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Last Update: Wed, Jul 15, 2020, 11:59 pm SL Time

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Government to grant a massive relief to public on electricity bills

July 15, Colombo: The Minister of Power and Energy and Transport Services Mahinda Amaraweera stated today (15) that the government has decided to provide massive relief to the public on the electricity bills for the past few months.

The government has made the decision to provide relief considering the allegations and complaints made by the consumers regarding the electricity bills for the months of March, April and May 2020. The Minister had earlier presented a Cabinet Memorandum to inform the Cabinet on electricity bills and appointed a committee to look into the proposed concessions. The report of the committee was presented to the Cabinet of Ministers last week.

Over 150 Colleges of Education diploma holders receive teaching appointments :
	July 15, Colombo: The Ministry of Education handed over appointments to 155 diploma holders of the National Colleges of Education who completed national pedagogical training in the study years 2014/2016 and 2015/2017.

HRCSL establishes unit to accept complaints of HR violations during Parliamentary Election:
	July 15, Colombo: The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has established a unit to investigate allegations of Human Rights violations by government officials in the context of the 2020 Parliamentary Election.

Former CID director files FR petition seeking reinstatement:
	July 15, Colombo: Former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Shani Abeysekara has filed a fundamental rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking annulment of the National Police Commission’s decision to suspend and transfer him.

New Navy Commander calls on President:
	July 15, Colombo: Newly appointed Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne called on President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat, today (15th July).

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases rise to 2671 with 6 new cases Wednesday:
	July 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases rose to 2,671 today after 6 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said.

Government to grant a massive relief to public on electricity bills:
	July 15, Colombo: The Minister of Power and Energy and Transport Services Mahinda Amaraweera stated today (15) that the government has decided to provide massive relief to the public on the electricity bills for the past few months.

DG Health Services rules out imposing curfew again to control COVID-19 spread:
	July 15, Colombo: The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Anil Jasinghe says that there is no need to impose a curfew on the country at this time to curb further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

New appointees to Monetary Board of Central Bank assume duties:
	July 15, Colombo: Three new members- Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC, Dr (Mrs) Ranee Jayamaha and Mr Samantha Kumarasinghe -appointed as serving members of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) have assumed duties, the Central Bank announced today.

Dialog Axiata introduces Multi-Biometric Features on the MyDialog App to further enhance Consumer Data Protection:
	July 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC. recently introduced a novel addition to the MyDialog App in the form of a state-of-the-art solution for customer data protection

Standard Chartered Sri Lanka finances apparel manufacturer Brandix for Personal Protective Equipment production:
	July 15, Colombo: Standard Chartered Sri Lanka announced today that Brandix is the latest company to complete a drawdown from the Bank’s global USD1 billion COVID-19 financing commitment, underscoring its ongoing efforts to support local businesses in the pandemic response.

Over 50 foreign sailors arrive in Sri Lanka:
	July 15, Colombo: Over 50 foreign sailors have arrived in Sri Lanka via the Katunayake and Mattala airports to serve on ships anchored in the ports of Colombo and Galle.

Government urges people not to be misled by false information on COVID-19 :
	July 15, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government said all measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic in the country and urged the public to be cautious and not to be misled by various misinformation campaigns related to the Coronavirus situation circulated over social media.

Sri Lanka President appoints Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne as new Navy Commander:
	July 15, Colombo: President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has appointed Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne as the 24th Commander of Sri Lanka Navy.

HNB Assurance talks investment strategy in tackling post-COVID economic challenges:
	July 15, Colombo: As Sri Lanka gradually steps out of lockdown measures, markets are rolling out carefully devised plans like never before, with cuts and chops to cater the all new ‘normal’.

Unilever Sri Lanka’s ‘U Store’ facilitates direct access to essential goods:
	July 15, Colombo: Unilever Sri Lanka’se-commerce platform, ‘UStore,’ has been instrumental in providing consumers with access to much needed hygiene products and other essential items, enabling direct sales of its entire portfolio.

Plan to hand over preparation of driving licenses to the Army mooted:
	July 15, Colombo: Minister of Transport Management, Power & Energy Mahinda Amaraweera has said that from next year onwards, the preparation of driving licenses will be handed over to the Sri Lanka Army.

AG directs IGP to obtain statements regarding Central Bank bond scam:
	July 14, Colombo: The Attorney General has instructed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to obtain statements from former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Director of Perpetual Treasuries Arjun Aloysius and other suspects regarding the Central Bank bond scam.

President stresses adhering to health guidelines and immediate testing to control COVID 19:
	July 14, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that the heads of both government and private entities are accountable for adhering to health guidelines in their organizations in the wake of current spike in COVID 19 cases.

PAFFREL lodges complaint over NCP Governor violating election laws wearing face mask with party symbol at COVID-19 meeting:
	July 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s election monitor, People for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL) has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission today over the Governor of North Central Province (NCP) attending an official meeting wearing a face mask with a party symbol violating the election laws.

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases rise to 2663 with 17 new cases Tuesday:
	July 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases rose to 2,663 today after 17 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said.

President declares 2021 – 2030 the Decade of Skills Development:
	July 14, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared 2021-2030 the Decade of Skills Development in Sri Lanka. The move is expected to herald a transformational phase of educational reform and skills development for the nation in line with the government’s national policy framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’.

Treasury issues letters confirming settlement of bills due from Sri Lanka’s government to contractors and suppliers :
	July 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Treasury has commenced issuing confirmation letters verifying the bills due from the government to government contractors and suppliers in various sectors including construction who have not yet been paid their bills for various development activities of the government.

Sri Lanka President pledges to protect people from COVID-19 pandemic:
	July 14, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured that the challenge of protecting the people until the COVID-19 pandemic is eradicated from the world will be met by controlling the risk of spread of the virus from time to time within the country, President’s Media Division said.

Government commences purchasing of Yala Season paddy harvest at a guaranteed price:
	July 14, Colombo: The government has commenced the paddy purchase program for the 2020 Yala season and the Treasury will release funds for the purchase of the paddy harvest from the farmers at a guaranteed price of Rs. 50 per kilogram.

Outgoing Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva promoted to the rank of Admiral:
	July 14, Colombo: President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has promoted the outgoing Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva to the rank of Admiral with effect from 14th July 2020.

Fugitive tipper driver who ran over three policemen arrested:
	July 14, Colombo: The tipper truck that had escaped after running over two police officers at Hakmana Kongala area was found by the police this morning (14) while it was hidden in the Kattakaduwa area in the Hungama Police Division.

Group of nearly 300 Sri Lankans stranded in Jordan arrive in the country:
	July 14, Colombo: A SriLankan Airlines flight carrying nearly 300 Sri Lankans who were stranded in Jordan due to COVID-19 restrictions arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport this morning.

IFC supports ComBank to expand access to finance for women and women-owned small businesses in Sri Lanka:
	July 14, Colombo: IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will support Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank) to develop more specially-designed products and services for women, as part of a move to help boost access to finance for women

ComBank provides water and sanitation facilities to Sri Nagarukkarama Temple:
	July 14, Colombo: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon recently provided the 135-year old Sri Nagarukkarama Temple in Kotikawatte, Angoda with water and sanitation facilities.

Bank of Ceylon reconfirmed as number one in Sri Lanka by The Banker:
	July 14, Colombo: The country’s number one banking brand Bank of Ceylon has been yet again reaffirmed its place among the Top 1000 Banks in the World with the country rank as number one denoted by The Banker UK Magazine.

Sri Lanka trade deficit narrows in May 2020 as exports rebound and imports decline:
	July 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s trade deficit narrowed in May 2020 as exports rebounded in the month and the decline in imports exceeded the decline in exports, the Central Bank reported Monday in its External Sector Performance review for the month.

Movement in several areas in Rajanganaya restricted to prevent spread of COVID-19:
	July 13, Colombo: The Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe says that due to the spread of coronavirus, movement in several areas in Rajanganaya has been suspended with effect from today.

Police inspector arrested for concealing evidence in Saindamarudu explosion:
	July 13, Colombo: The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) on Monday (13) arrested a Chief Police Inspector attached to the Ampara Police Division for concealing evidence in a bomb explosion in Saindamarudu, in the Eastern Province.

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases rise to 2644 with 27 new cases Monday:
	July 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases rose to 2,644 today after 27 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said.

President admires a tubeless stethoscope created by A/L student:
	July 13, Colombo: A GCE Advanced Level student of the Trinity College, Kandy presented his creation, a tubeless stethoscope to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (July 13).

Sri Lanka further encourages opening of Special Deposit Accounts to overcome economic impact of COVID-19:
	July 13, Colombo: The Government of Sri Lanka introduced the Special Deposit Account (SDA) on 8th April 2020 to seek assistance for the national effort to overcome the effects of COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Depositors of The Finance Company informed to obtain their compensation payments from the People’s Bank:
	July 13, Colombo: The compensation payments to the depositors of The Finance Company PLC under the Sri Lanka Deposit Insurance and Liquidity Support Scheme (SLDILSS) subject to a maximum amount of Rs.600,000 per depositor was commenced on 07.06.2020 through 63 branches of the People’s Bank island wide.

Sri Lanka Central Bank suspends business of ETI Finance and Swarnamahal Financial Services :
	July 13, Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) today announced that it has decided to suspends business of ETI Finance and Swarnamahal Financial Services due to various irregularities taken place in the two non-bank financial institutions since 2011.

Pope appoints Father Anton Ranjith Pillainayagam as new Auxiliary Bishop in Sri Lanka:
	July 13, Colombo: Pope Francis on Monday has appointed a new Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Vatican News reported.

Outgoing Sri Lanka Navy Commander calls on Prime Minister:
	July 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva paid a traditional courtesy call on the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees, today (13th July 2020) prior to his retirement.

IFJ condemns Sri Lanka Police and key murder suspect obstructing photojournalist outside court :
	July 13, Colombo: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates Free Media Movement (FMM) and Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA) have condemned the obstruction of a journalist by the Sri Lanka Police and a key suspect in a murder case and called on authorities to conduct an inquiry into the incident.

Japan provides Human Resources Development Scholarships for the Sri Lankan public sector:
	July 13, Colombo: The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resources Development Scholarship (JDS) Program was introduced in Sri Lanka in 2010 by the Government of Japan in order to provide opportunities to the executive level public sector officials to undergo Master Degree Programs in prominent universities in Japan.

Japan grants Sri Lanka Rs. 345 million to improve anti – narcotic activities:
	July 13, Colombo: The Government of Japan has provided grant aid worth JPY 200 million (approximately Rs. 345 million) to strengthen the Anti-illegal Drug measures of the Government of Sri Lanka.

AHK Sri Lanka signs Certification Agreement for the ‘Technipreneurs Lanka’ Program with German Market Leader Würth:
	July 13, Colombo: The Delegation for German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) signed an agreement on the certification for ‘Technipreneurs Lanka’ with German Market Leader Würth on 10 July 2020.

Sri Lanka Navy arrests four illegal migrants including a former LTTE cadre at Northern seas:
	July 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy arrested four people including two attempting to migrate by a boat via sea route from India during a special operation carried out in the seas north of Thondamannar in Jaffna, on Saturday (11th July), the Navy Media Unit said.

Repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals from overseas halted:
	July 13, Colombo: The repatriation of Sri Lankan nationals from overseas has suspended with effect from July 14, Additional Secretary to the President, Admiral (Retd) Prof. Jayanath Colombage said.

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases rise to 2617 with 104 new cases today:
	July 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases rose to 2,617 today after 104 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said.

Transfer of prison inmates suspended:
	July 12, Colombo: Due to the coronavirus situation, the transfer of prison inmates in the island has been suspended with immediate effect, the Prison Headquarters announced.

Government shifting the focus on election paves the way for a second wave of COVID-19, Ranil warns:
	July 12, Colombo: Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says shifting the government’s focus to election campaign is paving the way for a second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.

Sri Lanka Navy seizes 52 kg of Kerala cannabis at northern beach in Jaffna:
	July 12, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy seized over 52kg stock of Kerala cannabis, during a special operation conducted in the sea area off Uduthurei in Vettalakeni on Saturday, 11th July 2020, the Navy Media Unit said.

Sri Lanka closes schools again for a week as risk of COVID-19 spreading rises:
	July 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Education has decided to close the country’s schools again for one week from tomorrow (13th) until the 17th as the risk of COVID-19 has risen in the past few days with over 400 new cases reported.

President highlights need to protect indigenous medical systems:
	July 12, Kandy: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa emphasizing the requirement of a proper procedure to preserve Sri Lanka’s unique and indigenous medical systems, highlighted the capability of attracting tourists by promoting traditional medicinal practices.

President campaigning in Kandy assures fullest support for self-employment generation :
	July 12, Kandy: The Government will provide loans, knowhow and the technical facilities to generate self-employment, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said.

UNP leader requests the youth to join him to build the country:
	July 12, Colombo: The Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and the former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requested the youth to contribute to the development of the country with new ideas and join him change the political process to build the country.

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases exceeds 2600 with 94 new cases today:
	July 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases jumped to 2,605 today after 94 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus, the Health Ministry said.

SLPP temporarily suspends election campaign rallies:
	July 12, Colombo: Founder and the national organizer of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Basil Rajapaksa has advised to temporarily halt all propaganda rallies organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Alliance led by the SLPP until further notice.

Former Speaker requests to immediately issue gazette on health guidelines for election :
	July 12, Colombo: Former Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament Karu Jayasuriya today expressed concern over politicians haphazardly conducting political campaigns disregarding health guidelines

Media watchdog FMM strongly condemns Inspector Neomal Rangajeewa’s intimidation of a journalist at court:
	July 12, Colombo: The media watchdog, Free Media Movement (FMM) strongly condemned the forceful obstruction, intimidation and threats made by Inspector Neomal Rangajeewa, disrupting the work of professional photojournalist Akila Jayawardena at the Colombo High Court premises, Court no 1.

Information Department DG requests IGP for an impartial inquiry on manhandling of a journalist:
	July 12, Colombo: The Director-General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa, lodging a complaint to the acting Inspector General of Police, has requested to conduct a full and an impartial inquiry into alleged manhandling of a journalist outside the courts, Thursday (July 10).

Newly refurbished CBD Business Centre in Colombo-1 is now available for rent:
	July 12, Colombo: Cargo Boat Development Company PLC (CBD) - an associate company of the Renuka Hotels Group - has completed the refurbishment of its landmark building in Fort.

US donates lifesaving safety equipment to Sri Lanka Life Saving :
	July 11, Colombo: The US Embassy in Colombo has donated lifesaving safety equipment to Sri Lanka Life Saving, an organization that provides public safety services for the citizens and visitors of Sri Lanka through drowning prevention, rescue, awareness and education.

Program launched to uplift the inland fisheries industry in Northern Province:
	July 11, Colombo: The Fisheries Ministry has launched a program to uplift the inland fishery industry in the Northern Province where about 2,500 families are engaged in the freshwater fishery industry.

Second underwater museum constructed in Sri Lanka declared open in Trincomalee:
	July 11, Colombo: Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva declared open Sri Lanka’s second underwater museum which was constructed off the Sandy Bay beach in Trincomalee on 10th July 2020.

Coronavirus update: Sri Lanka COVID-19 cases rise to 2454 after 300 at a Rehabilitation Center tested positive:
	July 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 cases jumped to 2,454 today after 300 more persons at a Rehabilitation tested positive for the coronavirus, the highest total in a single day, the Health Ministry said.

Police seek death penalty for PNB officers colluded with drug traffickers :
	July 11, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Police intend to request the Attorney General to carry out the death penalty against the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) officers who were arrested for selling seized drugs back to the drug traffickers, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Legal) Attorney-at-Law Ajith Rohana said.

Provincial Councils revert to the old system after the general election - PM:
	July 11, Colombo: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that after the general election the provincial council elections will be held according to the old system.

State doctors’ union urges to increase PCR testing to prevent a second wave of COVID-19:
	July 11, Colombo: The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) says that the number of PCR tests carried out daily should be increased as there is a high risk of a second wave of coronavirus in the country following the emergence of cluster of infected persons found at the Kandakadu Rehabilitation Center.

Senkadagala Finance receives USD 25mn facility from a Dutch development bank:
	July 11, Colombo: Senkadagala Finance recently announced that it received a US $25 million 5 Year Green Investment Facility from Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO).

‘ITUKAMA’ COVID – 19 Fund balance surpasses Rs. 1458 million:
	July 11, Colombo: Following corporate, individual donations and direct deposits, ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund balance has now surpassed Rs. 1458 million, the President’s Media Division said.

Stern action against spreading false rumors about coronavirus cases:
	July 11, Colombo: Police say they will take stern action against people who spread false rumors in society and via social media that COVID-19 cases have been found in various parts of the country.

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