First electric vehicle import permit handed over

The government has handed over today the first electric vehicle import permit to the recipient nominee under the newly-launched scheme for migrant workers.

Ex-CID officer arrested along with Shani Abeysekera: PSC fails to pay his salary as directed by SC

It was revealed that no steps have been taken by Public Service Commission (PSC) as directed by Supreme Court to pay the salary of former CID sub inspector Sugath Mendis who was arrested and interdicted along with former CID Director Shani Abeysekera.

Police launches probe as Peradeniya Uni student who goes missing

Peradeniya Police have initiated investigation into a complaint over the disappearance of a fourth year student of the University of Peradeniya.

Sri Lanka to brief creditors on IMF deal

The Sri Lankan government will virtually brief all its external creditors on September 23, 2022, on the deal agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the economic recovery and the next steps in the debt restructuring process.

Bandula Gunawardena apologizes to Russia

The arrest of the Russian Aeroflot plane in Sri Lanka was a terrible mistake, the authorities promise that this will not happen again, Minister of Transport and Highways and Minister of Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena said on Saturday in an interview with Sputnik.

Seven SL students held by invaders in Ukraine since March rescued in Kharkiv region – Zelenskyy

Seven Sri Lankan citizens, students of Kupyansk Medical College in Ukraine, who had been held by the Russian soldiers since March were rescued In the Kharkiv region, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Easter Sunday attack: Court names Maithripala as a suspect

Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today issued notices directing former President Maithripala Sirisena to appear in court on October 14 over a private plaint relating to Easter Sunday attack.

India plans to stop financial aid to Sri Lanka after IMF bailout: Report

India does not plan to provide fresh financial support to Sri Lanka on top of the nearly $4 billion it has extended this year, two sources told Reuters, as the island’s battered economy starts to stabilise after a preliminary loan agreement with the IMF.

Leading US Senators unveil a resolution calling for int’l approach to address SL’s crisis

Leading US senators, including the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez have introduced a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri Lanka’s current political and economic crisis, including challenges related to poor governance and economic policy under the Rajapaksa family’s rule.

Lotus Tower entry ticket fiasco: Chinese Embassy urges to buy a ticket to see with own eyes

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo today clarified reports related to the entry ticket of the Lotus Tower in Colombo which is being circulated on social media.

Colombo city dormant after 10.00 pm; Nothing to entertain people: Dayana Gamage

There is no entertainment activities in Colombo City after 10.00 pm and the city becomes dormant, Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage said.

Ranil’s exit will be more fearsome than Gota’s: Hirunika

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s exit from office will be more fearsome than former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s, former MP and Samagi Wanitha Balawegaya Head Hirunika Premachnadra said today.

Sri Lanka situation fragile, called for accountability- UNHRC

Presenting a report on SriLanka, acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Nashif told the Human Rights Council that the situation here was fragile and called for accountability .

Vimukthi to do politics? Mother CBK not willing: Welgama

Leader of New Sri Lanka Freedom Party Kumara Welgama said he is willing to accommodate former President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s son Vimukthi Kumaratunga to do politics with him. However, Mr. Welgama said Ms. Kumaratunga does not like her son to enter local politics.

Asia Cup: Sri Lanka stun Pakistan in final to lift title

Sri Lanka have won the title of the Asia Cup Champions for the sixth time, beating Pakistan by 23 runs in the final of the tournament at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night.

SL must put special emphasis on retaining Japanese investments: SLJBC

Sri Lanka must step up efforts to keep Japanese investments in the country, newly-elected Sri Lanka-Japan Business Council (SLJBC) President Mahen Kariyawasam said, so that bilateral trade within the two nations can be maintained and boosted.

Basil left for USA

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa had left Katunayake airport for Dubai this morning to leave for the United States of America (USA) using a transit flight, the Katunayake airport duty manager confirmed.

GR to be personally named as a respondent in Trinco Oil Tank farm agreement case

The Supreme Court today granted permission to personally name former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as a respondent party in connection with several Fundamental Rights petitions filed against Trinco Oil Tank farm agreement.

Court of Appeal issues notice to Sanath Nishantha over alleged contemptuous statement

The Court of Appeal today issued notices on Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) parliamentarian Sanath Nishantha to appear in court on September 13 over two contempt of court cases filed by two lawyers.

Confusion in Parliament over Social Security Contribution Levy Bill

Confusion reigned with regard to the proposed Social Security Contribution Levy Bill, as it was revealed that amendments to the legislation have been sent to Parliament from unknown sources.

Sri Lanka explores US $ 6 billion fuel credit line from Saudi Arabia

Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed, in his capacity of the president’s envoy to Saudi Arabia, has initiated discussions with the Saudi government last week seeking for a five year credit line of US $ 6 billion for the supply of fuel on a government to government basis, as a long-term solution to Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis, Daily Mirror learns.

Proposed National Council to be finalised next week: Prez

Highlighting that a ‘Devani Aragalaya’ (A second struggle) will be launched for a systems change shortly, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said the parties will finalise an agreement on the proposed National Council.

Rajapaksas & friends thought they owned this country - CBK slams

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga today slammed the Rajapaksas saying that the actions taken by the Rajapaksa regimes had led to the serious crisis situation in the country.

SC determines some clauses inconsistent with Constitution

The Supreme Court has determined that some clauses of 22nd Amendment to the Constitution are inconsistent with the Constitution and needs to be approved through a special majority in Parliament and a referendum, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeyawardane told Parliament today.

President’s Office says no request by controversial Hindu guru to seek asylum in SL

The President’s Office today said that there had been no request by the controversial Hindu guru Nityananda, to seek asylum in Sri Lanka as reported by the Indian media.

No discussion on appointing Gotabaya as PM: Ruwan

There has been no discussion on appointing former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister or to any other position,” UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Telecommunication providers up service charges, VAT

Telecommunication providers said that they will increase all mobile and broadband charges by 20% and pay TV by 25% with effect from September 5.

GR RETURNS TO SRI LANKA

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka a short while ago on board a Singapore Airlines flight after fleeing the country in July, the Daily Mirror learns.

Supreme Court allows Basil to travel USA for four months

The Supreme Court today permitted former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa to travel to USA for a four month period.

IMF tells Sri Lanka to work “expeditiously” to gain debt relief from creditors

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday said Sri Lanka should move forward “expeditiously” to secure debt relief from its creditors to ensure debt sustainability as disbursement of any IMF financing is contingent upon that and the reforms carried out by the authorities to restore macroeconomic stability.