Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia: Tourism stakeholders
Tourism stakeholders said Sri Lanka now has the highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many others that offer free visas or charge much lower fees.
Government defends outsourcing of visa process
The Department of Government Information, in response to allegations over the outsourced online visa application process, said it had been given to VFS Global, a company with 146 centres across the globe after proper study into the matter and approval by the Cabinet.
Joe Biden calls US allies India and Japan 'xenophobic'
US President Joe Biden has called Japan and India "xenophobic", grouping them together with Russia and China as countries that "don't want immigrants".
Turkey halts trade with Israel over 'humanitarian tragedy' in Gaza
Turkey has suspended all trade with Israel over its offensive in Gaza, citing the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the strip.
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves surged to $5 billion by March end: CBSL
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves (GOR) stood at USD 5 billion by the end of March 2024, recording a notable increase compared to USD 4.4 billion at the end of 2023.
Sri Lanka signs MoU with Saudi Arabia on investment promotion
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al Falih have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Investment Promotion between the two countries.
Leading Sri Lankan businessman joins race to acquire SriLankan Airlines
A leading Sri Lankan businessman, through his company Supreme Global Holdings, has entered the race to acquire the national carrier, SriLankan Airlines.
Mirissa to become Blue Flag Coastal Zone, Marine Wildlife Sanctuary
Recognising the economic and ecological importance, the Government aims to transform Mirissa into a Blue Flag Coastal Zone and a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary aligning with international standards.
Apple working to fix alarming iPhone issue
Apple says it is working to quickly fix an issue that caused some iPhone alarms not to play a sound, giving their slumbering users an unexpected lie-in.
Pro-China candidate wins Solomon Islands PM vote
Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands have selected a pro-China candidate as their prime minister, in an indication the Pacific nation will remain a close Beijing ally.
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Gaza: Israeli PM Netanyahu says Rafah attack will happen regardless of deal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will launch an invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah regardless of truce talks with Hamas.
Qantas: Airline investigates after app lets customers see strangers' data
Australian airline Qantas says it is investigating a privacy breach on its app that left customers with access to others' personal details.
Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka next week
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa is scheduled to undertake an official visit to Sri Lanka from 04 to 05 May 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
IRD limits Income tax payment methods online
As per the recently issued gazette notification, the income tax payments can only be made using thre methods.