State offices urged to use electricity sparingly

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged administrative service officers to use electricity sparingly in state offices until the prevalent power crisis is addressed.



No room for violation of Constitution and country’s independence

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday stressed that he would not implement any decisions that would violate the country’s Constitution and independence at the whims and fancies of the international community or any other persons.



Hambantota refinery project a potential money laundering risk – TISL

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) says the controversy surrounding the proposed USD 3.85 billion oil refinery in Mirijjawila, Hambantota, could have a negative impact on Sri Lanka’s efforts to remove itself from the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) ‘Grey List’ of countries vulnerable to money laundering and terrorism financing.



Kanjipani Imran deported to Sri Lanka

Underworld leader Muhammad Najeem Imran alias Kanjipaani Imran arrested in Dubai along with Maakandurey Madush has been deported to Sri Lanka.



‘TNA won’t allow Gota to become President’

Former Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa should stop dreaming of the executive presidency because the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) would ensure that he would never secure it, TNA Kilinochchi District MP, S. Shritharan told media yesterday.



Aruni Baba and Thel Chuti arrested for possession of heroin

The wife of a murder suspect Kudu Roshan and one of his accomplices have been arrested with heroin in their possession by the STF today.



Presidency: Gota not finalized, Basil won’t contest: MR

A conclusive decision had not yet been taken regarding former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa contesting as a candidate at the upcoming Presidential Election, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa said.



Nadeemal Perera deported to Sri Lanka

Singer Nadeemal Perera and a prison officer, who were arrested along with the drug kingpin “Makandure Madush” have been deported from Dubai and arrived in Sri Lanka.



President appoints three-member committee

With Sri Lanka imposing power cuts once again, inconveniencing the public, President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday (26), appointed a three-member committee to look into the power cuts and find solutions to the on-going power crisis.



Country’s foreign debt jumps by Rs. 626 billion due to depreciation

Sri Lanka’s total foreign debt burden had increased by over Rs 626 billion due to the depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar between January 2015 and November 2017, Parliament was told yesterday.



Exclusive: Tea label giants vow probe after Sri Lanka labor abuse expose

Plantations in Sri Lanka that supply tea stamped slavery-free to top global companies are under investigation by ethical label groups after an expose found illegal wage deductions that have left some workers ill and unable to afford healthcare.



Private buses in WP should be painted blue after April 1

Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority said yesterday new laws would be introduced from April 1 to make it compulsory to paint private buses in blue.



Ship with Sri Lankan crew detained in Australia

Australia’s maritime safety watchdog has detained a German-owned cargo ship on the NSW south coast while it investigates several complaints from its crew about working conditions.



Government decides not to hold Grade 5 Scholarship Exam in future

President Maithripala Sirisena says the government has decided not to hold the Grade 5 Scholarship Examination in future.



Nurses launch two-day token strike

Government nurses have launched a two-day token strike at government hospitals across the island.



Rs. 25,000 fine for seven traffic offences

The Government has identified seven traffic offences and intends to impose the Rs.25,000 fine for these offences. This is with the aim of reducing the road accidents in the country, Transport and Civil Aviation State Minister Ashok Abeysinghe said.