Suspension of Parate Law to be taken up for debate next week

The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to take up for debate the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions)(Amendment) Bill (Second Reading) which includes provisions for the suspension of the Parate Law till 15 December 2024, on May 7,2024, the Communications Department of Parliament said.

Laugfs gas prices reduced

Laugfs Gas PLC today announced a substantial reduction in the prices of its Laugfs-branded domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), effective midnight.

Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia: Tourism stakeholders

Tourism stakeholders said Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many other destinations that offer free visas or charge much lower fees.

Litro Gas prices reduced

The price of a 12.5 kg domestic Litro LP gas cylinder will reduced by Rs.175 from midnight today, Litro Gas said

First school term ends today

The second phase of the first school term for 2024 will end today, the Education Ministry said.

Patients in dire straits as drug shortage hits Govt. hospitals

Patients seeking medical treatment at government hospitals across the country are facing significant inconvenience due to a shortage of medicines, forcing them to seek alternatives in private pharmacies.

Another round of debt restructuring talks with ad hoc group of bondholders

Sri Lanka will have another round of talks with the representatives of the ad hoc group of bondholders soon, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

Sri Lanka Cricket further enhances its relationship with Japan Cricket

The President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Shammi Silva, accompanied by Acting Secretary Mr. Chryshantha Kapuwatte, enhanced Sri Lanka Cricket’s existing ties with the Japan Cricket Association during a visit to Japan.

Planters’ Association slams daily wage increase announcement

The Planters’ Association (PA) of Ceylon representing Regional Plantation Companies (RPC) is moving ahead to object to the Rs.1700 daily wage increase proposed for plantation workers, while asserting that a final decision is yet to be reached on the matter.

Five authors shortlisted for 31st Gratiaen Prize

The shortlist of authors for the coveted Gratiaen Prize was recently announced by the Gratiaen Trust in partnership with the John Keells Foundation and with the support of British Council as its event partner.

West Indies cricketer banned for five years

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed a five-year period of ineligibility from all cricket on West Indies player Devon Thomas after he accepted breaching seven counts of the anti-corruption codes of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Renowned philosopher Nalin de Silva no more

Professor Nalin de Silva, a prominent figure in the realms of philosophy, academia and diplomacy passed away at the age of 79.

Government defends outsourcing of visa process

Department of Government Information, in response to allegations over the outsourced online visa application process, said it had been given to VFS Global, a company with 146 centres across the globe after proper study into the matter and approval by the Cabinet.

Litro gas prices to be slashed

The Litro has announced a significant reduction in the prices of Litro liquefied petroleum (LP) gas cylinders, effective from midnight tomorrow (May 3rd).

No Indian firm involved in visa issuance at BIA - Spokesperson

In response to media queries regarding Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo, a spokesman for the Indian High Commission said any reference to India is unwarranted as companies referred to do not belong to India.

Norwegian Ambassador meets Anura Kumara

Norwegian Ambassador in New Delhi May-Elin Stener met National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the JVP head office this afternoon.

Brawl at Menikhinna Hospital: Doctor released on bail

The doctor who was involved in the brawl at Menikhinna Hospital last Sunday was arrested and later released on bail.

Protest over salary issues...

The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers staged a protest outside the Finance Ministry based on several demands including salary issues. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

CoPF approves suspension of Parate Law until December 15, 2024

The Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) approved the Recovery of Loans by Banks (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Bill which was amended to facilitate legal provisions for the suspension of the Parate Law till December 15, 2024.

Worldwide smartphone shipments expand 10% YoY, Samsung regains global spot

The worldwide smartphone market has experienced a 10 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) growth, reaching 296.2 million shipments in the first quarter (1Q24), according to the consultancy firm Canalys.

Five Attorneys-at-Law conferred with Senior Instructing Attorneys-at-Law

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conferred the Honour of Senior Instructing Attorneys-at-Law to five Attorneys-at-Law for the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Indonesia volcano eruptions force thousands to evacuate as airlines cancel flights

Renewed eruptions from a remote Indonesian volcano have triggered fresh evacuation orders and sparked flight cancellations and airport closures this week with smoke, lava and volcanic gasses spewing out of the fiery mountain.

SF does not deserve prominence in SJB: Party vice chairman

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka did not play any role in organizing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally and therefore, he did not deserve any prominence, its Vice Chairman Sujeewa Senasinghe said today.

Controversy over foreigners issuing on-arrival visas at BIA

Chaos broke out at the BIA last night following the controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by an Indian company. This company has been charging an extra $25, whereas the Immigration and Emigration Department had been managing the process smoothly for several years.

Lakshman Yapa and Nazeer Ahamed sworn in as Governors

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena took oath as the Governor of the Southern Province before President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago.

STF seizes 13 kgs heroin linked to ’Dubai Kapila’

A stock of drugs including 13 kgs of heroin suspected to belong to an underworld figure known as “Dubai Kapila” has been recovered by the Police Special Task Force (STF).

Workers’ rights lost in quest for presidential elections

May Day was observed yesterday in the country and elsewhere across the world, but the question remained whether it was done in a befitting manner as usual in Sri Lanka with politics taking center stage rather than the rights of workers.

Minimum Room Rate could be scrapped in two months: SLTDA

The government may consider scrapping the reintroduced Minimum Room Rate (MRR) for Colombo city hotels in two months, after evaluating whether it has fulfilled its purpose.

March exports reflect continued heft despite strengthening rupee

The growth in exports in March outstripped the increase in the expenditure for merchandise imports for the same month, as the exports of textiles and garments showed strength once again, after losing a bit of steam in the recent months.

Large crowd at NPP May Day rally

National People’s Power (NPP) led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake held its May Day rally at CWW Kannagara Mawatha in Colombo attended by large crowds. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana