Category: Local News

Sri Lanka, which last year handed over a strategic port to a Chinese firm for a 99-year lease as a debt swap, will soon sign a USD 1 billion concessional loan agreement with Beijing to fund a major highway project linking Colombo to the hill resort of Kandy.

An arrest warrant for a former Sri Lankan military attache, convicted of public order offences after making cut-throat gestures at protesters, has been revoked without a court hearing following Foreign Office involvement.

Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella has presented a proposal on establishing a national government to the Parliament Secretary General in order to take steps to present it for Parliament’s approval.

The trade union action launched by customs officials continues to take place today as well. Trade unions point out that the action will continue until they receive an appropriate solution.

President Maithripala Sirisena says this year will be dedicated towards the appointment of a new government.

The people are requested to keep the national flag hoisted in all government offices, every household and all business premises from today till 7th of February to mark National Day.

It is reported that former Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has decided not to attend the National Independence Day celebrations to be held at the Galle Face on February 4.

A person in possession of a stock of 400,000 foreign cigarettes worth around Rs 20 million has been arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in Pettah.

The World Bank has agreed to extend further assistance to expand the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project, which is currently being implemented in 7 districts, to many other districts.

Sri Lanka has halted imports of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder until the company proves its product is free from cancer-causing asbestos, two government officials and the product’s local distributor told Reuters.

Deputy Minister Ajith Mannapperuma has been sworn in as the State Minster of Mahaweli Development and Environment.

The government has decided to declare world heritage site Sigiriya as polythene free and waste free zone from tomorrow (Feb 1).

The Lawyers for Democracy organisation has expressed serious concern pertaining to reports of a possible grant of Presidential pardon to arrested and convicted Thera Galagoda Atthe Gnanasara.

President Maithripala Sirisena said he will ensure the death sentences passed on drug offences are carried out soon.

There has been no agreement with the United States of America to establish a US military camp within Sri Lanka, says Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene.

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday submitted a Cabinet memorandum seeking approval to conduct elections to the nine provincial councils on a single day before May 31 this year.