Category: Local News

Govt. expects to raise Rs. 100 billion through VAT increases

State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena yesterday told The Island that the government intended to raise Rs 100 bn through the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).



Jayalalithaa writes to Modi

In the wake of reports that the Sri Lankan government was planning to pull down St. Antony’s Church at Katchatheevu islet, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi…



Maithripala does not scold Editors in filth like Mahinda did – Rajitha

Unlike former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the current President Maithripala Sirisena never threatened editors, says Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne.



Modi discusses fishermen issue with Maithri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the need for a permanent solution to the fishermen issue during talks with visiting Sri Lankan president Maithripala Sirisena in New Delhi.



India’s help sought to tackle drugs problem in Jaffna

In a recent meeting with a former Indian diplomat, leaders of fishermen from Jaffna raised the issue of the easy availability of drugs in the region, and sought India’s help to tackle the problem.



Basil released on bail

Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who was arrested by the FCID this morning, has been released on bail after being produced at the Matara Magistrate’s Court.



Sri Lanka’s debt-laden airline to sell four new Airbus planes

Sri Lanka’s debt-ridden national airline will sell four new Airbus A350s, a government minister said on Monday, two weeks after cancelling an order for four of the aircraft.



Bicycle lanes coming soon – RDA Chairman

Today initiated by Pedal Pushers, almost 150 riders took to the streets of Colombo, supporting the World Bike To Work Day.



Fraudulent foreign job agency mafia curbed

Government will take tough action against errant foreign job agencies, Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said.



Sri Lankans In Panama Papers: Full List

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists has published the list of Sri Lankans named in the Panama Papers a short while ago.



Rahul Gandhi not welcomed for backing 2009 war in Sri Lanka

Vice-President of the Indian National Congress party Rahul Gandhi has been accused of backing the 2009 war in Sri Lanka, according to The Hindu newspaper.



ADB gives $3 billion to Sri Lanka

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has promised a loan of US $ three billion to Sri Lanka for infrastructure development.



Plate of rice, biriyani, kottu up by Rs10

Prices of rice, fried rice, biriyani and kottu had been increased by Rs. 10 with immediate effect following the recent VAT increase



Major fraud: Check the ATM before inserting your card

Users of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) have been warned by Police to be vigilant as a foreign gang is attempting to steal money from their credit and debit cards.



U.N. urges judiciary reforms in Sri Lanka to avoid delay in justice

United Nations human rights experts on Saturday urged Sri Lanka, which is under scrutiny for its human rights record during the 26-year Tamil insurgency, to implement judicial reforms to speed up prosecutions.



Debt-laden Sri Lanka to curb high life for officials

Sri Lanka’s junior finance minister has asked President Maithripala Sirisene to stop officials flying business class as part of government efforts to reduce the country’s ballooning budget deficit.