SL’s nine-month public debt rises by almost Rs.2tn

The total outstanding public debt has increased slightly under Rs.2.0 trillion during the first nine months, as the cash-strapped government had to borrow more since the country was hit with multiple waves of coronavirus since April this year, hobbling the economy.

Post-COVID is a challenge, we have confidence in 2022: Dinesh

We are confident about 2022. Since the arrival of COVID-19, the economic situation in the country has changed from the usual theoretical conditions. The post-COVID too is similarly challenging, Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said.

Seychelles Police open investigation in apparent strangulation death of Sri Lankan

An investigation has started in the death of a Sri Lankan national after the autopsy report showed that he died by strangulation, the Seychelles Police said on Wednesday.

Next couple of weeks extremely decisive, says Epidemiology Chief

The next couple of weeks could be crucial in determining the impact of the COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka, Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Samitha Ginige said.

Earthquake off the north-eastern coast: No tsunami threat: DMC

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said there was no threat to Sri Lanka due to the 4.3 magnitude earthquake which struck 300 kilometers off the north-eastern coast last evening.

Minimum bus fares increased to Rs.17: Dilum

The minimum bus fare will be increased by Rs. 3 from January 5, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

High number of road accidents during Christmas

The number of people admitted to hospitals as a result of road and domestic accidents is higher compared to last year, Accident Ward Director at Colombo National Hospital Dr. Indika Jagoda said.

Chinese Foreign Minister to arrive in SL next week

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will arrive in Sri Lanka on a two day official visit on January 8, sources from the Foreign Ministry said.

Plans underway to bring 50% students to Uni. - UGC Chairman

Steps will be taken to bring back all students to universities for academic activities in the near future, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunga said.

PM cancels visit to Dubai Expo amidst economic crisis

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has cancelled a visit to the Dubai Expo scheduled for next week due to rising issues at home and amidst the economic crisis, the Daily Mirror learns.

Bill on Prohibition of Obscene Publications to be nullified

Justice Minister Ali Sabry has instructed the Justice Secretary to nullify the gazette issued on the Prohibition of Obscene Publications on December 24 2021.

ADB to reimburse USD 85 Mn spent for Sinopharm: State Minister

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to reimburse USD 85 million spent for the purchase of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines, State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said.

Speeding jeep knocks pedestrian to death in Piliyandala

A 52-year old man had died when he was hit by a luxury jeep driven by a woman at Bokundara in Piliyandala this morning, the Police said.

CBSL foreign reserves reach USD3.1Bn: Cabraal

The official reserve position of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has today reached approximately USD 3.1 billion, CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.

Trains back on track from today: Station Masters’ Union

The Sri Lanka Station Masters’ Union (SLSMU) today said the train services will operate as usual from today, SLSMU President Sumedha Somarathne said.

No bus fare revision today: Dilum

Bus fare revisions will not come into effect today, but new bus fares and from when it will be implemented will be announced after today’s discussion, Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama said.

GoSL should expedite negotiations with India

The Government of Sri Lanka should expedite negotiations with India and get assistance to purchase fuel and essential items, Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.

Govt braces for food shortage

The government is bracing for a possible food shortage in the coming months by initiating plans to secure around US $ 100-150 million from the Central Bank a month to import essentials such as rice, sugar, chilli, dhal and wheat flour from the regional countries, a minister said.

No Govt. since independence had implemented this policy: Ven. Gnanasara Thera

Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce for One Country - One Law Venerable Galabodaththe Gnanasara Thera said any successive government since independence had not implemented the policy of one law for the country and that the present government has taken step to make it a reality.

SDB bank CEO Piyadigama obtains enjoining order preventing him from getting sacked

SDB bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thilak Piyadigama has obtained an enjoining order from District Court of Colombo preventing any attempts of him getting suspended or terminated from the bank.

Treasury requested to suspend fiscal support to key SOEs

The Treasury has been requested by a committee set up to look into State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including key utilities such as power, energy and water, to suspend State assistance, potentially opening the path to end the reliance on tax payer funded money to sustain those firms which have become a bane on the country and its people.

JAAF Secretary General tells apparel factory owners to convert employees’ vaccination card to digital

The Secretary General of Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Tuli Cooray has urged all members to ensure their employee’s Covid-19 vaccination is saved in ‘digital format’ and present them as ‘proof of vaccination’ whenever required.

Station Masters’ strike called off

The Station Masters’ Union has decided to call off its ongoing trade union action after discussions held with the State Minister of Transport, Union members said.

Zara Rutherford lands in SL on her attempt to become the youngest woman to fly solo around the world

The teen pilot Zara Rutherford landed at the Colombo International Airport, Ratmalana (CIAR) today in her bid to become the youngest woman to fly solo around the world.

New Bus fare announcement tomorrow

The confidential report on bus fare revisions will be handed over to the Transport Ministry Secretary today, a senior official said.

Dimuth Karunaratne nominated for ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year 2021

Sri Lanka’s Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne has been nominated for the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year 2021 award.

SLSMU decides to transport only aircraft fuel stocks to BIA

The executive committee of the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLSMU) has decided to operate two trains of required aircraft fuel stocks to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) noon today from Kolonnawa.

LP gas manufacturing process slow; LITRO assures prompt supply in future

Claiming that the new LP gas manufacturing process has been slow due to recalling and removing gas from previously released gas cylinders with blue and black seal to the market, Litro Gas Ltd said immediate actions were being taken to cater to the domestic and commercial daily needs.

Bibile to Chenkalady stretch on A-5 highway declared opened

The 86.7 km long stretch of the A-5 highway from Bibile to Chenkalady was declared open by the Chief Government Whip and Highways Minister, Johnston Fernando today.

Fire breaks out at a boat workshop in Mattakkuliya

A fire has broken out at a boat workshop in Thotupola Road in Mattakkuliya a short while ago.