Govt. presses ahead to join world’s largest trading bloc

The government has decided to move on with the initiative undertaken in 2023 to join the world’s largest trade bloc, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’, which accounts for 30 per cent of global GDP (Gross Domestic Product), and three member states, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, have already thrown their weight behind Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka hopeful of removing new tax proposed by U.S.: Minister

In the wake of the United States’ proposed additional duties on Sri Lanka, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha said yesterday that Sri Lanka has been in discussion with the United States on matters involving forced labour and that Sri Lanka will be able to remove the proposed duty as necessary measures are being taken to prevent any use of forced labour in the supply chain.

Assistant Manager, security officer arrested over Horana bank robbery

An Assistant Manager and a security officer have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Rs. 35 million from a state bank in Horana recently.

’1990’’ under military rule: Suwa Seriya employees launch protest

For the first time in its history, employees of the ’1990’ Suwa Seriya emergency ambulance service have launched a street protest yesterday in Colombo. Staff members gathered to voice their strong dissent against what they described as a newly imposed ’’military-style administration’’ and arbitrary workspace transfers that undermine the welfare of workers.

No talks yet on fresh IMF programme

As calls emerge from various political quarters for the Government to secure a fresh programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to be implemented after the current bailout package, a spokesperson for the global lender said that Sri Lanka’s engagement for such an initiative is yet a matter to be discussed.

‘Suicide risk’ vs ‘Oscar-worthy act’: Court hears contrasting claims on Sallay

During submissions before court, President’s Counsel Shavindra Fernando, appearing for former State Intelligence Service Director Suresh Sallay, contended that based on the findings contained in the reports of the five consultant psychiatrists who examined the suspect, the court should consider granting appropriate relief under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).

Rupee further weakens against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee depreciated further against the US Dollar today (04), compared to Wednesday, with the selling rate rising to Rs. 340, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund lies idle

While many people affected by the Ditawah cyclone are still languishing in safe centres or in temporary locations waiting to be relocated, it was revealed yesterday that the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund established aiming to rebuild the country following the severe devastation has not been utilised.

Eleven missing, nearly 50 injured in fire at elderly care home in Horana

At least eleven persons are reported missing and nearly 50 others have been hospitalised after a fire broke out at an elderly care home in the Batagoda area of Horana today, police said.

Court imposes travel ban on Gotabaya Rajapaksa over Easter Sunday attacks probe

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena imposed a foreign travel ban on former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two military officers over an ongoing investigation into the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks.

Sri Lanka braces for severe heat in July-August

Sri Lanka is expected to experience significantly hotter-than-normal weather conditions during July and August this year as the developing El Niño phenomenon begins to influence the global climate, the Department of Meteorology warned.

Senior lawyers challenge summons issued on High Court Judge

Three senior legal professionals have filed a writ petition before the Court of Appeal seeking urgent intervention to prevent a sitting High Court Judge from being summoned and questioned regarding judicial decisions made in the course of his official duties, arguing that such action poses a serious threat to judicial independence and the rule of law.

Court summons two lawyers in Kapila Chandrasena’s death case

Colombo Fort Magistrate Pasan Amarasena ordered that summons be issued calling the 19th and 20th witnesses, President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne and Attorney-at-Law Udara Muhandiramge, to give evidence over the death of Kapila Chandrasena.

Fuel subsidy running out as CPC continues to sell fuel at a loss

Despite recent fuel price increases, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) continues to incur substantial financial losses on every litre of fuel sold, CPC Chairman D.J. Rajakaruna said.

Court orders charges against Jacqueline in Sukesh money laundering case

Jacqueline Fernandez has been in legal trouble with regards to Sukesh Chandrasekhar’s Rs 200 crore money laundering case.

Fuel QR system to be strictly enforced to curb forex outflow: Minister

Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation, and Energy, Anura Karunatilake said today that the government intends to strictly enforce the existing fuel QR code system moving forward.

Six killed, seven injured after drunk driver rams Vesak dansala queue in Meegoda

Six people, including a 15-year-old girl, were killed and seven others injured after a cab crashed into a crowd waiting in line at a Vesak dansala near Meegoda Junction on Sunday night.

E-passport tender cancelled with immediate effect

The government has decided to cancel the procurement process for the controversial e-passport project with immediate effect, former Minister and current Member of Parliament Ajith Perera said.

LIOC and Sinopec raise fuel prices following CPC revision

Lanka IOC (LIOC) and Sinopec have revised their fuel prices with effect from midnight on May 30, bringing their rates in line with the latest fuel price increase announced by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

Fuel prices increased from midnight

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) announced that fuel prices will be increased with effect from midnight today under its monthly fuel price revision.

Power cuts Imposed to maintain grid stability: Minister

Electricity supply was temporarily disconnected in nearly 100 areas, including parts of Colombo, due to an imbalance in the national power grid, Power and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said.

Rooftop solar owners asked to switch off systems

The National System Operator (Private) Limited (NSO) has requested rooftop solar panel owners across the country to voluntarily switch off their solar power systems until 3:00 p.m. today to help ensure the reliable and stable operation of the national electricity grid during the Vesak festival period.

Rupee falls sharply against US Dollar

The Sri Lankan Rupee recorded a sharp depreciation against the US Dollar today (29), with both buying and selling rates increasing by more than Rs. 4 compared to Wednesday’s exchange rates.

No fuel price drops expected in upcoming revision: CPC

Sri Lankans should not expect a reduction in fuel prices during the upcoming fuel price revision, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), Mayura Neththikumara said.

Global crises slam brakes on Sri Lanka’s recovery: IMF

Sri Lanka’s economic recovery is beginning to lose momentum under the weight of renewed global shocks, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, warning that the war in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and post-cyclone disruptions are slowing growth.

Banks can proceed against guarantors without suing principal debtor first: SC

The Supreme Court ruled that a bank is legally entitled to institute action directly against a guarantor without first proceeding against the principal debtor, provided the guarantor has expressly waived that right in the guarantee agreement.

Police to bring back 89 red notice suspects hiding abroad: Spokesperson

Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) F.U. Wutler says authorities are continuing efforts to repatriate 89 suspects wanted under Red Notices who are currently hiding in foreign countries in connection with serious criminal offences in Sri Lanka.

Seven Sri Lankan youths deported from UAE arrive at BIA; CID launches probe

Seven Sri Lankan youths who were arrested and remanded by security authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over allegations of storing photographs and videos of drones and missiles used in the Middle East conflict on their mobile phones, and reacting to them through likes and comments, were deported and arrived in Sri Lanka on the night of May 27.

IMF approves US$695 Million disbursement to Sri Lanka after completing fifth and sixth reviews

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the combined Fifth and Sixth Reviews of Sri Lanka’s economic reform programme under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement, paving the way for an immediate disbursement of SDR 508 million (approximately US$695 million).

CBK calls for urgent reform drive in Buddha Sasana

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has called for urgent reforms within the Buddhist monastic order, warning that the Buddha Sasana is facing increasingly serious challenges that require a structured and long-term response.