Agricultural activities ground to a halt in many parts of the country yesterday as farmers protested against the government’s move to replace fertiliser subsidy with a voucher scheme.

Sri Lankan rupee forwards ended slightly weaker on Tuesday on importer dollar demand, while dealers expected the currency to remain under pressure due to seasonal importer demand and after a downgrade by Fitch Ratings.

Former Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) President Dr. Nirmal Ranjith Devasri yesterday said the Minister of Higher Education and Highways, Lakshman Kiriella should resign as he had no right to influence the appointment of a university lecturer.

Sri Lanka aims for between 3 percent to 4 percent annual inflation measured on the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) this year, central bank governor told Reuters on Monday.

Lieutenant Yoshitha Rajapaksa who was remanded on charges of money laundering, has been suspended from Naval service with effect from February 28 as directed by the Defence Ministry, the Navy said today.

KANDY – Former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said in Kandy that he was among the UPFA members to be arrested soon.

President Maithripala Sirisena says he would personally be dedicated to fulfill the highest responsibility in providing the fertilizer subsidy for the farming community.

Avant Garde Maritime Security Chairman Major [Rtd] Nissanka Senadhipathi has mammoth 96 fixed deposit accounts under his name in several banks,

President Maithripala Sirisena says the aim of the Government is to provide equal opportunities and benefits for all children in the field of education under a common policy which eliminates differences.

Three residents in Kelaniya area yesterday filed a Fundamental Right petition in the Supreme Court challenging the government’s decision to sing the National Anthem in the Tamil language during the Independence Day celebrations.

The United States today hailed the reconciliation efforts of the Sri Lankan government in the past year as “very impressive”.

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister said on Thursday he is willing to consider international participation in investigating possible war crimes during the 26-year Tamil insurgency.

All measures are in place to double the minimum basic salary of the public service within the next five years, Public Administration Minister Ranjith Maddumabandara said.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka took oaths as the Regional Development Minister a short while ago at the Presidential Secretariat before President Maithripala Sirisena, President’s Media division has announced.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Yoshitha and four others including Nishantha Ranatunga and Rohan Weliwita were further remanded till March 10 by the Kaduwela Magistrate Dammika Hemapala today.