News

Social media ban imposed on Army!

Published

2 years ago

December 14, 2022

editor

The Army Headquarters has issued an order prohibiting army personnel from posting confidential information of military personnel that affect national security, obscene and sexual content and political matters on social media sites.

The order has been issued by Army Chief Signal Officer Major General L.D. Herath to all army officers and other ranks with effect from December 12.

It has also been ordered that a user of social media sites should not reveal his official identity and information for any reason.

Uploading, posting, forwarding and sharing of links on social media websites is also prohibited.

It is also prohibited to share information that harms communal and religious harmony, defamatory statements about any person or organization, as well as any information prohibited by the law of the country.

Display of profile pictures or cover photos showing uniform or military equipment is also prohibited.

The Cyber Security Unit said it has observed the violation of Army discipline and instructions on protecting the image of the Army by Army personnel when using social network sites.

Army said the using of mobile apps such as Imo Live, Tik Tok, Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat, etc. to post content showcasing military identities are being released which is against the military orders, and therefore, the army personnel have been asked to refrain from this as well.

Meanwhile, security analysts have pointed out many allowances, including the inconvenience allowances given to the military personnel have been reduced, and the social media ban has been imposed as a measure to prevent the soldiers from airing their thoughts and criticisms on social media in this regard.

News

PNB seize over Rs. 280 mn. in biggest drug money bust

Published

9 hours ago

January 17, 2025

editor

The Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) has seized a stash of currency notes amounting Rs. 283 million.

It is said that this is the largest amount of cash ever confiscated from a drug trafficker in Sri Lanka.

The banknotes were recovered from a residence in Kurunegala during a search operation. 18 grams of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine), a double-cab, and a van were also seized during the raid.
According to police, the money allegedly belongs to a suspect who is currently in prison.

The suspect was presented before the Kurunegala Magistrate’s Court and the Magistrate has granted permission for authorities to detain and further interrogate him.

News

Energy Ministry differs on electricity tariffs (Update)

Published

9 hours ago

January 17, 2025

editor

Hours after the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced a 20% average reduction in electricity tariffs effective from midnight today (Jan. 17), the Energy Ministry has stated that the tariff revision would be implemented only upon receiving approval from the Finance Ministry.

In a media release, the Ministry has said that the proposals should be first officially received and thereafter they would need Finance Ministry advice.

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(Previous News : January 17, 2025 3.05pm)

Electricity tariffs slashed by 20%

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has decided to slash electricity tariffs by an overall average of 20 percent.

The tariff reduction will affect all consumer categories and will come into effect from midnight today (Jan. 17).

The PUCSL’s proposed reductions are as follows;

Domestic tariff – reduced by 20%
Places of worship – reduce by 21%
Hotels – reduced by 31%
Industries – reduced by 30%
Government Institutions – reduced by 11%

Electricity tariffs reduction (Domestic)

0-30 units reduced by 29%
31-60 by 28%
61-90 by 19%
91-180 by 18%
More than 180 by 19%

BIZ

SL – China currency swap agreement, renewed

Published

10 hours ago

January 17, 2025

editor

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the People’s Bank of China, in December 2024, successfully renewed the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement signed in 2021, for a period of another three (03) years, under the terms and conditions stipulated in the original agreement.

The CNY 10 billion (approximately USD 1.4 billion) currency swap facility reflects the financial cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.

Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, signed the agreement on behalf of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, while Mr. Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, signed on behalf of the People’s Bank of China.

(CBSL)