(31.05.2012)     Massive investment opportunities in several local industries have been highlighted in the Finance and Planning Ministry Annual Report released last week. Investment opportunities to the tune of US $ 2 billion have been collectively short- listed. Industries such as dairy, sugar, pharmaceuticals and food production have been ear-marked to attract investments for local production in an effort to stem the large scale imports of these items.

(29.05.2012)     The Ministry of Defence and Urban Development will launch a mega project today to transform Colombo into a 'Garden city of the East'.

(29.05.2012)     Public servants should be duty bound to take prompt action to resolve issues in their field without allowing things to drag on.

(29.05.2012)     Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva inspecting the construction site of Lower Malwathu Oya reservoir. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen and Irrigation Ministry Secretary Eng. Ivan de Silva are also present.

(29.05.2012)     In keeping with the expected growth in the boat building industry, the Ministry of Fisheries will construct Marinas in Beruwala and Colombo. The country’s first Marina will be build adjoining Beruwala fisheries harbour. These projects are at the infant stage and will be completed with substantial investment both locally and internationally, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Managing Director Gamini B. Herath told MCND.

(29.05.2012)     The Kolonna Water Supply Project will provide safe drinking water for the Kolonna town and its suburbs (Aereporuwa, Kolonna, Maduwawnela, Nandanagama, Kella, Ambagahayaya, Pupulketiya, Hambeli-Ara,Walakada) and will extend up to Udagama junction.

(29.05.2012)     Sri Lanka's Banking sector should shift from the present trade-based lending to a production-based lending policy, to support the economy of the country, said Treasury Secretary, Dr.P.B.Jayasundera. He was addressing the media at the launch of the 2011 Annual Report of the Ministry of Finance.

(29.05.2012)     The Fisheries Ministry has allocated Rs. 300 million to develop inland fish and aquaculture industry in the Northern and Eastern province, the Ministry sources said. The fisheries industry recorded the biggest income of Rs. 83,928 million last year, as a result of rapid development programs implemented in the fisheries sector including the North and East after the elimination of LTTE, the Ministry said.

(28.05.2012)     President Mahinda Rajapaksa advised government officials to increase the use of organic fertiliser in paddy cultivation rather than use chemical fertiliser. The President advised government officials to purchase organic fertiliser, which is manufactured by various organisations, including local government institutions, farmers’ organisations etc and distribute it among farmers free of charge.

(28.05.2012)    The government will develop the Planetarium (Observatory)in Colombo. Rs. 90 million has already granted for the first phase of development activities and another Rs.13 million will be allocated for the second phase.

(28.05.2012)     Sri Lanka’s tallest building, running in to 68 floor constructed by Indocean Developers (Pvt) Ltd, a venture of Indian property group South City Projects (Kolkata) Pvt. Ltd, will get underway in August and would be completed in three years. Located opposite Beira Lake, the 400-apartment condominium tower development with top-of-line finishes, is speculated to cost around Rs. 8 billion.

(25.05.2012)     The second five year strategy under the Mahinda Chintana development framework has accelerated the economic growth towards 8 percent with a reduction in poverty and income equality. The social indicators have improved and the development strategies specifically targeted integrate conflict affected areas with the rest of the economy, Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera said.

(24.05.2012)     There has been a significant increase in the use of mobile phones in the country where at present the number exceeds 19 million.

Sri Lanka's first Water Aerodrome, in Dandugama Oya in Seeduwa was opened yesterday by Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development. The investment for the project was undertaken by the Ministry of Economic Development while the construction was carried out by the Western Province Road Development Authority.

The main objective of the State of Qatar is to see Sri Lanka achieving rapid development. It is prepared to assist Sri Lanka in the development sphere in every possible way without any pre - conditions or agreements, Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Ali Thani and Qatar Prime Minister Hamad bin Jasim bin Jahar Althani said when they met President Mahinda Rajapaksa for discussions on Sunday.