Sri Lankan rupee forwards traded steady on Tuesday as inflows kept pace with dollar demand by importers, but pressure remained with the one-year rupee premium rising despite a 50-basis-point rate hike by the central bank last week.

Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao called on President Maithripala Sirisena today (February 23) at the Presidential Secretariat. Mr Nakao arrived in Sri Lanka last night on a two-day official visit.

General Secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara thero has been released on bail by the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.

Officials in Sri Lanka have described as “premature” the controversy currently raging in the island over the Lankan government’s intention to sign an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India.

Internet facilities of more than 2,000 government schools countrywide had been disconnected due to non-payment of bills, a teachers’ union said yesterday.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe vowed on Saturday to go ahead with the Indo-Lanka Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) regardless of mouting opposition to the government move.

A deep rift over former Minister Basil Rajapaksa has threatened to split the join opposition, sources in the joint opposition said.

Former chairman of the Independent Television Network (ITN), Anura Siriwardene, and several key ITN officials are likely to be charged separately under the Penal Code and the Bribery Act for financial irregularities committed during the former administration, authoritative sources said.

“Our main focus was on strengthening high levels of bilateral exchange has made in place, thus helping to expand the cooperation in the fields of trade and economic relations, culture, education and sports, “ stated President Maithripala Sirisena delivering a media statement following official talks with the Federal President of Austria, Heinz Fischer, in Vienna on February 19.

Sri Lanka’s central bank Friday raised benchmark interest rates for the first time in nearly four years by 50 basis points ahead of a possible IMF bailout.

The Bribery Commission today withdrew all three ongoing cases against former Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake over non-declaration of assets in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Sri Lanka and Germany have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries and promote development activities in Sri Lanka through German assistance.

The Google Project Loon’s helium-filled balloon which entered Sri Lankan airspace has fallen in Pupuressa area in Gampola, the police confirmed.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to probe large scale corruption a short while ago.

“We invite more German investors to take advantage of the increasing economic opportunities in Sri Lanka”, stated President Maithripala Sirisena