The economic reform programme, implemented by the Sri Lankan authorities is yielding the first signs of recovery with positive real GDP growth in the third quarter of 2023, low inflation, increased revenue collection, and a build-up of external reserves, the IMF has said. Staying the course on the reform agenda is necessary for this stabilization […]

At a discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) stakeholder dialogue titled ‘Pulling back from the brink,’ held in Kurpark Village, Aspen, President Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined short-term strategies aimed at revitalizing Sri Lanka’s economy. Emphasizing tourism promotion, agricultural modernization and a focus on renewable energy, the President expressed the country’s eagerness to attract new ...

Over 100,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka in the first 15 days of 2024, according to the latest statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). The SLTDA weekly report on tourist arrivals, released on Tuesday (16), shows that 101,362 international visitors have arrived in the above period, and this is a […]

By Ifham Nizam Some 330 foreign birds have been illegally imported from Suriname in a private plane via Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA). The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Senior Advisor Hemantha Withanage and CEJ Executive Director Dilena Pathragoda have questioned the Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation and Director General of the Department of […]

The Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations has drawn its attention to the affairs related to the National Oceanic Affairs Committee Secretariat, an agency affiliated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles has explained the ongoing ‘Yukthiya’ operation to members of the Colombo-based diplomatic community. The Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Commission has jumped to question the government operation. The Foreign Ministry said that Minister Alles provided an update on the progress made by the special operation against drug menace and underworld […]

By M. Rodwan Abouharb Associate Professor in International Relations, UCL and Bernhard Reinsberg Reader in Politics, University of Glasgow Sri Lanka received a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in March amid soaring inflation, debt and a sovereign default. In exchange for US$3 billion (£2.4 billion), the government committed to spending cuts and tax […]

Distilleries acquire Heineken’s SL business for over Rs. 4 bn. Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka PLC (DCSL) has concluded a major acquisition of the Sri Lanka operation of Heineken, a major player in the global beer industry at a consideration of Euro 12 million, (over Rs. 4.2 billion), DCSL announced last week in a stock […]

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent disclosure that Sri Lanka intended joining the United States-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) in the Red Sea has triggered the inevitable response: Why are we fighting other people’s wars? Wickremesinghe, more than most, is acutely aware of the permutations and combinations of this equation both in the context of domestic politics […]

By Uditha Devapriya Speaking at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, January 3, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that the government would be deploying a Navy vessel to the Red Sea. Wickremesinghe pointed out that the disruption of shipping lanes in the region would lead to increased freight charges and cargo costs, increasing import prices in the […]

During a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankan authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday (11), the IMF congratulated the country on completing the first review under its program. The IMF highlighted the positive start of the program, recognizing the challenging reforms undertaken by Sri Lanka and their significant impact on the […]

by Rex Clementine   The Cabinet sub committee appointed to look into affairs of Sri Lanka Cricket and submit recommendations in a report has called for the complete overhaul of the governing body. The committee headed by Foreign Minister Ali Sabry comprised Tiran Alles, Kanchana Wijesekara and Manusha Nanayakkara gives thumbs up to constitutional reforms […]

Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Iran M. M. Zuhair yesterday (09) urged the government not to join US-led military alliance in Red Sea operation. The former PA MP and Senior State Counsel issued the following statement: “Those in Sri Lanka holding accountable office but recklessly aiding the US moves to widen the Western supported wars […]

By C. A. Chandraprema Whenever we hear the term Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), what comes to mind is the body by that name established in South Africa in 1995, headed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The South African TRC may not have been the first of its kind, but it was undoubtedly the one that […]

FSP questions feasibility of bankrupt country joining US military project By Shamindra Ferdinando The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday (07) urged political parties in Parliament to oppose the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government’s decision to join a US-led multinational coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea against continuing attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group. Senior FSP sp...

The Bar Association of Sri lanka (BASL) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with the UK Bar Council and the Bar Council of India to facilitate collaborative activities in emerging areas of expertise such as the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence in legal procedures, commercial mediation, and arbitration. This is meant to stay abreast of global […]