Discontent was voiced at Tuesday's Party Leaders' meeting in Parliament over the unilateral decision to raise the salaries of employees at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The Treasury will absorb $ 512 million of debt owed by SriLankan Airlines, in a bid to make the national carrier more attractive to prospective investors.

The merchandise export performance in January 2024 amounted to US$ 970.7 million, recorded a 0.77 % decline compared to January 2023.

Prospective bidders for the losses and debt-saddled SriLankan Airlines will have more time with the Government extending the deadline for Request for Qualification (RfQ) for the to 9 January next year fifth time for 45 days commencing from Tuesday 05.

Sri Lanka’s State owned Enterprises (SOE’s) including the Central Bank and state banks are to be brought under a legal framework for appointments, management, procurement and capital spending with the enactment of SOE Act in parliament soon, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe divulged.

In a media release, the bank said its PBT was driven by a significant 15 per cent increase in interest income. However, despite this growth, a sharp rise in interest expenses resulted due to the lag effect in repricing the time deposits mobilised at higher rates.

Sri Lanka’s current public procurement system based on comprehensive National Procurement Guidelines issued in 2006/7 is being replaced by a new Public Procurement Law later this year, Public Finance Department sources said.

SriLankan Airlines and its subsidiaries catering and ground handling services is being pursued with glitches under the present difficult circumstance of attracting a broad range of potential investors, Aviation Ministry sources said.

Wild Trails yala by Suri” camp site situated in close proximity Yala national park has bagged Booking.com’s Traveller Review Award 2024 for the hard work that goes into a great stay to make every moment special for travelers from Europe and even Far East.