The government will shortly be talking to several heads of foreign missions after travel advisories warning of a terrorist threat, among other adverse issues has placed the country in poor light and threatens to scare off foreign visitors, a senior official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

He said that Sri Lankan Envoys based in those countries have also been alerted and instructed to take up the matter with the relevant authorities at the highest level, the official said. "These advisories fall short of diplomatic protocol that is enjoyed among friendly nations, and this should never be the case. We will be seeking to rectify this at the very earliest", the official said. Foreign travellers intending to visit Sri Lanka are being given a scare by certain Western countries who claim that there still exists a threat of terrorism and has advised their citizenry to be extremely cautious while visiting and staying in Sri Lanka.

Travel advisories put out by the UK, Canadian and Australian Missions in Colombo has also warned of a high crime rate from petty thefts to credit card frauds and sex offences targeting single woman among many other issues. The travellers are warned to exercise a high degree of caution since terror attacks cannot be ruled and that they could occur even in places visited by foreigners, the advisories further added. "When in Sri Lanka use common sense. Look out for suspicious behaviour as you would in Australia. Monitor the media and other sources for information on local travelling conditions.

"Some security forces maintain a visible presence, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Military and Police checkpoints can be established and road closures can occur without warning. "Avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent or be a target for politically-motivated attacks. Police have used tear gas in response to protests," the Australian advisory read. The military conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as 'the Tamil Tigers') ended in May 2009, but there remains a heightened level of security in some parts of the country.

There's a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time. The countries have also updated their warning on the threat of dengue and travellers have been advised to seek immediate medical assistance if a fever lasted for more than three days. They have also given the number of Dengue-related deaths and patients throughout the country while warning that the Western Province was the worst affected.

Tourism Industry veterans cautioned that heightened confusion over the new visa system, along with the abrupt increase in visa fees, could derail 2.3 million tourist arrival target set for the year. This could potentially reduce arrivals below 2 million, while service providers stand to gain $50 million in fees.

The Supreme Court granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights petition filed by former CID Director SSP Shani Abeysekara challenging the National Police Commission’s decision to interdict him from police service following the Presidential Election 2019.

China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said.

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department in order to record a statement yesterday (3). Accordingly, Sirisena recorded a statement for two hours at the CID, regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, in response to allegations about the tender process, said there is no such requirement to call for tenders because these are the only companies involved in e-visa processing in different countries.

The Sri Lankan rupee has now become one of the fastest-growing currencies in the world, Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

In a significant development aimed at revitalising maritime infrastructure, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to obtain a proposed financial grant from India for the renovation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.

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.

Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga refuted reports that he had joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) though he appeared in a May Day rally in Talawakale which Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had attended.

The price of a 12.5 kg domestic Litro LP gas cylinder will reduced by Rs.175 from midnight today, Litro Gas said. Accordingly, the new retail price of a cylinder of 12.5 kg LP gas will be Rs.3,940 The 5 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs. 70 and the new retail price will be Rs.1,582 The 2.3 kg cylinder of LP gas will be reduced by Rs.32 and the new retail price will be Rs.740.

he second phase of the first school term for 2024 will end today, the Education Ministry said. Accordingly, the third phase of all government approved schools is scheduled to begin on May 20.

Chaos broke out at the BIA last night following the controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by an Indian company.

Norwegian Ambassador in New Delhi May-Elin Stener met National People's Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the JVP head office this afternoon. Second Secretary of the Norwegian Embassy John Bjerkem and NPP MP Vijitha Herath and Harini Amarasuriya attended the meeting.

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena took oath as the Governor of the Southern Province before President Ranil Wickremesinghe a short while ago. The President's Media Division said Nazeer Ahamed was also sworn in as the Governor of the North Western Province.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka did not play any role in organizing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) May Day rally and therefore, he did not deserve any prominence, its Vice Chairman Sujeewa Senasinghe said today.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today criticized SJB leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stating that when they were invited to lead the country following the aragalaya, they both refused, fearing their future in politics.

Director of the Uma Oya Multi Purpose Development Project – D.C.S. Alakanda has said that the Ceylon Electricity Board is saving around Rs. 80 million per day following the opening of the project.

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will lead a second Aragalaya if this year's Presidential election is postponed, SJB Former MP Mujibur Rahman said as the party's May Day rally kicked off in Fort.

Apart from organizing a debate between Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, let us publicly reassure the Sinhalese people, perhaps in a solemn ceremony, that they will not allow the Northern and Eastern regions to gain the right to self-determination, Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne urged today.