An advisory for strong winds and rough seas has been issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre valid until 2.30 p.m. 24 October 2023 for Multi-day boats in the west-central Bay of Bengal Sea areas. The depression area over the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and likely to intensify […]

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has warned that the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) remains on high alert with regard to those commercial banks that are yet to reduce their interest rates.

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced the launch of a program to refund the Advance Income Tax (AIT) deducted on interest income at 5% by the banks or financial institutions.

Sri Lanka Navy has confirmed that more than 225 kilograms of heroin were found in the multi-day fishing trawler impounded on the high seas off the island.

Following recent unruly events that unfolded in the parliament, the government has decided to establish an independent body to oversee the conduct of Members of Parliament (MPs).

The Ministry of Defence has reportedly removed the names of two individuals, who had been designated for aiding and abetting terror activities, from the blacklist with effect from Monday (Oct. 23).

Sri Lanka s Cabinet has approved visa-free entry for visitors from seven countries including India, China and Russia as a pilot project until 31 March 2024, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said.

Tens of thousands of women in Iceland, including Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, will refuse to work on Tuesday. The “kvennafri”, or women’s day off, has been called in protest at the gender pay gap and gender-based violence. Fields in which women form the majority of workers, such as healthcare and education, will be especially affected. […]

By Lynn Ockersz Japan has identified South Asia as a key region for the extension of its cooperation in disaster prevention. As a matter of policy, Japan is in the process of strengthening the disaster prevention and response capabilities of countries vulnerable to natural disasters all over the world, Komura Masahiro, Parliamentary Vice Minister for […]

Tuesday 24th October, 2023 President Ranil Wickremesinghe has effected what may be called a mini Cabinet reshuffle. He has chosen to shift problems, as it were, instead of solving them. Keheliya Rambukwella, who failed as the Health Minister, and became a huge embarrassment to the government, has been appointed the Minister of Environment. Is it […]

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Dr. Harsha de Silva has unveiled a pioneering PAYE tax restructuring proposal aimed at benefiting professionals and bolstering Sri Lanka’s economic prospects. Under this initiative, a comprehensive tax calculator is now accessible to the public, allowing citizens to understand and evaluate the proposed changes.  The tax calculator allows the [R...

The National Law Week, an important annual event organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), was held from Sept 25 to Oct 1. Starting with provincial programmes at selected Bars around the country, the ceremonial session took place on 28 September at the Courts Complex in Hulftsdorp, Colombo, with the presence of high-level […]

Confusion confounded: By Jehan Perera President Wickremesinghe’s appointment of a commission of inquiry to investigate existing election laws and regulations and recommend changes has come without prior discussion or warning.  It was a carefully kept secret until brought to the notice of the general public by the president’s appointment of the commission. The commission has […]

A beautiful life of almost 98 years, a life full of kindly deeds; A remarkable educator, a rich and eventful praiseworthy life. A lovely lady – that is who Grace George was…. Grace George (née Kurian) was Indian, hailing from Kerala, India. Yet, her heart was more Sri Lankan – as she spent the most […]

Rex Clementine in Bangalore It is cruel to think or wish that any player is injured and ruled out of any form of cricket leave alone a World Cup, but Dushmantha Chameera getting a look in place of the misfiring Matheesha Pathirana isn’t a bad idea at all. Sri Lanka will be hoping that it’s […]

A senior U.S. Treasury official on Monday said there were signs of Âpotential improvement in sovereign debt restructuring cases and more vulnerable countries were expected to seek help, but further work was needed to accelerate the process.

Sri Lanka Navy has intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler with a large stock of narcotics suspected to be heroin on the high seas, during a special operation carried out based on intelligence received.