- IMF praises the Central Bank Monetary Board’s decision to raise the policy interest rate: says it reflects the Central Bank’s commitment to the inflation target and is an important part of the IMF’s EFF programme.
- SLPP Rebel MP Udaya Gammanpila charges that the Director of USA’s Intelligence Agency CIA William Burns had visited Sri Lanka on Feb 14 as a part of a top secret visit to the island: also says the Govt and US have maintained a silence in this regard.
- Atomic Energy Bureau says it is considering 3 locations (Trinco, Hambantota and Mannar) for the proposed Russian mini Nuclear Power Plant: also says the Govt intends to consult India before signing an Agreement with Russia, and that the Govt may opt for a fully Russian-funded nuclear plant or a joint-venture.
- Consumer Affairs Authority says it is mandatory to display the SLS mark on local canned fish: also says it has received reports that local canned fish is being put up for sale without the SLS mark.
- General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sagara Kariyawasam says the Party has decided to expel Professor G L Peiris from the Chairmanship of the Party.
- President Ranil Wickremesinghe to dissolve the National Salaries Commission: the role of the Commission had been previously carried out by the Dept of Management Services of the Finance Ministry.
- Govt Ayurvedic Doctors Assn President Dr. P Hewagamage claims there is a shortage of the supply of at least 130 essential ingredients used for manufacturing ayurvedic medicines: says this could cause a serious issue for the Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing in the future.
- Singapore-based firm Kreate Pte Ltd is reported to open SL’s first foreign funded Casino and entertainment hub at the 2nd floor of the Colombo Lotus Tower: the total investment for the project is claimed to be a massive USD 1 bn.
- Colombo Stock Market’s ASPI gains 1.39% on the back of the previous week’s gain of 5.28%, ending 2 weeks of losses.
- Power & Energy Ministry to submit Cabinet paper to introduce a new price formula for solar power while abolishing the tariff revision introduced to the sector last year.
