The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) reports a 17.9% increase in foreign worker remittances for May 2025, bringing total remittances for the January–May period to US$ 3.1 billion.

Tourism earnings for May are estimated at US$ 164 million, contributing to a cumulative total of US$ 1.5 billion over the past year—highlighting a steady recovery in the tourism sector.

In terms of imports, US$ 118 million was spent on vehicle imports in May, with a total of US$ 312 million recorded from January to May 2025.

Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves remain stable at US$ 6.3 billion, maintaining the same level as in April.

On the domestic front, construction activity rebounded in May after a slowdown in April due to the festive season. The Sri Lanka Buyers Index rose to 59.7 points, signaling increased activity—especially in road development, which saw a notable rise in new project awards.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Maureen Nelia Ballardney Hingert, Sri Lanka’s first beauty queen to act in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 88.

The news was announced by former Miss Sri Lanka and actress Angela Seneviratne via Facebook.

Maureen made history by winning the Miss Ceylon title in 1955 and went on to represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant, where she was crowned second runner-up – a milestone achievement at the time.

Following her success, she entered the film industry and starred in several Hollywood productions. In 1958, she appeared in the film Gun Fever, and a photograph from the movie shoot was later published in Playboy magazine in September 1957 – making her the first and only Sri Lankan woman to be featured in the magazine.

She signed with major studios like 20th Century Fox and Universal International Studios, and her filmography includes titles such as The King and I, Fort Bowie, The Rawhide Trail, Gunman from Laredo, Pillars of the Sky, and The Adventures of Hiram Holiday, among others.

During her peak, she was regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses in Hollywood.

Maureen married Marion Zamperelli in 1958, later separating in 1970, and married William J. Ballard in 1976. 

She had two children, and after the tragic passing of her daughter due to cancer, Maureen chose to live a private life away from the public eye in Los Angeles, where she remained until her death.

Litro Gas Lanka Limited and Laugfs Gas PLC  have said that LP gas prices will remain unchanged for the month of July.

Accordingly, the prices of Litro Gas cylinders are as follows;

• 12.5kg – Rs. 3,690
• 5kg – Rs. 1,482
• 2.3kg – Rs. 694

The current district-wise prices are as follows; https://www.litrogas.com/price-list/ 

Meanwhile, prices of Laugfs Gas cylinders are as follows;

• 12.5 kg – Rs. 4,100
• 5kg – Rs. 1,645
• 2kg – Rs. 658

The current district-wise prices are as follows; https://www.laugfsgas.lk/pricelist.php