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Last Update: Wed, May 18, 2022, 01:06 pm SL Time

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Power and Energy Minister explains latest fuel situation

May 18, Colombo: Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has instructed people not to line up near petrol stations to obtain petrol within the next two days.

Making a special statement in Parliament today, the Minister said that the stocks of petrol in the country at present are limited and they are issued only for essential services.

Power and Energy Minister explains latest fuel situation:
	May 18, Colombo: Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has instructed people not to line up near petrol stations to obtain petrol within the next two days.

Dan Priyasad arrested over attack on Galle Face protesters:
	May 18, Colombo: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested Dan Priyasad over the attack on peaceful protesters in front of Temple Trees and at Galle Face Green on the 9th May.

CID questions SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon for nearly 10 hours over the Galle Face violence :
	May 18, Colombo: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has recorded a statement from Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon for nearly 10 hours regarding the attack on peaceful protesters near Temple Trees and the Presidential Secretariat on May 9th.

Ceypetco requests public not to line up for petrol today:
	May 18, Colombo: The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (Ceypetco) has informed the public that the supply of petrol will be restricted today (18).

Litro gas distribution delayed due to inclement weather:
	May 18, Colombo: State-owned of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, Litro Gas says due to the inclement weather, the gas stock brought by one of the two ships could not be unloaded last evening as expected.

Port of Colombo: CASA commends the commitment of SLPA and other terminal operators:
	May 18, Colombo: In a letter to the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Dr Prasantha Jayamanna, the Ceylon Shipping Agents Association (CASA) commended the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and other Terminal Operators for their prompt responses to the normalization of operations and services at the Port of Colombo.

Hela Apparel Holdings receives ISO 14064-1:2018 certification:
	May 18, Colombo: Marking a key milestone in its sustainability journey, Hela Apparel Holdings has been awarded the prestigious ISO 14064-1:2018 certification by The Sustainable Future Group (SFG).

Harsha willing to consider a post in government to revive economy:
	May 17, Colombo: Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian economist Dr. Harsh de Silva said he is willing to consider a post in an all-party government to provide his support to resolve Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

Eran responds to PM’s special statement on economic crisis :
	May 17, Colombo: Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne today responding to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s special statement on Monday on the current economic crisis in the country said the fact that the Rajapaksa government does not support the Prime Minister was proved very first day in Parliament today.

BASL says IGP assured to arrest attackers on peaceful protesters within two days :
	May 17, Colombo: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) says that the Inspector General of Police and senior officers in charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have informed that the suspects who attacked the peaceful protesters in front of Temple Trees and at Galle Face Green on the 9th May will be arrested within the next two days.

CID to record statements from six ruling party MPs tomorrow over the attack on protesters:
	May 17, Colombo: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is scheduled to take statements from six members of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) in Parliament tomorrow (18) regarding the attack on peaceful protesters in front of Temple Trees and at the Galle Face.

PM says defeat of the Opposition’s motion to suspend Standing Orders to debate Displeasure against the President due to poor strategy:
	May 17, Colombo: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he advised against moving the motion to suspend Standing Orders to debate the Motion of Displeasure against the President today as it was not the best strategy at this time.

Ruling party MPs seize the mobile phones of two journalists in Parliament:
	May 17, Colombo: An incident was reported in Parliament today where several ruling party MPs have seized the mobile phones of two Parliamentary journalists and threatened them.

Payments made for two ships carrying LP gas :
	May 17, Colombo: State-owned of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplier, Litro Gas says payments have been made for two ships carrying LP gas.

Jagath Samarawickrama to fill the demised MP Athukorala’s seat in parliament :
	May 17, Colombo: A new Member of Parliament has been appointed to fill the vacant seat in the 9th Parliament created by the death of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Polonnaruwa District parliamentarian Amarakeerthi Athukorala.

Former state minister and MP arrested for attack on peaceful protesters:
	May 17, Colombo: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarians Sanath Nishantha and Milan Jayathileke over the unrest and violence perpetrated on peaceful protesters at Maina Go Gama in front of the Temple Trees and Gota Go Gama in Galle Face green in Colombo on the 9th of May.

Motion to suspend the Standing Orders to debate the motion expressing displeasure over the President rejected by a majority :
	May 17, Colombo: The motion moved by Member of Parliament M.A Sumanthiran to suspend the Standing Orders to debate today on the Opposition’s motion expressing displeasure of Parliament for not having properly exercised, performed and discharged the powers of president under the Constitution was rejected by a majority of 51 votes.

MP Ajith Rajapakse elected new Deputy Speaker of Parliament:
	May 17, Colombo: The ruling party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Hambanthota District parliamentarian Ajith Rajapakse was elected as the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament with a majority of 31 votes in a secret ballot held this morning in the House.

HNB continues to demonstrate resilience under stressed conditions:
	May 17, Colombo: In the backdrop of turbulent market conditions, Hatton National Bank PLC continued to demonstrate resilience, strength and stability, posting a profit before tax of Rs 5.9 billion and a profit after tax of Rs 4.8 billion for the first quarter of 2022 recording a YOY growth of 7% and 3% respectively.

Two more arrested for attacking protesters at Galle Face:
	May 17, Colombo: Former Western Provincial Councilor Amal Silva and another person have been arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in connection with the attack on peaceful protesters at ‘Maina Go Gama’ in front of the Temple Trees and ‘Gota Go Gama’ in Galle Face green in Colombo on May 09th.

Parliament to convene today for first time under new Prime Minister :
	May 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s parliament is set to reconvene today at 10 am for the first time under the new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Schools open as usual from today, train services return to normal, private buses at 50%:
	May 17, Colombo: The Ministry of Education states that the island wide schools which were closed during the last week will be reopened as usual from today (17).

India to send stock of essential medicines worth Rs. 88.7 million to Sri Lanka:
	May 17, Colombo: India has taken steps to send a consignment of essential medicines worth around Rs. 88.7 million to crisis-stricken Sri Lanka as aid.

Patali requests Prime Minister to clarify the political and economic roadmap:
	May 16, Colombo: The Leader of the 43 Division Samagi Jana Balawegaya parliamentarian Patali Champika Ranawaka has sent a letter to the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe requesting him to clarify the political and economic roadmap of the new government.

Moose Clothing continues to strengthen Sri Lanka Cricket as official overseas team sponsor for Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh 2022:
	May 16, Colombo: Carrying forward the thrill and excitement of cricket, Moose Clothing Company, Sri Lanka’s youthful and trendy clothing brand will continue to support Sri Lanka Cricket as the Official Overseas Team Sponsor of the National Cricket team

Opposition SJB to support government to build the country without taking positions :
	May 16, Colombo: The Leader of the Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Sajith Premadasa stated that the country is currently in a critical crisis and that everyone has a responsibility to rebuild the country from that situation.

Special security for Parliament from today :
	May 16, Colombo: The security chiefs have decided to double the security arrangements in and around the parliament complex following the revelation of an attempt by a mob.

AG instructs to arrest 22 including former ministers and DIG of Western Province for attacking peaceful protesters:
	May 16, Colombo: The Attorney General today instructed the IGP and the Senior DIG in charge of the CID to immediately arrest and produce in court 22 persons, including former ministers, in connection with the attack on the peaceful protesters at Maina Go Gama in front of the Temple Trees and Gota Go Gama in Galle Face green in Colombo.

Tense situation at Police HQ as protesters demand Police to arrest attackers:
	May 16, Colombo: A heated situation arose in front of the Police Headquarters today (16) as members of the Socialist Youth Union (SYU) marched to the Police Headquarters to hand over a letter to the IGP demanding the arrest of Mahinda Rajapaksa and others who had initiated the attack on the peaceful protesters at Galle Face Green within a week.

STF arrests a man with Euro 50,000 for illegal trading of money:
	May 16, Colombo: The Special Task Force (STF) Police have arrested a man in possession of 50,000 Euros in the Papiliyana area in Boralesgamuwa for illegal trading of money under Undial system.

Chinese national killed in road accident in Sri Lanka:
	May 16, Colombo: A Chinese national driving a luxury van was killed when his vehicle overturned at the Kurunjampitiya bend on the Palaviya-Kalpitiya main road today (16), Kalpitiya Police said.

Issuance of passports by Department of immigration and Emigration as usual from Tuesday:
	May 16, Colombo: The Department of immigration and Emigration announced that issuance of passports under normal and one-day services will resume as usual with effect from Tuesday, 17th May.

Curfew time revised:
	May 16, Colombo: A curfew will be imposed island wide from 11.00 pm today (16) to 5.00 am tomorrow (17) in accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance, the Presidential Media Division announced.

Sri Lanka’s economy is at a very dangerous position - PM:
	May 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the public in a televised speech for the first time after assuming the post said at this moment, Sri Lanka’s economy is at a very dangerous position.

Independent parties to support PM without taking any portfolios:
	May 16, Colombo: Former Minister Udaya Gammanpila stated that the coalition of 10 political parties which withdrew from the government and now function independently have decided today to work in harmony with the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Energy Minister asks public not to wait in fuel queues in the next 3 days :
	May 16, Colombo: Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera states that people should not wait in fuel queues in the next 3 days.

Over 200 persons arrested in connection with riots across the country :
	May 15, Colombo: Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa says 230 suspects have been arrested in connection with 707 incidents that took place in eight provinces island wide since the attack on peaceful protesters by the former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters on May 09.

Another ship carrying 40,000 MT of diesel arrives in Sri Lanka, payments secured for a LP Gas consignment:
	May 15, Colombo: The latest consignment of 40,000 metric tons of diesel under the Indian credit line has been delivered to Sri Lanka today, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.

Milk powder prices go up again:
	May 15, Colombo: Milk powder companies have taken steps to increase the prices of imported milk powder and infant milk powder.

SLFP decides to support Ranil’s government:
	May 15, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has also decided to support the formation of the new government at the invitation of the Prime Minister.

World Bank and Asian Development Bank pledge support to procure essentials during discussions with PM:
	May 15, Colombo: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe Sunday held discussions with representatives of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank on the current economic crisis in the country, and the discussions focused on support for drug, food and fertilizer supply issues.

Sampath Bank successfully navigates the challenging economic environment, backed by its solid capital base and prudent risk management:
	May 15, Colombo: Backed by its solid capital base and prudent risk fundamentals, Sampath Bank continues to prove that it is well equipped to navigate the challenging economic environment.

Sri Lanka strengthens security in response to the report of LTTE planning an attack:
	May 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense said it has taken measures to strengthen security in the country after an Indian media report of LTTE is planning to launch an attack in the country on May 18 .

PM calls on using Buddha’s teachings practically to liberate the country out of uncertainty:
	May 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe today called on Sri Lankans to use Buddha’s teachings practically and act in unity and peace to rebuild the nation that is presently engulfed with uncertainty.

Navy relief teams deployed for possible flood emergencies as rains continue:
	May 15, Colombo: With the Meteorology Department forecasting the prevailing rainy weather to continue further Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has deployed 10 relief teams in several areas in the Western and Southern Provinces to provide relief measures to people in possible flood emergencies.

UN stands with Sri Lanka, hopeful of a peaceful recovery from the current crisis:
	May 15, Colombo: Admiring the resilience shown by the Sri Lankan people, the United Nations says it stands with Sri Lanka and hopes for a peaceful recovery from the current crisis.

President calls on all people’s representatives to work together immediately for a solution on behalf of all citizens:
	May 15, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the noble Vesak Day called on all people’s representatives to work together immediately for a solution on behalf of all citizens at this juncture when the country is in dire straits.

Two names proposed for the post of Deputy Speaker:
	May 15, Colombo: Two names have been proposed for the post of deputy speaker, which is vacant due to the resignation of MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya for a second time soon after he was elected to the post on 5th of May.

Prime Minister entrusts Ruwan with the responsibility to protect Gota Go Gama:
	May 15, Colombo: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a special statement said the Gota Go Gama will continue to be protected and former State Minister of Defense and Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardena had been given the responsibility to continue the protection for the protest site and the protesters.

US Ambassador calls on JVP leaders:
	May 14, Colombo: US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung visited the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) leaders today (14th) to discuss the current crisis in the country.

Sri Lanka Premier to present a formal plan to overcome the current economic crisis:
	May 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that a formal plan will be implemented in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund and friendly countries to overcome the current economic crisis.

Another Rajapaksa cannot even become a MP let alone President - PM:
	May 14, Colombo: In an exclusive interview with the BBC Sinhala Service, Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said that in the current situation, no one in the Rajapaksa family can become even a Member of Parliament, let alone President.

PM invites Opposition Leader and SJB to form a non-partisan government:
	May 14, Colombo: Prime Minister and the Leader of United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe has sent a letter to the Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa inviting him and his party to form a non-partisan government that goes beyond traditional parliamentary politics.

“If Ranil had not taken over as Prime Minister, the whole country would be in trouble” - Ruwan:
	May 14, Colombo: If Ranil Wickremesinghe did not take over as Prime Minister and present an urgent plan to develop the economy, all the people of the country will face severe hardships, United National Party Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena has said.

IGP tells President that all suspects involved in the riots will be arrested within a week:
	May 14, Colombo: Inspector General of Police CD Wickramaratne has stated that all suspects involved in assaults, arsons and damage to property during the recent unrest will be arrested within a week.

SLPP MPs unanimously decide to support Ranil:
	May 14, Colombo: The majority party Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) today unanimously decided to extend all necessary support to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. This was stated at a discussion chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House today.

President appoints four ministers:
	May 14, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (14) appointed four Ministers to maintain the legitimacy and stability of the parliamentary activities and other matters in the country until a full Cabinet is appointed, President’s Media Division said.

India to supply 65,000 MT of urea to Sri Lanka immediately:
	May 14, Colombo: The Government of India has decided to supply 65,000 metric tons of urea required for paddy cultivation in the Yala season to Sri Lanka immediately under the existing loan facility.

Fuel train derails in Rambukkana:
	May 14, Colombo: A train carrying fuel from Rambukkana to Peradeniya has derailed in the Rambukkana Kansala area, Railway Department sources said.

Sri Lankan Consul General for Sydney, Lakshman Hulugalle passes away :
	May 14, Colombo: Consul-General of Sri Lanka to Sydney, Australia, Lakshman Hulugalle has passed away early this morning in Sydney due to illness.

ComBank Group navigates devaluation impact in complex Q1 performance:
	May 14, Colombo: The Commercial Bank Group has posted a balanced financial performance for the first quarter of 2022, highly influenced by the sharp devaluation of the Rupee impacting key performance indicators both positively and negatively.

Independent group expresses doubt in new PM’s ability to restore stability:
	May 13, Colombo: The independent political parties which withdrew from the ruling coalition and now function independently in parliament today expressed doubts that the new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will be able to provide any positive solutions to current political and economic crises.

SLFP not to take any ministerial portfolios in new government :
	May 13, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided not to be a partner in the government of which Ranil Wickremesinghe is the Prime Minister and accordingly, the party will not accept any ministerial portfolios or other posts, said the chairman of the party, former President Maithripala Sirisena.

SLPP to support Ranil Wickremesinghe government, SJB, SLFP, independent MPs not to take part :
	May 13, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) will support Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to form a government, SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam has said.

Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka rejects reports of halting issuing visas:
	May 13, Colombo: The Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied that it or the Indian Consulates General or the Assistant High Commission of India in Sri Lanka have stopped issuing visas to Sri Lankans.

PM appoints a Committee to resolve fuel, gas, medicine and food shortage problems:
	May 13, Colombo: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a special committee to seek proposals to provide relief to the people by eliminating the shortages of essential goods and services.

PM begins discussions to establish a foreign consortium for financial assistance:
	May 13, Colombo: The new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe has already begun work to find a solution to the current crisis in the country.

Pharmacies, nursing homes allowed to open during curfew:
	May 13, Colombo: Permission has been granted to keep government and private pharmacies as well as private nursing homes and treatment centers open until 7;00 pm during the curfew period.

Curfew will be lifted for 12 hours tomorrow:
	May 13, Colombo: The curfew currently in effect in the entire island in accordance with the provisions of Section 16 of the Public Security Ordinance will be lifted at 06.00 am Saturday (14) for a period of 12 hours, the President’s Media Division announced.

Ranil appeals to the Sri Lankan people to be patient, vows to build the economy :
	May 13, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has appealed to the Sri Lankan people to be patient and promised to work diligently to find a way out of the unprecedented economic crisis and bring relief to the people.

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