Sri Lanka plans development bank to boost industries

Sri Lanka is currently exploring the establishment of a development bank, a move that would facilitate the required funding to help improve the competitive capabilities of industries, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

President unveils plans for talks with creditor countries

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made a series of significant announcements aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy at the International Industry Expo 2024.

Water quality change near MV X-Press Pearl disaster site triggers concerns: NARA

Chemical and physical parameters of recent water samples collected from the sea close to the MV X-Press Pearl disaster site have changed, triggering concerns whether it is a direct result of the incident, a top official said yesterday.

EC warns politicians ‘Don’t make announcements, it is our business’

Against the backdrop of some politicians announcing polling day of the presidential election, the Election Commission’s Chairman R.L.A.M. Rathnayake said that it is the sole discretion of his office in terms of the Constitution and therefore others should refrain from making remarks.

Wanindu Hasaranga slams social media trolls: Trying to make other Sri Lanka fans angry

Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga has slammed the social media trolls for trying to turn the other fans against them after their T20 World Cup exit.

Ukraine tight lipped on Sri Lankans fighting there

Ukraine remains tight-lipped despite repeated requests by Sri Lanka to submit details about Sri Lankans fighting there, a top source said.

Tax policy measures last push to get revenue to 15% of GDP: IMF

While businesses and individuals in Sri Lanka are likely to witness more pain as plans are underway to bring in more taxes, the International Monetary Fund...

'We let country down' at T20 World Cup: Mathews

Star Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews admitted Saturday that ’’we’ve let the entire nation down’’ as the former champions suffered a first round exit at the T20 World Cup.

IMF pushes for new tax on SL homeowners, vacant properties by 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its latest report on Sri Lanka has proposed an imputed rental income tax from owner-occupied and vacant residential property to be introduced by April 1, 2025, with an exemption threshold and a graduated tax rate schedule.

Presidential election on October 05?

Minister Harin Fernando today (14) revealed that an election is scheduled to take place on October 05 this year.

Sri Lanka unveils roadmap to ease vehicle import restrictions by 2025: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Sri Lankan authorities have formulated an initial roadmap to ease restrictions on motor vehicle imports by 2025.

Tragedy in the wild as 150 jumbos perish in five months

Sri Lanka has witnessed a staggering 150 elephant deaths within the last five months due to an array of tragic causes, reflecting the escalating conflict between humans and wildlife.

Authorities to get tough on inferior beauty products

In the wake of recent sentiments expressed by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), the Health Ministry and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) are keen to address concerns over the influx of substandard beauty products and cosmetics that lack proper regulation.

Presidential Election crucial for country’s future, says President

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the upcoming presidential election will be pivotal for the country’s future, focusing on national success rather than individual triumphs or losses.

CoPF calls for immediate action to regulate online casinos

Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Dr. Harsha de Silva has called for immediate action to regulate online casinos.

Rise in flies poses risk of diarrhoea and contagious viral fever

As floodwaters recede, the proliferation of flies has raised alarms among health authorities due to the increased risk of diarrhoea outbreaks and the spread of contagious viral fevers.

Sri Lanka’s IMF programme aimed to succeed by improving governance. Will it?

On June 12, the IMF board will approve Sri Lanka’s third disbursement under the current program. However, Sri Lanka is still falling short on the governance improvements that are foundational for its economic recovery.

President leaves for Modi’s swearing-in

President Ranil Wickremesinghe departed for New Delhi a short while ago at the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, to attend his swearing-in ceremony scheduled for this evening.

Sri Lanka seeks exclusive economic zone expansion

Sri Lanka is successfully lobbying for the increase of the size of its Exclusive Economic Zone in cooperation with the Maldives avoiding any conflict between the two sides on overlapping claims, the Daily Mirror learns.

PM Modi resigns

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday tendered his resignation along with the Council of Ministers to President Droupadi Murmu.

IMF Board to review Sri Lanka’s economic progress on June 12

The Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka are on the IMF Board meeting agenda for June 12.

Live updates : Adverse weather - 10 persons killed, 5 missing

Heavy rains are expected to continue in many parts of the country today and the Disaster Management Centre is ready for an emergency and major flood situation, the Daily Mirror learns.

Hadunnetti apologises to Elon Musk

Claiming that he never meant to call billionaire businessman Elon Musk an economic hit-man, NPP Economic Council member Sunil Hadunnetti said today he expresses his regrets to Elon Musk.

Industry stakeholders up in arms against moves to scrap ‘Happy Hour’

Industry stakeholders including hoteliers, tourism authorities and even law enforcement agencies have shown their utter dismay over an abrupt decision taken by the National Authority on Alcohol and Tobacco (NATA) to scrap the ‘Happy Hour’ in hotels, which was termed as an ‘absurd’ move to discourage already ailing tourism sector and consumers.

NATA directs hotels to ban ’’Happy Hour’’

The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) has directed all hotels to refrain from granting any discounts on the purchase of alcohol products, claiming that it is a punishable offence.

Triple tragedy for mother of four

In a distressing tale from Kebithigolleva, a 33-year-old mother of four found herself in dire circumstances as she laments enduring four months without electricity, two weeks of water scarcity, and the recent loss of her husband, the main breadwinner who supported the family through odd jobs.

President asserts no polls postponement

Chaos erupted among the political circles last evening after a statement was made by UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, stating that a proposal would be brought to Parliament to postpone the presidential and parliamentary elections, with parliamentarians from all parties rejecting the move and calling for an immediate response from the President.

China, US, India, France compete for SL’s graphite deposits

In another example of the global spotlight on Sri Lanka’s strategic assets and resources, China, India, the United States and France are in a competition to secure investments in the country’s graphite sector, the Daily Mirror learns.

Health officials raise alarm over hygiene standards at Dansals

As relentless rainfall continues, health authorities are sounding the alarm on hygiene standards at dansals during the Vesak festival.

‘ISIS operatives’ were booked for gold, drug smuggling in past: ATS

Two days after arresting four Sri Lankan nationals suspected to be ISIS operatives, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Wednesday said that all the accused have been previously booked in gold and drug smuggling cases.