Cabraal explains background to rupee float

Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in a statement yesterday said the decision to float the rupee taken by the Monetary Board chaired by him is being continued by the current Central Bank governor and Treasury secretary.

Lankan dairy industry hit by supply chain issues as forex crisis aggravates

As the prevailing foreign exchange crisis in Sri Lanka has severely impacted the country’s dairy industry, the All Island Dairy Association (AIDA) yesterday called for immediate action to prioritize the importation of raw materials to help sustain the industry’s future.

13 MPs to make political decision

Around 13 junior SLPP MPs in a letter addressed to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had informed him that they will have to make a decision according to their conscience if he fails to appoint a interim government comprising all political parties.

Rambukkana police curfew lifted

Police curfew which was imposed in the Rambukkana Police Division was lifted this morning at 5.00 am, the police said.

Catholic, Anglican churches condemn Rambukana killing

The Church of Ceylon (Anglican Church) and the Catholic Archdiocese of Colombo yesterday expressed its concerns on the death and injury during the incidents in Rambukana on Tuesday.

IMF says any loan to Sri Lanka requires debt sustainability

The International Monetary Fund said discussions with Sri Lanka on a potential IMF loan program are at an early stage and any deal would require ’’adequate assurances’’ that the island country’s debts can be put on a sustainable path.

Maha Sangha to issue Convention against government

While urging the President, Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and all MPs to take effective steps to put the country in order, the Mahanayaka Theras of the four chapters today said they will be forced to issue a Sangha Convention if they fail to do so.

Human Rights Commission asked to conduct independent probe: Prasanna

Police have requested Sri Lanka The Human Rights Commission to conduct an independent investigation into the Rambukkana incident in addition to other investigations conducted by the police, Public Security Minister Prasanna Ranatunge said today.

Residents remove protestors blocking Galle Road in Panadura

A group of people, who were protesting blocking the Galle Road from Panadura, were removed by residents with the support of the police who cleared the road.

Decision to relax mandatory face mask wearing to be reviewed: Health Minister

Claiming that relaxing the mandatory face mask wearing was taken following a decision of the Expert Committee on Covid-19 control, Health Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said today he instructed Director General of Health Services to review the decision after various people questioned the decision.

Lodge complaint if aspirants don’t get their foreign jobs within three months: SLFEB

The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) has asked people to file complaints with them immediately if their foreign employment is more than three months late, according to SLFEB Deputy General Manager Mangala Randeniya.

Independent Board of Inquiry appointed to look into police actions during Rambukkana incident

An Independent Board of Inquiry has been appointed to look into whether force was used by the police to disperse protesters blocking roads and railways in Rambukkana on Monday.

Grace period to pay traffic fines extended

The postal department is to grant a grace period up to April 23 for the traffic penalty charge sheets issued by the police on April 11 and 12, Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne said.

Fuel distribution in dilemma due to security reasons, police, military security sought: Minister

While expressing that there was a visible issue in fuel distribution over safety concerns, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera today requested Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeygunawardane to intervene to provide security to bowsers and tanker wagons that are transporting fuel.

Fuel scarcity likely as bowser operators didn’t turn up for duty: Tanker Owners’ Assn.

The fuel distribution in the country may grind to a halt as bowser owners didn’t turn up for duties at the Kolonnawa refinery yard following the widespread protests and unrest in the country, the Sri Lanka Petroleum Private Tanker Owners’ Association (SLPPTOA) today said.

Four more MPs including Pillaiyan sworn in as State Ministers

Four more MPs including Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillaiyan have been sworn in as State Ministers before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today.

Release CCTV footges and video clips on Rambukkana incident: Namal

Former Minister Namal Rajapaksa today called on the government to release the CCTV footages and video clips circulated on social media and conduct an independent investigation into the Rambukkana incident.

Protests continue blocking main roads

Protests continued throughout the country today over the fuel price hike, shortage of fuel and demanding the resignation of the current government, including the President.

Speaker denies saying President’s willingness to resign, Sajith holds his ground

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene denied informing the party leaders that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is ready to resign if the leaders of political parties request him to do so.

Three MPs withdraw support to govt.

Three MPs Faizal Cassim, M. S. Thowfeek and Ishak Rahuman have refrained from supporting the government, MP Faizal Cassim said today.

GR ready to resign if Party Leaders request, Speaker informs: Sajith

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene had informed party leaders that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is ready to resign if they make such a request, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa told Parliament today.

President urges citizens to refrain from violence as they protest

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today urged all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest and assured an impartial and transparent inquiry into the Rambukkana violence.

1 dead, 34 injured, 3 in ICU after unrest in Rambukkana

One person has died and 34 people were injured while three individuals were receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Kegalle Hospital following gunshot injuries after unrest in Rambukkana last evening, police said it’s its latest situation update.

Professionals call for President’s immediate resignation

A group of professionals consisting largely of legal and medical practitioners has requested President to resign forthwith in response to the demands of the People.

Food poisoning leaves more than 100 garment workers hospitalised

More than 100 employees of an apparel factory in Koggala were admitted to the Karapitiya and nearby hospitals are currently being treated for food poisoning, the police said.

Unloading Jet fuel, diesel underway at harbour: Minister

Energy and Power Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that jet fuel and diesel which have been freighted into the country are currently being unloaded at the harbour.

Payment settled for two coal shipments; unloading process begins: CEBEU

The Energy and Power Ministry had managed to settle the payments for the two ships that had freighted coal and anchored off the coast of Norochcholai, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) today said.

Tense situation halts Parliament sessions

The Parliament sessions were suspended for ten minutes following a tense situation prevailed in the House after the Rambukkana incidents came up.

GMOA advises people to adhere basic health guidelines to lower respiratory diseases

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday advised the public to continue with the practice of wearing face masks further, considering the deterioration of the health system and the unstable situation in the country.

Refrain from jeopardising fuel transportation network: Police

The police requested the public not to get involved in any activities likely to sabotage the fuel transportation system in the country as it would in turn affect the supply chain, senior police spokesperson and SDIG Ajith Rohana said.