The Gamperaliya and Enterprise Sri Lanka programmes are the result of the current victories and a good omen for a future victory as well, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

Having gained independence from imperialist rulers, as a nation, we expected a political, socio-economic and cultural forward march, with a unique national identity free of colonial shackles. To entrust the future of the nation to minds enslaved by imperialism for more than a century, is more dangerous than being under colonial rule itself.

The import levy on one kilogram of Potatoes has been increased by 30 rupees, while the import levy on one kilogram of maize has been increased by 20 rupees.

Seventy-three Indians have been arrested by the Sri Lankan authorities for violating visa norms this year, officials said on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, which last year handed over a strategic port to a Chinese firm for a 99-year lease as a debt swap, will soon sign a USD 1 billion concessional loan agreement with Beijing to fund a major highway project linking Colombo to the hill resort of Kandy.

An arrest warrant for a former Sri Lankan military attache, convicted of public order offences after making cut-throat gestures at protesters, has been revoked without a court hearing following Foreign Office involvement.

Leader of the House Minister Lakshman Kiriella has presented a proposal on establishing a national government to the Parliament Secretary General in order to take steps to present it for Parliament’s approval.

The trade union action launched by customs officials continues to take place today as well. Trade unions point out that the action will continue until they receive an appropriate solution.

President Maithripala Sirisena says this year will be dedicated towards the appointment of a new government.

The people are requested to keep the national flag hoisted in all government offices, every household and all business premises from today till 7th of February to mark National Day.

It is reported that former Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has decided not to attend the National Independence Day celebrations to be held at the Galle Face on February 4.

A person in possession of a stock of 400,000 foreign cigarettes worth around Rs 20 million has been arrested by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) in Pettah.

The World Bank has agreed to extend further assistance to expand the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Project, which is currently being implemented in 7 districts, to many other districts.

Sri Lanka has halted imports of Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder until the company proves its product is free from cancer-causing asbestos, two government officials and the product’s local distributor told Reuters.