Sri Lanka’s economy shows signs of stabilization, but poverty remains elevated

Sri Lanka’s economy is projected to see moderate growth of 2.2% in 2024, showing signs of stabilization, following the severe economic downturn of 2022 while the country still faces elevated poverty levels, income inequality, and labor market concerns, said the World Bank’s latest bi-annual update.

AG’s Department has done its duty, other institutions should act: Minister

The Attorney General’s Department has implemented the action recommended by the Presidential Commission which probed the Easter Sunday attacks while it is up to other institutions to act, Minister of Justice Wijedasa Rajapakshe told Parliament today.

’Spas’ face imminent closure amid HIV scare

On the heels of the massive raid conducted on ’Spas’ in the Negombo area resulting in the detection of two HIV cases, illegal spas and Ayurvedic spas that secretly offer prostitution services are facing imminent closure in many parts of the island, Daily Mirror learns.

Abans PLC clarifies: Local McDonald’s franchisee not under its umbrella

In an attempt to set the record straight, Abans PLC today said the local franchisee of the US fast food giant McDonald’s is not a part of its umbrella.

Arrest Maithri: Opposition MPs

Opposition MPs Mano Ganesan and Kavinda Jayawardene today called for the immediate arrest of former President Maithripala Sirisena and to interrogate him regarding the remark he made on Friday, stating that he is aware of the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday attacks.

Sri Lanka sees spike in tourist arrivals this year

Owing to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s economic initiatives and the peaceful environment fostered within the country, the arrival of foreign tourists has risen, Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. Chairman Athula Galkatiya said.

State Astrologers’ Committee refutes allegations of faulty auspicious times for New Year

Refuting allegations of faulty auspicious times during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the State Astrologers’ Committee justified the designation of auspicious times for performing Sinhala New Year rituals at night, claiming that they wanted the most suitable time for the rituals despite practical difficulties.

Small elite group trying to stop the ’change’: Harini Amarasuriya

Claiming that the change of power is not going to be easy, NPP MP Harini Amarasuriya said a small elite group is doing everything in their power to stop the change from happening.

HRCSL directs Royal College to rectify wrong prefects’ appointments

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has directed Royal College, Colombo 7 to rectify the alleged wrong appointments made to the Prefects Council for 2024.

Keheliya seeks bail

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, currently held in remand custody in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has sought bail from the Colombo High Court.

Migrated doctors return easing shortage concerns

Doctors who had previously left Sri Lanka for various reasons are now returning to the country, providing a hopeful alleviation of the ongoing shortage of doctors, the Health Ministry said.

SLPP expresses concerns over President’s direct dealing with individual MPs

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is reported to have reiterated its concerns with President Ranil Wickremesinghe over his direct dealings with individuals of the party bypassing its hierarchy.

Gotabaya’s book is an attempt to paint image of innocence: National Unity Alliance

The book released by Gotabaya Rajapaksa on an alleged Conspiracy to Oust Him is the latest attempt by the “president who ran away” to paint an image of innocence,National Unity Alliance said.

Funeral rites according to wishes of victims’ families: Foreign Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is in communication with the family members in Sri Lanka of the six Sri Lankans who were murdered in Ottawa, Canada and is facilitating their requests with the relevant Canadian authorities through the Sri Lankan High Commission while respecting their privacy.

President convenes party leaders’ meeting to discuss IMF proposals

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has convened a party leaders meeting on Monday to discuss the International Monetary Fund’s proposals with its high level delegation, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Rohitha Abeygunawardane new COPE Chairman

SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardane was elected chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises today.

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.