News

Special attention on cryptocurrency promoters!

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

editor

The Financial Intelligence Unit of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka is paying special attention to people who promote cryptocurrency as a profitable investment method and people who exchange foreign currency through informal methods such as Undiyal and Hawala, it was reported.

According to Order No. 03 of 2021 issued under the Foreign Exchange Act No. 12 of 2017, Electronic Fund Transfer Cards such as Debit Cards and Credit Cards are not allowed to be used for payments related to cryptocurrency transactions. However, it was reported that cryptocurrency promoters have disregarded this order.

The relevant orders have been issued since cryptocurrency operates through informal means, and that it does not contribute to the national economy and it can also cause the country to lose a substantial amount of foreign currency.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka through press releases issued in 2018, 2021 and 2022 has already emphasized the significant financial, operational, legal and security risks as well as consumer protection issues that users may face when using cryptocurrencies.

For those who do not have a crypto mining machine, it is mandatory to use electronic fund transfer cards such as debit cards or credit cards to receive crypto money.

An average crypto mining machine is said to cost between US$600 and US$20,000.

Meanwhile, ‘Sri Lanka Mirror’ paid attention to several people who promote cryptocurrency through the internet.

Some posts that promote cryptocurrencies on Facebook are shown below:

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.