Category: Local News

Japan ready to resume suspended official development assistance projects in Sri Lanka

Dr. IZUMI Hiroto, head of the Japanese delegation visiting Sri Lanka, praised the successful completion of the country’s debt restructuring process, noting that it has paved the way for the resumption of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects.



Sri Lanka Supreme Court to decide on petitions against IGP appointment on July 24

The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has finished reviewing petitions against the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The court will decide on July 24, 2024, whether to allow these petitions to proceed.



Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardena placed on compulsory leave

Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Nilantha Jayawardena has been placed on compulsory leave with immediate effect by the National Police Commission today (July 18) amidst ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks.



Human Rights Watch criticizes Sri Lanka’s continued use of Anti-Terror Law

Sri Lankan authorities are still using the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to target perceived opponents and minority communities without credible evidence, claims Human Rights Watch (HRW).



Gnanasara thera released on bail pending revision petition

The Court of Appeal granted bail today (July 18) to Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero.



Appeal court reduces sentences in Kurunegala King’s Court demolition case

The Court of Appeal has reduced the sentences of the defendants in the case concerning the demolition and removal of the King’s Assembly Hall or the King’s Court, dating back to the era of King Buwanekabahu, in Kurunegala.



SLPP plans Common Candidate for Presidential Election

The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will have a common candidate for the presidency, as it has always done, former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa announced on Wednesday (July 17).



Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest as Common Candidate in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election

United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took on the challenge of restoring the economy, will run for the Presidential Election as a common candidate.



Sri Lanka exceeds economic performance expectations: ADB

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports that Sri Lanka’s economic performance in Q1 2024 exceeded expectations outlined in the April 2024 Asian Development Outlook (ADO).



Sri Lanka President proposes threat assessment committee for candidates

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has proposed forming a committee to assess threats to presidential candidates and former presidents.



Diana Gamage withdraws petition against removal from SJB’s national list

Former State Minister Diana Gamage has withdrawn her petition from the Supreme Court today (July 17).



Sri Lanka doubles President’s Fund payments for heart and kidney patients

The Sri Lankan government will double the financial aid provided under the President’s Fund for heart and kidney patients, with payments made within a week of application, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya announced.



Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister predicts 20% drop in goods prices after electricity tariff revision

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, highlighted that following the revision of electricity prices, there is potential for a reduction of approximately 20% in the prices of goods and services in the market.



16 including 3 Sri Lankans missing after oil tanker capsizes off Oman coast

Sixteen crew members including three Sri Lankan nationals were missing after their Comorian-flagged oil tanker capsized off the coast of Oman, the sultanate’s Maritime Security Centre (MSC) said Tuesday (July 16).



Former Sri Lanka Cricketer Dhammika Niroshana shot dead

A 41-year-old man, identified as former cricketer Dhammika Niroshana, was shot dead near his home on Kande Mawatha in Ambalangoda on Wednesday evening (July 16).



Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approves 22nd Amendment to constitution bill

The Cabinet of Ministers in Sri Lanka has approved the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill.