Economy

India Extends Rs. 2.37 Billion Grant for 33 Eastern Province Projects

Published

6 months ago

October 30, 2025

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 5, 2025, for the implementation of development projects in the Eastern Province under the Indian Multi-Sectoral Grants.

Under this agreement, India has committed to provide a grant of Rs. 2,371.83 million to support 33 projects identified to meet the development needs of the province.

As per the MoU, a separate agreement will be signed between the Indian High Commission and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government for each of the 33 projects.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government to proceed with signing these 33 individual MoUs for the implementation of the projects.

Economy

Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals exceed 840,000 so far this year

Published

4 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) stated that the number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka so far has crossed the 840,000 mark.

Accordingly, a total of 840,411 tourists have visited the country between January 1 and April 22, 2026.

The highest number of arrivals has been recorded from India, with 176,465 tourists, the SLTDA noted.

A significant number of visitors have also arrived from countries including the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and China.

Meanwhile, the SLTDA stated that a total of 99,777 tourists arrived in the country between April 1 and April 22, 2026.

However, the data indicate that daily tourist arrivals in April have declined significantly compared to previous months.

Economy

Haputale restaurant fined Rs. 1 million forover pricing bottled water

Published

14 hours ago

April 27, 2026

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A restaurant in Haputale has been fined Rs. 1 million for selling a bottle of drinking water above the maximum retail price.

The fine was imposed by the Bandarawela Magistrate’s Court on April 24 following a raid conducted by the Consumer Affairs Authority Badulla District Office.

The raid targeted a restaurant owned by a private company on Welimada Road in Haputale. Authorities found that the establishment had sold bottled water at a price exceeding the approved limit.

The court subsequently imposed a fine of Rs. 1,000,000 on the hotel.

Economy

Sri Lanka to Launch First Digital Motor Insurance Card from May 1

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

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Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has announced that the country’s first digital motor insurance card will be introduced from May 1.

The Ministry stated that this initiative represents a significant step toward advancing national digitalization while also enhancing public safety.

By replacing physical plastic cards, the move is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability across the country.

The Ministry added that the digital motor insurance card will be officially launched in collaboration with the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Police.