Category: Local News

MR’s security chief at CID

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s chief of security, Major Neville Wanniarachchi, arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department today to give a statement.



China wants its Lankan projects to be international joint ventures

China wants its projects in Sri Lanka to be Joint Ventures either with local Lankan companies and state organizations or with foreign companies, including Indian companies, says the Chinese Ambassador in Lanka, Yi Xianliang.



Government to set up university for police

Government will set up a university for the Police and Criminal Justice similar to that of the Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said recently.



Thousands flee Sri Lanka ammunition depot explosions

A series of explosions rocked a military ammunition depot on the edge of Sri Lanka’s capital into Monday, sparking huge fires and forcing thousands to flee as debris fell into populated neighbourhoods.



Fire hits Salawa Army base in Kosgama

A fire has erupted at the Salawa Army base in Kosgama.



Sri Lanka on a cautious path to peace – report

For seven years, the ethnic Tamil housewife has waited for news of a son who vanished near the frenzied end of Sri Lanka’s quarter-century-long civil war.



New tax stands; 400 luxury vehicles stuck in port

The Finance Ministry has ruled out the provision of concessions to vehicle importers who have protested against the imposition of a heavy tax from last week.



IMF Executive Board approves US$1.5bn Sri Lanka loan

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) executive board has approved a three-year $1.5 billion loan to support Sri Lanka’s economic reform agenda, the global lender said on Saturday.



Stronger economy via consistency!

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake yesterday outlined the importance of having a strong National Government with a consistent set of policies towards building a more resilient national economy.



Sri Lankan refugees in India intercepted trying to board boat to Australia

Refugee activists have called on the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu to ease restrictions on Sri Lankan refugees living in guarded camps after police intercepted a group who had escaped and were attempting to migrate to Australia.



Justice Minister slams Chatura

Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe slammed Government MP Chatura Senaratne for his disparaging verbal criticism of the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA).



Fuel wastage: no extra charge on commuters, says NTC

The National Transport Commission (NTC) yesterday said it will not allow any extra charge or charges to be imposed on bus commuters as charges of fuel wastage during delays in traffic jams.



Sri Lanka monetary board recommends more transparent bond auctions

Sri Lanka’s Monetary Board on Thursday recommended the central bank provide more information about bond auctions after repeated allegations that it had been raising funds via local bonds at higher than market rates.



Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement being studied

A possible Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA) is being studied, with both countries keen on pursuing the deal, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has said.



Private buses will charge extra: LPBOA

An extra percentage would be charged from private bus passengers taking into consideration the cost of fuel wasted due to delays caused by traffic congestion, from July 1, said Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijeratne yesterday.



Sri Lanka to gradually ban house maids abroad amid abuses, social cost

Sri Lanka will gradually stop sending house maids abroad, mainly to the Middle East, due to rights abuses, social costs and a local labour shortage, government spokesman Rajitha Senaratne said on Wednesday.