Financial inclusion- key constraint to economic growth: IFC

Even though Sri Lanka presents a rosy picture in terms of the wide range of financial service providers in the country, high levels of physical access to branches and a high number of accounts, the level of financial inclusion is still listed as a key constraint for growth across many sectors



2017 sinks to slowest economic growth in 16 years

The country’s economy in 2017 had grown by only 3.1%, the slowest rate in 16 years and lower than the 4.4% achieved in 2016, as per data released yesterday by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS).



Little action by Sri Lanka on promised justice, reforms: HRW

The Sri Lankan government should announce a time-bound plan to carry out its pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council since October 2015, Human Rights Watch said today.



UNHRC adopts Sri Lanka’s UPR report

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report on Sri Lanka was adopted today at the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva said. Sri Lanka was represented by Permanent Representative Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha and assisted by the Deputy Permanent Representative Mrs. Samantha Jayasuriya during the session.



People need to identify politicians who only think of power and not country – President

President Maithripala Sirisena says some are working according to their personal agendas to gain political power and they are not interested in strengthening the peace and reconciliation or in solving the issues of the country.



One dead following shooting in Athurugiriya

One person was killed following a shooting incident at Galwarusawa Road in Athurugiriya this evening, police said.



42-year-old killed in shooting at Armour Street

A 42-year old man was killed and his wife was injured when two men arrived on a motorcycle opened fire at them at Messenger Street in Armour Street a short while ago.



Muslims never asked for a separate area for themselves says Minister

Although extremist groups are spreading hatred among Muslims in various countries in the World they will not be permitted to do so in this country said Minister Faiszer Musthapha Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government.



Electronic cards for Sri Lankans

All hospitals will be computerised by 2020 and an electronic card bearing all data will be issued to all Sri Lankans from April 7, Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.



JVP won’t help oust RW

The JVP would not to sign the no-confidence motion to be moved by the Joint Opposition (JO) against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe…



Sri Lanka lifts state of emergency as ethnic tensions subside

Sri Lanka’s president announced he has lifted the nationwide state of emergency that was imposed after communal clashes resulted in the deaths of three people.



$100 million WB funds for RPCs soon

Sri Lanka moves closer in securing $100 million World Bank (WB) funding to restructure Sri Lanka’s Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) which is facing a severe shortage of working capital and investments, announced Minister of Plantation Industries, Navin Dissanayake



BMW said to be driven by Minister’s son hits two cars before plunging into canal

A BMW reportedly driven by the son of a senior UNP party official and Cabinet Minister crashed into two cars before plunging into a canal connected to the Diyawanna Oya in Thalawathugoda near Parliament yesterday morning



Bangladesh get away with slap on the wrist

The shameful behaviour of Bangladesh players during the closely contested last group game of the Nidahas Trophy tournament match at RPS on Friday hasn’t been met with condemnation it deserved as both captain Shakib Al Hasan and reserve player Nurul Hasan have got away with a slap on the wrist having been handed 25 percent fines.



OPEN WARRANT FOR UDAYANGA

The Colombo Fort Magistrate yesterday issued an open warrant written in English through the Interpol for the arrest of former Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, a first cousin of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.



CRICKET: Bangladesh’s dressing room door damaged in Colombo

Aggressive bodily contact, shoving, agitated yelling, pointed fingers and a shattered dressing room door, all marred the finish and the immediate aftermath of the Nidahas Trophy match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.