US$/LKR exchange rate likely to remain at 300-325 range in the near-term: StanChart

The US dollar-rupee exchange is likely to remain at Rs.300-325 range in the very near term, while up to US$ 1 billion inflows are expected into the country’s foreign exchange reverses over the next six-month period following the approval of the US$ 2.9 billion bailout package by the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart).

Sensitive info of state owned websites leaked?

Sensitive information of two Sri Lankan state websites have been leaked to a hacker forum, a cyber threat intelligence platform claimed last week.

Action to be taken against policemen who entered university premises: Susil

Ministry of Home Affairs and Police Department have been requested to take action against the policemen who had entered the university premises during the recent protests, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha told Parliament today.

Three key women instrumental in helping SL during its troubled period: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe today said that three women were instrumental in helping Sri Lanka during its troubled period.

China backs Sri Lanka debt plan, sources say, paving way for IMF loan: Report

China has given assurances that it will support Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring, clearing the biggest hurdle for the South Asian nation to secure a $2.9 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Act upon SC verdict on LG polls: NPP requests EC

The National People’s Power (NPP) has requested the Elections Commission to take necessary measures immediately with regard to the Local Government election based on the Supreme Court verdict and fix an early date for the election.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell features “Samahan” in interview

Renowned British supermodel Naomi Campbell features a pack of Sri Lankan made ’’Samahan,’’ as an essential product she keeps with her for a strong immune system.

CB delivers surprising 100bps rate hike amid IMF insistence

Taking everyone by surprise, the Monetary Board of the Central Bank today raised policy interest rates by 100 basis points, though many predicted the monetary authority to either maintain the status quo or signal a dovish tilt by cutting rates.

Deshapriya applies for Elections Commission again

Former Chairman of the Elections Commission Mahinda Deshapriya today confirmed that he has submitted an application to serve as a member of the Elections Commission.

Depth of crisis affirms SL needs new economic development model: WB

As the economic collapse and political instability have devastated the lives and livelihood of the people of Sri Lanka, the island nation is in dire need of a new development model, the World Bank (WB) said.

SL to have nuclear power plant in near future: Atomic Energy Board Chairman

The Cabinet approved signing the international conventions relating to generating electricity using nuclear power as it was a reliable, low-carbon base load source of electricity to complement renewable energy sources in the future, Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLARB) Chairman Professor S.R. D. Rosa said.

CA quashes charges against Ravi in two CB bond cases

The Court of Appeal today issued a writ of certiorari quashing the charges against former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in connection with two cases filed in Colombo High Court over Central Bank bond issuance.

Ranil proposed winding up UNP

United National Party (UNP) Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had proposed to wind up the party following its humiliating loss at the last elections, former Minister Navin Dissanayake revealed.

Man remanded for sexually abusing 11 girls at children’s home

A 60-year-old man was arrested for allegedly abusing 11 girls at a children’s home at Rakwana in Ratnapura.

CB reduces mandated forex sales by banks to 15%

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank has decided to reduce mandatory sale of export proceeds/receipts and inward workers’ remittances of commercial banks with effect from February 27, 2023.

Court issues order to AKD, 25 others over protest today

The Fort Magistrate has issued an order preventing National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and 25 others from engaging in protest or demonstration in several areas in the Colombo Fort causing inconvenience to the public and motorists from 1.00 pm till 8.00 pm today.

Govt. to introduce non-paying wards in private hospitals: President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday that the government is seeking the possibility of introducing non-paying wards in private hospitals where the government is taking the tab for the treatments made in those non-paying wards, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

LG Polls will not be held on March 9 - Elections Commission

The Elections Commission today formally announced that the Local Government Elections will not be held on March 9 and a fresh date will be announced on March 3.

Sri Lanka again abstains from UN vote on Russian invasion

Sri Lanka has once again on Thursday abstained from voting on a resolution against Russia at the UN General Assembly, where the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to call for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its forces immediately.

LG polls not legally declared: President

Local government election has not been declared legally and therefore, there is no question of a postponement, President Ranil Wickremesinghe stated today.

Adani Group gets BOI nod to install two wind power plants in Mannar, Pooneryn

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) has issued a letter of approval to India’s Adani Green Energy Limited, for the two wind power plants to be set up in Mannar and Pooneryn at an investment of US$ 442 million.

Death of Onesh Subasinghe: If you don’t let me go, I will kill you - servant overhears Onesh’s wife

The CID informed Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis that the maid who worked at businessman Onesh Subasinghe’s house in a statement had said she heard Subasinghe’s wife saying to him “I can’t eat Sri Lankan food. I can’t stay here. I want to go back to my country. If you don’t let me go, I will kill you.”

Parliament can be dissolved any time now

Sri Lanka can go for a general election anytime now as the present Parliament has completed two and a half years of its term as of midnight on Monday.

Delay in China’s positive response delays IMF bailout: Wijeyadasa

The delay in China’s positive response in restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt has been the only obstacle in securing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout at the moment, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said.

President assures to appoint competent authority to Pali University

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured the Sangha Committee of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters that he would appoint a competent authority to the Pali and Buddhist University, Presidential Media Division (PMD) said.

Controversial Deep Jungle Music Festival canceled, tickets to be refunded

The Deep Jungle music festival which caused controversy in recent weeks due to it being held in an elephant corridor in Habarana has been canceled following a court order.

German companies may withdraw from SL if import ban continues

German companies operating in Sri Lanka have raised the red flag with some warning they will be compelled to withdraw from the country if the import ban continues, Daily Mirror learns.

No music after 10 pm - Court tells Deep Jungle Music Festival organizers

The Hingurakgoda Magistrate’s Court issued an order that bars the organizers of the controversial Deep Jungle Music Festival from playing loud music after 10 pm.

Onesh’s Brazilian wife had threatened him on several occasions in SL

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who are investigating the death of billionaire businessman Onesh Subasinghe who was found dead in a serviced apartment in Jakarta recently revealed that the businessman had been threatened with death on several occasions in Sri Lanka allegedly by his Brazilian wife.

Deep Jungle Music Festival: ’Tourism Ministry and other big wigs had approved it despite harm to environment’ - Activist

Environmentalists have expressed concern about the ongoing environmental damage to the Karandagaswewa Forest Reserve, a highly sensitive environmental zone by the upcoming Deep Jungle Music and Cultural Festival which is scheduled to kick off in Habarana tomorrow.