Inflation drop a result of reduced consumption - SJB

Responding to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s televised address to the nation on the economic progress and way forward on Thursday , Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harshana Rajakaruna said yesterday that inflation had dropped as a consequence of reduced consumption but not an economic achievement.

Ali Sabry Raheem not eligible to remain as an MP: March 12 Movement

Ali Sabry Raheem who was recently nabbed trying to smuggle mobile phones and gold is not eligible to remain as an MP, the March 12 Movement which is an organization committed for clean politics said yesterday.

30 killed, 300 injured as 2 trains derail in Odisha

Thirty people were killed and 300 were injured when a passenger train hit the derailed coaches of another train in Odisha’s Balasore this evening. Many are feared trapped and the casualties may rise, officials said. A third freight train was also involved in the accident, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena told NDTV.

HMPV virus in US: No vaccines or Anti-Viral drugs available for treatment

The USA is suddenly witnessing an uptick in cases of a viral respiratory disease called human metapneumovirus, or HMPV for which no vaccines or Anti-Viral drugs are currently available for treatment, foreign media reported.

Zadran, Shah guide Afghanistan to win over hapless Sri Lanka

Right-handers Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah cracked half-centuries laying the foundation for Afghanistan to ease to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI played at the Sooriyawewa Stadium today.

SJB to call for a debate on President’s address

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will call for a debate on President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s special statement on Thursday where he came up with an economic road map, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said.

MIT, Harvard show interest to collaborate with SL’s Climate Change University

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that efforts are underway to establish a Climate Change University in Sri Lanka next year and prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT have expressed interest to collaborate with it.

Wimal’s allegation against Army and Julie - SJB goes to CID

The National Organizer of SJB youth, Chamith Wijesundera today (02) lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) against MP Wimal Weerawansa over his alleged comments made on the Sri Lanka Army and their connection to the US Ambassador in his recently launched book titled ‘Nine: The Hidden Story’.

Pakistan hit record high inflation of 38 per cent, bypasses Sri Lanka

Pakistan has left Sri Lanka behind and has recorded the highest inflationary pressure in Asia at 38 per cent in May 2023.

Notice to teachers who have completed their service by December 31, 2021

All teachers who have completed their service by Dember 31, 2021 and have received transfer letters should report to their workplaces by June 12 (Monday), the Education Ministry announced.

CPC, CPSTL instructed to continue fuel deliveries over the weekend: Minister

Instructions have been given to Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) to continue fuel deliveries on Saturday and Sunday this week, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said today.

Presidential pardon for 440 prisoners on Poson day

A total of 440 prisoners are to be released tomorrow (03) on a presidential pardon in line with the Poson Poya Day, Prisons spokesman Chandana Ekanayake said.

Asalanka helps Sri Lanka to 268 in first ODI against Afghanistan

Charith Asalanka narrowly missed out on a second career ODI century with Sri Lanka bowled out for 268 in the first ODI against Afghanistan in Hambantota a short while ago.

Decision to reduce chicken prices in next few days: Minister

A solution will be provided to reduce the price of chicken in the local market in the next two to three days, Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando said.

Prices of cement, concrete steel rods likely to be reduced soon

Trade, Commerce, and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando yesterday said he expects the price reduction of 50 kg bags of cement and concrete steel rods in the next few days.

Import curbs on 300-400 items to be eased next week: State Minister

The Government is set to ease import restrictions on about 300 to 400 items, effective from next week, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today.

US President Joe Biden trips and falls at Colorado event

US President Joe Biden has tripped and fallen while handing out diplomas at a graduation ceremony for the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.

Afghanistan win the toss, opt to field first; debuts for Pathirana and Hemantha

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field first in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Hambantota.

Central Bank shifts gears to growth with surprise policy rate cut

The Central Bank yesterday delivered a surprise policy rate cut, bringing nearly two years long tightening cycle to a close and left open the door for further rate cuts in the next few months among other measures to ease remaining restrictions on imports to reverse the prolonged economic contraction.

Discussions with UNDP for low-floor electric buses successful: Gemunu

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) said today it had a discussion with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to obtain at least 50 low-floor electric buses to add to the existing fleet.

Punish those who are responsible for causing inconvenience to the monk –President’s Secretary

President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake had informed the Secretary Ports and Aviation Ministry to hold an inquiry and punish those who are responsible for keeping Venerable Ajan Brahim Thera for 12 hours.

Tax files for all those above 18 years from Jan.1

A tax file will be opened by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for all those above the age of 18 from January 1, 2024, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday.

Heads will roll unless state institutions perform; President warns

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his televised address to the nation, asserted that his government would not hesitate to replace the heads of the state institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and SriLankan Airlines unless they improved their performance in conformity with the restructuring plan for public enterprises.

Indian company ordered to recall contaminated eye drops after SL raises complaint

India’s Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil ) which is part of the Ministry of Commerce has asked Gujarat-based pharma company-- Indiana Ophthalmics to recall Methylprednisolone linked to causing eye infections in more than 30 people after Sri Lankan Ministry of Health raised a complaint to the Indian government.

IMF deputy urges SL to keep up momentum on economic reforms

Sri Lanka is showing a ’’strong commitment’’ to implementing economic reforms but must continue this momentum amid a challenging economic environment, International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director Kenji Okamura said on Thursday.

Elon Musk reclaims title of world’s richest person

Elon Musk has reclaimed his title as the world’s richest person, knocking the boss of luxury goods giant LMVH, Bernard Arnault, off the top spot.

Monthly tourist arrivals fall below 100, 000 for first time this year

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka fell below the 100,000 mark for the first time this year due to the drop in momentum in the month of May,

CID, Intelligence unit pay close attention over fake social media posts on children being abducted

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Intelligence Unit will be paying close attention to those who publish fake posts on social media platforms about children and school students being abducted.

It was not Dinesh who caused delay for Ajahn Brahm Thera at BIA but Nimal Siripala de Silva

Despite initial reports that Ven. Ajahn Brahm was held back at the BIA due to the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane at the airport, sources clarified that it was not due to the Prime Minister that caused the delay but it was instead because of Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva.

Indian Coast Guard, DRI seize INR 20 crore worth of gold smuggled from Sri Lanka

In a joint operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with the help of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mandapam & Ramnad Customs, Preventive Division, intercepted two fishing boats and seized 32.869 kg of foreign origin gold valued at Rs. 20.21 crore that was smuggled into India from Sri Lanka through the coast.