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Govt. has not printed any currency notes: Vijitha Herath
Minister Vijitha Herath claims the new government has neither printed any currency notes nor obtained loans from any foreign institution.
In response to a question raised by a journalist during today’s Cabinet press conference, Minister Herath elaborated: “In general, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has a system of issuing new treasury bills and bonds proportionally when they expire. That process is something that happens every day.”
“Also, new notes have not been printed when it comes to currency printing. It cannot be…
Williamson out of third India Test
Prolific New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson will miss the third and final Test against India, starting in Mumbai to get fit for the series against England.
Former captain Williamson, 34, was in the squad but did not play in the first two Tests in India while recovering from a groin problem.
New Zealand won both to secure their first Test series victory in the country.
"Kane continues to show good signs but isn't quite ready to jump on a plane and join us," Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said.
"While things…
68,000 tourists from Russia on Red Wings flights
Russia-based Red Wings Airlines is expected to bring around 68,000 tourists to Sri Lanka starting from October 28, Udayanga Weeratunga, a former envoy who has been involved in the trade, said.
Red Wings will operate six weekly flights from Moscow, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Ekaterinburg, Sochi, and Samara until May 06 to Sri Lanka’s Hambantota airport, Weeratunga said.
The 160 flights, which will bring 68,000 tourists, will generate tourism revenues of 102 million dollars, he said.
Weeratunga said he intervened to bring…
Discussion on Advancements in the Colombo Commercial City Development Project
A meeting was held at the Presidential Secretariat between Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Private) Limited Xiong Hongfeng.
The discussions centered on the progress of the Colombo Commercial City development project, focusing on new strategies to address anticipated economic challenges.
In a display of corporate social responsibility, CHEC Port City Colombo (Private) Limited also announced a donation of Rs. 03 million to aid those affected by…
Vijay’s TVK C team of BJP, DMK minister says
Taking a dig at the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founded by actor Vijay, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathy, accused it of being the “C team” of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“We have seen ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams of many political parties, but this one (referring to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam) is a ‘C’ team of the BJP,” Mr. Regupathy alleged while responding to a query on how he viewed Mr. Vijay’s comments at his party’s first public meeting that the TVK will fight against sectarian forces “ideologically”.
Speaking…
US ‘has not issued travel ban on Sri Lanka’
Ambassador Julie Chung has clarified that the US has not issued a travel ban on Sri Lanka and that the security alert issued recently was only for Americans to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.
Chung said she is proud of the US Embassy’s ongoing collaboration with the government of Sri Lanka to respond to a security threat that resulted in its recent security alert and pledged to continue working together to support the safety and prosperity of Sri Lanka’s citizens and visitors alike.
Speaking during an…
Spanish PM Sanchez in India to boost trade ties
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was welcomed to India Monday with a flower-filled open-top parade alongside counterpart Narendra Modi as Madrid seeks to boost investment in the world's fifth-largest economy.
The duo waved to crowds in a vehicle smothered in orange marigold garlands on their way to inaugurate a military aircraft factory, a collaboration between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, in Vadodara in Gujarat state.
It is the first visit by a Spanish premier to India in 18 years, with cooperation agreements…
President Stresses Need to strengthen the National Procurement Commission
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized the importance of implementing a procurement plan and strengthening the National Procurement Commission (NPC).
The President shared these views in a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (28), where he engaged in an in-depth discussion with NPC officials on the current procurement laws and procedures.
Officials from the National Procurement Commission informed the President that although around 60% of all government expenditures, including capital…
NPP wins local government poll sans majority
Sri Lanka’s ruling National People’s Power (NPP) won a solitary local government poll held on Saturday (26), but failed to secure a majority, the election results showed.
PresidentvAnura Kumara Dissanayake-led NPP secured 15 out of 30 seats in the long-delayed Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) poll, leaving it to depend on another party’s support to rule the local government authority.
The voter turnout was 66.2 percent.
Out of the total votes polled, the NPP secured only 47.6 percent in Elpitiya in the Southern…
Colombo-Kankasanturai train service to resume
The train services from Colombo Fort to Kankasanturai, which was halted for months owing to maintenance and development activities, will resume starting tomorrow, October 28, the Department of Railways has announced.
This development follows the successful completion of modernization work along the railway stretch between Mahawa and Anuradhapura, enhancing connectivity and convenience for passengers traveling to the country's northern regions.
The Railway Department urges the public to exercise caution at railway…
Consolation victory for West Indies
Opener Evin Lewis blazed his way to an unbeaten century to give the West Indies a consolation eight-wicket victory in the rain-hit third and final ODI against Sri Lanka.
Returning to 50-over matches after a three-year hiatus, Lewis left spectators at Pallekele in awe as the visitors reached their target of 195 with six balls to spare.
"He's an amazing player, it's great to see him back," West Indies captain Shai Hope said.
"He picked up where he left off. I am happy he scored some runs, and I hope he can take that…
EU Delegation Commits to Strengthen Sri Lanka ties
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with the European Union (EU) Delegation at the Presidential Secretariat, led by EU Ambassador Carmen Moreno.
The European Union is a critical partner for Sri Lanka, serving as its second-largest export and tourist market and third-largest import market.
The EU Delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in expanding its market access, enhancing employment opportunities within the EU, and boosting tourism. Additionally, the EU pledged support for knowledge exchange…
Consul General in Jaffna notes significance of Ayurveda Day
As part of the ninth Ayurveda Day 2024 celebrations observed worldwide under the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health,” Consul General Sai Murali visited the Kaithady Siddha Teaching Hospital in Jaffna
During the visit, the Consul General presented Ayurveda medicines and an e-Kit to support and enhance awareness of traditional medicine.
The event was attended by Deputy Director Dr. Thileepan, hospital doctors, members of the general public, and individuals seeking treatment.
The Consul General toured the…
India launches 4th nuclear-missile submarine
India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam last week, official sources confirmed. This submarine is bigger and more capable than the first INS Arihant (S2), a technology demonstrator developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel program.
Multiple sources confirmed that the S4* was launched into water on October 16 at SBC. It has significant indigenous content, with Indian industry being extensively involved,…
Unfair Profits from Fluctuating Rice Control Prices Will Not Be Tolerated
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that the government will support small- and medium-scale rice mill owners in enhancing their capacity to stabilize the rice market.
He made this statement during a discussion with the rice mill owners at the Presidential Secretariat.
The President noted that since the government invests significantly in promoting agriculture, irrigation, and fertilizer subsidies, these businesses have a social responsibility to provide rice to the public.
The meeting included an extensive…
Iran confirms Israeli attack, says caused ‘limited damage’
Iran's air defense forces confirmed Saturday that an Israeli attack targeted several military bases in Tehran and other cities, saying it "caused limited damage."
"This fake regime (Israel) attacked parts of military centers in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces," it said in a statement, adding that the attack "caused limited damage" while being intercepted.
The White House indicated that Israel's strikes on Iran should end the direct exchange of fire between the two enemy countries while warning Tehran of…
Easwaran named as potential Rohit cover
Injured pace bowler Mohammed Shami will miss India's tour of Australia next month with three uncapped players in the squad.
Opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, fast bowler Harshit Rana, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy have been included in an 18-man party for five Tests starting Nov. 22 in Perth.
Rohit Sharma will be captain, with Jasprit Bumrah as his deputy in the much-anticipated series, which is expected to decide the finalists of the World Test Championship.
Shami, 34, recently said he is "pain-free" in his recovery…
PM Modi extends his gratitude and appreciation to scholars, monks
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, extended his gratitude and appreciation to the scholars and monks in Colombo for joining in the celebration organized by the High Commission of India in Colombo to mark the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by the Government of India (GoI).
Today, the Prime Minister, over a social media post on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) said, “Glad that the Indian Government’s decision of conferring Classical Language status on Pali has ignited a spirit of joy among those who believe in…
Two Arrested in Sri Lanka for Suspected Plot Against Israeli Visitors
Sri Lanka's Terrorism Investigation Division has detained two individuals suspected of planning an attack on Israeli citizens visiting the country. The arrests occurred in Ratmalana, involving a Maldivian national and a person from Jaffna.
The Sri Lankan authorities were tipped off about a possible threat in the Arugam Bay area by Indian intelligence services, leading to heightened security measures.
This development comes after a U.S. Embassy advisory warned travelers about potential risks in Arugam Bay. Subsequently,…
New Zealand ready for India spin challenge
Skipper Tom Latham said New Zealand had been buoyed by their historic Test victory in India but must now adapt fast to a likely turning track in Pune.
New Zealand won the opener on a seaming pitch in Bengaluru for their first Test triumph in India since 1988 but face a different challenge in the second match.
"Whatever we are presented with, for us, it's about trying to adapt as quick as we can," said Latham, whose men are trying to seal New Zealand's first-ever series win in India.
"If it is going to be a wicket…