LankaPage.com Advertising SL Breaking News Disclaimer About Us
Lankapage Logo Recent Top Stories
 CP 22 YEARS
Leading News from Sri Lanka::


Last Update: Sun, May 28, 2023, 07:54 pm SL Time 		Serving the Sri Lankan community globally since 2000
 
  President Wickremesinghe outlines efforts to revive Sri Lanka’s economy, seeks increased corroboration with Japan

May 26, Colombo: President Ranil Wickremesinghe actively engaged in a pivotal business round table on “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival and Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise,” in Tokyo Friday presenting the nation’s commitment to stabilize and liberalize the economy while actively inviting new foreign ventures.

The event, jointly organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-Operation, and the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Japan, aimed to strengthen economic ties between the two nations. During the round table, President Wickremesinghe fervently outlined the ongoing efforts undertaken by Sri Lanka to restore stability and openness to its economy, presenting an inviting climate for foreign investment.

 Fuel quotas under National Fuel Pass QR System will be increased from next month:
May 28, Colombo: Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijeweera says the National Fuel Pass QR System allocated fuel quotas will be increased.

  A separate court to hear tax related cases proposed:
May 28, Colombo: State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that a program has been prepared to streamline the payment of taxes and to fix the weaknesses and shortcomings in tax collection.

 Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry mourns loss of Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala:
May 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its deep sorrow of the passing away of eminent Sri Lanka Foreign Service officer Deshamanya Jayantha Dhanapala and conveyed its profound condolences to his family.

 Jayani Natasha alleged of insulting Buddhism arrested at the airport :
May 28, Colombo: The police say that Jayani Natasha Edirisuriya, who presented a video program called "Modabhimana" insulting the Buddhist religion, was arrested when she arrived at Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport to leave for Singapore.

 $ 604 million from BOI investment projects in the first quarter of the year :
May 28, Colombo: According to State Minister for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama, during the first quarter of this year, from January to April, investments of US$ 604 million (Rs. 182 billion) have been received through Sri Lanka Board of Investment projects.

  Yureni Noshika comes onboard as brand ambassador for amanté’s freshly dropped athleisure collection:
May 27, Colombo: amanté, Sri Lanka’s leading intimate apparel brand, has announced its latest collaboration with Yureni Noshika, having now signed up the celebrated actress and media personality as brand ambassador for its newly launched athleisure range.

 Britain seeks Sri Lanka’s help to stop illegal immigration:
May 27, Colombo: British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton has requested Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, for support to prevent Sri Lankans from coming to Britain as illegal immigrants.

 Former Sri Lankan Diplomat Jayantha Dhanapala passes away:
May 27, Colombo: Mr. Jayantha Dhanapala, a former diplomatic officer, passed away today (27) while receiving treatment at the Kandy National Hospital. Mr. Dhanapala was 85 years old when he passed away.
goto Top of the page

 Suspended highway development projects will be restarted under ADB assistance - Minister of Transport :
May 27, Colombo: Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, said that highway development projects which have been suspended under the assistance of the Asian Development Bank will be restarted.

 Welikada Police OIC transferred :
May 27, Colombo: Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Thalduwa said the Officer In Charge (OIC) of Welikada Police Chief Inspector of Police Chinthaka Anuradha has been transferred to the general duties at the Police Field Force Headquarters with immediate effect following the death of a woman while in custody.

 Dubai Multi Commodities Centre organizes a webinar ‘Made for Trade Live – Sri Lanka in Focus’:
May 27, Colombo: Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Arab Emirates, Udaya Indrarathna delivered the Keynote speech on 23 May 2023 on game changing strategically important trade relations between Sri Lanka and the UAE at the webinar “Made for Trade Live – Sri Lanka in Focus” organized by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

  26 shootings so far this year:
May 27, Colombo: Police Media Spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Thalduwa says that 26 shooting incidents have been reported so far this year. He said 19 people have died and five others have sustained injuries in these incidents.

  Customs instructed to install high-tech scanners at airport to scan VIPs’ bags:
May 27, Colombo: President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake has instructed the Director General of Customs to take the necessary steps to install high-tech scanning machines at the VIP passenger terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake.

 Dialog announces upgraded power plans for postpaid customers:
May 27, Colombo: Delivering a world of exclusive benefits, Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, announced the launch of its range of Power Plans for Postpaid customers

 Eran submits private members Bill to make declaration of assets and liabilities public :
May 27, Colombo: Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne Friday submitted a private members Bill to amend the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law, No.1 of 1975 to make the provisions of the act to apply to the President as well.

 UK Foreign Office Director visits Sri Lanka:
May 27, Colombo: UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Director, Ben Mellor, visited Sri Lanka this week.

 Sri Lankan IT companies continue to grow their global footprint:
May 26, Colombo: NCINGA expanded its headquarters in Singapore, opening a new office located in the city-state’s business and financial Center Shenton Way.

 Moose Clothing Company becomes the official cricket clothing sponsor of Sri Lanka Cricket:
May 26, Colombo: Moose Clothing Company announced their partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket as they sealed the rights as the Official Cricket Clothing Sponsor for the period of 2023–27.

 Foreign Ministry categorically rejects the allegations made against the Consular Affairs Division:
May 26, Colombo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically rejected the allegation in a television news report against the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry.

 Sri Lanka investment promotion agency considers cannabis cultivation to earn dollars :
May 26, Colombo: State Minister for Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama said today (26) that the Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) has decided to start cultivating cannabis as a pilot project since approval has been granted for it by an expert committee.
goto Top of the page

 Fuel Quota allowed on the National Fuel Pass QR to be increased from next month:
May 26, Colombo: Fuel Quota currently allowed on the National Fuel Pass QR system will be increased from the next month’s fuel price revision, Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said.

 Suspects in the death of the Kalutara student, tuition teacher who molested female students further remanded:
May 26, Colombo: Kalutara Chief Magistrate Mrs. Nita Hemalee Halpandeniya today (26) ordered to further remand the four suspects who are currently remanded in custody in connection with the death of the 16-year-old schoolgirl who fell from a five-storey building in a lodge in Kalutara town, until June 9.

 Rosy Senanayake appointed as Presidential Adviser :
May 26, Colombo: Former Mayor of Colombo Mrs. Rosy Senanayake has been appointed as Advisor to the President on Local Government Affairs.

 Navy brings ashore fisherman fallen ill at deep seas :
May 26, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy today (26th May 2023) brought ashore a fisherman who had fallen seriously ill at deep seas while aboard a multiday fishing trawler.

 Prime Minister commends Saemaul Foundation for rural livelihood development projects in Sri Lanka:
May 26, Colombo: Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked the Saemaul Foundation of South Korea for expanding its rural infrastructure and livelihood development projects after the successful implementation of two pilot projects in Sabaragamuwa Province.
  President Wickremesinghe outlines efforts to revive Sri Lanka’s economy, seeks increased corroboration with Japan :
May 26, Colombo: President Ranil Wickremesinghe actively engaged in a pivotal business round table on “Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival and Opportunities for Japanese Enterprise,” in Tokyo Friday presenting the nation’s commitment to stabilize and liberalize the economy while actively inviting new foreign ventures.
 U.S. ready to explore potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka:
May 26, Colombo: Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative, South and Central Asia has informed the Sri Lankan State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe that the United States is ready to explore the potential investment opportunities in Sri Lanka
 Unidentified gunmen shoot at Deputy Principal of Ambalangoda Dharmashoka College :
May 26, Colombo: The Ambalangoda police say that a deputy principal of Ambalangoda Dharmashoka Vidyalaya has been injured in a shooting that took place early in the morning today in the Randombe area of Ambalangoda.
 Electric outboard motors for fishing boats introduced :
May 26, Colombo: Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said fishermen in Sri Lanka spend between 5,000 and 10,000 rupees per day on kerosene for boat engines, and to reduce that cost, a private engineering firm in Sri Lanka has started to produce boat engines operated by batteries.
 Seylan Cards launches all new rewards scheme:
May 26, Colombo: Seylan Cards, announced the launch of the much anticipated loyalty program for its valued Credit Cardholders.
 Sri Lanka records Rs.48 bn surplus in primary account in 1Q 2023:
May 26, Colombo: Acting Minister of Finance Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that the primary account has recorded a positive value for the sixth time in independent Sri Lanka.
 President apologizes to the Japanese Government over the termination of the Colombo Light Rail Transit project:
May 25, Colombo: President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his regret to the Japanese Government for the suspension of the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which was being implemented with Japanese support.
goto Top of the page
 A group of MPs requests Speaker to take action against MP Ali Sabri Raheem:
May 25, Colombo: A group of parliamentarians have handed over a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena asking him to take appropriate action against Member of Parliament Ali Sabri Raheem, who was caught smuggling gold and smart phones.
 COPE evaluates current performance of the Mahaweli Authority :
May 25, Colombo: Professor Ranjith Bandara, Chairman of the Committee on Public Enterprise (COPE) took exception at the outdated ‘Vision’ statement and Key Performance Indicators of the Authority following consistent failure to deliver its services with integrity and quality.
 Parliamentary committee emphasizes following a proper methodology to select beneficiaries for social security schemes :
May 25, Colombo: The Committee on Ways and Means emphasized that a proper methodology should be followed in selecting beneficiaries for social security schemes.
  ComBank powers middle management development program to navigate digital disruption :
May 25, Colombo: Transformation and the creation of new business models leveraging digital disruption was the focus of the second edition of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon’s Leadership Readiness Forum (LRF), one of the elements of the Bank’s ongoing Middle Management Development Programme.
 Prime Minister instructs Governors to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of dengue :
May 25, Colombo: Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena advised the Provincial Governors to take urgent measures to prevent the spread of dengue with the intervention of all the relevant authorities.
  Sri Lankan President highlights importance of Asian states in shaping the region’s role on global stage:
May 25, Colombo: President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the stage at the ‘Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia’ held in Tokyo, Japan today (25). During his address, the President emphasized the Government’s approach to the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific regions.
 SJB to take a decision regarding MP Vadivel Suresh:
May 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has focused attention on taking legal action against MP Vadivel Suresh, who defying the party’s decision voted with the ruling party in favor of the motion to remove the Chairman of the Public Utility Commission from his post.
 Magistrate rejects relatives’ request for secret exhumation of Dinesh Schaffter’s body:
May 25, Colombo: Colombo Additional Magistrate Mrs. Rajindra Jayasuriya Wednesday rejected the request of the President’s Counsel, who appeared on behalf of the deceased, to conduct the exhumation of the body of Janashakthi Group Director Mr. Dinesh Schaffter secretly.
 Rakhil Fernando appointed as Daraz Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer:
May 25, Colombo: Rakhil Fernando, Managing Director of Daraz Sri Lanka, has been appointed as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the Daraz Group, headquartered in Singapore, with effect from 1 June 2023.
 India refutes reports of demanding compensation from Sri Lanka for assistance rendered during ship disasters:
May 25, Colombo: The High Commission of India in Colombo has refuted media reports that the Indian government had demanded compensation from Sri Lanka for the assistance it provided during disasters involving MT New Diamond and MV X-Press Pearl vessels.
 All appointments to the National Labor Advisory Council made according to a constitutional system:
May 24, Colombo: The Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment emphasizes that the members of the National Labor Advisory Council have been appointed from trade unions with large membership and all the appointments are made according to a constitutional system.
 Rough draft of Labor Law revision expected in June:
May 24, Colombo: Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment said it is expected to prepare and submit the first rough draft of the labor law revision by the beginning of June.
 Sathosa reduces prices of 6 essential items:
May 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s largest state-owned retail chain Lanka Sathosa has reduced the prices of 6 essential consumer items. Sathosa also says that this discounted price will be effective from today (May 24) in all country wide Sathosa outlets.
goto Top of the page
 Resilient Hemas reports strong financial results, despite economic crisis:
May 24, Colombo: Demonstrating resilience in the face of one of the most turbulent years, Hemas Holdings PLC, posted a revenue of Rs. 113.9 billion for the financial year 2022/23, a growth of 44.5 per cent over last year.
  From Resilience to Revival – Rebuilding Bigger, Better, Faster, More :
May 24, Colombo: On March 20th 2023, the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board approved a four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Sri Lanka amounting to USD 2.9 billion. This was post the agreements with China and India – Sri Lanka’s biggest lenders for additional financial assistance and the first steps in getting Sri Lanka’s economy back on track.
 COPA discusses the progress on using information technology in government institutions:
May 24, Colombo: COPA which met in March to discuss using information technology for government institutions, established a committee to be led by the Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake to put forth a mechanism with action dates to be presented to the Committee prior to 15th May 2023.
 WHO lauds Sri Lanka’s move on trans fat:
May 24, Colombo: The World Health Organization has commended Sri Lanka for enacting a legislation on trans-fat to protect health and prevent premature deaths from coronary heart disease.
 Sri Lanka parliament votes out Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission :
May 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka parliament today passed the address to remove the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission passed by a majority.
 Power and Energy Minister explains reduction in electrify rates:
May 24, Colombo: Power and Energy Minister Mr. Kanchana Wijesekera said that the electricity bill will be reduced by 23% for domestic customers, 23% for religious places and 43% for hotels.
  Manufacturers agree to reduce prices of local school bags and shoes by 10% - State Minister of Finance Siyambalapitiya :
May 24, Colombo: State Minister of Finance Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that the manufacturers have agreed to reduce the price of local school bags and shoes by 10 percent.
  Sri Lanka Navy divers recover two bodies from overturned Chinese fishing vessel in high seas:
May 24, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy has joined the ongoing Search and Rescue operations at the Chinese fishing vessel LU PENG YUAN YU 028 capsized on 16th May 2023 in the Australian Search and Rescue Region of the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka.
  Public Security Minister orders to deport the Chinese national entered the country with forged passports:
May 24, Colombo: Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles has ordered the deportation of the Chinese national who came to Sri Lanka with the possession of two passports and was taken into custody by the Immigration and Emigration Department following an investigation.
 Prime Minister directs to expedite the draft to strengthen the Western Cooperative Charter :
May 24, Colombo: Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena questioned the Western Provincial Cooperative Officers if it is fair to auction off the property that the members have sustained for a long time without taking the necessary measures to recover the cooperative system when it fails.
 Prime Group and HNB collaborate to provide attractive financing solutions for prospective homeowners:
May 24, Colombo: Working to revive and revitalize the real estate industry, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank HNB PLC, renewed its long standing partnership with the market leader Prime Group to offer prospective home owners with low interest rates and exclusive benefits.
 Sectoral Oversight Committee instructs to systematize the mechanism of prompt payment of pensions:
May 24, Colombo: The Chair of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on An Open and Accountable Government instructed the Department of Pensions to take steps to promptly pay the pensions due to the employees retiring from the government service in Sri Lanka and to have the public informed about the same for that purpose.
  AIA Insurance globally recognized again as the Best Life Insurance Company in Sri Lanka:
May 24, Colombo: What makes a company the best? Is it its strength, stability and reputation? Is it the force of an exceptional team that drives it?
 Sri Lanka Customs arrests MP smuggling gold and smart phones worth over Rs. 78 million:
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka Customs Tuesday arrested Puttalam District Member of Parliament Ali Sabri Raheem at the Bandaranaike International Airport when he attempted to smuggle in a stock of gold and smart phone worth over Rs. 78 million.
  SLT-MOBITEL reigns ‘Number One’ for Telecom industry in Business Today TOP 40 2021-2022 rankings:
May 23, Colombo: SLT-MOBITEL, the National ICT Solutions Provider, reigns as the number one of the telecom industry in the Business Today TOP 40 rankings for the year 2021-2022, receiving accolades for its exceptional performance, positive financial growth and contribution to the development of the Sri Lankan economy.
goto Top of the page
 JKH recurring EBITDA grows by 17% to Rs.45.74 billion for 2022/23:
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s largest conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC reported a resilient performance during the 2022/23 year, amidst the unprecedented challenges.
  Government to directly deposit welfare benefits into recipients’ bank accounts from July:
May 23, Colombo: The Welfare Benefits Board says that the necessary arrangements have been made to directly credit the welfare payments into the beneficiary’s bank account from July,
 Sri Lanka achieving timely restructuring agreements with creditors by first review is essential, IMF concludes:
May 23, Colombo: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Messrs. Peter Breuer and Masahiro Nozaki conducted a staff visit to Colombo from May 11 to 23, 2023 to discuss recent economic developments and implementation of the Fund-supported program.
 UAE President officially invites President Ranil Wickremesinghe to World Climate Action Summit:
May 23, Colombo: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has extended a gracious invitation to President Ranil Wickremesinghe to participate in the World Climate Action Summit, a key event that will inaugurate the Emirates Climate Conference.
 Sri Lanka raises admission fees for botanical gardens :
May 23, Colombo: The government has decided to raise the admission fees for the country’s botanical gardens with effect from July 1st.
 Welfare benefits program regulations affecting the plantation sector discussed:
May 23, Colombo: State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe held a discussion with the parliamentarians representing the plantation sector on the matters pointed out as needed more attention during the debate on the approval of the welfare benefits program regulations.
 Court orders to conduct post mortem on Dinesh Schaffter’s body within two days after exhumation:
May 23, Colombo: Colombo Additional Magistrate Mrs. Rajindra Jayasuriya yesterday (22) ordered the five-member special judicial committee appointed to determine the cause of Janashakthi Group Director Dinesh Schaffter’s death to conduct the post mortem examination within two days after exhumation of his remains.
 President leaves the island on an official visit to Singapore and Japan:
May 23, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island early this morning for a five-day official visit to Singapore and Japan.
 CSE reaffirms partnership with CFA Society Sri Lanka Capital Market Awards towards uplifting industry standards:
May 23, Colombo: The 10th annual CFA Society Sri Lanka Capital Market Awards mark yet another significant chapter in the history of CFA Society Sri Lanka, with the signature event which recognizes and rewards professionals who have established industry benchmarks for the advancement of domestic capital market participants scheduled to be held in June this year.
  Construction of the second phase of the Colombo Port’s Eastern Terminal begins:
May 22, Colombo: The construction of the second phase of the Eastern Terminal of Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port commenced today (22) under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva.
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.