Sri Lanka launches Rs. 1 Billion allowance scheme for vulnerable children

Postal workers in Sri Lanka have decided to launch a countrywide trade union action starting from midnight today (July 15), demanding solutions to several ongoing issues within the Postal Department.

The Government of Sri Lanka has signed Bilateral Amendatory Loan Agreements with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), marking a key step in the country’s external debt restructuring process.

Sri Lanka is set to launch a comprehensive Online Traffic Fine Payment System through the GovPay platform starting September 2025, enabling motorists to conveniently pay spot fines issued by Sri Lanka Police via digital means.

Colombo High Court Judge Mahesh Weeraman has sentenced Jayathilaka Bandara, the former Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Wennappuwa, to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment for accepting a bribe of Rs. 30,000 from the owner of a massage center in exchange for allowing it to operate without interference.

Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has submitted an anticipatory bail application to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, seeking release on bail prior to being taken into custody by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

Former Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who was arrested in connection with a gold-plated T-56 assault rifle found at the Havelock City apartment complex, has been granted bail today under strict conditions.

Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority, Shantha Ranathunga, stated yesterday (July 13) that a Cabinet paper has been submitted to ban the sale of unpackaged coconut oil (loose coconut oil) in the market.

A spokesperson for the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) stated that former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne has switched off his mobile phone and left his residence.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has launched the Anti-Pyramid National Awareness Week, which runs from 14th to 18th July 2025, under the theme “Pyramid is a trap – don’t get into the wrong track.”

According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), the country received USD 635.7 million in worker remittances in June 2025.

A major job training program offering full scholarships has been launched in Sri Lanka to provide employment opportunities both locally and overseas for 50,000 young men and women from low-income families.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that, following recent discussions with the United States, Sri Lanka was able to secure a reduction in the previously imposed reciprocal tariff by the United States from 44% to 30%.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that this year’s budget has allocated the highest capital expenditure by a government in recent history for development activities, amounting to nearly Rs. 1,400 billion.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised that while steering the country forward economically and improving the people’s standard of living, political authorities and public officials should be integrated into a unified system.