New 15% VAT scheme to take effect from May 2

Government keen to renegotiate Hambantota Port deal with China

By Indika Sri Aravinda The Government says it is keen to renegotiate the Hambantota Port deal with China at the right time. State Minister of Money, Capital Markets and State Enterprise Reforms, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, told Colombo Gazette that the agreement reached between the former Government and China allows the lease of the port to be extended to 198 years. The lease was for an initial 99 years but according to Cabraal it can be extended to 198 years. As a result, he says the Government w

24 Apr, 2021

Large crowds gather in Nuwara Eliya disregarding appeals

Large crowds gathered in Nuwara Eliya today disregarding appeals by the Government and health authorities to stay at home over the long weekend. A number of events went ahead in Nuwara Eliya today including the carnival near Lake Gregory. While most people were seen wearing face masks at the events, social distancing was not maintained. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva had said yesterday (Friday) that?enforcing restrictions on the public is not the way forward. Instead, he said the pub

24 Apr, 2021

Tuition, parties, night clubs, public gatherings temporarily banned

By Easwaran Rutnam Tuition classes, parties and public gatherings have been banned until 31st May with Sri Lanka being placed on Alert Level 3 following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. State Minister for Primary Health Services, Pandemics and COVID Prevention Sudarshani Fernandopulle issued a new set of health guidelines valid until 31st May. According to new health guidelines issued today, casinos, night clubs and beach parties have also been temporarily banned. Children’s parks, carnivals

23 Apr, 2021