Will not deviate from IMF programme, but will renegotiate terms and conditions: NPP

The National People’s Power (NPP) said it would not derail the IMF programme if it won the presidency but would renegotiate its terms and conditions on implementations since the current austerity measures had burdened people and the attempts of the government to sell off public assets would bring severe economic consequences to the country.

Calling of bids for restructuring SriLankan Airlines extended by 45 days

The deadline for calling bids for the restructuring of SriLankan Airlines has been extended by 45 days and it will come to effect from today, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said.

Bondholder agreement delay unlikely to affect IMF review: Coomaraswamy

A potential delay in securing an agreement-in-principle (AIP) with Sri Lanka’s private bondholders is unlikely to impact the second review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, former Central Bank Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said.

Eight Sri Lankans rescued from illegal cyber center camp in Myanmar

Eight Sri Lankan nationals who were forcibly detained at an illegal cyber center camp in Myanmar have been rescued, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Janak Bandara confirmed.

Parents urged to cease pressure on primary school children

The pressure exerted by parents on their children during primary education from Grades 1to 5 should be stopped and the necessary environment will be prepared to reduce its competitiveness, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said.

First ever semi-transparent solar PV pilot project commissioned

Sri Lanka’s first ever semi-transparent solar PV-powered agrivoltaic pilot project was commissioned at Hanthana in Kandy.

WNPS vows tough action against Adani wind power project

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) vowed stern legal action against the Adani-sponsored wind power project in Mannar if the proposed environmental concerns on the EIA is not heeded by the Central Environment Authority (CEA), saying over one million birds will be affected annually if the project came into being.

Locals outraged as Israeli and Ukrainian tourists operate businesses in South

Following the Daily Mirror’s expose on Russian tourists engaging in illegal businesses in several areas in the south, it has now come to light that many Israeli and Ukrainian tourists are also engaged in running similar businesses in the south, hampering local businesses and causing much concern among industry stakeholders.

Central Bank of Sri Lanka clarifies reports on salary hike

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has responded to recent media reports surrounding comments made by Members of Parliament regarding the latest revision of remuneration for CBSL employees.

Suspected deaths of patients at Kurunegala Hospital raise concern

The Health Ministry has launched an investigation and appointed a committee to look into the incident surrounding the suspected deaths at the dialysis unit of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital.

Court prevents removal of Sarath Fonseka from SJB’s positions

The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) from removing Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party positions.

Sri Lanka fall behind in blacklisting corrupt contractors: Verité Research

Sri Lanka has the worst record among South Asian countries in blacklisting corrupt contractors in public procurement, according to a new report by Verité Research.

Sri Lanka busts oil spill using satellite surveillance for first time

Following the initiative with the French government to detect oil spills in Sri Lankan waters using satellite surveillance, Sri Lanka has detected the first such incident and fined Rs.15 million to the responsible company, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) said.

Forensic audit reveals frauds at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

KPMG’s forensic audit into discrepancies at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals (CPSTL) has revealed substantial losses attributed to alterations and deletions in SAP data related to stock holdings.

Ambitious plans underway to make SL a ‘happening’ tourist destination

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is gearing up for a major transformation, as the authorities unveil an ambitious plan to make the country one of the world’s most dynamic and sought-after destinations.

Bus driver convicted for fatal train collision in 2009, arrested after evading court

A bus driver responsible for a tragic accident on May 16, 2009, at the Sevanapitiya Railway Crossing in Welikanda, which claimed the lives of 15 passengers and left 40 others seriously injured, has been arrested.

Debt payers slam CB’s silence on unregulated online lenders

Leasing and debt installment payers voiced concerns over Central Bank’s silence regarding the questionable practices of unregulated online loan providers in Sri Lanka.

Tri-forces halt general recruitment

Sri Lanka is in the process of downsizing the existing Sri Lanka Army cadre to 135,000 by the end of this year, and the number has already dropped to nearly 150,000 from the existing Sri Lanka Army cadre of 200,783, Daily Mirror learns.

Presidential Election on schedule, General Election set for next year: PMD

The President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed that the Presidential Election will be held within the mandated period and will adhere to the current timeline.

Unified Payment Interface launched in Sri Lanka

The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) service was launched in Sri Lanka today.

More surprises to be unfolded: Anura Kumara says after India visit

Claiming that opposition camps have been astonished by the NPP’s Indian visit, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that more surprising events are to be unfolded in the near future.

’For me to be back I must contest’: President on Presidential election

President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed optimism of contesting the upcoming presidential election that is slated to be held this year.

NGOs spend billions unchecked, new law soon to monitor them

In the wake of reports that as much as over half of funds received by various NGOs are spent without any monitoring, the government is in the final stage of evolving a new law that provides for compulsory registration of all such organizations with the National NGO Secretariat, an official said.

Pathum Nissanka runs riot; becomes first Sri Lankan to slam ODI double ton

An inevitable win for Sri Lanka was only delayed by Afghanistan’s sixth wicket pair, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzi, who both cracked tons and shared a 242-run stand, as it turned out to be insufficient and too late.

Keheliya resigns as Cabinet Minister

Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is in prison has tendered his resignation from the position of Environment Minister to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Government rushed to amend Online Safety Act amidst pressure

Amidst concerns by the industry stakeholders about the possible impact on digital economy, the government has already worked out fresh amendments to be incorporated into the recently introduced Online Safety Act.

Anura Kumara to leave for India tomorrow on official invitation

A group led by NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake is to leave for India tomorrow on an official invitation by the Indian government, party sources said.

Keheliya Rambukwella admitted to prison hospital

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, who was remanded over importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, was admitted to Prison Hospital.

Keheliya Rambukwella remanded until February 15

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday over the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has been remanded until February 15.

Yukthiya operation should not be passionate or personal initiative outside law

The Lawyers’ Collective, in an open letter to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles yesterday said the Yukthiya Anti-drug Campaign must conform to the rule of law and should not be a passionate, personal initiative that seeks implementation outside the law.