Sri Lanka’s creditor nations likely to agree on debt restructuring – reports
A group of Sri Lanka’s creditor nations are likely to reach an agreement on debt relief and an extension of repayment deadlines for the South Asian nation, Japan’s Jiji News reported on Wednesday, without naming a source or giving any details. Japan co-chairs this group, together with France and India. China is Sri Lanka’s largest […]
ICC to deliberate on SLC’s suspension, hosting of U-19 World Cup today
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is slated to make a decision in respect of the temporary ban imposed on the national cricket governing body today (Nov.21). Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was suspended by the ICC on November 10, on account of the failure to manage its affairs autonomously and ensure that there was no government […]
Economic growth of 1.8% is expected in 2024 – Semasinghe
State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe says an anticipated economic growth for the year 2024 is projected at 1.8%. Addressing a press briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) on Tuesday (Nov.14), the lawmaker has underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a robust economy during this period. A particular emphasis will be placed on the […]
$150 million from World Bank to strengthen Sri Lanka’s financial sector
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Thursday (Nov. 09) approved $150 million in financing for Sri Lanka to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector. “Sri Lanka’s economic crisis highlights the need for strong safety nets to support the financial sector. Stable and reliable banking sector is essential for the economy, businesses and […]
Musk says his new AI chatbot has ‘a little humour’
Elon Musk has launched an AI chatbot called Grok on his social media site X, formerly Twitter, but so far it is only available to selected users. “In some important respects, it is the best that currently exists,” he posted on X, before its release. Mr Musk boasted that Grok “loves sarcasm” and would answer […]
Sri Lanka aims to reach net zero emissions by 2040 – President
In a significant development, Sri Lanka is making notable strides towards combating climate change and transitioning into a green economy. Speaking at an international forum, President, Ranil Wickremesinghe, outlined the country’s ambitious plans for environmental sustainability and economic growth. The President made these remarks at the first International Climate Change Forum at Temple Trees yesterday […]
Killer robots and work-free lives – Sunak quizzes Musk on AI future
Deadly robots that can climb trees, AI friends and a work-less future were among the topics as Rishi Sunak sat down with Elon Musk. The prime minister held a highly unusual “in conversation” event with the billionaire X and Tesla owner at the end of this week’s summit on artificial intelligence. Throughout the wide-ranging and […]
New secretary appointed to Agriculture & Plantation Industries Ministry
Mr. B.L.A.J. Dharmakeerthi has been appointed as the new Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries. The appointment was made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, with effect from October 27, 2023. This was communicated in a special gazette notification published by Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake on November 02.
AI Summit: Elon Musk thinks some would put planet before people
Elon Musk has warned that artificial intelligence (AI), if programmed by people in the “environmental movement”, may lead to the extinction of humanity. Appearing on comedian Joe Rogan’s podcast on Tuesday, he said some people would use the tech to protect the planet by ending human life. He was speaking ahead of the UK’s AI […]
Ballon d’Or: Lionel Messi beats Haaland and Mbappe to win record eighth award
Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has won the Men’s Ballon d’Or for an eighth time. The 36-year-old was recognised at the ceremony in Paris after helping his country win the World Cup in Qatar last year. England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy for the world’s best player aged […]