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

Landslide warnings issued for 07 districts

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2025

editor

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings for seven districts due to ongoing adverse weather conditions.

A Level-2 warning has been issued for the Ayagama and Ratnapura areas in the Ratnapura District.

Level-1 warnings have been issued for the following Divisional Secretariat Divisions:

Colombo District: Padukka
Galle District: Elpitiya
Kalutara District: Walallawita, Agalawatte, Palindanuwara, Bulathsinhala, and Mathugama
Kandy District: Ganga Ihala Korale
Kegalle District: Yatiyanthota, Deraniyagala, Dehiowita
Nuwara Eliya District: Ambagamuwa
Ratnapura District: Pelmadulla, Eheliyagoda, Nivitigala, Kuruwita, Elapatha, and Kalawana

News

Showers expected in parts of the island today

Published

3 hours ago

June 16, 2025

editor

Showers have been predicted at times in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and North-western provinces today (June 16), according to the Department of Meteorology.

Fairly heavy rains above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts.

A few showers may occur in the Northern province and in the Anuradhapura district as well.

Strong winds of about 40-50kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and Northwestern provinces and in the Trincomalee district.

The general public has also been requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds.

News

19-yr.-old dies after hotel elevator collapses

Published

3 hours ago

June 16, 2025

editor

Moratuwa Police launched an investigation after a 19-year-old youth had died after an electric elevator at a hotel collapsed on June 14.

The deceased is a resident of Arukgoda in Panadura, and was an employee at the Bolgoda Hotel in Moratuwa.

According to reports, the elevator, which was reportedly designated solely for the use of hotel employees, had given away when the youth was inside, injuring him critically. He was rushed to the Panadura Base Hospital but was pronounced dead upon admission.

The management of the hotel has lodged a complaint with the Moratuwa Police regarding the incident. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the elevator collapse.