Category: Local News

The Sri Lankan rupee ended weaker near its all-time low on Friday as importer demand for the greenback outpaced some exporter dollar sales and inward remittances ahead of the central bank’s policy rate decision.

This resolution marks an important step toward a credible transitional justice process, owned by Sri Lankans and with the support and involvement of the international community, US Secretary of State John Kerry said.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka arrived at an understanding with key member nations of the UNHRC to conduct a domestic probe with the support of Commonwealth and other foreign parties, under the local judicial system.

Hajj symbolizes the spirit of unity when millions of Muslims living in different continents, speaking different languages and belonging to different nationalities and cultures offer a common prayer to Allah, said President Maithripala Sirisena.

The suspect arrested yesterday in connection with the rape and murder of the 5-year-old Seya Sadewmi is now the main suspect after he confessed to the crime, Police confirmed a short while ago.

President Maithripala Sirisena left for New York today (Sep. 23) to attend the 70th United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA) Sessions.

Sri Lanka had fulfilled 36 out of 57 conditions set for it by the European Union for the lifting of the ban on fish exports to Europe, according to the Fisheries Department.

Germany is ready to help Sri Lanka investigate alleged atrocities during its civil war, Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Tuesday.

Sri Lanka’s former president Mahinda Rajapaksa criticised on Tuesday the findings of a UN probe into war crimes and called on the government to reject the report, which called for suspects to be prosecuted by a hybrid court with international judges.

The import levy on big onions had been increased by Rs. 20 per kilo under the directives of Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, the ministry said today.

Chairman of the Presidential Commission on Missing Persons Maxwell Paranagama has rejected the death toll during the final phase of the conflict cited in the United Nations panel report.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Government will take every possible step to eradicate the drugs menace by strengthening laws related to drug raids.

TULF General Secretary V. Anandasangaree said as far as the Tamil United Liberation Front is concerned, in the first instance the TULF will opt to choose the Hybrid special court to probe the alleged war crimes.

Notorious drug dealer Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda has paid million of rupees in the form of bribes to 174 people using electronic fund transfer methods – ‘eZ Cash’ via mobile phones.

Sri Lankan shares slipped for a fifth straight session on Monday and closed at their lowest in more than two months amid concerns that a weak rupee would hurt corporate earnings.

Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) General Secretary and MP Udaya Gammanpila today criticised the move by India to create a bridge connecting Sri Lanka and charged the link would only work in favour of India ultimately making Sri Lanka another State of India.