Central Bank sold nearly US$ 600mn in forex to defend rupee before letting it go

In the two months to February, the Central Bank had sold nearly US$ 600 million in foreign currency to maintain the currency peg with the United States dollar at 198/203 levels before letting it go from March 7, as maintaining peg at that level became untenable.

Motorcyclist stabbed to death during argument at fuel queue in Nittambuwa

A 29-year old motorcyclist was stabbed to death by a three-wheeler driver following an argument at a fuel station in Horagolla, Nittambuwa last night, Police said.

Red alert on cyclonic storm over Southeast Bay of Bengal issued

The low-pressure area over Southeast Bay of Bengal has concentrated into a depression and lay centered at 8.30 am today (20) over Southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andaman Sea,’’ the Meteorology Department said.

Man nabbed with Rs.120mn worth gold in Jaffna bound bus

A 38-year-old suspect was arrested while transporting over 6 kg of gold worth Rs. 120 million in a bus plying to Jaffna from Colombo, police said.

Ranjan admitted to Colombo National Hospital

Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who was receiving treatment at the Welikada Prison Hospital was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital today.

JVP to boycott All-Party Conference

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) would not participate at the All- Party Conference (APC) convened by the President, as it was not meant to resolve the economic crisis but to resolve the political crisis within the government, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today.

Another man dies fainting in a fuel queue in Kadawatha

Another senior citizen who fainted while standing in a fuel queue in Kadawatha has died on admission to hospital today.

Garbage collection halted again in Colombo City

Garbage collection in some parts of the Colombo City has been halted once again due to fuel scarcity, a senior member of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) Mahendra de Silva told the Daily Mirror today.

Laugfs increases gas prices

The price of a laugfs gas has been increased due to the rupee depreciating against the dollar, Deputy Chairman of Laugfs Gas Thilak de Silva said.

Cup of milk tea will be Rs.100 from tonight: Canteen Owners’ Assn.

From tonight, the All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) is to increase the price of a cup of milk tea Rs.100.

Milk powder to be released to market in April with no increase in prices: MILCO chairman

The MILCO Private Limited said they have resumed the milkpowder manufacturing process and stocks will be back on the market shelves by April without increasing its prices, its chairman, Renuka Perera said

Two Thai women arrested from a Mt. Lavinia brothel

Two Thai women have been arrested during a raid at a brothel at De Saram Road in Mount Lavinia.

Sapugaskanda refinery to stop operations from tomorrow: CPC Chairman

The fuel refinery operations at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery will be suspended from tomorrow, Ceylon Petrolium Corporation (CPC) Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe said.

Public protests increase in SL against govt. failures

Public protests continued in Sri Lanka on Saturday evening with an increasing number of people lining up on the roads holding candles in Kelaniya, Kohuwala and Mount Lavinia against the ongoing economic hardships.

CBSL rescinds incentive scheme for expatriate workers’ remittances

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said today that it has rescinded the additional incentive scheme for expatriate workers’ remittances and exporters.

Imported milkpowder prices increased

The Milk Powder Importers’ Association increased the price of 400g imported milk powder with immediate effect.

Man waiting in fuel queue in Kandy dies

A man has died on admission to hospital after fainting while standing in a fuel queue in Kandy town, Police said.

Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in August-September 2022

The 2022 edition of the Asia Cup, which on this occasion will be a T20I competition, is set to be held in Sri Lanka between August 27 and September 11.

Envoys of several key nations urge SL to raise ‘vocal support’ for Ukraine

Heads of key missions to Sri Lanka, including the members of the EU, US and Japan on Friday called on Sri Lanka to join them in ‘vocal support’ for Ukraine and international law, including the UN Charter and also urged Sri Lanka to join them in calling on Russia to end its hostilities immediately.

We are paying for sins committed by others

Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that they will face the existing challenges and resolve the issues confronted by the public. The Opposition behaved in a similar manner even during the height of the war.

After India , SL turns to China for more financial support

In the wake of the foreign exchange crisis, Sri Lanka has sought further financial assistance from China including the deferment of loan payments and a credit arrangement to import essentials and raw materials, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka ranks 127 in World Happiness Index

Sri Lanka has been ranked 127 in the UN’s 2022 World Happiness Report, while Finland has been named as the world’s happiest country.

UNP welcomes Govt decision seeking IMF assistance

The United National Party (UNP) today welcomed the decision made by the government to seek the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to resolve the present economic crisis .

Printing material, equipment shortage to affect final term test in WP

The shortage of printing papers and printing equipment in the local market has hampered printing of final term examination papers in the Western Province (WP), the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) said.

24-hour water cut in several areas in Colombo

The water supply has been interrupted for 24 hours from now onwards for several areas owing to a sudden breakdown of a pipeline, the National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) said.

Lahugala PS Chairman hammers his wife together with another woman

The wife of Lahugala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman has been hospitalised after being beaten by the Chairman and another woman.

Weekend power cut schedule announced

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has granted permission for power shedding requested for the weekend by Ceylon Electricity Board.

If only the Central Bank acted ahead of time - Ranil

UNP MP Ranil Wickremesinghe recalled how he said that the country will have to seek a loan of USD 4 billion during the 2020 election.

Red notice on lightning, thunderstorm issued for 18 districts: Met Dept.

Red notice on thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning was issued for 18 districts in Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Uva and Eastern provinces and in Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa districts, the Department of Meteorology said today.

Even if President leaves tomorrow, we can’t go for presidential poll: Amaraweera

Even if the President leaves tomorrow, we cannot go for a presidential election. All that could be done is for the Parliament to appoint a President, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.