Sri Lanka has climbed 10 spots to 131 in the 2018 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The island nation has a score of 41.37.

The Central Bank projects Sri Lanka’s economy to pick up to 5.5 percent in 2019 from an estimated 5 percent this year.

The JVP has stated that they will be presenting the motion to abolish the executive presidency as a private member’s Bill next month. Even though they have said that they will agree to electoral reform, too, if that is deemed to be a prerequisite for the abolition of the executive presidency, they have not given any indication that they will be including provisions for electoral reform as well in their draft 20th Amendment.

Etisalat and Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison have agreed to merge their mobile telecommunications operations in Sri Lanka on Thursday, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange said.

Mr. Ajith Basnayake has been appointed as the organizer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party for Gampaha Electorate and he received his appointment letter from the President Maithripala Sirisena at the President’s Official Residence today (26).

Beliatta SLFP organizer Eraj Ravindra Fernando, who was involved in the “toy pistol’ case two years ago, was appointed as the Mayor of the UNP-led Hambantota Municipal Council with a majority of two votes this morning.

The Integral Coach Factory (ICF), which is owned and operated by the Indian Railways, will begin work on 70 coaches commissioned by Sri Lanka in May.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that the Presidential Commission appointed to look into the alleged frauds and malpractices in SriLankan Airlines will commence recording of evidence within the next two weeks.

Ports and Shipping Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said SLFPers within the government will wholeheartedly support any move to bring the 16 SLFPers back into government.

The UNP politburo today nominated Akila Viraj Kariyawasam for the post of General Secretary, He was formerly the Deputy General Secretary.

The man behind the white van culture was former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the FCID had no backbone to investigate into the person who gave orders to the white van abductions, Former Minister Mervyn Silva said.

The Department of Excise has decided to conduct a special monitoring program to prevent excise offenses and irregularities in excise-licensed establishments, during the Vesak season.The program will take place from 27th April to 3rd May, reported the Excise Department.

Deputy Minister of Social Empowerment Ranjan Ramanayake has always been an outspoken character during his career in acting as well as his time in politics. Yesterday (April 23rd) he convened a media briefing to speak about Cricket and also spoke about the actions of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in cricketing terms.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has said his government will work with China to accelerate ongoing projects and attract more Chinese investment in order to promote economic and social development in the island country.