Payment for already imported food containers under Indian credit line hampered

The use of US $ 1 billion Indian credit line for the release of around 1500 containers of essential food commodities already imported from India and stuck at the port has been hampered since some of the shippers are not ready to accept payment in Indian rupees, a spokesman said.

SL rupee hits Rs. 275 against US Dollar at several banks

The Sri Lankan rupee hits a record low of Rs. 275 against the US Dollar.

PM says Ranil a good friend, but no national government

Amidst rising reports that a national government was being discussed between the Rajapaksa brothers and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe which would see President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as head of state and Wickremesinghe as the new Prime Minister, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday firmly denied these reports saying such a matter was not discussed with the UNP.

Bus fares to hike by 50% if CPC diesel prices increased

The Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA)and the Inter Provincial Private Bus Owners’ Association (IPPBOA) today claimed that they will go for a bus fare increase if the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) increases their diesel prices.

Sacked ministers call Basil ’Ugly American’

Sacked Minister Udaya Gammanpila called Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa an ’Ugly American’ today and said he should take full responsibility for the economic debacle the country is facing.

Sri Lanka still welcoming Russian tourists

Despite the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Sri Lanka is still welcoming tourists from Russia as Russia continues to be the leading market for Sri Lanka Tourism.

Cardinal meets Pope Francis

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has met His Holiness Pope Francis at Vatican today (28), the Archdiocese of Colombo said

Over 5-hour power cuts on Monday

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved the request made by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to have rotational power shedding for over five hours on Monday.

Possible devastating situation averted due to COVID vaccination rollout- President

A possible catastrophic situation that could be emerged in the country has been brought under control by implementing COVID-19 vaccination programme, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

No scheduled power cuts for next three months: PUCSL

The new methodology adopted by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) will not lead to scheduled power cuts for the next three months, PUCSL Chairman Janaka Rathnayake said.

EU strongly urges SL to lift forthwith import restrictions

The European Union (EU) strongly urged Sri Lanka to lift forthwith import restrictions preventing many European products from entering its market.

Power failures reported from several areas

Multiple areas in the country are currently experiencing power outages, our correspondents said.

No power cuts today, says Gamini Lokuge

Following discussions held with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, it has been decided not to impose power cuts today, Minister of Power Gamini Lokuge confirmed to Daily Mirror a short while ago.

House in Mannar destroyed by ’gas explosion’

A house in the Kottai area in the Mannar Divisional Secretariat has been completely gutted by a fire reported to have been caused by an explosion of a gas stove this afternoon.

SL yet to finalize its offer for world’s largest blue sapphire; envisages over US$ 100 mn

Sri Lanka is still negotiating with the Dubai-based company which has offered US$ 100 million for the ‘Queen of Asia’, the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire found in Sri Lanka, whether to make final deal.

Priyantha didn’t know what he had torn and discarded: Malik Adnan

Pakistani national Malik Adnan, who received the highest bravery award from his Prime Minister Imran Khan for shielding Priyantha Kumara from the unruly mob in Sialkot last Friday, revealed yesterday that Priyantha was unaware of what was written in the posters pasted on the factory walls as it was in the Urdu language and discarded it unknowingly.

'Most-wanted’ suspect arrested over lynching of Priyantha Kumara

Police have arrested the most wanted accused Imtiaz alias Billi, who was involved in the gruesome murder of Priyantha Kumara and desecrating his body, the Punjab Police announced on its official Twitter handle.

Health experts raise serious concerns over new variant, SL goes on alert

Sri Lanka’s health experts, today raised serious concerns over the new variant of the COVID-19 which had been detected in South Africa and said Sri Lanka’s borders had gone on alert.

Revised excise levies announced

The Excise notification has been issued by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa amending the excise duty with effect from November 13, as per the 2022 budget.

Three underage missing girls return home

The three underage girls who had disappeared from Colombo 12 on Monday, returned home this evening, police said.

AG gives green light to make vaccination card mandatory: Keheliya

The Attorney General has given the green light to make the vaccination card mandatory for the general public when they enter public places, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said today.

Decision of paying pension to Ajith Nivard Cabraal challenged in Courts

A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal seeking an interim order to stay the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka from paying a pension to the newly appointed Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal.

CBSL imposes 100% cash margin deposit on selected goods including mobiles, TVs

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, has decided to impose a 100 percent cash margin deposit requirement against the importation of selected goods of non-essential or non-urgent nature made goods including on mobile phones, televisions, watches, refrigerators, fruits, air conditioners, wine and beer.

CMC to begin inoculation of those above 20 from tomorrow

Colombo Municipal Council ( CMC) will begin the inoculation of those over 20 years of age from tomorrow, CMC Chief Medical officer Dr Ruwan Wijayamuni said today.

Extension of nationwide lockdown: Decision today

A decision will be taken today whether the countrywide lockdown will be further extended after Monday when the COVID-19 Task Force convenes with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Lankan housemaid in UAE wins Dh1 million compensation in car accident case

A Sri Lankan housemaid in Dubai has been awarded Dh1 million compensation by Dubai Courts following a road accident last year.

Do not misuse curfew and stay home, warns army chief

Army Commander General Shavendra Silva yesterday warned people not to misuse the 10-day quarantine curfew which came into effect from 10 pm last night and to remain at home as health workers and authorities rushed against time to stop a further spread of the contagious Delta variant.

Main domestic aide's mobile phone handed over to CID: Police

Police have taken over the mobile phone of the main domestic servant of former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s residence, where the 16-year-old girl died while working as a domestic aide for further investigations.

Doctor remanded for taking pictures of lady doctor while undressing

A 35-year old medical doctor attached to the National Hospital in Colombo was arrested and remanded for trespassing and taking pictures of a lady doctor at the Ragama Hospital.

Blame on arrest of protesters should go to Health DG not to police: Minister

While refusing claims that police were suppressing protests, Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said today protesters were arrested following health guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services and therefore, the blame should go to the Health DG not to the police.