The merchandise trade balance recorded a surplus in June 2022 for the first time since August 2002, reflecting the impact of historically high monthly export earnings and the continued decline in import expenditure, says the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..
Sunday, July 31, 2022
Merchandise trade balance records a surplus for first time in nearly 20 years
The merchandise trade balance recorded a surplus in June 2022 for the first time since August 2002, reflecting the impact of historically high monthly export earnings and the continued decline in import expenditure, says the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). MORE..
Registration to fuel pass with revenue license available now - minister
Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera says that registration to the National Fuel Pass with the vehicle revenue license is available now. MORE..
China agrees landmark debt relief deal for Zambia
Zambia s official creditors led by China have agreed to provide debt relief to the southern African nation, paving the way for an IMF bailout and setting a precedent for how Beijing could work with other lenders to tackle the threat of a wave of defaults across emerging markets. MORE..
51-year-old man shot dead in Kotahena
A person has been killed in a shooting incident on Vivekananda Road in the Foreshore Police Area in Colombo. MORE..
Fairly heavy showers expected in parts of the country
The Department of Meteorology says showers or thundershowers will occur at Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-Western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts. MORE..
Soft liquor licences for SLTDA-registered establishments
The government has decided to issue soft liquor licenses to all hotels and restaurants registered with or identified by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), with a view to boost the tourism sector and increase state revenues.
Pas Podda murder- Another man injured in Gampaha shooting dies
Another individual who suffered gunshot wounds in the shooting incident near the Gampaha Magistrate s Court earlier this week died this morning (July 30). MORE..
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Several areas to receive fairly heavy rainfall today
Cloudy skies are expected in the Southern half of the island, the Department of Meteorology said today, adding that showers or thundershowers are possible over most places on the island, particularly during the afternoon or night. MORE..
Friday, July 29, 2022
Ruwan Wijewardene appointed as a presidential advisor
Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene has been appointed as Presidential Advisor on Climate Change. MORE..
Earnings from merchandise exports up by 20% in June
Earnings from merchandise exports increased Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 1,208.3 million in June 2022, the Export Development Board (EDB) says. MORE..
Man who misused President s flag arrested after surrendering
The man who stole the President s flag on the 09th of July and used it as a bed sheet has been arrested by the police. MORE..
No new financing to Sri Lanka until macroeconomic policy framework is ready - WB
The World Bank Group says it is deeply concerned about the dire economic situation and its impact on the people of Sri Lanka. MORE..
Two arrested with hoarded fuel stock
Two suspects who had unlawfully stocked fuel in an unsafe manner have been arrested in Bogahakumbura and Mirissa areas. MORE..
U.S. ambassador calls on PM Dinesh
Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, calling on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, has discussed the ways the U.S. can support the people of the island nation during this challenging period. MORE..
Fairly heavy showers above 75mm expected in six provinces
Cloudy skies are expected in Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces, the Department of Meteorology says. MORE..
Sri Lanka hopes for $4bn in China aid soon as envoy defends ties
Sri Lanka hopes to conclude discussions with China “soon” on a $4 billion aid package, the country s ambassador to Beijing told Nikkei Asia. MORE..
Japan hands over life-saving medicines procured through UNICEF in response to economic crisis
In response to the ongoing economic crisis in the country, the Government of Japan today handed over the first consignment of a total donation of USD 1.5 million value of medicines being procured through UNICEF to address the severe shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics in the country. MORE..
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Youth transferring money via Undiyal arrested with foreign currency
The Police Special Task Force (STF) has arrested a youth who transfers foreign currency overseas through the informal money transferring method of Undiyal . MORE..
Opaque loans from China hurt Sri Lanka - USAID Administrator
“Opaque” loans for “headline-grabbing” infrastructure projects, were among the factors behind the current crisis that has engulfed Sri Lanka, said Samantha Power, Administrator, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), on Wednesday. MORE..
30-year-old dies after gunmen open fire inside house in Ratmalana
A 30-year-old has been killed in a shooting inside a residence at Silva Mawatha in Ratmalana last night (July 27). According to the police, two unidentified men, who entered the victim s home, had opened fire at him. MORE..
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina congratulates President Ranil
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed her congratulatory wishes to newly-elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed her conviction for strengthening the ties between the two nations. MORE..
Showers expected in most parts of the Island
Showers or thundershowers will occur at most parts of the Island during the evening or night, says the Department of Meteorology. MORE..
Pas Podda injured in gunfire opposite Gampaha Court dies
Underworld figure Saman Rohitha Perera alias Pas Podda who was under medical care after suffering gunshot wounds in Gampaha area earlier today (July 27), has succumbed to injuries. MORE..
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Minister Susil Premajayantha has been appointed as the Leader of the House. MORE..
Names of new ministerial secretaries gazetted
A Gazette Extraordinary has been published on Tuesday (July 26), announcing the names of the newly-appointed ministerial secretaries. MORE..
Ten independent parties to back declaration of state of emergency?
The 10 independent political parties in the parliament have decided to back the proclamation of the state of emergency at the parliamentary debate today (July 27). MORE..
Several areas to receive heavy showers of about 100 mm
Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over most parts of the Island during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology says. MORE..
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Four idling near Bandaranaike statue arrested
The police have arrested four people for idling near the S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike statue at Galle Face Green, violating a court order. MORE..
Fuel pass- Three-wheelers can pump fuel only from registered filling station
Vehicle owners who are unable to register for the National Fuel Pass (NFP) system with the chassis number will be allowed to register with the vehicle revenue licence from this Friday (July 29), Minister of Power Energy Kanchana Wijesekara says. MORE..
President Wickremesinghe congratulates new Indian counterpart Murmu
Sri Lanka s President Ranil Wickremesinghe has congratulated India s new President Droupadi Murmu, recalling the close ties between the two nations and underlining that her leadership offers “fresh impetus” to the joint endeavours to nurture and strengthen the cordial ties it enjoys. MORE..
Public strongly recommended to wear face masks amid uptick in COVID cases
The Director-General of Health Services says, considering the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country, he strongly recommends the general public to wear face masks while they are indoors, travelling in public transport or at public gatherings. MORE..
Youth arrested for spreading hateful content on social media
A youth has been arrested and remanded for allegedly spreading hateful content on social media, the police media division says. MORE..
Fairly heavy rains above 75mm possible in four provinces
A few showers are expected in Western and Southern provinces today, the Department of Meteorology says. Meanwhile, showers or thundershowers will occur at several places elsewhere during the evening or night. MORE..
Monday, July 25, 2022
Cabinet meeting to be held today
The weekly Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held today (25) chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. MORE..
17 killed as boat carrying Haitian migrants sinks off Bahamas
A boat carrying Haitian migrants apparently capsized off the Bahamas early Sunday, and Bahamian security forces recovered the bodies of 17 people and rescued 25 others, authorities said. MORE..
Schools reopen in Sri Lanka amid fuel crisis
Government and government approved private schools across the island reopened today (25) for academic activities. MORE..
Fuel pass QR Code system rollout delayed
The issuing of fuel under the National Fuel Pass or QR Code system is expected to be carried out only at a few selected filling stations today as well. MORE..
Evening thundershowers expected in several provinces during next few days
The Meteorology Department says that the atmospheric condition is getting favorable for evening thundershowers in Northern, North-central, Eastern and Uva provinces during the next few days. MORE..
Person traveling in bus arrested with firearm and bullets
Police have arrested a person who was traveling in a bus while in possession of a pistol and 07 live rounds of ammunition. MORE...
Sunday, July 24, 2022
Delhi man with no travel history becomes India s fourth monkeypox patient
A 34-year-old man from Delhi with no history of foreign travel has tested positive for monkeypox, the first case of the virus in the Indian capital, an official source said on Sunday. MORE..
Southern Province schools to function on all five weekdays
All government schools under the purview of the Southern Provincial Council will function all five days of the week from tomorrow (25 July), according to the Education Secretary of the Southern Province. MORE..
Rights groups urge Sri Lanka not to use force on protesters
International human rights groups on Saturday urged Sri Lanka s new president to immediately order security forces to cease use of force against protesters after troops and police cleared their main camp following months of demonstrations over the country s economic meltdown. MORE..
UK Minister calls President to discuss security and economic situation in Sri Lanka
UK s Minister for South Asia, United Nations and the Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad has spoken to newly-appointed President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the concerning security and economic situation in Sri Lanka. MORE..
Gemstones worth over INR 9 million seized at Chennai airport, Sri Lankan arrested
Assorted gemstones totaling 1,746 pieces worth 9.43 million Indian rupees were seized at the airport in Chennai and a Sri Lankan national was arrested in this connection, the Indian customs department said. MORE..
Railway authorities and station masters to hold talks over union action
A special discussion is scheduled to be held today (24) between the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters Union and the railway authorities. MORE..
Showers expected in several provinces and districts
The Department of Meteorology says showers will occur at times in Sabaragamuwa province and in Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts. MORE..
Protesters didn t heed previous requests to vacate Presidential Secretariat- Police
The police announced today that investigations are underway to identify all those who visited the Presidential Secretariat after it was occupied by the protesters on July 09, for the crime of trespassing. MORE..
Saturday, July 23, 2022
SJB requests PM to convene parliament on Monday
The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya has requested Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to convene the parliament on Monday (July 25) to take up a debate on the attack on peaceful protesters and the current situation in the country. MORE..
Increased train fares effective from today - Railway Dept.
The revised train ticket fares come into effect from today (July 23), Sri Lanka Railways has announced. MORE..
President appoints committee to probe bribery allegations against Nimal Siripala
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a three-member committee to conduct an investigation into the bribery allegations levelled by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa against former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. MORE..
