News

Ministry to settle outstanding Rs. 1,989.75 mn to contractors by end of December

Published

1 year ago

December 11, 2023

editor

Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that a proposal to establish a separate development bank for the construction industry has been submitted to the Treasury.

The Minister said that based on the feedback received, the new bank will be established.

Meanwhile, Minister Ranatunga said that the amount of Rs. 1,989.75 million which the Ministry was not able to pay to contractors will be paid before the end of this month. The Ministry was unable to pay this money due to the Covid pidemic and the economic crisis.

The Minister said that with the payment of that amount, all the unpaid bills of the Urban Development and Housing Ministry due to the Covid pidemic will be fully paid.

In addition, the Minister also said that the amount of Rs. 1,112.57 million to be paid to the construction contractors for the development work done during this year is also planned to be fully paid before the end of this year.

(dailynews.lk)

News

12-hr water cut in several areas of Colombo

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.

Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.

Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:

Colombo 01 to Colombo 15
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kaduwela
Battaramulla
Kolonnawa
Kotikawatta
Mulleriyawa
IDH (Infectious Diseases Hospital) area
Maharagama
Dehiwala
Mount Lavinia
Ratmalana and Moratuwa

News

Investigations underway to arrest 20 criminals hiding overseas

Published

13 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.

Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.

He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.

Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.

The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.

News

Ex-Minister Duminda Dissanayake arrested

Published

14 hours ago

May 23, 2025

editor

Former Minister and Anuradhapura District Organiser of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – Duminda Dissanayake, has been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the discovery of a gold-colored T-56 assault rifle at a luxury apartment complex in Havelock Town, Wellawatte.

The firearm, found earlier this week, led to the arrest of 03 suspects, based on information revealed during interrogations conducted in connection with the incident.