Colombo’s lively daily rhythm

Court dismisses stay order application on BASL election

The Colombo District Court today dismissed an application for an enjoining order to stay the election for the post of President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), scheduled to be held on February 19, 2025.

’’Government has come with a large cake, it should be divided equally among people’’: Sunil Handunetti

Minister of Industries Sunil Handunetti likened the Budget 2025, proposed in Parliament by President Anura Kuamra Dissanayake earlier today, to a large cake, saying it should be divived equally among all people.

Amend budget during debate: Sajith

While highlighting that the budget 2025 has been prepared following the advice of the IMF, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the government should amend the budget at least during the budget debate.

2025 Budget...

Term of Acting President of Court of Appeal extended

The term of Acting President of the Court of Appeal Justice Mohammed Thahir Laffar has been extended.

President takes a swipe at foreign energy company

In an obvious reference to the Adani group moving out of the renewable energy project, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his budget speech, asked whether the unit price of USD 0.08 quoted by it is justifiable.

Government employees’ salaries to increase

The government has announced a salary increase for government employees, with the basic salary being raised from Rs 24,250 to Rs 40,000.

Government to lease underutilized state-owned land to SMEs for productive economic activities

The Government is proposing to lease underutilized state-owned land to SMEs for productive economic activities under the budget 2025.

SriLankan Airlines allocated Rs. 20 billion

The budget 2025 has allocated Rs. 20 billion for national carrier SriLankan Airlines, for the repayment of the principal and interest of its loan.

Assistant Divisional Secretary dies of burn injuries

The Assistant Dvisional Secreatary of Chavakachcheri Sathees Thamalini (35) died of serious burn injuries caused by a fire which broke out in her house.

Government to establish a state Development Bank to support SMEs

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced plans to establish a state-owned development Bank under 2025 budget proposals to support the country’s small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

Senior Citizens to receive higher FD interest rates

The Budget 2025 allocates Rs. 15 billion for higher interest rates to senior citizens.

2025 export target raised to US$ 19bn

President Dissayanake, in his budget speech today announced that the government expects to achieve an export revenue of US$19 billion in 2025.

SL expects 5% economic growth

Sri Lanka is aiming for an economic growth of 5 percent in the medium terms President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said presenting the Budget 2025.

June 15 deadline for Sri Lanka Rugby to reform or face sanctions

Sri Lanka Rugby has been granted a final extension of four months by World Rugby to resolve its governance crisis. The extension, running from February 15 to June 15, provides a last opportunity for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) to enact constitutional reforms and hold elections, failing which severe sanctions will be imposed, including the potential exclusion of Sri Lanka from international rugby events.

SL to focus on promoting untapped destinations to promote tourism

Sri Lanka will focus on promoting untapped destinations across the island nation for tourism, President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka said while presenting the budget 2025.

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, found dead

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron has been found dead in Seoul, police have said.

Ten female apparel workers among injured in Kandaketiya crash

At least 12 people, including 10 women, were injured in a head-on collision between a bus and a van in Bopitiya, Kandaketiya.

Cabinet approves 2025 Budget presentation

The Cabinet has given its approval for the presentation of the 2025 budget to Parliament, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Canned fish makers seek VAT removal to cut prices and support low-income families

Sri Lanka’s canned fish manufacturers are seeking the removal of the 18 percent VAT imposed on locally produced canned fish to ensure accessibility for low-income families to the cheapest source of protein in order to tackle malnutrition among lower-income households.

Don’t let school children be exposed to sun

Do not send school children out in the sun as they should not be exposed to hot weather conditions prevailing today, Secretary Ministry of Education Nalaka Kaluwewa said yesterday.

All eyes on NPP government’s maiden budget today

Sri Lankans eagerly awaits the maiden budget of the NPP government which is expected to be presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today.

Govt. inaction stalls local pharma growth, SLPMA warns

The Sri Lanka Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (SLPMA) urged the government to create a level playing field for domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers to compete with imported pharmaceutical products.

Tourist arrivals continue momentum in February

Tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka continue to maintain momentum, with over 115,000 visitors entering the country within the first 13 days of February.

SSC on the verge of losing first-class status

Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), one of Sri Lanka’s topmost cricket-playing domestic clubs, are in a spot of bother as they are on the verge of losing their first-class status after their lacklustre performance in the ongoing Major Club three-day cricket tournament.

Ella bush fire spreading

Huge boulders in the Rock Hill forest reserve have cracked and are at risk of rolling down onto the Ella-Wellawaya main highway due to the intense heat of the bush fire in the forest reserve that has spread for more than two days.

Sri Lanka Army personnel below rank of Major asked to hand over passports

All Sri Lanka Army personnel below the rank of Major have been instructed to hand over their passports to their respective Regiments.

Can Asalanka make Test return after stellar ODI show?

Charith Asalanka led the Sri Lanka ODI team to a thumping 2-0 win over Australia after the home team had been embarrassed in Galle in the Test series by Steven Smith and co.

Tissa Attanayake withdraws from committee appointed to confer with UNP

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National Organiser Tissa Attanayake said he has withdrawn from the committee appointed by party leader Sajith Premadasa to confer with the UNP.