Hydropower reservoirs dwindle further

Maussakele and Castlereagh reservoirs that feed Laxapana, New Laxapana, Polpitiya and Wimalasurendra hydropower complexes were further dwindling due to the prevailing drought. Engineers in charge of the two reservoirs said the

I believe that fuel and electricity can be restored from next monday

Rampant policy confusion

Confusion appears to be the order of the day. Just after the Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal told bank CEOs yesterday that the rupee was floated, providing some much needed clarity, the Finance Ministry in a bizarre statement announced a Rs. 20 Avurudu incentive for each migrant dollar. On Monday

Personal Data Protection Bill should not be passed in haste: NMSJ

The recently proposed Personal Data Protection Bill must only be passed following a broad social discourse on the subject and it should not be passed in haste at this juncture, National Movement for Social Justice said.

Import of 367 non-essential items sans valid licence restricted

The Gazette notification restricting the imports of 367 non-essential items without a valid licence has been issued, with effect from midnight yesterday, the Department of Imports and Exports Control said.

Will continue with plans for SL LNG project: New Fortress Energy says

New York-based gas-to-power developer New Fortress Energy (NFE) will continue with the plans for the Sri Lanka LNG project after the country’s court discharged the opposing development, the NFE said.

SL at the heart of Indo-Pacific to play leading role: U.S. Ambassador

U. S. Ambassador Julie J. Chung said her country recognizes that much of the planet’s future will be written in the Indo-Pacific and Sri Lanka is at the heart of the Indo Pacific to play a leading role.

CA issues notices on Litro and Laugfs

The Court of Appeal yesterday issued notices on Litro and Laugfs, Consumer Affairs Authority and Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) standards, returnable for June 6 in connection with a writ petition filed challenging the gas companies’ decision to release unsafe gas cylinders to the market. Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justice Ruwan Fernando and Justice Sampath Wijeratne fixed the petition for inquiry on June 6. General Secr

Lawsuits claiming compensation over Easter Sunday attacks: Court grants leave to proceed with Maithri’s appeal

Colombo Civil Appellate High Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with an appeal filed by former President Maithripala Sirisena challenging the District Court’s decision to reject his request that he be discharged from several civil lawsuits filed by the victims of Easter Sunday attacks. Colomb

Ranjan to express special regret over utterances

Former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake through his counsel yesterday informed Supreme Court that he is expecting to make a special regret if his utterances have caused any contempt towards the Supreme Court. President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda appearing for Ramanayake made this remark when the second contempt of court case filed against him was taken up before Supreme Court three-judge-be

pharmaceutical Supplies suspended from Tuesday

the AIPPOA has requested pharmacy owners to issue their existing stock of medicines sparingly while explaining the situation to consumers

Ranil says no national govt. But calls for all parties to unite to come out of crises

​Rumours have been rife that UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is in talks with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to form a national government amidst the ongoing crises, but sources close to Wickremesinghe yesterday denied these rumours saying the UNP Leader would not form a national government. Wh

Due to non-payment of tax arrears Mendis Distilleries suspended from functioning: Semasinghe

Mendis Distilleries which is owned by Arjun Aloysius is yet to settle due tax arrears and therefore it has not been allowed to function, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe told Parliament yesterday.

SL should also apply for int’l patent for Kottu: MP Herath

Sri Lanka should apply for an international patent for Kottu which is a food which has originated from the island, a government MP told Parliament yesterday.

Cabinet nod for nine-member Economic Council

The Economic Council will convene weekly and will operate with the objective of boosting economic growth. Focus areas

Advisory committee to approve buildings

All the residential and commercial multi-storey buildings in the country, especially condominiums, are to go under the microscope, which may lead to hefty fines or demolition. The Urban Develo

Government considers amending laws on abortion

Government is willing to amend laws pertaining to abortion and to legalize it subjected to conditions, Parliament was informed yesterday.

PUCSL announces tomorrow’s power shedding

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) yesterday announced power shedding for today (9) as a result of fuel scarcity and the absence of power generators.

Government or I don’t condone primitive behaviour: Alahapperuma

While condemning unreservedly the hurling of eggs and shouting filth before the SJB head office at Kotte on Monday by a group led by SLPP Colombo District parliamentarian Madura Withana

Pictorial biography of the late Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike released on International Women’s Day

SIRIMAVO: Steering the Destiny of a Nation, a pictorial biography of the late Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike was released on March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day. Photo shows the book’s coordinator Dr. Ranjith Cabral presenting the first copy to Ms Sunethra Bandaranaike, Secretary of the Bandaranaike Museum Committee, at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Museum at BMICH pre

CB devalues the rupee against USD to Rs 230

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has devalued the rupee against the US dollar to Rs.230 with immediate effect, the bank announced yesterday.

Despite govt. saying no more power cuts Today’s power cut schedule announced

The power schedule which was imposed today will be carried out for tomorrow (8) as well, the Public Utilities Commissio

Basil orders LG heads to switch off all street lamps to conserve electricity

Hydropower generation has dropped drastically due to the prevailing drought

Governors instruct officials to reduce power consumption by 20% in all provinces

The Provincial Governors instructed officials of relevant government agencies to reduce consumption of electricity in public plac

Brent oil prices rise to $.130

The global price of Brent crude oil went over $130 per barrel yesterday surpassing the top 2012 mark of over $128.

SC grants leave to proceed with FR filed over X-Press Pearl disaster

The Supreme Court yesterday granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed in connection with the X-Press Pearl disaster.

Cause for Dec.3 countrywide blackout will be out soon: PUCSL Chairman

Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman Janaka Rathnayaka said the cause for the countrywide blackout on

Ex-CID chief Ravi Seneviratne files FR to prevent being arrested by CID

Former Chief of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Senior DIG Ravi Seneviratne has filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order preventing the CID from arresting him in connection to the allegati

Prez orders Nedungamuwa Raja to be declared as National Treasure

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday instructed Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultura

SJB cannot be silenced by attacks: Chaminda Wijesiri

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) which alleged that a government MP was behind the attack at its headquarters with eggs, s