News

Heavy rains today as well!

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2023

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The prevailing rainy condition in the country is expected to continue further, due to the influence of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the Meteorological Department said.

It said showers or thundershowers will occur at times over most parts of the island.

Heavy showers of above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Central and Uva provinces.

Meanwhile, the water level in the Mahaweli Reservoir has risen to 46%.

Nilantha Dhanapala, Director of Water Control Secretariat of Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority said that the capacity of Kotmale Reservoir has increased to 77% and the capacity of Victoria Reservoir has increased to 44%.

Accordingly, the release of water for the Maha Season has already commenced and will be completed by next month.

News

Rains expected in several areas today

Published

5 minutes ago

July 2, 2025

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Several spells of showers will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in the Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Galle and Matara districts today (July 02), the Department of Meteorology said.

A few showers may occur in the Jaffna and Mannar districts.

Fairly strong winds of about 30-40kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills and in the Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in the Trincomalee and Hambantota districts.

News

IMF Executive Board approves Sri Lanka’s fourth review

Published

1 hour ago

July 2, 2025

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The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Fourth review under the 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement, allowing the authorities to draw about US$350 million, said Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka.

This brings the total IMF financial support disbursed so far to about US$1.74 billion.

“The EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka was approved by the Executive Board on March 20, 2023 in an amount of SDR 2.286 billion (395 percent of quota or about US$3 billion). The program supports Sri Lanka’s efforts to durably restore macroeconomic stability by (i) restoring fiscal and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable, (ii) safeguarding price and financial sector stability, (iii) rebuilding external buffers, (iv) strengthening governance and reducing corruption vulnerabilities, and (v) enhancing growth-oriented structural reforms.”

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Cabinet approval for online traffic fine payment system – Bimal

Published

11 hours ago

July 1, 2025

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Minister of Transport and Highways Bimal Rathnayake has said that Cabinet approval has been granted to implement an islandwide online traffic fine payment system.

He made this statement during a media briefing near the Kottawa Expressway entrance, following a public awareness programme on mandatory seat belt use for vehicles travelling on expressways.

“The Cabinet approved the proposal today. At present, the online fine payment system is available only between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura. Now, we’re providing all police units with mobile devices, so that from this year, traffic fines can be paid from anywhere via mobile phones… Rather than paying fines, we urge everyone to drive carefully, wear seat belts, and avoid violations. Our core message is simple, travel safely,” the minister has said.