Another protest against new taxes…

The trade unions of the Sri Lanka Telecom organized a protest in front of the Telecom head office against the new taxes and increase in the cost of living. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Wonder why RW trying to implement controversial 13A at this critical juncture: Maithripala

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken a torch which is burning from both side by trying to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Former President Maithripala Sirisena said today.

Kanchana asks why PUCSL allows special electricity tariff relief to Housing Apartments

Claiming that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has granted special electricity tariff reduction to Housing Apartment Complexes than normal domestic units, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said today that electricity could be provided to normal domestic units at concessionary rates if the special relief granted to Housing Apartments was withdrawn.

AHM Fowzie sworn in as MP

A.H.M. Fowzie was sworn in as a MP of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) a short while ago.

Basil says ready to give up US citizenship

Former Minister and Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa said that he is ready to give up his US citizenship if the dual citizenship was an obstacle to his future political activities.

Military called in to Colombo Fort

The Military has been called in to Colombo Fort after a tense situation erupted due to the protest march organised by the trade unions against the government’s tax policy.

President vows to appoint Presidential Commission to look into Political Parties

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would appoint a Presidential Commission to look into the Political Parties of Sri Lanka and submit a report regarding the methodology which they should implement.

Ready to take unpopular decisions to recover economic crisis: President

While saying he was not taking decisions seeking popularity, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today he was ready to take unpopular decisions to recover the country from the economic crisis.

President arrives in Parliament

President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in Parliament a short while ago to inaugurate the 4th session of the 9th Parliament.

Hirunika and her mother urge SC to set aside Presidential Pardon granted to Duminda Silva

Former Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and her mother Sumana Premachandra through their lawyers yesterday urged Supreme Court to set aside the Presidential Pardon granted to former Parliamentarian Duminda Silva for not following the provisions stipulated in the proviso to Article 34 (1) of the Constitution.

RW speaks to Turkish President; offers assistance

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has spoken to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a short while ago and extended his support for the people of Türkiye and offered assistance to the country.

SJB allies decide to participate despite decision of higher-ups

Some allies of Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have decided to participate in the opening sessions of Parliament despite the decision of SJB higher-ups to boycott the sessions tomorrow.

Only Rs. 11 mn spent on Independence Day celebration: President’s Office

Disclosing the expenses of the Independence Day celebration, the President’s Office said the government spent only Rs. 11 million on the 75th National Independence Day celebrations this year.

President accepts EC member Charles’ resignation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accepted the letter of resignation tendered by Member of the Election Commission P.S.M. Charles, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Zealand HC issues clarification on travel advisory

In response to the Mirror Business story published on February 4, the New Zealand High Commission in Colombo clarified that no travel advisory has been issued advising Kiwis against traveling to Sri Lanka, and New Zealand has only advised its citizens to exercise increased caution.

Japan donates fleet of vehicles to SL police

The Japanese Government has donated 150 motorcycles, 74 vans and minibuses and 115 pieces of surveillance equipment for the use of the Sri Lanka Police Department.

Will continue new reforms despite obstacles created by anarchist political forces: Prez

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said regardless of the obstacles the anarchist political forces seek to create, he will continue the new reform program with the majority of people who love this country.

’’You are not alone’’ says Commonwealth Sec. Gen.

Claiming that Sri Lanka continues to feel the weight of political and economic pressure, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said ’’I am here because I want every Sri Lankan to know that you are not alone”

President’s Office says reports about diplomatic event in Kandy false

The President’s office has refuted social media posts regarding the diplomatic event that was held at the President’s House in Kandy on February 2, where 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and 6 High Commissioners presented their credentials to the President.