News
Fuel distribution suspended due to curfew and social tensions

by Rathindra Kuruwita
The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) on Wednesday (11) announced that fuel distribution had been temporarily suspended due to the current security situation, and curfew.
A curfew was imposed on Monday. The CPC said that most filling stations across the country remained closed.
Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited (CPSTL) said that distribution of fuel had been halted on 09 May as there was no way of ensuring the safety of bowser drivers.
The CPSTL said that on Monday security forces were unable to ensure the safety of the fuel bowsers.
However, once the curfew was lifted fuel distribution would recommence, the CPC said.
News
LG polls Bill passed

By Saman Indrajith
The Local Government Elections (Special Provisions) Bill was passed in Parliament unanimously with all government and opposition MPs present in the House voting for it.
Following the vote taken at 7 pm, Speaker Dr Jagath Wickramaratne announced to the House that the Bill had been passed at the second reading stage with 187 MPs voting for it.
The Bill was passed in its original form.
When the Bill was moved to the committee stage, Opposition MPs were not present in the House, but the government called for a division. Accordingly, it received 158 votes for at the third reading stage.
This is to get the 2nd and 3rd clauses passed by a special parliamentary majority.
The Supreme Court ruled last Friday that two clauses of the Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill must be passed by a two-thirds special majority in Parliament.
The Supreme Court concluded that Clauses 2 and 3 of the Bill are inconsistent with Article 12 (1) of the Constitution, and therefore must be passed by a special majority vote in accordance with Article 84 (2) of the Constitution.
Clause 2 empowers the cancellation of nominations called for the Local Government Election that was scheduled to be held on March 9, 2023.
The clause also includes provisions for the return of the deposit money made by political parties or independent groups for the local government elections to the relevant persons.
The third clause states that steps should be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance to commence the holding of the relevant election.
According to the Supreme Court ruling, a two-thirds approval of the Parliament was required to enact these provisions.
The Local Government Election Special Provisions Bill was debated in Parliament yesterday to obtain approval for these clauses.
The Local Authorities Elections (Special Provisions) Bill approved by the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government.
The approval was received when the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government met in Parliament last Friday (14) under the chairmanship of Minister Dr Chandana Abayaratne.
News
Digital economy to give fillip to export earnings – CCC

The digital economy is expected to play an increasingly vital role in Sri Lanka, with IT and BPO services projected to drive export earnings to over $1.5 billion by 2025, according to the ‘Outlook 2025’ report from the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber highlighted that investments in digital public infrastructure, such as digital IDs and e-government initiatives, will enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and further modernize the economy.
Additionally, the Chamber forecasts that the country’s economic growth will surpass 3-4 percent this year, fuelled by a resurgence in key sectors including tourism, retail, apparel, digital services, and renewable energy.
The tourism and retail sectors are expected to expand, while household consumption is also anticipated to rise. Apparel exports are projected to gradually rebound as demand stabilises in major markets like the U.S. and Europe. The agriculture sector, particularly tea and fisheries, is also expected to experience moderate growth as global commodity prices stabilize, the Chamber added.
News
Maldivian FM due today

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel will be undertaking an official visit to Sri Lanka from today till Friday 21 February 2025.
During this visit, the Maldivian Foreign Minister is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The Foreign Minister of Maldives and his delegation will also have official bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
Foreign Minister Khaleel will be accompanied by Fathimath Inaya, Foreign Secretary of Maldives.
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