ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to table the gazetted Public Debt Management Regulations to the parliament for approval. Sri Lanka’s Public Debt Management Office (PDMO) was established in January 2024 under the Ministry of Finance and formally operationalised through the Public Debt Management Act. The PDMO’s will cover the roles previously scattered across the Central Bank, External Resources Department, and Treasury with an aim of eliminating policy conflicts, enhance transparency, and align borrowing with the medium-term debt strategy targets including cut in central government debt-to-GDP to below 95 percent…
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Rush Lanka Group has officially obtained the CIDA LB1 Grade – Property Developer certification, the highest level of recognition awarded for construction excellence in Sri Lanka. Last year, the company held the LB4 Grade, and within a short period, it progressed to the LB1 Grade this year. This is an important milestone that shows the company’s continuous growth, strong performance, and commitment to excellence. It highlights the collective effort of the Rush Lanka team and the trust given by clients, partners, and stakeholders. The Construction Industry Development Authority (CIDA) awards this certification to recognize the capability, reliability, and performance of…
Pakistan’s batting stalwart Babar Azam has been fined 10 percent of his match fee for a Level 1 ICC Code of Conduct breach. The 31-year-old has been found to have breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an International Match.” In addition, a demerit point has been added to his disciplinary record, making it a first offence for Babar in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 21st over of Pakistan’s innings when Babar hit…
Sri Lanka and China’s Hainan Province have held talks in Colombo aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and expanding opportunities for cooperation ahead of a major consumer goods expo in China next year. Sri Lanka’s Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development Sunil Handunnetti met on Tuesday with Yan Xijun, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial People’s Congress, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo. The discussion centred on inviting a Sri Lankan delegation to participate in the China International Consumer Product Expo 2026 in Hainan. Officials said the talks covered a wide range of economic areas, including the…
Indian actor and model Sherlyn Chopra says she has undergone surgery to remove her breast implants after months of chronic back, chest and shoulder pain that doctors linked to the weight of the implants. Chopra, 38, announced the decision in an Instagram video, saying she had experienced persistent pressure in her upper body and only understood the cause after undergoing several medical consultations. “I’ve realized that the cause of my chronic pain has been my heavy breast implants,” she said. “To bring back agility, vitality and stamina into my life, I have decided to have my breast implants removed once…
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 308.25/75 to the US dollar in the spot market Tuesday, weaker from 307.00/25 the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly steady. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 closed at 8.10/20 percent, up from 8.10/15 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2028 closed flat at 8.95/9.00 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2029 closed at 9.46/50 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2029 closed at 9.47/50 percent, from 9.45/50 percent. A bond maturing on 01.07.2030 closed at 9.57/60 percent, dowm from 9.58/62 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2032 closed at 10.22/28 percent, down from 10.22/32…
Sri Lanka will host “Aqua Planet – Sri Lanka, International Expo 2025” from November 21–23 at Lotus Tower, bringing together global fisheries experts, researchers, and industry professionals. The expo will highlight the country’s aquatic resources with a focus on sustainability, innovation, trade, education, and the Blue Economy. It will also feature workshops on marine conservation, aquaculture, seafood processing, and business matching sessions. Cabinet approved the proposal by the Minister of Fisheries to proceed with the event. (Newswire) The post Sri Lanka to Host ‘Aqua Planet – International Expo 2025’ appeared first on Newswire.
Transport Minister Bimal Rathnayake says online payment of traffic spot fines will soon be available islandwide. “Traffic fines can now be paid online, and by December 31 we expect this facility to be accessible across the entire country,” the Minister said. “By mid-next year, we also aim to link this system to a driver demerit scheme through GovPay, introducing a comprehensive demerit system for motorists,” he said. (Newswire) The post Islandwide online traffic fine payments by year-end : Transport Minister appeared first on Newswire.
The government will submit an amendment to Parliament allowing women above 18 working in hotels and restaurants to serve after 6 p.m. and before 6 a.m. The change will be made under the Shop and Office Employees Act. Cabinet has approved moving forward with the proposed amendment. The post New Regulations for Female Hotel and Restaurant Staff Working at Night appeared first on Newswire.
The Cabinet has approved 9 major health sector development projects as part of the 2026 Public Investment Program. The projects include the National Oral Health Census, new multi-storey buildings for several hospitals, expansion of radiology facilities, and construction of Sri Lanka’s National Heart Centre. The government says these projects are needed as many health initiatives stalled during the 2021–2024 economic crisis. (Newswire) The post Government approves 9 new Health Sector Projects appeared first on Newswire.
The Animal Welfare Coalition of Sri Lanka has raised concerns over a video circulating on social media showing large numbers of terrified monkeys, along with the dead and dying, incarcerated in cages in Thumpane. The Animal Welfare Coalition of Sri Lanka said they have been left in this state for days, starved, without food, and exposed to the heavy rain and harsh sun. The concerns have been raised in a letter addressed to the Governor- Central Province, Prof. Sarath Abeykoon. Pointing out previous interventions in similar incidents of incarcerated monkeys in KMC and Harispatthuwa PS areas, the Association said it…
A special discussion between the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and senior members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was held today at the party headquarters in Nelum Mawatha. SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam, National Organiser and MP D.V. Chanaka, MPs Chanaka Madugoda, and former State Ministers Indika Anuruddha and Prasanna Ranatunga took part in the meeting. GMOA President Dr. Sanjeewa Thennakoon, Secretary Dr. Prabath Sugathadasa, and several union officials also attended. The meeting took place as the GMOA continues its ongoing trade union action, which has limited services at government hospitals in protest against several proposals in the…
ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange’s (CSE) All Share Price Index continued its losing streak for a fourth session due to profit taking in the market, brokers said. “In the morning market went up about 120 points. Then it came down,” Ranjan Ranatunga, Assistant Vice President – Research at First Capital said. Ranatunga said, in response to a query, that it is normal to see a bit of volatility following the budget presentation and this volatility might continue in the following days. “Profit taking is the main sentiment causing selling pressure.” The All Share Price Index (ASPI) dipped 0.74 percent,…
The National People’s Power (NPP) today secured control of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha, ending a six-month administrative deadlock that followed the May Local Government election. Although the NPP emerged as the largest group with 23 seats, it fell short of an outright majority, while the remaining 24 seats were divided among opposition parties and independent groups. Two earlier attempts to elect a Chairman, on June 17 and July 15, were postponed due to procedural disputes. The council reconvened this morning to decide whether the vote for Chairman should be held by open or secret ballot. The 23 NPP members and…
Sarva Jana Balawegaya Leader MP Dilith Jayaweera vowed to defeat the government at the first opportunity. Addressing Parliament Jayaweera condemned the National People’s Power party, alleged that the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha Councillor Chandana Mudunkotuwa had been ‘bought’. “Is this the change you want for democracy? Is this the pure political culture you wished to create?” He questioned. Jayaweera vowed that the NPP government will be sent home at the first opportunity they receive. The MP was referring to the NPP securing control of the Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha today, more than six months after the Local Government election. Although the NPP…
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says the Indian Consul General in Hambantota, Shri Harvinder Singh, visited him at Carlton House in Tangalle on Tuesday morning to convey birthday greetings on behalf of Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha. Rajapaksa stated that the visit provided an opportunity to reflect on the close friendship shared between India and Sri Lanka, both diplomatically and personally. He also expressed his gratitude for the wishes extended to him. Mahinda Rajapaksa marks his 80th birthday today. (Newswire) The post Mahinda Rajapaksa marks 80th birthday as Indian envoy visits Carlton House appeared first on Newswire.
The government is exploring the possibility of allowing registered local footwear manufacturers to supply school shoes for students under the existing voucher scheme, prioritising schools with fewer than 250 students. The proposal was discussed during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Education Harini Amarasuriya, together with Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, at the Parliamentary Committee Room. Under the new joint project by the Education Ministry and the Industries Ministry, students of schools with fewer than 250 children, estate schools with 251–500 students, schools with children with special needs, and pirivena institutions will be eligible…
Shabeer Mohamed Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera visited Trincomalee today, following tensions over the removal of a Buddha statue and the Coast Conservation Department’s enforcement action in the area. Gnanasara Thera strongly condemned the police response, alleging that officers had acted in a manner disrespectful to the Buddhist community and the temple’s activities. (Newswire) WATCH https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17STim7GsP/ The post BBS Gnanasara Thera visits Trinco site, condemns police action appeared first on Newswire.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers have approved a proposal to build new quarters for prison officers, and improve exiting ones, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “Due to the shortage of officers in prisons, many prison officers have to work after their regular working hours, and it has become essential to provide residential facilities for them,” Jayatissa told reporters. All prisons do not have adequate residential facilities, he said. “It’s necessary to modernize the existing residential facilities and construct new residential facilities in places with space.” The plans include the construction of two barracks at Welikada Prison in Colombo. Barracks…
The Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department (CC&CRM) has issued an official clarification regarding the tense situation reported near the Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Bodhiraja Viharaya in Trincomalee, stating that the incident stemmed from long-standing violations of coastal regulations rather than a religious dispute. According to the department, the chief incumbent of the Viharaya had been granted a temporary licence for a small welfare shop measuring approximately 127 square feet, valid only until mid-2024. Subsequent inspections revealed that the permit had been extensively misused, with the site transformed into a large-scale commercial operation consisting of multiple permanent and temporary huts…