The new Sri Lankan ambassador to Saudi Arabia has stressed the importance of improving the island nation’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

President Maithripala Sirisena arrived in Malta Thursday morning (Nov. 26) to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) – 2015, to be held at Fort St. Angelo in Birgu from November 27-29.

A brother of former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapakse has been formally named in a corruption case involving the transfer of state weapons, as the new government pushes ahead with its crackdown against the old regime.

JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti has been appointed as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) in Parliament, Deputy Minister Ajith P. Perera said.

British monarch Queen Elizabeth II, who did not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Sri Lanka in 2014, will grace this year’s summit in Malta.

The Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Agency (MDMA) is keen to know about the bank details of Selvarasa Pathmanathan alias ‘KP’ and some of his associates over the investigation on Rajiv Gandhi Assassination Case.

Sri Lanka is planning to give permanent residence for investors who bring over 5 million US dollars to the country and three year residence visa for those brining over 250,000 dollars, the Finance Ministry said.

State Finance Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena highlighting several aspects of the new budget proposals said it will help to create a social and export oriented economy in the country.

Last week, Sri Lanka’s Finance Minister announced plans to remove the 15 percent land leasing tax for foreign investors, and reduce the approval period for foreign direct investment requests.

Sri Lanka has done a budget for 2016 without being controlled by the International Monetary Fund, which could also help the country if it wished, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said.

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power commended the commitment of the Sri Lankan government for a sustainable reconciliation during past ten months.

It has been reported that more than 20 office trains had been cancelled this morning (24).

Bridging the gulf that divides Tamil and Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka is essential for the wellbeing of the country, former President of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, has said.

A Rs. 5,000 annual emissions tax will only be charged from vehicles with more than four wheels, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake says.

The Inland Revenue Department has indicated a likely increase in charges for electricity, telephone calls and hotel services, among others, with the increase in VAT proposed in Budget 2016.

Executive Chairman of the Litro Gas Co Mr Shalila Munasinghe said that as per the provision made in the Budget – 2016 presented by the Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake Gas prices have been reduced with effect from today.