Special programme to grant rupee appreciation benefit directly to people: Siyambalapitiya

The government is implementing a special programme to grant the benefit of the appreciation of the rupee against the dollar to the people, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Johnston Fernando and two others released from a corruption case

Former Minister Johnston Fernando and two others were today ordered to be released from a corruption case by the Colombo High Court.

Victory day promotions for over 400 Army officers and 3,348 other ranks

A total of 402 officers of the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Force) and 3,348 Other Ranks have been promoted to their respective next ranks by President Ranil Wickremesinghe coincident with the 14th National War Heroes’ Day also known as ‘Victory Day’.

People’s Bank, several State institutions get new heads

The Committee on High Posts has approved the appointments of two ministry secretaries and six chairpersons of state institutions, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Magnitude 7.7 quake triggers tsunami warning in South Pacific

People across the South Pacific were told to avoid coastal areas due to the risk of tsunami waves following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday southeast of the Loyalty Islands in the French territory of New Caledonia.

If on-the-spot emission tests do not stop, we will refrain from operating private buses: LPBOA

If the Transport Ministry failed to stop the Random Emission Tests on the private commuter buses by flying squads, we would bring the country to a standstill without any prior notice one day,” Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne told media yesterday.

Sri Lankan gets 22-year jail term for sexually abusing teenage girl in Tamil Nadu

A Sri Lankan Tamil, who was living alone in a house at the Sri Lankan Tamils Rehabilitation Camp at Mandapam, Tamil Nadu was on Thursday sentenced by the Mahila Court in Ramanathapuram to undergo 22 years of imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl.

Distribution of textbooks almost completed: Minister

Over 95 percent of the text books have been distributed to schools around the country and the total distribution will be completed in another two weeks, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

Dinesh Schaffter’s body to be exhumed?

The five-member expert committee, comprising of specialist doctors, appointed to prepare a report on the death of businessman, Dinesh Schaffter, yesterday requested in writing to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that the body of deceased Mr. Schaffter needs to be exhumed to find the cause of his death.

Canada locks horns with Sri Lanka after Trudeau’s statement

Hot on the heels of the 14th anniversary of the war victory,Sri Lanka is heading for a diplomatic battle with Canada once again after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a statement yesterday in recognition of what is called ‘Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, the day when the war ended in Sri Lanka 14 years ago .

Wasantha Mudalige, seven others arrested

The convener of the Inter-University Student Federation Wasantha Mudalige and seven others were arrested last night during a protest held in front of the Kelaniya University.

Burhani Serendib School to host ’’Reshaping the Future with Artificial Intelligence’’

At a time when the world is adapting to Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Burhani Serendib School has organized an informative event, ’’Reshaping the Future with Artificial Intelligence’’ which will be held on May 20 from 3.30 p.m.

Rupee appreciates as CB takes breather from dollar purchases

Sri Lanka’s rupee further appreciated against the US dollar (US$) yesterday dropping below Rs.300 for the first time since April last year as the Central Bank (CB) took a breather from its dollar purchases to allow consumption to rebound.

EU backing for Sri Lanka on climate change adaptation

The European Union (EU) has expressed its willingness to extend support to Sri Lanka as it adapts to the impacts of climate change. The EU has said it is committed to working with Sri Lanka to help the country build a more resilient and sustainable future.

DMT to remove complete list of previous owners from vehicle registration

The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has decided to remove the complete list of previous owners who had owned the vehicle which are included in the Certificate of Registration of Motor Vehicles, with effect from May 17, 2023.

Virat Kohli equals IPL century record as RCB beat Sunrisers

Virat Kohli hit a spellbinding century off just 62 balls to keep alive Royal Challengers Bangalore’s hopes of reaching the Indian Premier League’s knockout stages.

Sports Ministry makes contact with WR

Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe in a bid to turn their luck with World Rugby (WR) has made first communication through a letter dated May 11.

Electricity Tariffs should be reduced by at least 27%: PUCSL Chairman

There is a possibility of reducing electricity tariffs by 27 per cent but the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has submitted a proposal to reduce the tariffs by only 3 per cent, concealing the correct cost data, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said.

From 2024, O/L and A/L exams will be held in the same year: Minister

The Education Ministry is to take measures to hold both GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations in the same year while bringing studies back to normal and updating the examination schedule, the ministry said.

Sajith responds to Jerome’s remarks; no room for religious hatred

Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa has denounced Pastor Jerome saying the controversial Pastor is disturbing religious harmony.

Religious Leaders go to court seeking stern action against Pastor Jerome

A group of religious leaders representing different religious faiths in the country today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the IGP to immediately arrest Pastor Jerome Fernando over his hate comments against religious harmony in the country.

Firearm permits for crop protection to be issued: State Defence Minister

The existing laws for the use of firearms for crop protection purposes have been amended, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon said.

Boy’s palm burnt by monk to dispel planetary effects

A Buddhist monk who caused serious burn injuries to a boy by burning camphor on the boy’s palm to dispel evil planetary influence was arrested by Weerawila police today.

New Zealand Women’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2023

The New Zealand National Women’s Team will be touring Sri Lanka during June–July 2023 to take part in an ODI and T20I series.

SL rupee drops below Rs 300 against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has further appreciated against the US Dollar (USD) and has dropped below the Rs. 300 mark today, according to the Central Bank.

Gazette notification brings fuel supply, power, healthcare under essential services

A special Gazette notification (2332/12) has been issued, declaring the supply and distribution of petroleum products and fuel, electricity supply, all services, work or labour as essential services.

Legendary singer Christopher Paul bids farewell

Evergreen veteran vocalist Christopher Paul passed away at the age of 87, said family sources.

Shastri reveals uncapped bolters in India World Cup mix

India great Ravi Shastri has revealed the young batters that have impressed him during the ongoing IPL that could make a late run at being part of this year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

SriLankan hopeful of completing re-fleeting process in 2-3 months

National carrier SriLankan Airlines is expecting to wrap up its re-fleeting exercise, which got the Cabinet approval last year, in the next two to three months, acquiring at least seven aircraft in the first phase, a top official said.

Sri Lanka promises EU to present plan to lift import restrictions by June

Sri Lanka has promised the European Union (EU), the country’s second largest trading partner, to present a plan by June to lift the import restrictions that came into place in 2020 as a measure to hold on to the fast-depleting foreign exchange reserves.