China’s Sinopec, a leading international petroleum company, had imported its first consignment of fuel to be distributed in the local market, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said yesterday (01). The Minister said in his Twitter that its second shipment would arrive today (03). He said the entry of such suppliers into the domestic market […]

The developing Indo-Lanka relations, particularly the process since early 2022 should be examined taking into consideration the significant role played by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Milinda Moragoda, who received the Cabinet rank. At the time President Gotabaya Rajapaksa sent the former UNP Minister, one -time close associate of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, […]

Wednesday 2nd August, 2023 A brouhaha has erupted over what is described as the distortion of the national anthem at the Lanka Premier League (LPL) opening ceremony. Talented young vocalist Umara Sinhawansa has been drawing heavy fire for singing the national anthem in operatic style, and mispronouncing some words therein. Her performance has sparked a […]

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana There is no doubt, whatsoever that the 1983 July pogrom was one of the most shameful events in the recent history of Sri Lanka which irrevocably tarnished the image of the country. How it was viewed then by the foreign media formed the basis of two opinion pieces by Jayantha Somasundaram, […]

Land connectivity is essential for the growth of ties between India and its neighbouring country, Sri Lankan high commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda has said in an interview with The Hindu posted online on July 31, pitching for connectivity projects resembling the “Channel tunnel” from the U.K. to Europe as a possible future initiative if […]

Pakistan s Airport Security Force (ASF) has arrested a Sri Lankan national for attempting to smuggle 10kg of heroin to Qatar, foreign media reported.

by Jehan Perera The need to cope with the immediate realities of economic collapse and the resulting political protests have occupied the center stage of political interest for the past two years.  But now President Ranil Wickremesinghe has brought the ethnic problem and reconciliation process back to the center stage of national politics, where it […]

Japan has sought Sri Lanka’s backing for its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy. Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has taken up this issue with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, PC, when they met on 29th July. According to a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy, in Colombo, Minister Yoshimasa has also briefed Minister Sabry regarding […]

The first six months of the year marked improvements to Sri Lanka’s macro-economic landscape with inflation continuing to decrease and the IMF bailout followed by the Domestic Debt Optimization (DDO) announcement. During the 1H2023, the Bank recorded significant improvement in the core banking performance and posted an overall income of LKR 11,729Mn, which is an […]

The RBI has taken a pivotal step by permitting 20 banks operating in India to open 92 Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) with partner banks from 22 countries. This allows exporters and importers from these nations to conduct trade transactions in domestic currencies, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade practices. The list of countries eligible for […]

alleges refuelling stop of Macron’s plane exploited By Shamindra Ferdinando Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Spokesman Mujibur Rahuman yesterday (30) urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to hold an early general election. He said so, responding to UNP MP Wajira Abeywardena’s recent declaration that Wickremesinghe would serve as the President for 12 more years. Rahuman dismissed Tourism Minister Harin ...

Cassandra needs to commemorate, in words, one of the most shameful episodes, or evil occurrences, that happened in this island of ours: the planned and directed massacre of Tamils among us; burning their possessions and homes and tarnishing the name Ceylon/Sri Lanka around the world. I retell what I heard and did – safe in […]

‘Learn from mistakes made by India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1960)’ World-renowned animal rights activist and environmentalist, Maneka Gandhi, has appealed to the government of Sri Lanka not to pass a supposed Animal Welfare Bill, which, she says, is in reality ‘a pro-butcher, anti-animal bill’. “I can understand this happening in any other […]

Monday 31st July, 2023 French President Emmanuel Macron, who was here briefly, a few days ago, has reportedly pledged his country’s support for Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process. Other creditor nations, too, have offered to help this country come out of the present economic crisis. Their assistance is to be greatly appreciated. President Ranil Wickremesinghe […]

ECONOMYNEXT –Australian firms are interested in investing in Sri Lanka, particularly in resource sector, but a more conducive investment environment is needed, High Commissioner Paul Stevens said. Sri Lanka is looking to foreign direct investment as a factor in taking the country out of an economic crises triggered by excessive deployment of ‘macro-economic policy’ involving […]

Leaders of India and Sri Lanka were on the same page over regional security following President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s latest visit to New Delhi, an official source said amid fears of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, Wickremesinghe addressed India’s security concerns over China’s increasing footprint in Sri Lanka and vowed to fast track […]

Ahead of the general elections, Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam Fazl (JUI-F) is likely to form an electoral alliance with Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to contest elections against Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Sindh, reported ARY News citing sources. JUI-F chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman met GDA leadership in Karachi and discussed the country’s overall political situation. Both the […]