Thailand elects Paetongtarn Shinawatra as youngest PM following parliamentary vote

Bangkok: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of Thai political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra, won the parliamentary vote to become Thailands’ youngest Prime Minister on Friday, days after her predecessor Srettha Thavisin was removed from office over an ethics code violation for appointing a minister who had served time in prison. She earlier passed the required threshold of 51 per cent votes required …

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka releases the Monetary Policy Report – August 2024

The Central Bank released its second Monetary Policy Report for 2024 in keeping with the requirements of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act, No. 16 of 2023. The content of this Report is based on information that the Monetary Policy Board of the Central Bank considered in formulating the monetary policy decision during the July 2024 review. The Monetary Policy Report provides …

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Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index (Manufacturing and Services) – July 2024

Purchasing Managers’ Indices indicate expansions in both Manufacturing and Services activities in July 2024. Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 59.5 in July 2024, indicating a continuous expansion in manufacturing activities. All sub-indices contributed positively to this improvement. Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Services (PMI – Services) indicated a further …

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WHO declares mpox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has determined that the upsurge of mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and a growing number of countries in Africa constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR). Dr Tedros’s declaration came on the advice of an IHR Emergency Committee of independent experts …

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Relief for Personal Income Tax Expected Soon, President Announces at University Lecturers’ Conference

In a landmark keynote address at the University Lecturers’ Conference held at the Water’s Edge Hotel yesterday evening (13), President Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed plans to provide relief for personal income tax in the near future. The President mentioned that two proposals, currently under review by the Treasury and the counter proposal by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are being considered …

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Air Force Commander’s Cup Rugby Showdown begins under the Banner of Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, is set to host the Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024, powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, from August 16 to 18 at the Race Course Ground in Colombo. This grand event will showcase over 3,000 athletes competing across seven exhilarating team sports: cricket, rugby, football, volleyball, netball, …

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Starlink given license to operate in Sri Lanka

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has officially issued a Telecommunications Service Provider Licence to Starlink Lanka (Private) Limited under Section 17B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991, as amended. The development follows a recent meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and world-renowned businessman Elon Musk in Indonesia. During the meeting, they discussed expediting the …

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