President Ranil sets off to Dubai
President Ranil Wickremesinghe has left the island to attend the COP28 World Leaders Summit to be held in Dubai, UAE, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said. The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP28) will be held from November 30 until December 12 with the aim of tackling pressing climate change issues and addressing […]
China, Sri Lanka to further strengthen economic, trade, investment and cultural ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Special Envoy and State Councilor, Shen Yiqin who is in Sri Lanka on an official visit has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena on Monday (Nov.20). The primary focus of the meeting with the Sri Lankan leader was to enhance tourism and trade relations between the two […]
$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 […]
Gulf countries to introduce unified tourist visa
Interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states have unanimously approved the introduction of a unified Gulf tourist visa. During their 40th meeting, held in the Omani capital Muscat, the ministers also gave the green light for the launch of an electronic system linking traffic violations. Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, said the unified […]
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 […]
CEB to submit detailed facts regarding electricity tariff hike request to PUCSL
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has decided to submit the facts and data relating to the request to increase the electricity tariff once again to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) within today (02) or tomorrow (03). The CEB recently made a request from the PUCSL to increase electricity tariffs once again, citing […]
Water bills to be issued online from next week
National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) states that issuing electronic water bills instead of printed bills will commence from October 01, 2023. Deputy General Manager of the NWSDB Piyal Pathmanatha emphasized that the new programme will be launched in 04 selected regulatory areas as the first step. Commenting further regarding the matter, Pathmanatha said […]
Passenger ferry service from TN to Sri Lanka likely from Oct first week
The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is to commence high speed passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai (KKS) in Sri Lanka. The ferry service is likely to commence operations from October first week onwards. Sources in Shipping Corporation of India told IANS that the high speed ferry service will cover 60 […]
Emirates and SriLankan establish reciprocal interline partnership
Emirates, one of the two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates, and SriLankan Airlines have signed a reciprocal interline agreement to boost connectivity for passengers of both airlines. The partnership will enable access to new points on each other’s networks via Colombo and Dubai, utilising a single ticket and enjoying the convenience of baggage […]
BRICS invites six countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran to be new members
The BRICS group of nations has decided to invite six countries – Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – to become new members of the bloc, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday. The debate over expanding the BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has […]