Prof. Arjuna to personally work with Bhanuka on fitness issues

Prof. Arjuna de Silva, the Chairman of the medical panel of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will personally supervise, guide and monitor the fitness and skin fold level of Bhanuka Rajapaksa.

Cultivate every inch of land with economically viable crops to overcome future food crisis: Amaraweera

There is a possibility of a food crisis in our country in the future, and the only answer for the impending food crisis is to cultivate every inch of land with economically viable crops, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

Biden announces ban on Russian aircraft from US airspace

President Joe Biden announced during Tuesday night’s State of the Union that the US will ban Russian aircraft from US airspace, joining a growing number of countries who are closing their skies to Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Prez assures immediate action to avert power crisis: PUCSL says

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has assured the the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and the general public that all possible measures will be taken immediately to avert the power crisis prevailing in the country, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.

Wrong monetary, foreign exchange policies hinder fuel imports: PUCSL Chairman

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) feels that the implementation of wrong monetary and foreign exchange policies by the responsible authorities has made it impossible to import adequate fuel to operate thermal power plants, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.

Verité Research launches Gallup style “Mood of the Nation” poll in SL

Gallup is the most reputed polling organisation in the world. It runs a regular “Mood of the Nation” poll in the United States. Verité Research has adapted that same poll and scoring methodology to follow the pulse of the people in Sri Lanka.

Tea exports to Russia and Ukraine come to grinding halt

Amid the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine where Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russian banks, Ceylon Tea exports to Russia and Ukraine, which account for 10 percent of the country’s tea exports, have come to a grinding halt.

10-hour power cuts this month despite assurances from Basil

The reported remark made by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa at Monday’s cabinet meeting, saying that the power crisis would be resolved after March 5 has raised serious questions within the government as to how he would do it when diesel and petrol stocks have reached a bare minimum.

Hotels, Police on alert as Russian, Ukrainian tourists stay together

Police and hotels have been told to monitor and stay on alert to avoid any possible incidents among Russian and Ukrainian tourists who are presently in Sri Lanka as most of them are staying in the same hotels or in the same areas after the Tourism Ministry gave them a two month extension of visas.

Over 50 % people boosted in Sri Lanka; authorities optimistic of future

With 51 per cent of recipients of the second dose receiving the booster shot, the Health officials are of the opinion that the restrictions can be lifted forever if people showed further interest in getting the booster dose.

There is a scam behind the fuel scarcity - SJB MP

There is a scam behind the fuel scarcity as interested parties are out to bring down refined oil and earn more, a Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP said yesterday.

Ukraine conflict: Russia bombs Kharkiv’s Freedom Square and opera house

Russian missiles and rockets have hit the cultural heart of Ukraine’s second largest city in what officials said was a deadly and ’’cruel’’ attack.

SL should be prepared to face a likely global recession: Ruwan

While highlighting that the whole globe is being pushed into a recession by the Russia-Ukraine war, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene today said Sri Lanka too should prepare itself to face such a situation.

Health professionals will be on strike again

Health professionals belong to 17 trade unions have decided to launch a Trade Union action starting from 8.00 am tomorrow (2).

Over 7-hour power cut tomorrow

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has given approval to impose a seven and a half hour countrywide power cut for tomorrow (02).

UK stands by Ukraine:British High Commissioner to SL

The United Kingdom and the international partners would stand united in condemning Russia’s assault on Ukraine, which is an unprovoked, premeditated, and needless attack against a sovereign democratic state,British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said.

UNHRC’s evidence gathering mechanism unhelpful: G.L.

Sri Lanka , once again , rejected the evidence gathering mechanism established by the UNHRC calling it unhelpful and will polarize society with adverse impact on economic development, peace and harmony.

Why does the Power Minister contradict the CEB?

Power Minister Gamini Lokuge has once again assured of uninterrupted power supply after March 5, contradicting the CEB who say that providing an uninterrupted service this month is next to impossible.

UK intelligence indicates Russian advance on Kyiv has made little progress

Russia’s advance on Kyiv has made little progress in the past 24 hours due to logistical difficulties and the army has increased its use of artillery north of the capital, a British military intelligence update said.

Govt. approves to import 1.8 mn petrol barrels

In accordance with the recommendation of the cabinet appointed Standing Procurement Committee, the Cabinet has approved to import 1.8 million barrels of petrol for a period of eight months.

Atmospheric disturbance in Southeast Bay of Bengal

Naval and fishing communities have been advised not to venture into the southeast Bay of Bengal, until further notice due to an atmospheric disturbance centered in the area, the Meteorological Department said.

Term of ’’One Country- One Law’’ task force extended by three months

An extraordinary gazette notification has been issued, extending the term of the Presidential Task Force for ’’One Country - One Law’’ concept by three months.

Restrictions further eased; full capacity allowed for almost all events

Issuing a new set of health guidelines applicable for March, the Health Ministry has lifted restrictions where full capacities have been allowed for almost all events and functions except for weddings.

Visas of Russian, Ukranian tourists in SL extended for two months

The government has given the greenlight to extend the visas of Russian and Ukrainian tourists who are currently held up in Sri Lanka without any charges.

SATHOSA, CSC to sell turmeric powder at Rs.2,400 per kg from today

Arrangements have been made for people to buy turmeric powder packets at a maximum price of Rs. 2,400 from any Lanka Sathosa outlet and Ceylon Spice Company (CSC) from today, Development of Minor Crops and Export Promotion State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura said.

Sri Lanka only had mild impact of Omicron: Epidemiology Chief

Despite the number of daily COVID-19 cases surpassing the 1,000 mark for 27 consecutive days since January 30 owing to the spread of the Omicron variant, health authorities said Sri Lanka had only faced a mild impact of the variant.

Women taking up arms to defend Ukraine

Women have begun to take up arms to defend Ukraine as Russian troops continued a military offensive despite ongoing peace talks in Belarus.

From MPs to beauty queen, Ukrainian women take up arms against Russia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has faced with stiff battle as civilians answer the call to defend their nation. Women across the nation, from politicians to beauty queens, have taken up arms to defend Ukraine in the hour of need.

Govt. should decide whether to stay in the dark after eating apples, grapes, oranges: Gammanpila

While identifying the priorities, the government should decide whether to stay in the dark after eating apples, grapes and oranges or make sacrifices to prioritise our limited foreign exchange spending on essential commodities such as medicine and fuel, Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said.

Evacuation of 40 Sri Lankans in Ukraine underway, says Foreign Ministry

In the wake of escalation of Ukraine-Russia war, the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, is currently engaged in the evacuation of about 40 Sri Lankan nationals, including two students in Ukraine via the Ukraine–Polish border.