LankaPage.com Advertising SL Breaking News Disclaimer About Us
Lankapage Logo Recent Top Stories
 CP 20 YEARS
Leading News from Sri Lanka::

Last Update: Sat, Jan 18, 2020, 12:14 am SL Time 		Serving the Sri Lankan community globally since 2000
 
  No air passenger should be subjected to any inconvenience or delay; President instructs

Jan 16, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has advised the airport authorities to act in a manner that will not cause any delay or inconvenience to any passenger on arrival or departure.

During an emergency inspection tour of the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport this afternoon, the President also instructed the authorities to ensure that the security measures at the airport do not inconvenience the public.

 MP Ranjan Ramanayake’s bail application rejected:
Jan 17, Colombo: The Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court today rejected a request to grant bail to MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was remanded until 29th, when he was produced in the Magistrate’s Court Friday.

 Avant Garde case: Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathi granted bail, five defendants acquitted:
Jan 17, Colombo: The Permanent High Court at Bar today granted bail to the Chairman of the Avant Garde Maritime Services Company, Nissanka Yapa Senadhipathi, who is charged with illegally operating a floating armory on board the MV Avant Garde, and ordered the acquittal of five defendants in the case.
goto Top of the page

 SLFP sacks former president Chandrika from Attanagalla organizer post:
Jan 17, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Freedom party (SLFP) has removed former president and party patron Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga from the Attanagalla electorate organizer post.

 President intervenes to resolve environmental and people’s issues arising from the Norochcholai coal power plant:
Jan 17, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has intervened to resolve the environmental and problems faced by the people arise due to the Chinese-built Norochcholai coal power plant in the island’s northwest.

 Sri Lanka exports and imports decline in November 2019:
Jan 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s trade deficit contracted marginally in November 2019 with both imports and exports declining, the Central Bank reported Friday in its External Sector Performance review for the month.

  Story on US$ 10.96 Million grant from Korea to uplift Sri Lanka’s tourism industry incorrect:
Jan 17, Colombo: The story published on ColomboPage titled “US$ 10.96 Million grant from Korea to uplift Sri Lanka’s tourism industry” on 16th January 2020 has been withdrawn.

 Mobitel & ‘CareerMe’ takes on the mantle of career guidance for students, teachers and parents:
Jan 17, Colombo: Reiterating its pledge in leading Sri Lanka towards an info com and knowledge rich society, Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service provider, has partnered with CareerMe

 Sri Lanka Manufacturing sector slows down while Services sector expands in December 2019:
Jan 17, Colombo: According to the Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) released by the Statistics Department of Central Bank, manufacturing sector slowed down in December 2019 while the services sectors expanded at a faster rate compared to the previous month.

 General amnesty for civil defense officers:
Jan 17, Colombo: A general amnesty period has been granted to the civil defense officers who have left the service at the Civil Security Department to report back to work before February 20.

 Sri Lanka President, Prime Minister to visit China, India next month:
Jan 17, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are scheduled to visit China and India with the aim of further strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing relations with the two Asian powers.

 Green light for civil helicopter flights from Colombo:
Jan 17, Colombo: The government has lifted the ban on domestic passenger flights from Colombo city after 25 years and granted permission for local aviation operators use the helipad at Galle Face for civilian helicopter flights.

 Transparency urges speaker to make Central Bank audit reports public :
Jan 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s anti-corruption organization, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) yesterday called on the Speaker to disclose to the public and members of parliament, the contents of the forensic audits of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

  UNP meeting on party leadership ends without a decision:
Jan 16, Colombo: The Parliamentary Group meeting of the United National Party (UNP) held at Sirikotha this evening (16) ended without reaching a decision on the party leadership.

 Thajudeen murder trial postponed until March 2:
Jan 16, Colombo: Colombo High Court Judge Vikum Kaluarachchi today ordered to make submissions on March 02 on the case against former Senior DIG Western Province Anura Senanayake who is charged with concealing the evidence of the murder of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen.
goto Top of the page

 Plans to provide 100,000 jobs to unskilled youth reach final phase:
Jan 16, Colombo: The plan to recruit 100,000 unskilled youths to multi-task human resource force has reached its final stage, the President’s Media Division said.

 No air passenger should be subjected to any inconvenience or delay; President instructs:
Jan 16, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has advised the airport authorities to act in a manner that will not cause any delay or inconvenience to any passenger on arrival or departure.

 Baddegama Magistrate involved in MP Ranjan Ramanayake’s phone conversations interdicted:
Jan 16, Colombo: The Judicial Service Commission has suspended the service of Baddegama Magistrate Dhammika Hemapala with immediate effect for his involvement in the controversial phone conversations recorded by the UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake.

  Attorney General instructs CCD to obtain statements from judges in Ranjan’s recordings:
Jan 16, Colombo: Attorney General Dappula De Livera has instructed the Colombo Crimes Division Director to immediately record statements from the judges who had engaged in telephone conversations with MP Ranjan Ramanayake.

 Government to provide degree education to students who left universities due to ragging :
Jan 16, Colombo: The government has decided to grant the opportunity for the students, who left universities due to ragging in the last decade, to obtain degree education again.

 Crucial UNP parliamentary group meeting today to decide on leadership:
Jan 16, Colombo: The United National Party (UNP) parliamentary group will hold a decisive meeting today to decide on its leadership. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 3 pm today under the patronage of party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at party headquarters Sirikotha.

 Allowances limited to state sector institution heads as Presidential secretariat announces cost-cutting measures:
Jan 16, Colombo: The Presidential Secretariat has issued a Special Circular limiting the allowances and other facilities of Chairmen and the Directors of Government bodies.

 Fitch Affirms SriLankan Airlines’ Government Guaranteed Bonds at ‘B’:
Jan 16, Colombo: Fitch Ratings has affirmed SriLankan Airlines Limited’s (SLA) USD175 million government guaranteed 7% unsecured bonds due 25 June 2024 at ‘B’.

 Sri Lanka Navy nabs two for transporting cannabis :
Jan 16, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy in coordination with the Police has apprehended two persons who were transporting cannabis in Lahugala area on Monday.

 SLFP Central Committee meets today:
Jan 16, Colombo: The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) is scheduled to meet today (16) at 07.00 pm at the party headquarters. The meeting will be chaired by the party chairman, former President Maithripala Sirisena.

 Coloma makes exquisite and elegant entry into Sri Lanka sanitary ware market:
Jan 16, Colombo: Coloma, a contemporary brand of stylishly crafted sanitary ware with cutting edge technology, was launched recently at a gala evening at the Lanka Tiles showroom in Nawala.
 National program to provide relief package for low income families:
Jan 15, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided to implement a national program to provide essential food items at concessionary rates to low income families.
 India hands over new buildings to 5 schools in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province :
Jan 15, Colombo: India on Wednesday handed over Sri Lanka five new school buildings constructed under Indian grant assistance in the Northern Province at a special event held on January 15, 2020 at St. Henry’s College, Ilavalai in Jaffna.
goto Top of the page
 Human Rights gains in Sri Lanka in grave peril - HRW report:
Jan 15, New York: Respect for fundamental human rights in Sri Lanka is in serious jeopardy following Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election as president in November 2019, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2020 released Tuesday.
  No change in UNP leadership - MP Vajira Abeywardena:
Jan 15, Colombo: There will be no change in the leadership of the United National Party (UNP) and the party leader, former Prime Minister Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to function as the Leader of the party, Parliamentarian Vajira Abeywardena said in Colombo.
 Former President says necessary to create a strong parliament to support the President:
Jan 15, Colombo: Former President Maithripala Sirisena stressed the need for a strong parliament at the next general election to support the new President.
 MP Ranjan Ramanayake remanded until Jan 29:
Jan 15, Colombo: A Sri Lankan court today remanded MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was arrested by the Colombo Crimes Division Tuesday, until the 29th January.
 Royal Air Maroc to join oneworld on 1 April:
Jan 15, Colombo: Morocco flag carrier, Royal Air Maroc will join the oneworld® alliance effective 1 April 2020, becoming oneworld’s first full member in the African continent and bringing even more destinations and benefits for oneworld’s frequent flyers.
 New Act to regulate and empower intelligence units:
Jan 15, Colombo: The cabinet has given approval to introduce a new ‘National Intelligence Act’ to regulate and empower all intelligence services, covering all intelligence fields giving priority for national security, co-cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena announced.
 Grace period granted to hand over illegal weapons:
Jan 15, Colombo: The Ministry of Defense (MOD) has announced an island wide grace period to handover illegal firearms held without valid permits or documents.
 General amnesty offered for military deserters:
Jan 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) has declared a week long general amnesty to Tri-Forces absentees, enabling them to receive a discharge or to rejoin and continue their national service to the country.
 President instructs acting IGP to carry out arrests in strict compliance of law:
Jan 15, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has instructed the Secretary to the President Dr. PB Jayasundera to enlighten the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Senior DIG CD Wickramaratne on making arrests.
 President orders to raise basic daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1000:
Jan 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided the minimum daily wage of estate workers should be Rs. 1000 with effect from 1 March 2020.
 President calls on all citizens to have a mutual understanding and unite for prosperity:
Jan 15, Colombo: Issuing a special message on the occasion of Hindu festival Thai Pongal, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa called on all Sri Lankan citizens to have a mutual understanding amongst them and unite to accomplish national goals moving forward.
 Remains of three Sri Lankan students died in Azerbaijan to arrive today:
Jan 15, Colombo: The remains of the three Sri Lankan students, who died while studying in Azerbaijan, is expected to arrive this morning.
 China, Sri Lanka agree to boost communication, coordination in regional, international affairs:
Jan 15, Colombo: China and Sri Lanka have agreed to boost communication and coordination in regional and international affairs, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
  Millennium Challenge Agreement with Sri Lanka will be renegotiated - U.S. official :
Jan 14, Colombo: The Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement with Sri Lanka will be renegotiated after the commission appointed by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to study the agreement concludes its study, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells said.
 Higher Education Minister to take action to curb university student violence :
Jan 14, Colombo: Higher Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena says that the law will be strictly implemented in order to eradicate the unhealthy situation within the universities arising from ragging, bullying and violence.
 Speaker’s decision on releasing Central Bank forensic audit reports to MPs next week:
Jan 14, Colombo: Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has said that the decision regarding disclosing the Forensic Audit reports on the Central Bank bond issues to the Members of Parliament, will be taken next week.
goto Top of the page
  Renuka Holdings signs contract to build ‘Galle Face Icon’:
Jan 14, Colombo: Renuka Holdings, a diversified organization listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange plans to construct ‘Galle Face Icon’, a 32-storey tower in Colombo at a cost of over Rs. 3.9 billion.
 Russia agrees to continue providing arms to Sri Lanka for defense :
Jan 14, Colombo: Russia will continue to provide all necessary arms and ammunition to the Sri Lankan Army for Sri Lanka’s security Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, said today at a press conference in Colombo.
 MP Ranjan Ramanayake arrested by CCD:
Jan 14, Colombo: The Colombo Crime Division (CCD) of Police today (14) arrested UNP parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake following an arrest warrant issued by the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court in Nugegoda.
 China promises to help Sri Lanka become economically strong:
Jan 14, Colombo: China, as Sri Lanka’s strategic partner today has assured to help the island nation to become economically strong while continuing to standby its interests and independence.
 UNP suspends Ranjan Ramanayake’s membership in party:
Jan 14, Colombo: The general Secretary of the United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Akila Viraj Kariyawasam says the party has decided to suspend the membership of UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake.
 Japan expresses interest in investing in Sri Lanka in several sectors:
Jan 14, Colombo: Measures will be taken to further strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between Japan and Sri Lanka, Japanese State Minister for Regional Revitalization Kozo Yamamoto said, when he called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Monday at the Presidential Secretariat.
 President instructs the relevant officials to ensure that benefits of tax concessions reach consumers:
Jan 14, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has given specific instructions to the Consumer Affairs Authority and the Inland Revenue Department to ensure that the benefits of tax concessions granted by the government reach the consumers, a press release issued by the Presidential Media Division said.
 Higher Education Minister speaks of expanding the university system:
Jan 14, Colombo: The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Dr. Bandula Gunawardena says that steps will be taken to expand the university system by utilizing physical and human resources.
 Two buses collide on Hatton-Kandy road in Diyagala injuring 20 passengers:
Jan 14, Colombo: Twenty passengers were hospitalized after two private buses traveling on Hatton-Kandy road collided head-on near Diyagala in Ginigathhena around 8.00 am today.
 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrives in Sri Lanka:
Jan 14, Colombo: China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit last night.
 U.S. top official Alice Wells arrives in Sri Lanka:
Jan 14, Colombo: Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells has arrived in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit.
 Russian Foreign Minister arrives in Sri Lanka:
Jan 14, Colombo: Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a two-day official visit.
 Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne leaves hospital:
Jan 14, Colombo: Former minister and UNP parliamentarian Dr. Rajitha Senaratne has been discharged from the hospital after completing treatment, hospital sources said.
 Repatriation of remains of deceased three Sri Lankan students from Azerbaijan at government’s expense:
Jan 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Foreign Relations Ministry said the post-mortem in regard to the deaths of the three Sri Lankan students has been completed at the Republic Hospital in Baku.
  Dialog Launches ’SAVIYA’, a Mobile Advisory Service for Dairy Farmers:
Jan 14, Colombo: Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, announced the launch of ’SAVIYA’, a mobile based advisory service for dairy farmers to improve dairy production capacity, quality of milk produced, and health of livestock.
  EU continues to list Sri Lanka’s LTTE as a terrorist organization:
Jan 13, Brussels: The European Council today renewed the so-called European Union terrorist list, which sets out persons, groups and entities subject to restrictive measures with a view to combating terrorism.
 No facilities to check the containers of imported garbage, Government Analyst informs court :
Jan 13, Colombo: The Court of Appeal today instructed the Minister of Justice, the Secretary of the Justice Ministry and the Attorney General to conduct an investigation into the Government Analyst’s notification that his Department has no facilities to check the containers of imported garbage from overseas and take appropriate measures.
  Chinese national arrested for trying to smuggle live scorpions:
Jan 13, Colombo: A Chinese passenger has been arrested by the Sri Lanka Customs Officers at the departure terminal of the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake today for attempting to smuggle 200 live scorpions to China.
 No final decision to recall Dr. Safi for service yet- Government:
Jan 13, Colombo: No final decision has been taken to recall Dr. Mohamed Safi Sihabdeen of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital who has been sent on compulsory leave to service, the Secretary to the Public Service Commission MA Daya Senarath said.
goto Top of the page
 Court to take up Attorney General’s petition against granting bail to Rajitha on Jan 17:
Jan 13, Colombo: The revision petition filed by the Attorney General against granting bail to former minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne will be heard on January 17.
 Controversial tapes of telephone conversations demonstrate the country’s moral decline - Speaker:
Jan 13, Colombo: The much-talked about recording of telephone conversations and broadcasting those private conversations in public by the media demonstrate that the country’s morality is deteriorating due to the distorted use of modern technology, the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said.
 Minister promises to provide jobs to all graduates by March 1 :
Jan 13, Colombo: All unemployed graduates will be provided employment by March 1, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs Dullas Alahapperuma said.
 President outlines plans for rapid growth in tourism for the economic revival:
Jan 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has advised the relevant officials to plan a targeted program to promote the tourism industry with the objective to generate US$ 10 billion revenues from tourism by 2025.
  New Commissioner General appointed to Excise Dept:
Jan 13, Colombo: A. Bodaragama, who served as an Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Economic and Policy Development, has been appointed as the Commissioner General of Excise.
  A special party leaders’ meeting in parliament today to reappoint committees:
Jan 13, Colombo: A special party leaders’ meeting will be held at parliament today. The meeting will be presided over by the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.
 Government Analyst begins investigations on Ranjan’s voice tapes:
Jan 13, Colombo: The Government Analyst’s Department has commenced investigations from today (13) into the controversial telephone conversations of MP Ranjan Ramanayake, which has been released to the media at present.
  The Global Fund to grant 20 million euros to improve Sri Lanka’s health sector:
Jan 13, Colombo: The Global Fund has agreed to provide 20 million euros for health projects in 2020-2022 to improve the quality and health indicators of Sri Lanka’s health sector.
goto Top of the page
Copyright © 2000, 2020 by LankaPage.com (LLC) :
The news and other contents on ColomboPage are copyrighted property of LankaPage.com, LLC. Any unauthorized use of any information on ColomboPage may constitute a violation of copyright laws. You need written permission to reproduce, republish, post, transmit, broadcast or distribute, material from this site from LankaPage.com, LLC. However, news organizations or broadcasters in Sri Lanka may republish the news items in ColomboPage with proper acknowledgment to ColomboPage.