Lankan dollar salary earners face forcible conversions by banks

A state of confusion appears to have been created by the instructions issued to banks by the Central Bank with regard to conversion of bank balances of resident Sri Lankans who earn in dollars and Lankan migrant workers who remit money to their foreign currency bank accounts.

Gem and jewellery industry expects boost from new govt. gazette

Sri Lanka’s fast growing gem and jewellery industry is gearing up to gather momentum as it acknowledges that the recently issued gazette by the government will pave the way for a smooth sailing forward.

Missing boys from Kotadeniyawa found after seven weeks say: “Our mothers hammered us and chased us out”

The two boys who were missing from Kotadeniyawa since last November, have been found in Mirigama yesterday. Police said a woman had handed over the two boys to the Mirigama Police.

If online permit system not ready within three months, GMSB director board will dissolve: Amaraweera

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) director board will be dissolved if the online system for issuing permits for sand, gravel, and granite excavation and transport is not prepared within three months, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

MOD should take decisions on Trinco oil tanks: Ruwan

The decision on the oil tank farm in Trincomalee should be made by the Ministry of Defence, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. Mr.wijewardene who was the former

Sialkot lynching: New videos emerge of factory premises

A new picture and clips have emerged of the premises of the Sialkot factory where Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara was lynched by a mob last month.

Graveside memorial service to mark 13th anniversary of Lasantha’s assassination

The 13th anniversary of the assassination of The Sunday Leader founder Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge, which falls on 8 January, will be marked with a service at his graveside.

There could be power cuts even from today: CEB

Power cuts might be experienced in several areas in the country today due to the dearth of furnace oil to generate electricity, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman said.

Agreemnt to develop Trinco Oil Tank Farm signed: Ministry

Agreement to develop Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm was signed this evening, Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said.

Over 11,000 tourists visit SL within four days: Russians top list

A total number of 11,380 tourists had arrived in the island in the first four days of the new year Russian tourists head the list with 2,032 visitors, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

House in Mannar destroyed by ’gas explosion’

A house in the Kottai area in the Mannar Divisional Secretariat has been completely gutted by a fire reported to have been caused by an explosion of a gas stove this afternoon.

Govt. to export excess turmeric this year

The government said it has plans to export the excess turmeric in the country this year so that the spices sector can up its contribution to the national export earnings.

Tuskers at Yala, Kumana, Udawalawa killed for pearls: Two arrested with Rs.50mn worth elephant pearls

Two men have been arrested by the STF for possessing three elephant pearls valued over Rs. 50 million in Ampara.

Missing children from Kotadeniyawa found after 7 weeks

The two children who had gone missing from Kotadeniyawa since last November, have been found in Mirigama.

Twin baby elephants given maiden bath

The two twin male baby elephants born at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage were given their first bath at the zoo today (6).

Six suspects arrested for attempting to sell anti-tank missile

Six persons were apprehended for allegedly attempting to sell old anti-tank missiles used during the war in the Puthukudiyiruppu area in Mullaitivu yesterday (5), Police said.

Litro Gas Lanka to increase production

Litro Gas Lanka Limited has decided to streamline the manufacturing of domestic and commercial gas cylinders and has already taken steps to increase its manufacturing capacity, Litro Gas Lanka Senior Manager, Chamani Herath Pathirage said.

Welikada Prison Riot case judgment postponed for Jan. 12

The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar today postponed for January 12 to deliver its judgment in respect of Welikada Prison Riot case filed against three accused including former Superintendent of Magazine Prison Lamahewage Emil Ranjan over the killing of eight inmates on November 09, 2012.

Freelance journalist Keerthi Ratnayake further remanded till Jan. 21

Keerthi Ratnayake, a defence and political analyst attached to Lanka e-News arrested for allegedly giving information to the Indian Embassy in Colombo concerning a possible terrorist attack has been further remanded till January 21 by Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Susil’s SLPP membership at stake

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) membership of former State Minister Susil Premajayantha is at stake.

COVID variant found in France is not a concern: WHO

The World Health Organization says that it is monitoring a coronavirus variant detected in a small number of patients in France, but that, for now, there is little reason to worry about its spread.

Circular to eliminate teacher-principal salary anomalies issued

A circular regarding the elimination of teacher-principal salary anomalies has been issued by the Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ministry.

Milk powder scarcity will last until end Jan.: Importers’ Assn.

The shortage of imported milk powder will continue to prevail till the end of this month due to dollar crunch in the market, the Milk Powder Importers Association said.

16-hour water cut in Colombo

A 16-hour water cut would be imposed in several areas in Colombo on Saturday (8) from 8.00 am to 12 midnight, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Two suspects caught for drug trafficking with pistol, Rs. 14 million in cash

The Special Task Force of Police (STF) arrested two suspects involved in drug trafficking along with a pistol, magazines and over Rs. 14 million in cash during special operations in Talangama and Thelikada.

Galle Face Green parking reopened

The Galle Face Green parking area has been reopened to the public from yesterday (Wednesday), the police said.

Public too should be disciplined to be punctual: DMT Chief

Chief of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) yesterday said even the general public should be disciplined to be punctual always, to achieve the best outcome of running an online appointment system to cut down delays in rendering a better service.

SL yet to finalize its offer for world’s largest blue sapphire; envisages over US$ 100 mn

Sri Lanka is still negotiating with the Dubai-based company which has offered US$ 100 million for the ‘Queen of Asia’, the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire found in Sri Lanka, whether to make final deal.

17-foot long saltwater crocodile killed in Nilwala River: Search operations underway to identify suspects

Footage of a saltwater crocodile struggling for life in the Nilwala River went viral on social media recently.

Man dies due to AC machine blast in Kandy

A 23-year-old person died on Tuesday (4) following an Air Condition (AC) machine blast in a hotel in Second Rajasinhe Mawatha in Kandy, police said.