PUCSL holds no right or authority on electricity tariff hike decision-making: Ananda Palitha

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) also has no right or authority over the decision making process for the electricity tariff hike, Samagi United Trade Union Force (SUTUF) convener and media spokesman Ananda Palitha said.

14 Sri Lankans severely affected by Turkey earthquakes, 1 reported missing

Fourteen Sri Lankans have been severely affected by the deadly earthquakes which killed thousands in Turkey, Cabinet Spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said.

Charmer invited home to cure father ends up raping minor girl

The Opatha police have commenced an investigation to arrest a charmer (Kapua) who allegedly raped a twelve-year-old minor girl at a house in Opatha, Galle while performing a Pooja for 8 days.

Turkey earthquake: Death toll could increase eight-fold, WHO says

The death toll from a strong earthquake in south-eastern Turkey, near Syria’s border, could rise eight-fold, the World Health Organisation has warned.

Indonesia launches probe into SL billionaire’s death

Jakarta Police have begun investigations into the death of Managing Director of OPEX Holdings and billionaire businessman, 45 year old Onesh Subasinghe, whose body was found in a serviced apartment in Jakarta, Indonesia

China confirms attendance at IMF’s first-ever creditor-debtor roundtable in India

The nations that are in debt with the People’s Republic of China will have the opportunity to negotiate firsthand the debt restructuring agenda, as the world’s second largest economy has confirmed its attendance at the first-ever creditor-debtor roundtable organised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

EU says PTA problematic

The European Union (EU) says the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) remains “problematic” and steps taken so far to address issues over the law are not sufficient.

Suspect confesses over killing Thalangama businessman, both suspect and victim were part of gay men’s club

The suspect arrested over the death of a businessman whose body was found in a swiming pool in Thalangama recently reportedly confessed to the police that he had killed the businessman following a dispute over their relationship.

PCoI probing findings of preceding Commissions submits synopsis of final report to Prez

The Presidential Commission of Inquiry to investigate the findings of preceding Commissions and Committees has submitted a synopsis of the recommendations in the draft final report of the Commission to President Ranil Wickremesinghe today, President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Sri Lanka offers rescue services to Turkey as massive earthquakes kill over 1500

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has offered the assistance of rescue services to the Foreign Minister of Turkey following the two massive earthquakes that struck the country today, the President’s Media Division said.

Second earthquake rocks Turkey and Syria as death toll from first quake reaches 1,300

A second earthquake of 7.6 magnitude has struck southern Turkey within 12 hours of a first massive earthquake that has already claimed hundreds of Turkish and Syrian lives, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

Death toll in Turkey Earthquake reaches 912

A major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 hit Turkey and Syria a few hours ago leaving 912 people dead and several hundreds injured, according to Reuters. The death toll is still mounting. People are being pulled out from under dozens of buildings which collapsed in the temblor. The death toll is more in Syria.

Elections Chief requests Rs. 770 mn for basic activities of LG Polls

The Finance Ministry is yet to respond to the request by Chairman of the National Election Commission Nimal G. Punchihewa to provide an amount of Rs. 770 million for the activities related to the local government (LG) polls.

LAUGFS Gas announces new prices

LAUGFS Gas PLC has announced new prices for domestic Gas cylinders of 12.5Kg cylinder, 5Kg and 2Kg cylinder from today.

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda released on bail

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda was released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Tense situation at Finance Ministry

A tense situation was reported at the Finance Ministry when a group of trade unions attempted to submit a letter to the Ministry against the state tax policy.

SJB to boycott RW’s policy statement in Parliament

Samagi Jana Blawegaya (SJB) is expected to boycott the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Wednesday (8).

’’China has to change its policies because low income countries cannot pay’’: IMF

China’s finance minister and its central bank governor will attend a roundtable with other creditors and some borrowing countries in February in India, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a CBS’ 60 Minutes interview on Sunday.

Canteens decide not to increase food prices: Canteen Owners’ Association

The All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) has decided not to increase the prices of canteen food items even though gas prices have increased.

Powerful quake kills more than 200 people in Turkey, Syria

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkey and northern Syria early Monday, toppling buildings and triggering a frantic search for survivors in the rubble in cities and towns across the area. At least 207 were killed and hundreds injured, and the toll was expected to rise.

Prominent businessman Kamil Hussain dies in Kenya

Prominent Businessman and Managing Director of Chint Energy (Pvt) Ltd. and Synergy Ventures (Pvt) Ltd. Kamil Hussain passed away in Kenya yesterday.

Bangladesh expects Sri Lanka to repay $200m loan from September

Bangladesh is expected to get back the money, which was borrowed by Sri Lanka, from September this year as the country’s economic situation is improving, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said.

New SC judge, two CA judges sworn in

Three judges including a Supreme Court Judge were sworn in before President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning.

Father Chandra Schaffter speaks his heart out about Dinesh’s death and Dinesh, the person

Senior and highly respected business leader Chandra Schaffter yesterday spoke his heart out about his youngest son Dinesh and his untimely death on 15 December. Here is the full text of Chandra’s statement first since the death of Dinesh, a young investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist, exclusively in the Daily FT

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda arrested at BIA

Social Media activist Darshana Handungoda was arrested by a special team of the Computer Crimes Investigation Division upon his arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from Dubai last night, Police said.

Ban Ki-moon arrives in SL

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a short visit.

Debt restructuring: SL seeks phone dialogue with Chinese President

The government has sought a telephone conversation between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Chinese President

Man commits suicide after killing his children

A 33-year old man hacked his two children to death before he committed suicide at Polambegoda in ​​Aranayaka.

SL exploring ways to adopt India’s cross-border digital payment systems to attract more of their tourists

Eyeing to welcome 250,000 Indian tourists this year, Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of adopting India’s home-grown cross-border digital payment systems as part of the country’s strategy to lure in more Indian tourists by enabling a cashless travel experience.

CB begins banks’ asset quality review to identify stresses in the system

The Central Bank has kicked off an asset quality review of the country’s banking sector to identify possible stresses in different pockets of banks’ balance sheets as they provided enormously on possible bad loans and other financial asset losses in 2022 with the final stretch of moratoria expiring early this year.