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.

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.