The Sri Lankan rupee edged down on Thursday, after ending flat for seven straight sessions as the central bank allowed the local currency to depreciate by 10 cents amid downward pressure due to tepid dollar demand from importers, dealers said.

The election of Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s (SLFP) renegade Maithripala Sirisena as the 6th Executive President of the Sri Lanka and the formation of a government under the moderate Political leader, Ranil Wickramasinghe of the United National Party (UNP) as the 17th Prime Minister augers well for the country

Newly appointed national organizer of the SLFP Susil Premajayantha who assumed duties in his post today said the SLFP will not remain in the Opposition following the forthcoming General Election.

Four Sri Lankan nationals have been returned home after being intercepted by an Australian border protection vessel off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The Colombo High Court today granted permission to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to interrogate notorious drug baron Samantha Kumara alias ‘Wele Suda’ under detention orders till March 23.

A Supreme Court bench presided over by Chief Justice K. Sripavan yesterday issued notice on former President Mahinda Rajapaksa returnable on March 31.

Sri Lanka’s prime minister said on Wednesday a $1.5 billion luxury real estate deal with China was signed without cabinet approval and without following procedures, and launched a new investigation to uncover any corruption.

Former minister and UPFA Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa was permitted to not attend Parliament for the next three months.

Remanded UNP parliamentarian Palitha Thewarapperuma was released on bail by the Matugama Magistrate’s Court today.

The United States has welcomed the signing of civil nuclear cooperation agreement between India and Sri Lanka, saying it is consistent with IAEA safeguards and other international standards and practices.

A Sri Lankan man who came to Australia by boat has been found to be eligible for a protection visa, although he is suspected of murder in his home country.

A Ceylon Petroleum Corporation think-tank is in constant deliberation to continue fuel supplies countrywide without interruption after petrol consumption doubled with the recent price reduction, a top official said.

China today reacted guardedly to new Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s India visit, saying it is “happy to see” close and friendly relations between them and emphasised that sound ties among the three nations will be conducive to the entire region.

Sri Lanka’s foreign minister will visit China next week in the highest-level trip to Beijing by a member of the new government, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, as China seeks to ensure the safety of its investments there.

Former director of the Transport division of the Presidential Secretariat, Keerthi Samarakoon has been arrested by the Police in connection with the missing of three luxury vehicles of the Presidential Secretariat.

The Hindus of Sri Lanka, who have a long tradition of friendship and harmony with all other communities in Sri Lanka will gain more strength in their search for unity through reconciliation and understanding with the spirit of Maha Shivarathri festival, President Maithripala Sirisena issuing a message to mark the festival said.