SLFP did not propose APC to strengthen alliance with govt: Siyambalapitiya

Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) did not propose an All Party Conference (APC) to strengthen the alliance with the government, Deputy Speaker Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

UN accuses Sri Lanka of violating rights of LGBTI activist

Sri Lanka violated the rights of a lesbian and leading LGBTI activist who was subjected to discrimination, threats and abuses due to the country’s Penal Code that criminalises same-sex sexual activity, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has found.

US encourages PC polls in SL, says move to reach out IMF courageous

While saying that it is a courageous step by the Sri Lankan Government to reach out to the International Monetary Fund, US Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland underscored that the US is encouraging Provincial Council elections in Sri Lanka.

Only a powerful people’s movement can rescue country from present crisis: Anura Kumara

Claiming that a mere political party could not rescue the country from the present crisis, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today it could be done only by forming a powerful people’s movement and toppling this failed government.

Power cut schedule announced for tomorrow

The power schedule which was imposed today will be carried out for tomorrow (24) as well, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

Delay in printing text books due to power cuts, scarcity of paper, accessories and diesel: Comm. General

There is a delay in printing school textbooks due to the shortage of paper and other related accessories, Educational Publications Department Commissioner General P.N. Ilaperuma said.

Ranil strikes again at APC; confronts Basil

An argument between former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa broke out at the All-Party Conference (APC) convened today over IMF report on Sri Lanka.

Gem exports can bring US$1Bn to SL this year: SB

Action will be taken to increase exporting gems that could bring in a revenue of US$1 billion by the end of this year, which is currently at US $265 mn, Industries Minister S. B. Dissanayake said.

Mahinda thanked Modi

While thanking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing Indian economic development assistance and credit facilities, said that he would expect the Indian government would pay a special attention to the development of the country.

S. Korea to expand labour cooperation with SL: Envoy

The Korean government has taken measures to expand labour cooperation and Official Development Assistance (ODA) collaboration between the two countries and assist in resuscitating the Sri Lankan economy, Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong said.

Customs seize large haul of cocaine declared as scrap metal

Sri Lanka Customs today seized a 20-foot container with a large haul of cocaine weighing 350kg, worth more than Rs.7,000 million while transiting to India, Customs Deputy Director (Legal) and media spokesman Sudatta Silva said.

Traffic congestion in Nugegoda due to NPP protest

Traffic congestion has been reported due to a protest march by National People’s Power (NPP) in Nugegoda.

President apologizes to Ranil over Cabraal’s remarks

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressed his apology to former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the All Party Conference over the remarks made by Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal in which he accused the former government for the present crisis.

I’m still a member of the govt.: Vasu

Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara today told Parliament that he is still a member of the government though he is keeping away from his ministry.

Johnston challenges Sajith

Chief Government Whip Johnston Fernando today threw a challenge at the Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa to mediate between the Sri Lankan government and the three Middle Eastern countries that promised to supply fuel at a concessionary conditions so that Sri Lanka could get fuel immediately.

SL rupee hits Rs. 290 against US Dollar at several banks

The Sri Lankan rupee touched a record low of Rs. 290 against the US Dollar today at several licensed Commercial Banks.

Vehicle imports may delay further: State Minister

Even though several proposals have been received with regard to vehicle imports, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said today the government was yet to allow vehicle imports as priority was given to import only essential items at the moment.

All Party Conference commences

The All Party Conference convened by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa began at President’s House a short while with the participation of representatives of respective parties.

Banks directed to sell 50% of worker remittances to CB every week

The Central Bank has directed all licensed banks to sell 50 percent of inward workers’ remittances to the Central Bank every week.

Stagnancy in tourism, restaurant industry: ASMET, CCRC

The Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism Sri Lanka (ASMET) and the Colombo City Restaurant Collective (CCRC) claim that their industry is experiencing a Stagnancy owing to new challenges it encounters.

Payment for already imported food containers under Indian credit line hampered

The use of US $ 1 billion Indian credit line for the release of around 1500 containers of essential food commodities already imported from India and stuck at the port has been hampered since some of the shippers are not ready to accept payment in Indian rupees, a spokesman said.

GL reappointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has reappointed Prof. G.L. Peiris as the Minister of Foreign Affairs with effect from today (23).

2021 (2022) GCE O/L from May 23 to June 1: Edu. Min. Secy

The Education Ministry will conduct the 2021 (2022) GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) Examination from May 23 to June 1, 2022, Education Ministry Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera said.

Power cut schedule announced for tomorrow

The power schedule which was imposed today will be carried out for tomorrow (23) as well, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) said.

Proposed MRCC deal threat to SL security: Harin

Samagi Jana Balavegaya MP Harin Fernando said today that proposed Indian funded Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) is to be set up inside the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters will threaten Sri Lanka’s security.

Indian coast guard rescues six Lankan fled to TN over economic crisis

The Indian Coast Guard rescued six Sri Lankan nationals, including three children, who were stranded on the fourth island off the coast of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, after they fled Sri Lanka which has been hit by an economic crisis and is facing an acute shortage of food and fuel.

Three suspects arrested over murder of Minister Lokuge’s driver

Three suspects including the main suspect involved in the brutal murder of the driver of Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge, have been arrested.

Dwindling water levels in reservoirs pose challenge to Hydro Power generation: Ministry

Due to rapidly dwindling water levels in the reservoirs associated with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Hydro Power Plant, hydropower generation will be further hampered, the Power Ministry said.

Govt. nod to amend several civil ordinances

The government today approved the amendments of the Last Will Ordinance, Marriage Registration Ordinance and Revocation of Irrevocable Deeds of Gift on the ground of Gross Ingratitude Act.

If govt. doesn’t intervene, entire poultry industry will collapse by April

The All Island Egg Producers Association (AIEPA) today warned that if the government doesn’t intervene with the poultry industry, it would collapse after April due to escalating production costs after the floating of the rupee, AIEPA Treasurer Wijeya Alwis said.