SL – US hold 2nd round of tariff talks

Published

3 weeks ago

May 29, 2025

editor

The second round of discussions on US-imposed tariffs on Sri Lanka was held yesterday (May 28) at the Office of the United States Trade Representative in Washington, D.C.

A high-level Sri Lankan delegation is participating in the talks, which mark a continuation of several earlier virtual meetings between the two sides.

The talks are expected to pave the way for new opportunities in trade cooperation, while aiming to secure favorable outcomes for Sri Lanka in line with its current economic priorities.

Officials anticipate that the dialogue will contribute to enhancing long-term trade relations and foster deeper economic engagement between the two nations.

Vraie Cally Balthazaar elected Colombo Mayor

Published

14 seconds ago

June 16, 2025

editor

National People’s Power (NPP)’s Vraie Cally Balthazaarhas been elected as the new Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council.

Following a closely contested secret ballot today (June 16), Balthazaar secured 61 votes, narrowly defeating Riza Zarook of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), who received 54 votes.

The ballot was held since no single party obtained a clear majority at the recently concluded Local Government polls.

Senior official from Justice Ministry gives statement to CID

Published

44 minutes ago

June 16, 2025

editor

A senior official from the Ministry of Justice has given a statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) regarding the alleged unlawful release of an inmate from Anuradhapura Prison under a presidential pardon granted for Vesak Poya.

Meanwhile, CID teams have been deployed to all 28 prisons across the island to investigate possible misuse of presidential pardons in the recent past.

Investigations are currently underway, and both the Anuradhapura Prison Superintendent and the Commissioner General of Prisons remain in remand over the incident.

News

Committee probing Deshabandu to convene daily from today

Published

45 minutes ago

June 16, 2025

editor

The high-level Committee of Inquiry investigating allegations of gross abuse of power by suspended Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon will commence daily hearings starting today (June 16) until the conclusion of the inquiry.

Accordingly, IGP Tennakoon appeared before the committee at 9.30 a.m. today continuing a process that began with his initial appearance in May.

The committee, chaired by Supreme Court Justice P. P. Surasena, includes Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawela and National Police Commission Chairman E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake.

The committee has previously convened on several occasions and recorded statements from IGP Tennakoon and several others.

On June 11, the committee of inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, cross-examined the witnesses.