ADB approves USD 200 million policy-based loan to Sri Lanka

Manila, Philiphines (19 November 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today approved a USD 200 million policy-based loan to further help the Government of Sri Lanka strengthen its financial sector, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)said.

Challenging arrest over road accident in 2023: Ravi Seneviratne’s FR dismissed

A Fundamental Rights petition filed by incumbent Public Security Ministry Secretary Ravi Seneviratne challenging his arrest over a road accident in 2023 has been dismissed by Supreme Court.

Ranjith Madduma Bandara named as one of SJB national list MPs

An Extraordinary Gazette has officially named Ranjith Madduma Bandara as a National List Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB).

18 Ministry Secretaries appointed

New Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Cabinet Secretary and 16 Ministry Secretaries were appointed today, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Government seeks to remove barriers to effective public service

The government aims to create an environment where public officials can serve freely and effectively while removing barriers that hinder both officials and citizens in delivering and accessing services.

Conducting A/L tuition classes prohibited from tonight

Conducting coaching or tuition classes targeting the 2024 GCE Advanced Level (A/L) Examinations will be prohibited from midnight today, the Department of Examinations said.

Aruni Ranaraja appointed new Foreign Secretary

Aruni Ranaraja has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary, succeeding Aruni Wijewardena, who previously held the position.

Meningococcal disease outbreak at Army Training School under control

The outbreak of Meningococcal disease at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu is under control, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said.

Bimal appointed Leader of the House, Nalinda Chief Government Whip

Minister Bimal Rathnayake has been appointed as the Leader of the House while Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as Chief Government Whip, the Government said.

New Public Security Minister vows to end police politicisation

While assuring the public that tackling bribery and corruption will remain a priority, the new Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijayapala said today that he is committed to restoring the independence of the Sri Lanka Police, which he noted had been politicised under previous governments.

Train derailed at Diyatalawa

A train traveling from Kandy to Badulla derailed at the Diyatalawa railway station a short while ago, the Railways Department said.

Nalinda Jayatissa appointed as Cabinet Media Spokesman

Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman for the new government.

Kanchana Wijesekara to enter Parliament through National List?

Former Minister and New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate Kanchana Wijesekara is likely to enter Parliament through the National List, a number of former MPs told the media a shortwhile ago.

Over 100 mm rains likely today

Heavy rains above 100 mm are likely today in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Northern Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts, the Meteorology Department sai

Security tightened at Ravi K’s residence over National List seat

Security was increased this morning outside the official residence of former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in Battaramulla, anticipating protests over the gazetting of his name for one of the two National List seats.

Court orders medical report on Lohan Ratwatte’s health condition

The Court of Appeal today issued an order directing the hospital authorities to submit a report on the health condition of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, who is currently in remand custody in connection with a case involving an unregistered luxury vehicle.

Sri Lanka names squad for upcoming Test series against South Africa

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has named a 17-player squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa.

New Zealand: Thousands protest in Wellington over Māori bill

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders rallied in front of parliament on Tuesday in one of the country’s largest ever protests to oppose a bill, which opponents say seeks to dilute the rights of Maori and threatens to set race relations back decades.

President to visit India in mid-December: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said yesterday that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is set to visit India in mid-December for his maiden state visit.

UNP disputes Ravi’s nomination for National List slot, EC gazettes Ravi’s name

The United National Party (UNP) disassociated itself from the nomination of its member former MP Ravi Karunanayake on the National List to Parliament and vowed to institute disciplinary action against him.

No more state ministers, 26-28 deputy ministers to be appointed soon

In a departure from the practice of the previous rules, the new government has decided to scrap the concept of state ministers but will proceed with the appointment of 26-28 deputy ministers instead within a day or two, a minister said yesterday.

President urges IMF to maintain balanced approach in economic recovery programme

While highlighting his government’s commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the people, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged the IMF to maintain a balanced approach that considers the hardships faced by citizens.

Police go tough on bogus beggars in Anuradhapura sacred sites, arrest six women

Police in Anuradhapura will take strong punitive measures against bogus individuals who would beg money from pilgrims of sacred sites under various pretexts of medical emergencies etc, and placed six such women under custody.

Wimal Weerawansa accuses Canadian Tamil Congress of racist, separatist demands

National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and former Parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa today claimed that organizations like the Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) have come forward to demand racist, religious and separatist demands.

Ravi among three National List MPs gazetted by EC

The Election Commission has gazetted the name of former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to one of the two National List seats that were allotted to the New Democratic Front (NDF) following the Parliamentary Elections last week.

Third term school holiday starts on Friday

The Education Ministry has decided to grant the first holiday of the first phase of the third school term on Friday, November 22.

Rise in fever cases, viral infections, dengue among children

A rise in fever cases among children have been observed in viral infections and a growing number of dengue cases, Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) consultant pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said.

Four key players released ahead of final ODI against New Zealand

Sri Lanka Cricket selectors have decided to release Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Asitha Fernando from the squad ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand.

Ravi to face disciplinary action over national seat fuss

Members of the UNP will hurriedly meet at 5:00 pm today to discuss possible disciplinary action against senior member Ravi Karunanayake, who has allegedly self-appointed himself to the national list of the New Democratic Front (NDF).

Fresh ethnic clashes in India’s Manipur after six bodies found

India’s north-eastern state of Manipur is on high alert after authorities recovered the bodies of six women and children, who reportedly belonged to the majority Meitei community.