Category: Local News

Sri Lanka is to obtain US$ 200 million from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) of the World Bank to implement the Primary Health Care System Strengthening Project.

Fines imposed on errant drivers who cause fatal road accidents would rise appreciably in order to dissuade motorists from driving recklessly, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday.

Leader of the Opposition Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday, warned that after putting forward the draft Constitution the government members had been speaking of only two issues – the place accorded to Buddhism and the term ‘unitary’, but their real target was not the status of either.

If President Maithripala Sirisena pardons convicted Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera on 4 February, he can be released, Minister Vajira Abeywardena said.

The 71st National Day celebrations are scheduled to be celebrated on the 4th of February at the Galle Face Green, under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.

Former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva has been issued notice to appear before the Supreme Court on the 7th of February on charges of contempt of Court.

President Maithripala Sirisena left for Singapore today on a two-day official state visit.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the National Democratic Front led by the United National Party will be established within the next two weeks.

President Maithripala Sirisena has given instructions to the relevant authorities to fulfill their respective duties with great commitment and an efficient manner with a war footing to control the Fall Army (Sena) caterpillar, which poses a massive threat to the agricultural crops.

Sri Lanka is likely to apply for another dollar loan from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) after the last tranche of US$ 1.5 billion was paid in late 2019, Treasury Secretary Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga said yesterday.

The Financial Crimes Division (FCID) yesterday told the Fort Magistrates’ Court that it was investigating a loss amounting to Rs. 80 million the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) suffered due to Treasury Bond transactions on January 08, 2016.

Five suspects, including three foreigners, were arrested yesterday (22) for possessing 95.88 kilogrammes of heroin valued at a staggering Rs 1,100 million.

JVP Parliamentarian Sunil Handunnetti has been re-appointed as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises.

The programme to eradicate drug racketeering conducted during the last four years will be accelerated with a new orientation from next week.

The Ministry of Agriculture has done very little to save the country’s many crops from the devastation caused by the fall armyworm, Minister of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment, Daya Gamage claimed yesterday (21).

The government must focus on eradicating the Fallarmyworm (Sena) destroying cultivations in several provinces in the country, instead of passing bills that don’t benefit the people, Opposition Leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa told The Island yesterday.