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New online passport application system initiated; Passports to be delivered within 3 days
The Immigration and Emigration Controller General, Harsha Ilukpitiya, announced that President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative to digitize public services includes the implementation of an online passport application system in the coming days. This new process aims to streamline the passport application process and ensure that passports are delivered to applicants’ residences within a span of three […]
Food insecurity improves in SL but prevails within specific regions; 17-pct in moderate acute food insecurity: FAO & WFP
Food security in Sri Lanka is improving across all provinces, according to the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report jointly carried out in February/March 2023 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The report estimates 3.9 million people or 17 percent […]
Building on President’s Call in Tokyo, Harsha Calls for Greater Trade Integration for Debt Sustainability
Harsha de Silva, MP, delivered a poignant speech in Parliament recently building on the speech by President Ranil Wickeremasinghe at the Nikkei Asia Forum in Tokyo. He called for a change of mindset in the legislature and argued for greater trade integration for debt sustainability. He started by acknowledging Japan’s significant contributions during the crisis […]
Merchandise exports decreased by 16-pct in April 2023 compared to April 2022
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports decreased by 16.15 % to US$ 814.1 Million in April 2023 compared to April 2022. Moreover, it is a 0.5 % decrease when compared to April 2021. Declining trend in merchandise exports further continues due to the negative trends shown in major export products. i.e., Apparel & Textiles, Rubber & Rubber […]
Eran Submits private members Bill to make declaration of Assets and Liabilities public
Opposition Parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne today submitted a private member’s Bill to amend the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law, No.1 of 1975 to make the provisions of the act apply to the President as well. Accordingly, the President, Members of Parliament, and other high-ranking Judicial, Public, and Public sector officials have to declare their Assets […]
Rajeev Abeysekara bags Sony World Photography Awards 2023 national award for his scintillating capture
Sony World Photography Awards, one of the most prestigious global platforms in the photography industry for individuals to showcase their talent, has awarded the Sri Lanka national award at the Sony World Photography Awards 2023 to Rajeev Abeysekara for his magnificent click of a leopard in the wilderness of Sri Lanka. Each year thousands across […]
Removing PUCSL Chair via Parliament a threat to democracy and good governance: Eran
Judicial Precedence proves independent commissioners can seek court order to ensure their orders carried out Eran Wickramartne MP speaking on the debate of the resolution to remove the Public Utility Commission Chairman, asked the government that what was the great sin committed by him? The Chairman had asked the CEB to maintain the electricity supply continuously […]
Sri Lanka welcomes G7s announcement to build constructive relationship with China: President
Sri Lanka welcomes the G7s announcement that they are prepared to build a stable and constructive relationship with China, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said at the Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia. President Ranil Wickremesinghe took the stage at the ‘Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia’ held in Tokyo, Japan today (25). During his address, the […]
Opinion: Putting customer needs first, shifting focus from flashy tech in BFSI
By Janaka Ediriweera In 2018, Nicky Morgan MP, the head of the powerful Treasury Committee (in the UK), demanded answers from the chief executives of Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays, as millions of banking customers were locked out of their accounts, unable to access their own money or pay bills on time. She remarked, […]
Fitch Assigns Hayleys First-Time AAA(lka) National Rating; Outlook Stable
Fitch Ratings has assigned Sri Lankan conglomerate Hayleys PLC a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA(lka)’. The Outlook is Stable. Fitch has also assigned a ‘AAA(lka)’ National Long-Term Rating to Hayleys’ senior unsecured debentures. The rating reflects Hayleys’ large operating scale locally as a result of extensive business and geographical diversification, and strong market share in […]