USD121 Mn from first tranche of IMF loan received to SL, paid to India

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that 121 million US dollars out of 333 million US dollars, the first tranche that was extended to Sri Lanka by the IMF, was used to pay the installment of the Indian credit line.

IMF has deviated from its stance on SL: Kiriella

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had deviated from its original stance where they claimed earlier that the Government should obtain the people’s mandate to implement the economic reforms of the IMF, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said today.

RW issues Gazette calling Armed Forces to maintain public order

An Extraordinary Gazette Notification has been issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe calling upon the Armed Forces to maintain public order across the country with effect from March 22.

SL no longer deemed bankrupt: RW

President Ranil Wickremesinghe making a special statement on the International Monetary Board’s approval for an extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), said that Sri Lanka will no longer be treated as a bankrupt country.

IMF approves funding for Sri Lanka

The Executive Board of the IMF has approved Sri Lanka’s USD 2.9bn bailout package, State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe confirmed to Daily Mirror a short while ago.

Magisterial proceedings against Deshabandu Tennakoon suspended

The Court of Appeal today further extended its interim order staying the proceedings against Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon in the Fort Magistrate’s Court, until March 28.

Rupee will gradually come down to 200 or 185 – President expresses hope

While claiming that Sri Lanka will no longer be declared a bankrupt nation in the next few days, President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed hope that once Sri Lanka entered into the agreement with the International Monitory Fund (IMF) the Rupee will gradually come down to 200 or 185.

Deshapriya explains why polls should not be delayed

Chairman of the National Delimitation Committee on Demarcation of Wards for Local Authorities, Mahinda Deshapriya said that it is not appropriate for local government polls to be delayed and that the possibility of holding local government polls on April 25 are grim.

BASL urges President to appoint IGP in a transparent manner

In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has urged that the appointment of the Inspector General of Police be done in a transparent manner so as to establish public confidence in the appointment process.

Justice Minister accuses police of false arrests

Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe today alleged that some police officers have falsely arrested persons on drug-related offences.

Govt. agencies’ failure to hold the LG polls: SC grants leave to proceed with petition

Supreme Court today granted leave to proceed with a Fundamental Rights petition filed challenging the failure and refusal of several government departments to take the necessary steps to hold the Local Government Elections.

Govt to limit allowances for state officials

With the aim of saving a large amount of foreign exchange flowing out of the country, the government has decided to limit the release of allowances and related expenses for official travel abroad for state sector officials with effect from March 20, informed sources said.

Zaharan Hashim’s wife granted bail

Easter Sunday bomb attack main suspect Zaharan Hashim’s wife Fathima Hadiya was granted bail by the Kalmunai High Court after being detained under the PTA for 04 years.

SL Rupee continues to depreciate against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated against the US Dollar (USD) today for the third consecutive day, according to the Central Bank.

Wimal thrashes Namal, ’’He is a premature broiler chicken’’

Former Minister Wimal Weerawansa thrashed SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa calling him a broiler chicken who was pumped up without any experience or political knowledge.

I don’t think Maldives statement is a problem, I love Sri Lanka - Harin

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said that he doesn’t believe his statement regarding the Maldives was problematic, as he didn’t make any wrong statement.

Controversial statement in Berlin lands Tourism Minister in hot water

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando issued an apology to the Maldives for a controversial statement made at an international travel and trade fair, claiming his comments were “taken out of context and misrepresented.”

Ex-lover extorts millions from female over nude photos

A female government officer in Padavi, Sripura was allegedly threatened by her ex-lover, who warned to release her nude photos to her husband if she did not pay him the ransom he demanded, police said.

Allow liquor sales for foreigners on Poya days- Diana

State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage has come up with a proposal to allow selling of liquor to foreigners on Poya days, it is learnt.

Two ministers booed by residents at Bamunakotuwa

A minister and a state minister who went to inaugurate a cultural centre at Bamunakotuwa in ​​Kurunegala were booed by a group of residents in the area today.

SL in need of institutional reforms to achieve long-term debt sustainability: Prof. Hanke

In a bid to achieve long-term debt sustainability, senior economist Steve Hanke said Sri Lanka needs institutional reforms.

Sri Lankan Rupee depreciates against USD

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has depreciated against the US Dollar (USD) today compared to yesterday’s buying and selling rates of the Central Bank.

People will attack protesters soon: Diana

State Minister Diana Gamage was engaged in a showdown with SJB MP Thushara Indunil Amarasena in Parliament yesterday where the former said SJB MPs will not remain in the House for long.

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.