News

WB to continue to support Sri Lanka’s development reforms program

Published

7 months ago

February 28, 2023

editor

Representatives from the World Bank stated that the World Bank will continue to support Sri Lanka’s development reforms program.

They stated that the World Bank will provide technical assistance in the drafting of laws for development policy operations, as well as work to provide additional guidance and support regarding the use of international media and welfare benefits.

The delegation including the Vice President of the South Asian Region of World Bank, Martin Raiser, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (28).

The World Bank Development Policy Operational Program was fully investigated and the President and World Bank representatives commented on its progress.

Improving financial supervision and credit management, improving tax administration, sovereign-financial sector linkages and reducing systemic risks; maintaining stability and confidence in the banking sector, restructuring and divestment, reducing policy uncertainty and increasing competitiveness in the economy, mobilizing private capital and competition in the broadband market, strengthening the social security institution, delivery system and targeting was discussed.

World Bank’s Country Director for Sri Lanka Faris H Hadad-zervos, World Bank’s Country Manager for Maldives and Sri Lanka Chiyo Kanda, International Finance Corporation(IFC) Country Manager Sri Lanka and Maldives Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, Advisor of the World Bank in Sri Lanka Husam Abudagga, World Bank representatives, President’s Senior Advisor on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena, President’s Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe and other officials participated in the event.

News

5 jumbos killed in 2 train collisions

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Four elephants were killed last night after being knocked down by the night mail train from Colombo to Kankesanthurai last night (27).

The tragedy occurred between the Ambanpola and Galgamuwa railway stations.

Three elephants were killed on the spot while one succumbed to its injuries this morning.

Meanwhile, a mother and a baby elephant were knocked down by the Colombo bound Express Train from Baticaloa at Habarana, Palugaswewa on the Colombo-Batticaloa railway Line last night. The baby elephant was killed on the spot while mother elephant sustained critical injuries.

News

Person arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Dehiwala

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Police have arrested a suspect along with 1 kilogram and 10 grams of ‘Ice’ (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs at Pannaloka Mawatha in Dehiwala.

The drugs are said to amounting to over Rs. 10 million.

The Police Headquarters mentioned that the arrest was made during a raid conducted in accordance with a tip-off received by the officers of Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

An electric scale, mobile phone and Rs. 150,000 in cash in the possession of the man were taken into police custody.

The suspect is a 39-year-old resident of the Dehiwala area and is to be produced before the Mount Lavina Magistrate’s Court.

The CCD is conducting further investigations regarding the incident.

News

Defence Ministry issues notice on firearm license renewal for 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Defence has issued an announcement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2024.

Accordingly, the firearm licenses can be renewed between October 01, 2023, – December 31, 2023.

Necessary details can be downloaded from the official website of the Defence Ministry (www.defence.lk).

Noting that firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after December 31, 2023, the Defence Ministry emphasized that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.

Meanwhile, registration renewal of private security firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from October 01, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action, the Defence Ministry said further.