Trade unions demand Rs.5,000 allowance to be extended to private sector

The key trade unions representing the private sector employees have requested Labour Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva to extend the Rs.5,000 allowance announced for the public sector last week to the private sector employees as well, through legislative measures.

15% food price increase in a single month

Advocata’s Bath Curry Indicator (BCI), which tracks the monthly changes in the retail price of food, recorded an increase of 15 percent from November 2021 to December 2021.

South Korea responds positively to SL’s call for enhanced dollar assistance

Sri Lanka has reached out to South Korea to obtain enhanced dollar assistance from its EXIM Bank and greater development assistance from KOICA, as the island nation continues to struggle with low levels of foreign exchange.

Killing of an elephant in Yala National Park Civil security constable taken into custody

A civil security constable was taken into custody by the Tangalle Division Anti-Vice Unit in connection with the killing of an elephant

19-year-old suspect arrested for sexually abusing sister

​A 19-year old person was arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing his 12-year sister, the police said. He is to be produced before the Baddegama Magistrate.

Forex crisis triggers power outage

One hour power outage will be carried out in the country at selected places at any time between 5.30 pm and 9.30 pm primarily due to the lack of furnace oil for thermal power generation, a spokesman for the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) s

SLC lifts ban on Durham bio-bubble breachers

Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis will be eligible to return to international cricket, after Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) lifted the ban imposed on them for breaching bio-bubble protocols while on tour in England last year.

Children from 16-19 to get second dose

The Health Ministry has decided to administer second dose for children in the age group from 16 to 19 who have completed three months since the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Booster dose to be made mandatory when visiting public places: Minister

Booster dose will also be made mandatory to access public spaces in addition to first and second doses, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Global singer Cher slams local officials for exploiting twin elephants

Global musician Cher has slammed the Department of National Zoological Gardens including its Director General Shermila Rajapaksa for allegedly exploiting elephants after the ’Rally for Animal Rights and Environment’ (RARE) movement shared a video on its Twitter showing the newly born twin elephants and their mother in Pinnawala being allegedly forced to bathe for media publicity.

Court rejects former President’s request to release him from Easter Sunday attack lawsuits

A request made by former President Maithripala Sirisena that he be released from several civil lawsuits filed by the victims of Easter Sunday attacks was today rejected by Colombo District Court.

CB says funds allocated for Jan. 18 bond settlement

Sri Lanka has set aside the funds required for the upcoming international bond settlement due in less than two weeks, just weeks after Fitch Ratings downgraded the sovereign deeper into the junk category, on the heightened debt default concerns amid razor thin foreign exchange reserves.

Basil loses chance to meet Indian PM

Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa will miss the opportunity to have a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the tenth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat global investor summit since the event was postponed due to the surge in Covid numbers.

SL in contact with China, India for credit facilities to purchase drugs in forex crisis

Amidst the foreign exchange crisis, the government is exploring credit arrangements with China and India for the import of essential pharmaceuticals, a minister said.

Selection of invigilators for 2021 (2022) A/L exam through online: Exam. Dept.

The Examinations Department will call for applications for the selection of invigilators for the 2021 (2022) GCE Advanced Level Examination through online.

New cases in India cross 1 lakh mark; Omicron tally rises to 3,007

India reported 117,100 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, ending at 9 am on Friday. With 30,836 new recoveries, the country’s active caseload is now at 3,71,363.

Lack of clarity over outdoor musical events creates uncertainties

An ambiguity has been created as to whether outdoor musical events can be held or not under existing quarantine regulations.

SLAF establishes 24×7 vaccination centre at BIA

The Sri Lanka Air Force has established a 24x7 Covid-19 vaccination centre at the Bandaranaike International Airport to administer Pfizer vaccines for Sri Lankans arriving from overseas if they have not been vaccinated with first, second or booster doses.

Lankan dollar salary earners face forcible conversions by banks

A state of confusion appears to have been created by the instructions issued to banks by the Central Bank with regard to conversion of bank balances of resident Sri Lankans who earn in dollars and Lankan migrant workers who remit money to their foreign currency bank accounts.

Gem and jewellery industry expects boost from new govt. gazette

Sri Lanka’s fast growing gem and jewellery industry is gearing up to gather momentum as it acknowledges that the recently issued gazette by the government will pave the way for a smooth sailing forward.

Missing boys from Kotadeniyawa found after seven weeks say: “Our mothers hammered us and chased us out”

The two boys who were missing from Kotadeniyawa since last November, have been found in Mirigama yesterday. Police said a woman had handed over the two boys to the Mirigama Police.

If online permit system not ready within three months, GMSB director board will dissolve: Amaraweera

The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) director board will be dissolved if the online system for issuing permits for sand, gravel, and granite excavation and transport is not prepared within three months, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.

MOD should take decisions on Trinco oil tanks: Ruwan

The decision on the oil tank farm in Trincomalee should be made by the Ministry of Defence, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. Mr.wijewardene who was the former

Sialkot lynching: New videos emerge of factory premises

A new picture and clips have emerged of the premises of the Sialkot factory where Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara was lynched by a mob last month.

Graveside memorial service to mark 13th anniversary of Lasantha’s assassination

The 13th anniversary of the assassination of The Sunday Leader founder Editor-in-Chief Lasantha Wickrematunge, which falls on 8 January, will be marked with a service at his graveside.

There could be power cuts even from today: CEB

Power cuts might be experienced in several areas in the country today due to the dearth of furnace oil to generate electricity, Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Chairman said.

Agreemnt to develop Trinco Oil Tank Farm signed: Ministry

Agreement to develop Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm was signed this evening, Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila said.

Over 11,000 tourists visit SL within four days: Russians top list

A total number of 11,380 tourists had arrived in the island in the first four days of the new year Russian tourists head the list with 2,032 visitors, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

House in Mannar destroyed by ’gas explosion’

A house in the Kottai area in the Mannar Divisional Secretariat has been completely gutted by a fire reported to have been caused by an explosion of a gas stove this afternoon.

Govt. to export excess turmeric this year

The government said it has plans to export the excess turmeric in the country this year so that the spices sector can up its contribution to the national export earnings.