Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera yesterday warned of a tendency of a further rupee depreciation against the US dollar within the next few weeks.

The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has removed several MPs and senior members from from their respective electoral organiser posts.

A group of villagers in Athurugiriya area held a protest yesterday alleging that a mentally ill patient had died due to torture while in Police custody.

The Sri Lankan has depreciated against the US Dollar, today (20), to a new record low as the selling rate closed at Rs 168.63.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said it had enacted a new measure to deter vehicle imports and take pressure off the rupee, which is hovering at a record low, and to restore macro-economic stability.

The Law & Order Minister has informed the Secretary to the ministry to investigate the allegations against IGP Pujith Jayasundara at a ministerial-level, deputy minister Nalin Bandara told Parliament this morning.

The Joint Opposition group is now clearly divided into two camps known as the Mahinda Camp and Gota Camp , JVP leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said.

After Nepal snubbing India by refusing to join military exercises in Pune, it was now the turn of another neighbour, Sri Lanka — deciding against giving control of Palaly Airport to India.

The wholesale price of sugar will be increased by Rs 15 per kilogram with immediate effect, according to the Sugar Importers’ Association.

The Sri Lankan Rupee has further depreciated against the US Dollar as the selling price hikes up to Rs 167.14 per US Dollar.

Minister of Transport Nimal Siripala de Silva says that bus fares will be increased by 4% with effect from midnight tomorrow (20).

A man wearing a full face helmet had robbed Rs.1.7 million worth cash from a finance company at Chavakachcheri in Jaffna this morning.

If the President’s life is in peril, this Government will take the action necessary according to the existing law, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said yesterday (18).

UPFA MPs, yesterday, demanded that DIG Nalaka Silva be arrested over an alleged plot to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka has stopped crude imports from Iran and is actively switching to other crude grades, as South Asian importers, including India, significantly restrict supply in anticipation of US sanctions against Tehran.

The Cabinet had today endorsed a gas price hike of Rs.190 for a 12.5 kg cylinder of gas.