Sri Lanka has received the 1st disbursement of US$ 250 million out of US$ 500 million for budget support from the World Bank, State Minister of Finance Sehan Semasinghe said today (July 04).

Litro Gas Lanka has reduced the prices of domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders with effect from midnight today (July 04).

A special gazette notification on Domestic Debt Optimization (DDO) was published on Monday (July 03) under which several directives were issued to the Finance Ministry Secretary and the Public Debt Registrar.

Investors are betting that Sri Lanka’s local debt and equities will see a significant upside, when markets reopen Tuesday post a three-day holiday, after a plan to revamp domestic debt eased concern over financial sector stability.

Sri Lanka Police has been functioning without an Inspector General of Police (IGP) since June 26, 2023.

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of avoiding misleading arguments and instead urged the entire opposition, led by the opposition leader, to join the government in addressing the country’s challenges.

Debt restructuring must be implemented in a fair manner and these decisions must be explained to the public, MP Namal Rajapaksa said.

A Thai elephant named “Muthu Raja” gifted to Sri Lanka two decades ago arrived back in its birth country, Thailand on Sunday (July 02), following a diplomatic spat over the animal’s alleged mistreatment.

Sri Lanka Navy has seized 1,947 kilograms of smuggled Kendu leaves and apprehended a suspect during a special operation conducted in the Karative beach area in Puttalam this morning (July 02).

The Resolution on Domestic Debt Optimization (DDO) was passed in Parliament of Sri Lanka with a majority of 60 votes with 122 members voting for and 62  against.

The prices of both arrack and beer in Sri Lanka have been increased consequent to the rise in the Excise Duty.

Prices of cigarettes in Sri Lanka have been increased under four categories with effect from today (June 01).

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) and Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) have revised fuel prices with effect from midnight on Friday (June 30).

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved the electricity tariff revision with effect from tomorrow (July 01).

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed confidence that Sri Lanka would overcome its bankruptcy status by September, 2023.