(20.03.2012)     The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is optimistic of Sri Lanka's economic prospects and the country has taken several meaningful steps to thrust economic growth, said IMF Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Dr. Koshy Mathai. Speaking at the HSBC organized Power Breakfast meeting at Colombo Hilton yesterday he said the depreciation of rupee was a step in the right direction. “It is good that the currency rate is now decided by market forces rather than it being set by the Central Bank,” he said.

(20.03.2012)     The TIK provides information via the interactive touch screen in an accurate, trustworthy and timely manner. This unit will initially accommodate 10 languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, English, German, Japanese, Dutch, Chinese, Arabic, Russian and Italian.

(19.03.2012)     The remaining section of Galle Road within the Colombo city limits and Duplication Road will be brought on par with the Galle Road in Kollupitiya at a cost of Rs. 2.5 billion as part of the World Bank funded project to improve infrastructure within the greater Colombo area, Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil told the Media center for National Development.

(16.03.2012)     Tourist arrivals for the first two months of this year increased 21 percent to 169,423 from 139,994 a year earlier, while February alone recorded a growth of 27 percent to 83,549 from 65,797 with more tourism related investment being realised and plans being formulated to promote the South Asian region as tourism hotspot.

(16.03.2012)     All development programmes and reconstruction activities implemented in conflict affected areas are to be completed by the end of 2013, Economic Development Ministry sources said yesterday.

(16.03.2012)     South Asia countries are to launch a joint tourism promotion website and a tourism coordination office to boost the marketing of natural, cultural and historic attractions across South Asia. In addition a regional promotional office funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would be set up in Colombo. The two main areas they hope to promote are Buddhism and Eco tourism.

(16.03.2012)     Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 14.03.2012

(15.03.2012)     The annual fish harvest increased by 100,000 metric tons last year due to the ban on the use of illegal equipment and vessels, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

(15.03.2012)     Sri Lanka is now recognized as one of the best ornamental fish suppliers to the international market. “Sri Lanka began ornamental fish exports in 1950’s and I am pleased to announce that now we are recognized as one of the best ornamental fish suppliers in the international market.

(15.03.2012)     The gem, diamond and jewellery sector has secured an over all growth of 46 percent as at February 29, 2012 earning a revenue of Rs 10,851 million in comparison with the corresponding figure of Rs 7,449 million in 2011.

(14.03.2012)     President Mahinda Rajapaksa inspected the public jogging track opened near the Black Bridge (Kalu Palama) on Gampaha-Orutota road during a surprise visit yesterday morning and used it for his own morning constitutional.

(13.03.2012)     Sri Lankan tourism is on an upward trend with increased arrivals and revenue and the country would soon need additional rooms to meet this demand. There is a renewed interest for the leisure sector in Sri Lanka and this arguers well for the industry said Group director of diversified group, Hemas Holdings, Abbas Eusufally, speaking to Media at the ITB in Berlin. He said that there are new players entering the hotel sector by building new hotels and this is encouraging.

(08.03.2012)     Sir Lana would add 3,000 star class hotel rooms by the year end with over 1,000 rooms being added in Passikudah.Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane told that with peace, Sri Lanka has become a investment paradise for both local and foreign hoteliers and investors. The Citrus group which opened in Hikkaduwa would add around 100 rooms in Waskaduwa. Director of the group Mani Sugathapala said that the response for their new hotel in Hikkaduwa was very good as they maintained 95% occupancy since their opening.

(06.03.2012)     The People's Republic of China government has approved a loan of US$ 278.2 million through its Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China on concessional terms to finance construction of Matara - Beliatta Section (Phase I) of Matara - Kataragama Railway Extension Project.

(05.03.2012)     Inflation, as measured by the Colombo Consumers' Price Index (CCPI) (2006/07=100) computed by the Department of Census and Statistics, decreased on a year-on-year basis (YoY) from 3.8 per cent in January 2012 to 2.7 per cent in February, which is the lowest rate since January 2010.