News Studio, London (2025)

03/01/2024

London Braces for Transport Chaos: Tube Strikes Prompt Widespread Disruptions

03/01/2024

Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington

The Sri Lankan government has approved plans to establish a High Commission in Wellington, New Zealand, with the aim of strengthening diplomatic relations.

This proposal was submitted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as announced by the Government Information Department.

This decision comes in the context of a recently established New Zealand High Commission in Colombo.

However, no specific deadline for the establishment of the High Commission in Wellington has been announced yet.

03/01/2024

Death Toll Rises in Japan Earthquake

The death toll from an earthquake in Japan has risen to 48.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the central region of Japan yesterday (01) evening at 4 PM local time.

This was followed by a tsunami warning.

Officials have reported that over a thousand rescue team members have been deployed to retrieve people trapped in the rubble caused by the earthquake.

The Japanese military is providing food, water, and blankets to those who evacuated their homes due to the earthquake and tsunami warning.

All tsunami warnings issued for the Japanese coastal areas following the earthquake have now been lifted.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden has stated that the United States is ready to provide necessary assistance to those affected by the disaster.

03/01/2024

Cabinet Approval for the Development of 61 Fuel Storage Tanks in Trincomalee Chinakuda

The development of 61 fuel storage tanks in the Trincomalee Chinakuda Upper Tank Yard is set to be carried out under a commercial model that includes construction, operation, and transfer.

As a first step in this development, the cabinet has approved a proposal submitted by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera to select a future investor.

On January 3rd last year, the cabinet meeting had granted permission to lease these 61 fuel tanks to a private company in Trincomalee for a 50-year lease.

It is recommended that these developments be undertaken in 7 phases over 16 years.

Under the first phase, 9 tanks, which are economically viable, will be rehabilitated, along with the refurbishment of a 1.75 kilometer road, and construction of other necessary facilities.

03/01/2024

Youth Dies After Being Swept Away in Water in Badulla

In the Kenthakolla area of Badulla, a young man was swept away by water and later found dead this afternoon (02).

The incident occurred near the Heinarangolla Oya Bridge, close to the Kenthakolla School, where the young man was swept away yesterday (01).

Following the incident, local residents and the police jointly initiated a search operation for the young man.

Today in the afternoon, the police reported that his body was recovered from the river in the Kenthakolla area.

The deceased is identified as a 19-year-old from the Kenthakolla - Pudalumulla area, according to the police.

The Badulla police are conducting further investigations into the incident.

03/01/2024

Sebalika Chandrasekara Appointed as Commissioner General of the Domestic Revenue Department

Sebalika Chandrasekara has been appointed as the Commissioner General of the Domestic Revenue Department.

Following the vacancy of the Commissioner General’s position, Upul Jayawardena was appointed for an interim period of 6 months subject to the approval of the cabinet.

In this context, the term of the acting Commissioner General concluded on December 31st.

03/01/2024

Tax Imposed Only on Individuals Aged Over 18 Earning More Than 1.2 Million Rupees

The Ministry of Finance has announced that obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN) does not automatically subject anyone to income tax.

It is mandatory only for individuals over 18 years of age earning an annual income exceeding 1.2 million rupees to pay tax.

However, from the upcoming February 1st, it has been made mandatory to submit the tax identification number when initiating a business account, obtaining permission for construction projects, during vehicle registration, renewing licenses, and registering land ownership, as stated by the Ministry of Finance.

03/01/2024

No Reduction in Vegetable Prices Until Mid-February

According to the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, there is no possibility of a decrease in the increased vegetable prices until the middle of February.

Our correspondents have reported a rapid increase in vegetable prices in other economic centers of the country.

Based on data from the institute, today in the Peliyagoda Manning market, the wholesale price of a kilo of carrots and leeks ranged between 500 to 550 rupees.

Additionally, a kilo of green chilies was recorded at a price ranging from 900 to 1100 rupees.

The Peliyagoda Manning Market Trade Association has reported that the highest prices for vegetables, both wholesale and retail, have been recorded today in the market's history.

Due to increased demand during the festive season and crop damage caused by rain, resulting in a decrease in supply, vegetable prices have risen.

Simultaneously, in the Thambuttegama Economic Center, the wholesale price of a kilo of carrots has increased from 550 to 650 rupees.

Furthermore, a kilo of leeks ranged from 400 to 480 rupees, and a kilo of green chilies from 850 to 1000 rupees, as reported by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.

In the Nuwara Eliya Economic Center, the wholesale price of a kilo of carrots was observed to be between 560 to 600 rupees.

03/01/2024

Five Dead in Japan Plane Crash

At Tokyo's Haneda Airport in Japan, a passenger plane that had landed collided with another aircraft, leading to a fire and resulting in the death of five people.

A Japan Airlines plane, while landing on the runway, collided with a plane belonging to the Japanese Coast Guard, causing this accident.

All 379 passengers and crew members aboard the Japan Airlines flight were safely evacuated.

However, Japanese media reports state that five out of six people on the Coast Guard plane have died.

Following this incident, all flight services from Haneda Airport have been suspended.

03/01/2024

No JN1 New Corona Strain in the Country - Health Minister

Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana has announced that according to the sample tests conducted so far in the country, no patients have been identified with the new COVID-19 strain JN1.

He made this statement today at a special press conference held at the Presidential Media Centre.

However, he noted that the Health Ministry continues to be vigilant and active regarding this new COVID-19 strain identified in India.

The Minister has urged the public to continue following the health practices that were adhered to during the COVID-19 spread.

At the same time, he mentioned that the World Health Organization has recognized Sri Lanka as a measles-eliminated country.

Yet, due to around 700 measles cases recorded last year, the Health Ministry is paying special attention to this issue.

Accordingly, a vaccination program for measles is planned to be implemented from next week through all health medical officer offices nationwide.

Minister Ramesh Pathirana further stated that, as the country's financial situation is improving, the government has started procurement processes for essential medicines.

He noted that 850 types of medicines required for the country have been identified.

03/01/2024

Authority to Make Decisions Regarding Transportation Fares Granted to the National Transport Commission

The government has decided to grant the National Transport Commission the authority to make decisions regarding the fares for public transportation services, including trains, three-wheelers, and school transport services.

Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena announced this today at a cabinet press briefing.

He mentioned that documents for amending the relevant legislation have been sent to the Attorney General for this purpose.

The minister also stated that a cabinet paper was submitted yesterday to transfer the authority to make decisions on transportation fares to the National Transport Commission.

Through this resolution, Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that it will pave the way to establish a fair and reasonable fare policy in the transportation sector.

02/01/2024

Donation of Medical Equipment to Colombo National Eye Hospital

Medical equipment and other items have been officially handed over today as donations to the Colombo National Eye Hospital.

Medical equipment worth approximately 70 million rupees and 5,000 eyeglasses valued at 30 million rupees have been donated.

These donations were provided by a group of Sri Lankans living abroad.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health has allocated 100 million rupees for the purchase of necessary equipment for the National Eye Hospital.

In addition, the Health Ministry has allocated 10 million rupees for painting and refurbishing the hospital, as informed by the Secretary of Health, Palitha Mahipala.

News Studio

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

02/01/2024

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category