IMF officials meet President

Several representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, the Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

Sajith joins SJB protest

Opposition Leader and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) protest that was marching towards the Presidential Secretariat along the Galle Road.

Basil off to India to seek financial assistance

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Secretary to the Ministry S.R. Attygalle left for India today to seek a USD 1 billion line of credit (LoC).

SJB protest kicks off; heavy traffic near Public Library

The protest organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya commenced opposite the Public Library Colombo a short while ago.

Businessman arrested with sharp weapons, drugs in Kohuwala

The Kohuwala Police have arrested a businessman with a stock of sharp weapons, including swords and drugs at a house in Kalubowila, Kohuwala.

People suffering because of a man-made crisis: Udaya

Sacked Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that people are suffering in queues today because of a man-made crisis.

Number of STF personnel transferred from Boossa Prison

At least 100 STF personnel attached to the security at the Boossa Prison have been transferred with immediate effect in connection with an attempt to smuggle two bottles of liquor into the prison premises.

Train fares to increase to cover fuel cost: Dilum

The government has decided to increase train fares shortly to cover the cost of fuel and not to earn a profit, Transport Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

14 member Advisory Committee appointed to Economic Council

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed a 14-member Advisory Committee to advise the National Economic Council, Cabinet spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana said.

No power cuts in trade zones come under BIP: Minister

The power interruptions that are currently being implemented on a daily basis will no longer be applicable to factories functioning under the Investment Promotion Board (IPB), which play an important role in the Sri Lankan economy, Power Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

Basil gets Cabinet nod to engage with IMF for technical support

The Cabinet of Ministers has taken a policy decision to let the Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek technical support to find solutions for the current economic crisis, says Cabinet Co-spokesperson Ramesh Pathirana.

Govt. approves to import crude oil, diesel from Dubai company

The government has approved a long-term contract for importing crude oil and diesel for a period of seven to eight months from a Dubai-based United Arab Emirates (UAE) petroleum and petroleum products merchant wholesaler.

President meeting with TNA cancelled again due to SJB protest

The long awaited meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the members of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) which was to be held today afternoon has been cancelled yet again due to the SJB protest, the Daily Mirror learns.

Another 105 MW thermal power plant to set up at Kelanitissa premises: Pavithra

Owing to the failure to establish power plants in recent times to add power to the national grid, immediate action need to be taken to construct another 105 MW thermal power plant at the Kelanitissa power plant premises to overcome the present power crisis and we should take steps to add at least 1,000 MW to the national grid this year, Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said.

SLFP not responsible for Govt.’s downfall

Minister of Environment Mahinda Amaraweera said the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was not prepared to be part and parcel to the government’s downfall if the government was not prepared to accept the positive features of their proposals to overcome the prevailing crisis.

Tourism earnings top US $ 500mn in first two months

The earnings from tourism have exceeded US $ 500 million for the first two months of the year, with the industry generating an excess of US $ 300 million for the month of February.

#GoHomeGota vs #WeAreWithGota

Now we stand together & fight this economic crisis together. #WeAreWithGota,” said Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in a twitter message

Bus fare revision announced, Minimum bus fare is Rs.20: Minister

Cabinet approval was granted for the fare increase by 15 percent with effect from yesterday, Transport Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

Govt. could have reduced taxes on fuel - Gammanpila

Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that Sri Lanka witnessed the record increase in the price of fuel in history. This was due to many reasons apart from the increase in global fuel prices.

Ukraine crisis: US warns China against helping Russia

China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions in its invasion of Ukraine, the US says.

Another NFF MP resigns from duties

National Freedom Front (NFF) MP Nimal Piyathissa who functioned as the Chairman of the Kotmale Divisional Coordinating Committee resigned from that post today.

No long distance buses, if bus fare revision focused only on fuel price hike: IPPBOA

The Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA) said they have decided to hold operating bus service, if the bus fare revision is made focusing only on considering the diesel price hike.

Pfizer vaccine now available for all above 20

The Pfizer vaccine has now been made available for anyone above 20 years of age and it could be obtained from respective MOH offices, the Health Ministry said today.

President to address the nation

President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa is scheduled to address the nation on Wednesday, President’s Media Division said.

COPE tells MEPA to expedite recovery of compensation from MT New Diamond ship

The Parliament media unit said today that the COPE has instructed the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) to expedite recovery of Rs. 3,480 million due from the MT New Diamond shipwreck, which has not been received so far.

Wasp attack in Moneragala: 60 students hospitalized

Sixty students, the Principal and two teachers of a school in Ethimale, Moneragala have been injured after they were stung by a swarm of wasps during the school assembly this morning, the Police said.

Recovery of hand grenade at All Saints’ Church in Borella: Retired Doctor and two others further remanded

Retired medical practitioner Dr. Shirley Herath (75) and two others arrested over the hand grenade incident at All Saints’ Church in Borella were today ordered to be further remanded till March 29 by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Issuing permits for inland sand mining suspended: Env. Ministry

The Environment Ministry instructed the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) to suspend issuing inland sand mining permits.

Monk killed by wild elephant

A 54-year-old Buddhist monk, who was residing in a jungle monastery, died due to a wild elephant attack in Madugasthalawa, Police area in Balangoda this morning.

Vasu hands over official residence and vehicles

Minister of Water Supply Vasudeva Nanayakkara handed over his official residence and vehicles to the Ministry Secretary today, Sources said.