US re-emphasizes importance of IMF programme,encourages continuous engagement

In the wake of the visit of Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu as the first highest level engagement with the new government in Sri Lanka, the United States said it views the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme as essential to Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and resilience and encourages continued engagement to drive sustainable growth and improve livelihoods.

Adani Group opts out of US funding for Its Colombo Port project

Billionaire Gautam Adani-led conglomerate on Tuesday said it will use its own resources to fund a Sri Lankan port project and not seek US funding.

Parliament website removes ’Dr.’ title from Speaker’s profile

Amid allegations over the academic qualifications of Speaker Asoka Ranwala, the Sri Lanka Parliament website has removed the title ’Dr.’ from his profile.

No annual bonus for CEB employees

Despite request by the ruling party - affiliated Ceylon Electricity Employees’ Union, the director board of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has not approved bonus for its workers this year, an informed source said.

President directs fixed rice prices

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed rice traders to sell Nadu rice to consumers at a wholesale price of Rs. 225 per kilo and a retail price of Rs. 230 per kilo.  

No electricity price reduction for next six months: CEB

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided not to change electricity tari for six months and to go for a revision by mid next year, it was revealed yesterday.

Mill owner hoarding rice stocks included in SJB national list: Minister

A mill owner who had failed to release rice stocks to the market is included in the SJB’s national list, Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe told Parliament today.

Opposition flays Govt. over large budgetary allocation to Presidential Secretariat

The opposition flayed the government yesterday saying that a large budgetary allocation had been made to the Presidential Secretariat for the first quarter of next year despite pious pronouncements in the pre-election period to prune expenditure.

People queuing to pay taxes: Handunnetti

People, industrialists and entrepreneurs have volunteered to pay taxes where there was a long queue on September 31 to pay taxes while the online App of the Inland Revenue Department is congested with so many people trying to log in to pay taxes, Minister Sunil Handunnetti said today.

Political bribes - Govt. to investigate former MPs over liquor licences

The government is to carry out an investigation to determine whether any of the MPs who represented the previous Parliament or any one of their associates had received liquor licences as political bribes during the previous regime, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Women officers take charge of key Police Divisions

For the first time in Sri Lanka’s police history, several female officers have been appointed to senior positions in key divisions, including the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Special Investigation Unit.

No more state bungalows to ministers, duty free vehicle permits, pension scrapped for MPs

In its move for the curtailment of benefits for parliamentarian in keeping with the the election manifesto, the government has decided not to assign state bungalows to ministers,a Minister said yesterday.

Japan to consider new projects only after considering their economic status only: Embassy

Japan will consider new projects in Sri Lanka only after examining any request from the Sri Lankan authorities and its economic status first, the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

Parliament Secretary-General clarifies stance on perks granted to MPs

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera has clarified the process and policies regarding the privileges granted to Members of Parliament (MPs) and the allocation of official residences.

Air quality in SL at unhealthy level: AQI

According to the real-time Air Quality Index (AQI), the air pollution level indicated in Sri Lanka’s atmosphere is still at risk and the country will experience unhealthy air quality conditions.

Sri Lanka should not bow to external pressure: Chinese Envoy

Sri Lanka must not bow to external pressure and must maintain an independent foreign policy, especially at a time when some ‘parties’ are trying to take advantage of its economic situation, China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong told a group of journalists in Colombo last evening.

Tally of flood-affected people surpasses 400,000

A total of 401,707 people from 120,534 families have been affected across 24 districts due to the ongoing inclement weather, with 12 fatalities reported, according to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC).

Toll of deaths, injuries, missing persons due to adverse weather increases

The number of deaths caused by adverse weather resulting from the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal has risen to six, with the number of injuries and missing persons increasing to 17 and six, respectively, the Meteorology Department reported.

CBSL further eases monetary policy stance

The Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 26 November 2024, decided to further ease the monetary policy stance and set the newly introduced Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 8.00 per cent.

Arjuna Mahendran noticed to appear in court over bond scam

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today issued a notice directing former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran to appear before the court on February 25, 2025.

Presence of Harini, Vijitha, Tilvin at ABBA Tribute Show clarified

Responding to social media reports criticizing the presence of top NPP members at the ABBA Tribute Show, the Mount Lavinia Hotel clarified that the dignitaries were invited guests at the concert.

No way for Govt. to break guardrails of IMF programme

The government has committed to stay within the main guardrails of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme and flexibility on its priorities and objectives are only within them, a top official said.

Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving the way for the next tranche, for US$ 333 million, of the four-year Extended Fund Facility.

Tension erupts at UNP headquarters

A tense situation was reported at the UNP party headquarters in Sirikotha when a group of UNP supporters arrived to hand over a document on reviving the party.

Ministers to be monitored: New mechanism in the offing

For the first time in Sri Lanka, the government is to establish a mechanism to supervise and advice ministries in the implementation of policies, a source said

Olympic Athlete Sugath Thilakaratne among 29 Deputy Ministers

Olympic athlete Sugath Thilakaratne is one of the 29 deputy ministers appointed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Government to initiate drive for stolen asset recovery

The government is to initiate action for the establishment of a mechanism for stolen asset recovery in keeping with the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR Initiative) and fresh measures for probing into corruption and frauds as promised in the election manifesto, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said yesterday.

Committee appointed to probe Ravi K’s National List appointment

A four-member committee has been appointed to conduct an independent inquiry into the appointment of Ravi Karunanayake as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF).

Harin granted bail

Former Minister Harin Fernando who was arrested in connection with an election violation during the recent general elections was released on bail.

Perks announced for newly elected MPs

Parliamentary Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera outlined the benefits newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will receive.