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Last Update : Thu, Apr 19, 2018, 11:58 pm SL Time

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FAO recognizes Sri Lanka's Ellanga Gammana agrarian system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

Apr 19, Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recognized the Sri Lankan agrarian system, the "Ellanga Gammana" or Cascaded Tank-Village system in the Dry Zone as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

The Cascaded Tank-Village System in Sri Lanka was recognized at the International Forum and Award ceremony for new GIAHS sites in Rome, Italy on Thursday. FAO's Deputy Director-General, Ms Maria Helena Semedo, granted the GIAHS award to Sri Lanka on 19 April at the FAO headquarters in Rome.

ADB receives $12.6 million grant from We-Fi to promote Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs:
	Apr 19, Colombo: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it has received $12.6 million of funding for 2018 to 2020 from the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi) to generate more resources for Sri Lankan women-led businesses.

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 opens at Buckingham Palace:
	Apr 19, London: The Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has officially opened the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) Thursday at the Buckingham Palace.

Sri Lanka to give leadership for mangrove conservation in Commonwealth countries:
	Apr 19, London: Sri Lanka has been named as the country to give leadership for the conservation of mangroves in Commonwealth countries during the 25th inaugural ceremony of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held today (19) in London.‎

Twelve suspects who assaulted foreign tourists in the South remanded:
	Apr 19, Colombo: A Sri Lankan court today remanded 12 suspects arrested in connection with two separate incidents of assaults on foreign tourists visiting Southern beaches in the Mirissa and in Midigama areas.

Petroleum Minister says the government should decide raising fuel prices :
	Apr 19, Colombo: Minister of Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga says that the final decision on whether to increase fuel prices should be taken by the Prime Minister and the President.

Special committee appointed to compensate vehicles damaged due to garbage dump collapse in Meethotamulla:
	Apr 19, Colombo: Disaster Management Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says that action will be taken to provide immediate compensation to the people who have been deprived of lands and appealing for compensation due to the garbage dump collapse in Meethotamulla last year.

Iranian Speaker urges to boost industrial ties between Iran and Sri Lanka :
	Apr 19, Colombo: Iran's Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Ali Larijani, who is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, called on the businessmen in Iran and Sri Lanka to try to expand industrial relations between the two nations.

FAO recognizes Sri Lanka's Ellanga Gammana agrarian system as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System:
	Apr 19, Rome: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recognized the Sri Lankan agrarian system, the "Ellanga Gammana" or Cascaded Tank-Village system in the Dry Zone as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).

Five killed falling into an Ammonia tank in Sri Lanka rubber factory, manager arrested:
	Apr 19, Colombo: At least five people were killed in Sri Lanka on Thursday after a worker at a rubber factory in Ballapitiya, Horana fell into a tank of ammonia and co-workers and residents tried to save him, police said.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority's JCT records 15.3% growth in 1Q of 2018:
	Apr 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) says with 100% attendance of operations and all other supportive staff during Sinhala and Tamil New Year season, and especially on 13th and 14th April 2018, the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and the Unity Container Terminal (UCT) were competitive and successful in keeping all its berths fully occupied.

UK keen to expand direct investments in Sri Lanka:
	Apr 19, Colombo: The United Kingdom's Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox has said that the Government of Britain is ready for direct investments in Sri Lanka, while increasing the investments in the country and the necessary process in this regard will be implemented in the near future.

Iranian parliament Speaker arrives in Sri Lanka:
	Apr 19, Colombo: Speaker of the Iran Parliament Ali Larijani and a 36- member delegation arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday on a two-day official visit on an invitation extended by his Sri Lankan counterpart Speaker Karu Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka expects to meet sanitation targets of SDGs well ahead of time:
	Apr 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Minister of City Planning and Water Supply Rauff Hakeem says Sri Lanka will be able to meet sanitation targets of the Sustainable Development Goals well ahead of the time in the same as the country achieved much of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) well ahead of time.

Sri Lankan tourists hurt in Swiss road accident:
	Apr 19, Geneva: Several Sri Lankan tourists were among 15 people injured on Wednesday (April 18) when a coach carrying the tourists from Sri Lanka crashed with two trucks on a Swiss highway, police and media said.

Kaduwela Municipal Councilor arrested for shooting at SAITM CEO:
	Apr 18, Colombo: The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Wednesday arrested a Municipal Councilor of Kaduwela in connection with the shooting at the Chief Executive Officer of South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) Dr. Sameera Senaratne last year.

Several new development projects planned, Sri Lanka PM says:
	Apr 18, Kandy: Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says the government has planned to commence several development projects this year.

A board of directors appointed to regulate Army peace keeping services :
	Apr 18, Colombo: A board of directors has been appointed to regulate Sri Lanka Army's overseas peace keeping services and the board is operational from the 12th of this month.

Sri Lankan President says spreading false information and hiding truth hinder forward journey of the country:
	Apr 18, London: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena addressing the Sri Lankan community living in London said that the attempts made by some to hide the truth and promote the falsehood are a hindrance to the forward march of the country.

Sri Lanka imposes15% tax on gold imports that impacts trade deficit :
	Apr 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka on Wednesday has imposed a 15% tax on gold to curb surging imports that have impacted the trade deficit and put pressure on the exchange rate, officials said.

Sri Lanka Tourism Minister apologizes to assaulted tourists, assures 'absolute safety' in future:
	Apr 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister John Amaratunga yesterday apologized to the Dutch tourists who were assaulted by a group miscreants in Mirissa on April 8 and assured them 'absolute safety' in the future.

Suspect arrested for attacking Israeli tourists in Weligama:
	Apr 18, Colombo: Weligama police have arrested a suspect in connection with an attack on five Israeli tourists with clubs at Midigama, in Weligama yesterday (17).

Sri Lanka closes Mirissa restaurant after tourists assaulted:
	Apr 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has ordered to temporarily close the Mirissa Tourist restaurant which was involved in assaulting a tourist couple.

Sri Lanka President calls on business communities to join governments for successful implementation of 2030 SDG agenda :
	Apr 18, London: Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena today called upon the business communities and civil societies to come together with the states to ensure the successful implementation of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

More accidents reported during New Year holidays this year :
	Apr 18, Colombo: During the past four days, 638 people have received emergency treatment due to various accidents and around 50 people have died due to road accidents in Sri Lanka, according to authorities.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates praises Sri Lanka's high quality primary healthcare:
	Apr 18, London: Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, now focusing on his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, delivering his keynote address at the Joint Plenary Session on day two of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 on Tuesday praised Sri Lanka's 'high quality' primary healthcare system that other countries are following.

World's largest cargo aircraft lands at Sri Lanka's Mattala airport:
	Apr 18, Colombo: The world's largest cargo aircraft Antonov AN-225 Mriya has landed at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) for refueling this morning.

Sri Lanka to ensure continued progress of financial inclusion :
	Apr 18, Colombo: Since November 2017, the Sri Lankan government has taken a number of measures to enhance Anti Money Laundering compliance and the challenge for countries like Sri Lanka is how to ensure continued progress of financial inclusion in this context, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera said.

Sri Lanka donates USD 1.5 mn to set up fund facility for small states to access international funds:
	Apr 18, London: An innovative way for small states to obtain easier access to international trade finance has been launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London.

Sri Lanka establishes diplomatic relations with Dominica:
	Apr 18, New York: The government of Sri Lanka has decided to establish diplomatic relations with the Commonwealth nation Dominica.

Sri Lanka Customs seizes 1.4 kg hashish stock shipped for a journalist :
	Apr 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka Customs today (17) seized stock of hashish which has been sent to a journalist in Sri Lanka from Spain by air freight.

Sri Lankan apparel exporter Brandix adopts Centric PLM :
	Apr 17, Colombo: Brandix, Sri Lanka's largest apparel exporter, has selected Centric Software to provide its Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solution, Centric Software announced today.

US Pacific Partnership mission to return to Sri Lanka for a second time:
	Apr 17, Colombo: The United States' largest humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief preparedness mission in Asia Pacific, Pacific Partnership will return to Sri Lanka for a second time the US Embassy said today.

Education Minister instructs to transparently disclose Information on selecting grade 1 children :
	Apr 17, Colombo: Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has instructed the officials to take steps to disclose information pertaining to the selection of children to the first year in schools in a more transparent manner.

Price formula for fuel in par with oil prices in World Market :
	Apr 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Treasury has decided to devise a special price formula to the fuel prices in par with the oil prices of World Market as the government is heavily burdened with the rising cost of importing fuel.

President takes part in Oil Anointing Ceremony in London:
	Apr 17, London: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena who is in London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 took part in the Sinhala and Hindu New Year Oil Anointing Ceremony held at the London Buddhist Vihara on Monday (16).

Sri Lanka Central Bank cautions on Virtual Currencies :
	Apr 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Central Bank said while the Bank is aware of the growing interest in virtual currencies both domestically and internationally, virtual currencies are not central bank issued currency and the Bank has not authorized the use of cryptocurrencies.

SLFP, UNP to sign a new MoU to work together:
	Apr 17, Colombo: A Memorandum of Understanding between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP) will be signed in the future regarding the progress of the government, SLFP General Secretary, Minister Duminda Dissanayake said.

Alleged Canadian serial killer charged in death of a Sri Lankan man:
	Apr 17, Colombo: Suspected Canadian serial killer has been charged with an eighth murder after the police have identified remains of a Sri Lankan man believed to have been murdered by the suspect.

TNA loses Vavuniya MC:
	Apr 16, Colombo: Even though the Tamil National Alliance won the Vavuniya Municipal Council at the local government polls, the party has lost power in establishing the council and the newly formed Tamil National Liberation Party (ENLF) has won power.

Sri Lankan President arrives in London to participate in CHOGM:
	Apr 16, London: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena reached London Monday morning to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. He was received by the Commonwealth officials and Sri Lanka High Commission staff.

Sri Lanka's national carrier achieves record revenue of US$ 830 mn in 2017/18:
	Apr 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka's national carrier, SriLankan Airlines on Monday said it had achieved a record un-audited annual passenger revenue of Rs. 126.9 billion (US Dollars 830.7 million) for its just ended financial year of 2017/18 - the highest ever in the Company's 38-year history.

Challenging political environment impeding reforms is a key risk for Sri Lanka's growth, World Bank warns:
	Apr 16, Colombo: The World Bank projecting an economic growth of 4.8 percent for Sri Lanka this year warns that while the economic outlook remains favorable, challenging political environment impeding reforms is a key risk for the medium-term growth as political uncertainties slowed the implementation of reforms.

Muthurajawela nature preserve to be handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Department:
	Apr 16, Colombo: The Central Environmental Authority says that the Muthurajawela Sanctuary can be handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Department before the end of this year.

Joint Opposition MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage arrested for misusing state funds:
	Apr 16, Colombo: The Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) of Sri Lanka police today arrested former Sports Minister and Joint Opposition MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Pakistan's National Defense University delegation visiting Sri Lanka:
	Apr 16, Colombo: A 21 - member delegation from the National Defense University (NDU) of Pakistan, led by Major General Fiaz Hussain Shah is currently visiting Sri Lanka on a foreign study tour from April 15 to 19, 2018.

Government to award contract to three local companies to issue Vehicle Emission Test Certificates:
	Apr 16, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has received approval from the cabinet of ministers to award the contract for issuing Vehicle Emission Test Certificates to three local firms, a statement on most recent cabinet decisions said.

Indian national arrested in Sri Lanka for illegally conducting business:
	Apr 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka Police have arrested an Indian national, who has arrived on a tourist visa and conducting a business illegally.

National oil anointing ceremony today at Attanagalla :
	Apr 16, Colombo: The national oil anointing ceremony will take place today (16th) at 10.16 am at Attanagalla Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, under the patronage of Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

Rajagiriya Flyover has surpassed its original objectives - State Minister Harsha de Silva :
	Apr 15, Colombo: According to the State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva, the Rajagiriya Flyover opened to the public in January this year has surpassed its original objectives of reducing cost and time by alleviating traffic congestion in the area.

Sri Lankan President leaves for London to attend CHOGM 2018 :
	Apr 15, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and a delegation have left the country for England to attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018).

Sri Lanka joins Commonwealth alliance to fight against plastic pollution:
	Apr 15, London: British Prime Minister Theresa May Sunday announced that Sri Lanka along with New Zealand, and Ghana has joined the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance to join forces in the fight against plastic pollution.

Raids on errant traders selling food items not suitable for consumption to continue :
	Apr 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health has taken measures to extend inspections and raids on errant traders selling food items not suitable for consumption for the forthcoming Wesak festive season.

Sri Lanka Navy assists distressed foreign sailing ship off southern coast:
	Apr 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy has rendered its assistance to bring a distressed foreign sailing ship in deep seas off the Southern Coast to the Galle Harbor yesterday.

Iran Speaker to visit Sri Lanka this week to discuss bilateral and international issues:
	Apr 15, Teheran: Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani heading a delegation will visit Sri Lanka this week following a visit to Vietnam to discuss bilateral and international issues, particularly the Syrian situation after the recent US-led strikes.

Iran Parliament approves extradition treaty with Sri Lanka:
	Apr 15, Teheran: Iranian lawmakers have ratified a bill on an extradition treaty between Iran and Sri Lanka on Sunday, according to a report by Mehr News Agency.

All sluice gates of Udawalawe reservoir opened, residents in low lying areas warned:
	Apr 15, Colombo: All sluice gates of the Udawalawe reservoir have been opened this morning as the reservoir is reaching spill level and the residents in low lying areas have been warned, the Department of Irrigation said.

Sri Lanka to strengthen primary healthcare service:
	Apr 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka plans to strengthen primary healthcare service to relieve the congestion at hospitals providing treatments at tertiary level as the general public prefer to receive treatment from the tertiary level hospitals.

In Pictures: Sri Lanka President performs Sinhala & Tamil New Year rituals:
	Apr 15, Colombo: Keeping with the tradition, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena performed New Year rituals on Saturday (April 14) at his official residence in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Police warn public against bathing in natural waters as drowning deaths mount:
	Apr 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka Police request public to refrain from bathing in rivers and other such natural waters they are not familiar with as drowning incidents have increased in the recent past.

State Vesak Festival to be held in Kurunegala :
	Apr 14, Colombo: Arrangements have been made to conduct the State Vesak Festival of 2562nd year of Sri Buddhist Era at the historical Bingiriya Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya in the Kurunegala District this year.

New National Policy pertaining to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector is ready to be tabled in parliament:
	Apr 14, Colombo: The draft on the New National Policy pertaining to the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector has been prepared by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, a statement on recent cabinet decisions said.

Sri Lanka Opposition Leader appeals to people to work together to bring peace in the New Year:
	Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan in his New Year message said lasting peace and harmony is inevitable for a country to make progress in development and other areas of concern

Chinese national arrested at Sri Lanka airport trying to smuggle cigarettes worth Rs. 1.4 million:
	Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka Customs officials at the Colombo International Airport in Katunayake early this morning have arrested a Chinese national when he attempted to illegally smuggle a stock of cigarettes into the country.

Over 10,000 drivers caught island wide for traffic violations within 24 hours :
	Apr 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka Police say 10,147 drivers were cited island-wide for traffic violations during the 24-hour period ended at 6 am Friday (Apr 13).

Sri Lanka Army releases another 683 acres of northern land to people in Jaffna:
	Apr 14, Colombo: In line with the government's policy of releasing civilians' land used by Jaffna Security Forces, the Sri Lanka Army without compromising national security interests released a record 683 acres of land in Jaffna to the original owners.

British High Commission in Sri Lanka hosts Commonwealth Big Lunch for arts community:
	Apr 14, Colombo: The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, James Dauris, together with the Director of the British Council in Sri Lanka, Gill Caldicott, hosted a Commonwealth Big Lunch on 07 April, bringing together fifty members of the arts community in Sri Lanka to celebrate their Commonwealth connections.

'Aluth Avurudda' harvests progressive values and ethics to the whole society - President:
	Apr 14, Colombo: President Maithripala Sirisena says the Sinhala and Tamil New Year harvests progressive values and ethics to the whole society and celebrating it, we can surely collect a bountiful harvest of peace and prosperity.

State Minister of Finance charges opposition of creating fear psychosis among would be investors:
	Apr 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka's State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne says that the opposition, not happy to see the country recording the highest foreign direct investments last year, is making statements to create fear psychosis among the would be investors in Sri Lanka to destabilize the economy.

Sri Lanka Police arrest four suspects for assaulting Dutch tourists in Mirissa :
	Apr 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka Police have arrested four suspects for assaulting a group of Dutch tourists near Surf Bar, Mirissa, last Sunday, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) said.

UNP requests the Samurdhi Ministry to provide a permanent solution to poverty:
	Apr 13, Colombo: The government expects to commence the new session of the parliament with fresh hopes and go forward victoriously after a new cabinet is sworn in, State Minister of Prison Reforms Rehabilitation and Drug Prevention Ajith P Perera said.

New Year provides the ideal setting to deepen relationships with each other - PM:
	Apr 13, Colombo: The Sinhala and Tamil New Year provides the ideal setting to deepen relationships with each other and share the rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said in his New Year message.

Chinese firm to invest US$ 800 mn to build underground road to Colombo Port City:
	Apr 13, Colombo: China Communication Construction Company (CCCC) will invest US$800 million to build an underground road network to Sri Lanka's $1.4bn Port City, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Patali Champika Ranawaka has said.

USAID, IOM hand over new homes to Sri Lanka flood, landslide victims:
	Apr 13, Colombo: USAID and IOM, the UN Migration Agency, this week handed over new transitional homes to 120 families affected by the May 2017 floods and landslides in the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka government says prorogation of parliament has no negative impact on its functioning and operation :
	Apr 13, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government today clarified that the prorogation of parliament by the President has no negative impact on its functioning and operation.

Sri Lanka's new Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva assumes duties:
	Apr 13, Geneva: Sri Lanka's new envoy to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez presented credentials on Thursday to Mr. Michael Møller, the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, accrediting him as the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva.

Police seize stock of illegally imported foreign liquor :
	Apr 13, Colombo: The police have seized over 1000 bottles of foreign liquor in a container that has been brought without paying Customs duties.

Consumer Authority monitors New Year sales promotions :
	Apr 13, Colombo: Boosting its consumer safeguards in the New Year, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has introduced a special seasonal monitoring program on the directions of the Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen.

Sri Lanka launches US$ 2.5 billion sovereign bond issue:
	Apr 13, Colombo: The Central Bank of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Sri Lankan government has launched two US$ 1.25 billion International Sovereign Bond issues, the Central Bank said Thursday in a release.

Scientists, scholars ask Sri Lankan President to remove glyphosate ban:
	Apr 13, Colombo: A group of scientists and scholars in a letter has requested President Maithripala Sirisena to immediately lift the ban on weedicide glyphosate and if not at least remove the ban temporarily until an alternative to glyphosate is found.

US says New Year is a chance to celebrate U.S.-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations :
	Apr 13, Washington DC: The United States says the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year is chance to celebrate U.S.-Sri Lankan diplomatic relations as well as the continued progress in good governance and reconciliation.

E-health cards for all Sri Lankan citizens by 2020:
	Apr 12, Colombo: The Ministry of Health announces that a e-Health Card including a personal health record with an individual identification number will be given to each Sri Lankan citizen of the 21 million population by the year 2020.

Sri Lanka President prorogues parliament until May 8:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has issued a gazette proroguing Parliament with effect from midnight today until May 8.

Sri Lanka to introduce plain packaging for cigarettes, tobacco products:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers in a move to further curb the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products has given the government approval to introduce plain packaging for such products.

Country will be taken forward under the government's new structure - PM:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe says the country will be taken forward under the government's new program with some SLFP ministers and UNP ministers working together to resolve the issues faced by the citizens.

Striking university non-academic staff end strike:
	Apr 12, Colombo: The striking non-academic staff of all the universities of Sri Lanka have decided to call off the nearly two-month long strike after the government issued an ultimatum yesterday.

New governors sworn in before President:
	Apr 12, Colombo: New Governors appointed for seven provinces were sworn in before President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, today (12).

Four Acting Ministers sworn in before President:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Four new Ministers were appointed today temporarily to fill the portfolios left vacant by the resignation of six Sri Lanka Freedom party (SLFP) ministers yesterday.

Spar continues expansion with entry into Sri Lanka:
	Apr 12, Colombo: SPAR International, the world�s largest food retail voluntary chain, today announced the brand�s entry into the Sri Lankan retail market.

Five Sri Lankans illegally migrated to Azerbaijan detained:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Azerbaijani authorities have detained five Sri Lankan citizens who in an attempt to enter Europe have arrived in Azerbaijan illegally through a people smuggling network.

Weather, debt repayments major challenges for Sri Lanka's growth in 2018 - ADB:
	Apr 12, Colombo: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says Sri Lanka's economic growth over the next two years will depend on agriculture and the political climate and forecasts a 4.2% growth for this year and 4.8% for 2019 .

Sri Lanka to call for bids to explore and develop offshore natural gas deposits :
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka will call for bids in May for the development of natural gas deposits discovered in the Mannar basin off the northwestern coast and for exploration of additional deposits.

Three Sri Lankans nabbed attempting to smuggle gold worth Rs. 170 million:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy has arrested three persons in the seas off Thalaimannar yesterday while they were attempting to smuggle 24.2kgs of gold to India.

Salary arrears and bonuses paid for employees of the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation for the first time:
	Apr 12, Colombo: The Ceylon Fisheries Corporation has taken measures to provide workers' salaries and bonuses for the first time during the Sinhala Avurudu season.

Sri Lankan President to leave for UK to attend CHOGM 2018 next week:
	Apr 12, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is due to leave for the UK to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 to be held in London.

Sri Lanka Navy assists repatriation of 27 Indian fishermen released from custody:
	Apr 12, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Navy on Wednesday assisted in the repatriation of 27 Indian fishermen after they were released from the Sri Lankan custody.

Ministerial portfolios vacated by SLFP ministers will still be assigned to the party:
	Apr 11, Colombo: The cabinet ministerial portfolios vacated by the resignation of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) ministers of the unity government who voted for the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Rani Wickremesinghe, will still be assigned to the party, a government source said.

16 SLFP ministers voted in favor of no-confidence motion against Sri Lanka PM resign from posts:
	Apr 11, Colombo: Sri Lanka Freedom party (SLFP) ministers who voted in favor of the no-confidence motion brought by the Joint Opposition against the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have resigned from their ministerial portfolios of the national government.

President instructs to provide assistance to drought hit farmers in Puttalam district:
	Apr 11, Colombo: President Maithripala Sirisena has given instructions to commence a project to cultivate 600 acres of maize in order to provide relief to the farmers in the Puttalam District who were unable to cultivate due to the severe drought prevailing in the area.

India offers scholarships to Sri Lankan nationals for PhD Degrees:
	Apr 11, Colombo: India's High Commission in Colombo has announced the offer for the ICCR scholarship for 2018-19 academic sessions for PhD Degrees.

Five new envoys to Sri Lanka present credentials to President:
	Apr 11, Colombo: Four new Ambassadors and a High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented credentials to President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat, Colombo.

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