Security of all MPs beefed up; 6 MSD guards for each MP

Six policemen including a Sub Inspector (SI) have been allocated to provide security to all Parliamentarians as per the instructions of the IGP.

SJB won’t accept positions in new Cabinet: Maddumabandara

Whilst stating that no one in Samagi Jana Balwegaya would accept ministerial posts in the government which is to be formed by new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremeisnghe, Samagi Jana Balwegaya (SJB) today challenged the incumbent premier to show a majority in Parliament.

‘GotaGoGama’ protesters issue set of demands to usher new era of Governance

Protesters at Galle Face Green have come up with a set of demands and a petition to be produced in Parliament with the objective of ushering in a new era of governance.

Ranil Wickremesinghe assumes duties as Prime Minister

Newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe assumed duties at the Prime Minister’s Office this morning.

Indian HC denies stopping issuance of Visas to Sri Lankans

The India High Commission today categorically denied that it or the Indian Consulates General or the Assistant High Commission of India in Sri Lanka have stopped issuing visas.

Ex-Army Lt. arrested for threatening security, police officers via FB

The Nittambuwa Police have arrested a former Lieutenant of Sri Lanka Army for allegedly provoking the public by uploading a post on social media calling for damage to the homes of the officers of the armed forces and the police.

Exim Bank may recast $1.3 billion Sri Lanka Loans

Export financing institution India Exim Bank is looking at restructuring its $ 1.3 billion exposure to crisis-ridden Sri Lanka. It however does not have any exposure to Ukraine or any direct exposure to Russia. Besides, it will foray into services to assist MSME exporters with easier risk protection and is set to launch factoring and other trade finance products to promote exports from this sector.

MoD appeals public to notify about criminal acts by mobs

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has requested the general public to notify them with the details of criminal activities by mobs or violent groups and incidents of damaging of public and private properties, looting and assaults from any parts of the island.

Grey market crackdown alone could bring some sanity to forex market: CB

Re-channeling foreign exchange flows into the formal banking sources alone could solve the bulk of the problems in the domestic foreign exchange market liquidity as over 25 percent of foreign currency transactions take place outside the banking system, according to the Central Bank Governor.

CB will print money when it is absolutely warranted to avert a bigger crisis: Governor 

The Central Bank will have to print money when not doing so brings even bigger problems such as not paying State sector salaries, said the Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe adding that they however do that with utmost responsibility and restraint now than before.

Cannot change decision now: Prez tells Sajith

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has informed Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa that he could not change the decision to appoint Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister at this time and invited him to inform without delay if the Samagi Jana Balawegaya was ready to accept Ministerial portfolios in the new Cabinet.

We won’t lay our hands on ’GotaGoGama’: Ranil

Newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he had accepted his new post to save the nation from its present crisis.

Saman Ekanayake appointed Secretary to PM

E.M.S.B Ekanayake has been appointed as the Secretary to the Prime Minister, President’s Media Division said.

All govt. school principals advised to conduct schools tomorrow: Zonal Directors

All government school principals were instructed to conduct schools as usual after the curfew, which will be lifted at 6.00 am tomorrow.

MR felicitates Ranil

Former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his wishes to newly-appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Curfew until 6.00 am tomorrow

The curfew which is currently in force will be lifted at 6.00 am tomorrow (13), the President Media Division said. They said the curfew will be re-imposed at 2.00 pm tomorrow and will remain until 6.00 am on Saturday (14).

All must work together regardless of race or religious difference: Malwathu Chapter

All people, regardless of party affiliation, race or religion, must work together at this critical juncture, Anunayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera said.

US Ambassador extends support to RW

Minutes after the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister, US Ambassador Julie Chung in a Twitter message said that she is looking forward to working with the new Prime Minster.

O/L tuition classes banned from May 17: Exam Dept.

Conducting coaching or tuition classes aiming at 2021 (2022) G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination aspirants will be prohibited from May 17 (Tuesday) night until the date where the exam is concluded, the Department of Examinations said.

RANIL SWORN IN AS PM

Leader of the UNP, Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the Prime Minister by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa a short while ago.

Cardinal, Omalpe Sobitha Thera against Ranil as PM

Religious leaders today opposed the decision made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new Prime Minister.

Several items looted from Negombo hotels returned to police

A group of individuals have returned several items that were looted from hotels in Negombo and other areas following the recent unrest, to the Katana police station.

HRCSL summons SIS Head Suresh Sallay

Head of State Intelligence Service Major General Suresh Sallay has been summoned to the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) today over the recent unrest at Galle Face and other areas.

CPC has sufficient diesel stock: Chairman

There is sufficient diesel in the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) storage, the CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe said.

Sajith agrees to be PM; Writes to Prez

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa in a letter addressed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had informed him that he is ready to be sworn in as Prime Minister and form an interim government.

No-confidence motion against President to be taken up on May 17

The no-confidence motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa would be taken up for debate on May 17, Speaker’s Office said.

Travel ban on MR, Namal, Johnston and several others

The Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court has issued a travel ban on former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, former ministers Namal Rajapaksa, Johnston Fernando and 13 others.

RANIL TO TAKE OATHS AS PM TODAY

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe will take oaths as the Prime Minister at 6.30 pm today his party confirmed.

Parliament will convene on May 17 as scheduled: Speaker

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane said Parliamentary sessions would be convened on May 17 as scheduled.

N’ Korea reports first COVID cases, Kim orders national lockdown

North Korea confirmed its first-ever COVID cases on Thursday and declared a ’’serious emergency’’, with leader Kim Jong Un ordering lockdowns across the country.