Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has unveiled plans to convert the historic Bogambara prison into a hotel complex, with a private investor leading the initiative. Since being assigned to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in 2014, the prison has been part of the Greater Kandy Development Plan and the Kandy City Development Plan,
The Helembawewa Farmer’s Organisation (HFO) recently concluded a four-day hunger strike by their chairman, sparked by a critical water issue. Minister Manusha Nanayakkara’s intervention during a public service event led to discussions with Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi, resulting in a commitment to allocate Rs. 225 million in the upcoming Budget to address irrigation water needs in
Last week, the High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha, undertook a comprehensive visit to the Eastern Province (EP), engaging with key stakeholders across Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee districts. His discussions with Governor Senthil Thondaman and various MPs underscored the strategic importance of the Eastern Province in the bilateral partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Highlighting
Matara General Hospital has welcomed a significant upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art CT scanner worth Rs. 200 million, replacing its 17-year-old predecessor. Spearheaded by Health and Industry Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and Health Secretary Dr. Palitha Mahipala, the installation ceremony marked a pivotal moment in enhancing diagnostic capabilities at the hospital. With an
The midseason indigenous big onion cultivation in Matale district has seen remarkable success, with farmers like Sudath Dinesh Gunathilaka from Ussana irrigation colony in Dewahuwa area reporting significant earnings. Despite utilizing only a fraction of land for cultivation, Gunathilaka managed to generate over Rs. 8 million in revenue, highlighting the potential of this crop. However,
The Central Disease Control Programme at Colombo National Hospital is set to introduce a novel method for identifying leprosy patients using WhatsApp. Dr. Indira Kahawita, a dermatologist, explained that individuals with suspected leprosy can take a clear picture of the affected area and send it to the leprosy identification helpline number 0754088604 via WhatsApp. This
In March 2024, Sri Lanka’s merchandise export performance reached US$ 1,138.9 million, marking a significant 9.77% increase compared to March 2023. The Export Development Board (EDB) reported that this performance also saw a 7.51% rise from the previous month, February 2024. Alongside merchandise exports, services exports amounted to US$ 275.1 million in March 2024, showcasing
Litro Gas Lanka, the leading gas supplier in Sri Lanka, announced a reduction in the price of its 12.5 Kg domestic LP Gas cylinder. The company’s Chairman, Muditha Peiris, revealed that the current price of Rs. 4,115 for the 12.5 Kg cylinder will be lowered to below Rs. 4,000. Peiris added that the specific reduced
Finance State Minister Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya revealed that despite the official suspension of foreign debt payments, Sri Lanka has paid US$ 2.5 billion in 2022 and US$ 2.6 billion in 2023. The Minister highlighted that the country continues to make substantial annual payments, with an average of around US$ 2.5 billion, although only bilateral foreign
The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers initiated a two-day token strike today, citing various demands, including issues related to salaries. H. A. L. Udayasiri, the committee’s Chairman, announced plans for additional protests in Colombo later in the day, signaling a continued push for their demands. Simultaneously, non-academic staff members across state universities have declared