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Last Update: Fri, Feb 26, 2021, 01:11 pm SL Time 		Serving the Sri Lankan community globally since 2000
 
  Sri Lanka committed to introduce new technologies to increase market share in the global economy

Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that the government is committed to introducing new technologies in every sector to enable the country to increase its market share in the global economy.

He said the government had established a separate Ministry of Technology with this objective, just as it had promised in its ‘Vision of Prosperity’ policy statement. The President made this observation addressing the 15th Governing Council meeting of the Non-aligned and Other Developing Countries for Science and Technology, on Zoom Technology yesterday (24).

 State Vesak Festival in Jaffna this year:
Feb 26, Colombo: The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has given instructions to hold this year’s State Vesak Festival centering the Northern and Eastern Provinces at the Nagadeepa Raja Maha Viharaya.

  Prime Minister Imran thanks the Sri Lankan government for allowing burials of COVID-19 victims :
Feb 26, Colombo: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan took it to Twitter to thank the Sri Lankan leadership for allowing the burial of COVD-19 victims.

  Ranil must go to Parliament, UNP seniors say:
Feb 26, Colombo: A group of senior members of the United National Party (UNP) Thursday called on former Prime Minister and party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to go to parliament immediately to reveal the truth about the previous government’s cabinet papers, agreements and commission reports.

 Finance Secretary says tax relief promised in the budget for businessmen and investors soon :
Feb 26, Colombo: All tax ordinances are being amended to expedite the provision of tax relief promised by the Government including the President to businessmen and investors in the 2021 Budget, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance SR Attygalle has said.

 A single prison cell for MP Ranjan Ramanayke:
Feb 26, Colombo: The Prisons Department has taken steps to keep parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who was convicted of contempt of court and given a four-year prison sentence, in a single cell at the Angunakolapelessa Prison.

 CNN features Sri Lanka Tourism’s ‘bio-bubble’ welcoming visitors :
Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kirmali Fernando was interviewed by Julia Chatterley on First Move for CNN where she detailed the safety protocols for tourism which was successfully resumed in the country since 21st January 2021.

  Sri Lanka permits burial of COVID-19 victims:
Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka today granted permission to bury the bodies of the people who have died of COVID-19 infection.
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 Coronavirus update: 466 new COVID-19 cases identified Thursday, total rises to 81,933:
Feb 25, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 466 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Thursday.

 Sri Lanka reports two COVID-19 deaths Thursday, toll rises to 459:
Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed two deaths on Thursday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 459, according to health authorities.

 SLFP decides to reject PCoI report on Easter Sunday attacks :
Feb 25, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a constituent party of the government today decided to reject the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate and inquire into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

 Gazette notification permitting burial of COVID victims is to be issued today:
Feb 25, Colombo: A gazette notification is to be issued today giving permission for the burial of the bodies of those who died due to COVID-19 infection.

 Sri Lanka ‘categorically’ rejects UN High Commissioner’s report, calls upon members to reject any resolution:
Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka ‘categorically’ rejected the report presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the 46th session in Geneva yesterday and called on the members of the Council to reject any resolution based on the report.

 UK shares concerns on Sri Lanka’s reversal of progress in human rights issues:
Feb 25, Colombo: The United Kingdom welcoming the UN High Commissioner’s detailed and most comprehensive report on Sri Lanka shared its concerns regarding the reversal of progress on issues of accountability, and also the current human rights situation, and the risk and recurrence of past violations.

  Sri Lanka committed to introduce new technologies to increase market share in the global economy:
Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that the government is committed to introducing new technologies in every sector to enable the country to increase its market share in the global economy.

 PCoI report on Easter Sunday attacks handed over to Attorney General :
Feb 25, Colombo: The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate and inquire into the Easter Sunday attacks that was presented to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been handed over to Attorney General Dappula De Livera.

 COPA directs to develop an action plan within two months to resolve the human-elephant conflict:
Feb 25, Colombo: The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and its respective officials to prepare a formal plan in order to expedite the implementation of the recommendations made to resolve the human-elephant conflict which is now a grave concern in Sri Lanka.

 Police arrest two Army personnel with 45 kg of heroin:
Feb 25, Colombo: The Panadura Police Special Investigation Unit arrested two Army personnel with 45 kilograms of heroin during a search operation in the Horana area on a tip off received by the police this morning.

 Part of the Chapelton Estate in Bogawantalawa isolated:
Feb 25, Colombo: The Pradeshiya Sabha section of Chapelton Estate in Bogawantalawa Health Medical Area in the Nuwara Eliya District will be isolated with immediate effect, the Government Information Department announced.

 ComBank ends tough 2020 with platform for growth:
Feb 25, Colombo: Strong asset and other income growth combined with an emphasis on prudent provisioning in one of the most challenging years on record, have enabled the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group to end 2020 on a stable platform for growth

 Colombo Dockyard hands over new pilot boat to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority:
Feb 25, Colombo: A new pilot boat manufactured for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was handed over to SLPA on Monday at the Colombo Dockyard PLC.

 COPE questions why Litro Gas Lanka and Litro Gas Terminal not audited through the Auditor General:
Feb 25, Colombo: The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) pointed out that Litro Gas Lanka and Litro Terminal Lanka, operating under the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation have conducted their audits through a private company disregarding the Auditor General’s notice to have the audits conducted through them.

 Sri Lanka Cricket appoints 12 School Cricket Provincial Coordinators:
Feb 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed 12 ‘School Cricket Provincial Coordinators’ to find young talent in the country, covering all age groups.

  Saharan’s original target was the Dalada Perahera, PCoI report reveals:
Feb 24, Colombo: According to the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attack, the mastermind of the Easter Sunday attack Saharan Hashim’s original plans was to attack the Kandy Esala Perahera.
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  State Minister acknowledges problems in administering the Covid vaccine, blames top officials of Health Ministry :
Feb 24, Colombo: Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control today admitted that due to the decisions taken by certain parties, problems have arisen in the method of administering the Covid vaccine.

 Coronavirus update: 458 new COVID-19 cases identified Wednesday, total rises to 81,467:
Feb 24, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 458 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Wednesday.
 Sri Lanka, Pakistan foreign ministers agree to expand bilateral trade to US$ 1 billion:
Feb 24, Colombo: The visiting Pakistan Minister of Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on his Sri Lankan counterpart Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry today, 24 February 2021.
 Sri Lanka Bar Association elects Saliya Peiris as president :
Feb 24, Colombo: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has elected President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris as the new President of the Association for the year 2021-2022.
  Sri Lanka reports four COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, toll rises to 457:
Feb 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed four deaths on Wednesday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 457, according to health authorities.
 PM attends Trade and Investment Conference with Pakistan Prime Minister:
Feb 24, Colombo: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attended a “Trade and Investment Conference” together with visiting Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in Colombo this morning, Prime Minister’s Office said.
 Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to regularize Sri Lanka Customs:
Feb 24, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to study the current situation of the Sri Lanka Customs Department and make recommendations to enhance its efficiency.
 Central bank releases a new 20 rupee coin for circulation:
Feb 24, Colombo: The new 20 rupee coin issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was presented by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Prof. W.D. Lakshman to President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (24).
  UK announces measures to boost international study opportunities with Sri Lanka:
Feb 24, Colombo: The UK has launched new measures aimed at boosting access to global student exchanges for thousands of people, and supporting international education partnerships.
 Pakistan offers Sri Lanka $50 million credit line for defense cooperation:
Feb 24, Colombo: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who concluded a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday has announced a new $50 million credit line facility to Sri Lanka for defense cooperation, a joint communiqué on the visit said.
 Sri Lanka President and Pakistan PM discuss bilateral relations:
Feb 24, Colombo: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka called on President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24).
 Core Group tables draft resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC:
Feb 24, Colombo: The Core Group on Sri Lanka consisting of United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia has tabled the draft resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.
  Dialog connects Sri Lanka and Maldives with high speed submarine cable:
Feb 24, Colombo: Dialog Axiata PLC (“Dialog”), announced the commissioning of the Maldives Sri Lanka Cable system (MSC), enabling the delivery of high-speed broadband services.
 Sri Lanka Central Bank explains why Repatriation and Conversion of Export Proceeds needed:
Feb 24, Colombo: On 18 February 2021, the Monetary Board issued Rules in respect of repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka and conversion of such proceeds into Sri Lanka rupees, and also issued Operating Instructions to Licensed Banks on the same.
 CSE ASPI in double-digit YTD returns territory for 25 consecutive market days over 5 weeks:
Feb 24, Colombo: The All Share Price Index (ASPI), the primary index of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) tracking the price movements of all shares listed on the exchange has remained in double digit year-to-date (YTD) returns territory for 25 consecutive market days, over a period of 5 weeks since the 15th of January 2021.
 ICRA Lanka expects Sri Lanka’s economy to grow by 3.6% in 2021:
Feb 24, Colombo: ICRA Lanka expects Sri Lanka’s economy to grow by 3.6 percent in 2021 after contracting by an estimated 4 percent last year.
 Sri Lanka shares information with U.S. Justice Department on Easter Sunday bombing suspects:
Feb 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka has shared information with the U.S. Department of Justice related to charges against those accused in the Easter Sunday bombings and actions of pro-LTTE organizations on U.S. soil.
 PM Imran emphasizes on finding ways for connectivity through CPEC for Sri Lanka:
Feb 23, Colombo: Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasized on finding ways and means to enhance trade and connectivity through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor right up to Central Asia for Sri Lanka.
 Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi resumes work after recovering from COVID:
Feb 23, Colombo: Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi, who has recovered completely after receiving treatment for the COVID-19 infection, today (23) held a special discussion with the officials of the Ministry of Health on the current situation of the Covid epidemic and the virus control program as well as future health development programs.
  No absorption of recruits under 100,000 jobs program into the health service, President clarifies:
Feb 23, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says those who have been recruited under the 100,000 employment opportunities program will not be absorbed in to the cadre of the Department of Health Services.
 Presidential Commission on Easter attacks recommends charges against former President, intelligence Chiefs:
Feb 23, Colombo: Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the 2019 Easter attacks in its report has recommended the recommends Attorney general to consider instituting criminal proceedings against former President Maithripala Sirisena and his intelligence chiefs.
 Coronavirus update: 492 new COVID-19 cases identified Tuesday, total exceeds 81,000:
Feb 23, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 492 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Tuesday.
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 Sri Lanka reports three COVID-19 deaths Tuesday, toll rises to 453:
Feb 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed three deaths on Tuesday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 453, according to health authorities.
  Sri Lanka urges UNHRC members to reject ‘unwarranted’ resolution based on a rejected OHCHR report:
Feb 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka today appealed to the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to reject any country-specific resolution against Sri Lanka based on the report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
 No plan to increase fuel prices within the next three months - Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila :
Feb 23, Colombo: Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila told parliament today (23) that the government was not prepared to increase fuel prices within the next three months. He was responding to a question raised by MP Hesha Vithanage seeking an oral answer.
 Sri Lankans protest cremations of Muslim Covid victims as Pakistan PM arrives:
Feb 23, Colombo: Sri Lankans today staged a protest opposite the Presidential Secretariat demanding an end to the forced cremations of Muslims who die of COVID-19 and approval to bury the deceased as the Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in the island on a two-day official visit.
 Pakistan and Sri Lanka sign five Memoranda of Understanding:
Feb 23, Colombo: Five economically important agreements between Sri Lanka and Pakistan were signed today (23.02.2021) at Temple Trees in line with the two day official visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan.
 Sri Lanka warmly welcomes Pakistan Prime Minister :
Feb 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa warmly welcomed the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, who arrived in Sri Lanka Tuesday on a two-day state visit on an invitation extended by the Sri Lankan Premier.
 Cyber Care App launched to combat cyber violence in Sri Lanka:
Feb 23, Colombo: The COVID-19 outbreak with the resultant lockdown and stay-at-home measures have led to a surge in online activity by young people.
  U.S. Ambassador inaugurates virtual platform to connect schools in Sri Lanka:
Feb 23, Vavuniya: U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B. Teplitz inaugurated a U.S.-funded online education platform today that connects students and teachers from different regions and responds to education challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions.
 Speaker says he received the final report of PCoI on Easter attacks:
Feb 23, Colombo: Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has announced in Parliament that he received the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry probing the Easter Sunday terror attacks this morning.
  Dasun Shanaka fails to travel along with the Team due to a Visa issue:
Feb 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket informed that Dasun Shanaka, who was named in the ‘White Ball Squad’ to tour West Indies, did not travel along with the Team due to an issue related to securing his Visa.
  Man arrested for promoting LTTE through Tik Tok:
Feb 23, Colombo: A suspect has been arrested in Wattala for posting photos of LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran on the video-sharing social media network called TikTok.
 Cabinet approval to purchase 10 million Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine doses from India:
Feb 23, Colombo: The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the Cabinet paper submitted by the Acting Minister of Health Prof. Channa Jayasumana for the State Pharmaceutical Corporation of Sri Lanka to purchase 10 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India for US $ 52.5 million.
  Parliament will convene this week for three days from today:
Feb 23, Colombo: The Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by the Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena decided last week to hold Parliament Sittings for this week from February 23rd to the 25th.
 HNB Group demonstrates resilience, strength and stability:
Feb 23, Colombo: Hatton National Bank PLC (HNB) demonstrated resilience and an unwavering focus on sustainable business performance as it posted Rs 13.7 billion in Group Profit After Tax during 2020, a year laden with unprecedented circumstances and challenges. Bank level Profit After Taxes amounted to Rs 11.5 billion.
 ‘Seylan Harasara’ revamped to offer a range of exclusive benefits for senior citizens:
Feb 23, Colombo: Seylan Bank, the bank with a heart, is ready to relaunch ‘Seylan Harasara’, a financial product that offers a host of exclusive benefits and specialized financial solutions for senior citizens and pensioners.
 Ceylinco Life records income of Rs 36.98 billion in 2020:
Feb 22, Colombo: Ceylinco Life has achieved consolidated income of Rs 36.98 billion for FY 2029, demonstrating the Company’s ability to grow business volumes and investment returns even in the most challenging conditions.
 Sri Lanka national inflation declines to 3.7 percent in January 2021:
Feb 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s nationwide inflation in January 2021 determined under the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) decreased to 3.7 percent from 4.6 percent recorded in December 2020 on a year-on-year basis, the Department of Census and Statistics reported Monday.
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 Government aims to control the rice mafia- Agriculture Minister :
Feb 22, Colombo: Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Agriculture says the government aims to control the rice mafia by keeping a reserve of 300,000 metric tons of paddy.
  High Court orders ‘Wele Suda’ to be produced before court on June 17 :
Feb 22, Colombo: The Colombo High Court today ordered the prison officials to produce Gampola Vidanalage Samantha Kumara alias ‘Wele Suda’ before the court on June 17.
  Coronavirus update: 518 new COVID-19 cases identified Monday, total exceeds 80,000:
Feb 22, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 518 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Monday.
 Sri Lanka reports five COVID-19 deaths Monday, toll rises to 450:
Feb 22, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed five deaths on Monday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 450, according to health authorities.
  President inaugurates National Scouts Movement’s 100,000 tree planting project:
Feb 22, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa inaugurated the National Scouts Movement’s project to plant 100,000 trees today (22) at the President’s House premises in Colombo.
  Committee appointed to study the Report on Easter Sunday attacks entrusted with a wide ranging mandate:
Feb 22, Colombo: The six-member Committee appointed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to study the Report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into Easter Sunday attacks has been entrusted with a wide ranging mandate, the President’s Media Division said.
 GCE O/L results will be released in June, Education Minister assures:
Feb 22, Colombo: The results of the GCE Ordinary Level Examination scheduled to be held from March 01 to 10 are expected to be released by June, and accordingly, plans have been made to start A/L classes for these children from July, said the Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris.
 Trade Finance and Investments PLC amalgamates into Commercial Credit and Finance PLC:
Feb 22, Colombo: Trade Finance and Investments PLC (TFI), a well-established financial service provider in Sri Lanka for over 35 years, has been amalgamated into one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering finance companies, Commercial Credit and Finance PLC (CCF).
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