by CID over attacks on Galle Face protestors.

Two nabbed with over 1kg of heroin in Modara

Two persons including a 24-year-old woman had been arrested by the STF with over 1kg of heroin which has a street value of more than Rs. 10 million.

Another ship with gas sails in; sufficient for six days: LITRO

Another 3,900 MT shipment of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) arrived in the country this morning, LITRO Gas Lanka Limited said.

CPC and LIOC deny rumours of another fuel price hike

LIOC and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) denied last night the rumours that fuel prices were to be increased today.