China rocket blasts off for far side of Moon
China has launched a probe to collect samples from the far side of the Moon, in what is being billed a world first.
IFC to invest Rs. 3.27 b in Sunshine Healthcare
Sunshine Holdings PLC disclosed that that the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has agreed to invest an amount of up to Rs. 3.27 billion in fully owned subsidiary Sunshine Healthcare Lanka Ltd.
Govt. to renovate Karainagar Boat Yard with Indian financial assistance
In a significant development aimed at revitalising maritime infrastructure, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to obtain a proposed financial grant from India for the renovation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.
President to inaugurate Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024
The Sri Lanka Climate Summit 2024, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, will be inaugurated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, under the theme ‘Code Red: Climate risks and opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses’ on 7 May at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.
Minimum room rates at hotels to be scrapped by the end of this month
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando yesterday revealed that the minimum room rates (MRR) imposed on hotels will be scrapped by the end of this month and allow competition to return to the industry.
US assures assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process
The United States has once again assured their fullest support to Sri Lanka in the debt restructuring process, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.
China and Sri Lanka to expedite implementation of MoUs
Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo on Thursday (02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of
Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia: Tourism stakeholders
Tourism stakeholders said Sri Lanka now has the highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many others that offer free visas or charge much lower fees.
Government defends outsourcing of visa process
The Department of Government Information, in response to allegations over the outsourced online visa application process, said it had been given to VFS Global, a company with 146 centres across the globe after proper study into the matter and approval by the Cabinet.
Joe Biden calls US allies India and Japan 'xenophobic'
US President Joe Biden has called Japan and India "xenophobic", grouping them together with Russia and China as countries that "don't want immigrants".
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Turkey halts trade with Israel over 'humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza
Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel over its offensive in Gaza, citing the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the strip.
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves surged to $5 billion by March end: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves (GOR) stood at USD 5 billion by the end of March 2024, recording a notable increase compared to USD 4.4 billion at the end of 2023.
Sri Lanka signs MoU with Saudi Arabia on investment promotion
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al Falih have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Investment Promotion between the two countries.
Leading Sri Lankan businessman joins race to acquire SriLankan Airlines
A leading Sri Lankan businessman, through his company Supreme Global Holdings, has entered the race to acquire the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines.