Sri Lanka unlikely to seek IMF bailout;Cabinet fails to reach consensus

Sri Lanka is unlikely to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with the Cabinet failing to reach a consensus last evening.

President axes Susil Premajayantha

Education Reforms, Open Universities and Distance Learning Promotion State Minister Susil Premajayantha has been removed from the post by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa with immediate effect, the President’s Media Division said.

BlackBerry era comes to an end today

The once popular BlackBerry era comes to an end today with the company having taken a call to stop supporting phones running on the BB OS.

Wariyapola PS Chairman removed after probe found him guilty over allegations

Wariyapola Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Tilakaratne Bandara Dissanayake has been removed from his post.

UAE sees importance in Sri Lanka’s water resources

UAE State Minister Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh stressed the importance of Sri Lanka’s abundant water resources being promoted for the realisation of a blue economy.

Youth stabbed to death over TikTok video

A 17-year old youth was stabbed to death at Madampitiya in Grandpass yesterday following a dispute over a TikTok video.

Nov. credit card spend up as people loosen purse strings

Credit card spend, a proxy for the spending pattern of mostly the urban consumer, continued to gain more momentum in November, after a sharp upsurge recorded in October, which corresponded with the easing of virus-related restrictions.

Bourse welcomes 2022 with a bang

The stock market commenced trading in 2022 with a bang, as the benchmark index recorded its highest single-day gain while the daily turnover topped Rs.9.5 billion.

Central Bank revises maximum housing loan rate to reflect rising interest rates

The Central Bank has revised the earlier rule, which set maximum interest rates on mortgage-backed housing loans, effective from January 1, 2022, considering the rising interest rates in the economy and the current and expected macroeconomic developments.

A Rs 229 billion economic relief package announced

The Government today announced a Rs 229 billion economic relief package which comprises a Rs 5000, salary hike for state workers, increasing of pensions, Samurdhi and special stimulus payment for home gardens.

Niroshan Premaratne appointed ITN Chairman

Former Matara District UPFA Prliamentarian Niroshan Premaratne has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Independent Television Network (ITN) with effect from today.

Laugfs gas cylinders turned blue; IGP informed: Chairman

LAUGFS Holdings Chairman W.K.H. Wegapitiya said that information has reached him that LAUGFS gas cylinders are being assembled and turned blue and that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been informed in this regard.

Health experts warn of Omicron becoming dominant in SL overtaking Delta

There is a possibility of highly contagious Omicron variant becoming the dominant variant in Sri Lanka in a month’s time surpassing the Delta variant, which is the current dominant variant, Health experts forewarned.

NTC announces revised bus fares

The National Transport Commission (NTC) today issued the revised bus fares which will come into effect from January 05.

Omicron cases could be witnessed all around the country: Health Ministry

While stating that the Omicron COVID-19 variant was not only confined to certain areas from where Omicron cases had been detected, the Health Ministry said such cases could be found from every part of the country and it could pose a huge threat to the entire island.

Energy Ministry to introduce aviation fuel instead of kerosene if required: Sec.

Following the increasing demand for kerosene, the Energy Ministry is contemplating to introduce aviation fuel to the market instead, if it is required, the Ministry said.

Diver killed in crocodile attack in Dehiwala beach

A 57-year-old man, who was diving in Dehiwala beach, had been snatched away by a crocodile this morning, Police said.

Blindness among people on the rise: Optometric Association

The number of people who are visually impaired in the country is high when compared to other countries in the region, the Ceylon Eye Care Optometric Association (CECOA) said.

Pre-school teacher infected with Omicron variant in Minuwangoda

A pre-school teacher at Nilpanagoda, Minuwangoda has been infected with the Omicron Covid-19 variant, a Health official said.

86 killed in road accidents within 9 days; 33 in 48-hours: Police

A total of 86 persons were killed in road accidents reported across the country within the last 9 days, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said.

Reports on Mahinda resigning as PM false: PM’s Office

The Prime Minister’s Office today denied media reports that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is to resign from his position.

Young Sri Lankan scientist’s research gains attention in the US

Sri Lankan born young scientist Dr. Gayani Senevirathne, who has excelled in the fields of Zoology and Molecular Biology brought pride to the country, since her latest research on finding an answer to a human abnormality had gained attention in the United States.

Firearm of state bank security discharged injuring female employee

A girl was hospitalized after the firearm given to a security officer at a state bank in Narammala had accidentally discharged today.

More SLTB buses on the roads from today

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is to increase the number of trains and buses, as the public servants in full capacity will be reporting for duty from today and also to facilitate the school children after reopening of schools.

Time for a political truce for nation’s sake: Harin

It’s time all political parties put in a joint effort to pull the country through the current economic crisis together with the Government, SJB MP Harin Fernando said over the weekend.

Basil back, now eying PM post?

In a major twist of events, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa who returned back to the country from the United States on January 1st morning, is internally campaigning to be appointed as the Prime Minister in the coming months, replacing his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa whilst also calling for an urgent cabinet reshuffle, the Daily Mirror learns.

Omicron spread so far contained within SL, says Health Ministry

In such a situation where Omicron continues to ravage many countries, the Health Ministry said the spread of Omicron in Sri Lanka has been contained, despite 48 Omicron cases detected so far.

US $ 5.5 million from Russia to WFP for projects in Sri Lanka

Russia has transferred US $ 5.5 million for the World Food Programme (WFP) to implement projects related to nutrition at school levels, the Russian Embassy said .

Record money printing in 2021 as Central Bank-held Treasury bill stock tops Rs.1.4tn

Among the records made last year—most of which didn’t necessarily bring in a sense of achievement—was the record phase at which money was printed, as the Central Bank, influenced by the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), flooded the markets with liquidity to support the government bloat its fiscal deficit.

Inflation hits double-digits in December rubbishing Central Bank’s transitory claims

A gentle Christmas rally normally seen in prices every December turned into a blowout in December 2021, as inflation in Colombo soared to a 12-year high.