News

China – SL inks pact for housing project

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

editor

An agreement was signed today (Nov. 27) for a housing project under Chinese funding.

The project aims to build 1,996 houses for persons of low income (1,888 houses) as well as for artistes and journalists (108).

A sum of RMB 552 million (around Rs. 24.48 bn) will be granted for the project.

Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong and Minister of Housing in Sri Lanka – Prasanna Ranatunga signed the agreement at the auditorium of the Urban Development Authority today.

Speaking, Minister Ranatunga said that construction work is expected to kick off in March 2024.

Noting that China has been a true friend of Sri Lanka that has continued to aid the island nation in numerous ways over the years, the Minister thanked the Chinese President and the government.

Speaking, Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong has said that China would always support the development of the socio-economic situation in Sri Lanka. The ambassador also stated that there are over 100 Chinese funded social upliftment programmes initiated in Sri Lanka and would continue to do so in the future as well.

News

Former Eastern Provincial Council member arrested

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

editor

Ampara District Organizer of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal party and former member of the Eastern Provincial Council K. Pushpakumar alias Iniya Bharathi has been arrested.

He was arrested over the abduction and disappearance of the former Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Prof. Subramaniyam Ravindranath.

Sivanathurai Chandrakanthan, alias Pillayan, the leader of the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP) and former State Minister, was arrested by the Colombo Criminal Investigation Department at his office in Batticaloa on April 8, over this incident.

He was later detained for 3 months under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Iniya Bharathi, also known as Kumaraswamy Pushpakumar, was arrested based on information revealed during the interrogation of Pillayan.

News

e-Revenue Licence system down due to technical glitch, ICTA says

Published

6 hours ago

July 6, 2025

editor

The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) said the electronic Revenue Licence system (eRL 2.0) is currently unavailable due to a critical technical infrastructure issue.

According to the ICTA, the disruption began on July 3, 2025, and has made vehicle revenue licence issuing services inaccessible.

The unavailability is expected to continue until July 9, 2025.

The ICTA expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public and assured that technical teams are working urgently to resolve the issue.

The agency also said that further updates will be shared as work progresses, with an official notice to be issued once services are restored.