Category: Local News

The Ministry of Energy is preparing a fuel price stabilisation formula supported by a whole new fuel price stabilisation fund in a bid to keep local fuel prices static amidst fluctuating global oil prices, according to Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila.

A cabal of state officials and their close associates in the business community have been making important government decisions bypassing the prime minister and the cabinet of ministers, National People’s Power (NPP) MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya said.

State Minister of Money and Capital Market and State Enterprise Reforms Ajith Nivard Cabraal said the Government in its Budget 2021 anticipates a 5.5 percent growth rate and perhaps even a higher rate next year.

Two more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka, the Department of Government Information confirmed a short while ago.

Sri Lanka will be resuming commercial and charter flights from the 26th of December this year.

Former Police DIG Vaas Gunawardena who was under remand custody in Welikada Prison has tested positive for COVID-19.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa says following the issuance of circulars and gazette notifications pertaining to control prices on goods, prices only continue to increase.

The isolation imposed on six housing complexes in the Colombo district will be lifted with effect from 6.00 am today, Army Commander and Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, Lt. General Shavendra Silva said.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed relevant authorities to look humanely at grievances of the prisoners and address them immediately by providing necessary assistance to them, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement yesterday.

The Government has lost around US$ 2,790 million by way of levies and other revenue due to the closure of the Airport for tourist arrivals because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.

Colombo Manning Market traders have launched a fast unto death opposite the Fort Railway Station.

It is the UNP which should lead a grand opposition alliance if such a political force is to be established to take on the government, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday.

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has directed the officials to select a plot of extremely dry land with deep groundwater level under the instructions of health experts, for burying the remains of those who die of Covid-10 infection.

The Government has taken measures to discourage import of items that could be produced in the country, but has nowhere said imports will be stopped, Samurdhi, Household Economy, Micro Finance, Self Employment and Business Development State Minister Shehan Semasinghe.

Two more COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka, the Department of Government Information confirmed a short while ago.

The third reading of the 2021 Budget was passed in Parliament today with a majority of 97 votes.