CCPI based Inflation increased to 6.0 per cent in August 2021.

Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI, 2013=100), increased to 6.0 per cent in August 2021 from 5.7 per cent in July 2021. This was driven by monthly increases of prices of items in both Food and Non-foo…

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Sri Lanka, Norway discuss potential for investment partnerships in renewable energy.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday (August 31) at the Foreign Ministry. During discussions, the foreign minister appreciated the mutually beneficial partnership exist…

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CSE’s ASPI closes above 9,000 points for first time in history.

The Colombo Stock Exchange’s All Share Price Index (ASPI) surpassed 9,000 points today (Sep. 01). The ASPI closed at 9,163.13 points as at the end of the day, marking an increase of 165.53 points (1.84%) compared to yesterday’s trading, according to the country’s main stock …

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International Day for People of African Descent - 31 August.

The International Day for People of African Descent is celebrated for the first time on 31 August 2021. The United Nations aims to promote the extraordinary contributions of the African diaspora around the world and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against people of…

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International Overdose Awareness Day - 31 August.

International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st focuses on reducing the number of deaths caused by overdose and erasing the stigma associated with it. Besides death, drug overdoses also cause permanent injuries. Both of these scenarios devastate family members and friend…

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Another medal for Sri Lanka at Tokyo Paralympics.

Sri Lanka’s Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku has won the Bronze medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw - F46 – event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.  Kodithuwakku took third place with a personal best of 65.61 meters while India’s Sumit Antil secured the gold medal with a World Record th…

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Dinesh Priyantha wins first-ever Paralympic gold medal for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Priyantha Herath has set a new world record in the Men’s Javelin Throw - F46 – event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Dinesh Priyantha set the new world record clearing a distance of 67.79 meters to win the gold medal in the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 Final. He …

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International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance - 30 August.

On August 30 of each year, the UN observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance. This day aims to increase awareness about the numbers of enforced disappearances around the world. In 2007, activists and family members of victims of enforced disappea…

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International Whale Shark Day - 30 August.

International Whale Shark Day on August 30th aims to increase awareness about a magnificent sea-dwelling creature. The whale shark’s declining numbers alerts us to their need for protection and conservation. These gentle giants fascinate marine biologists and aquatic enthus…

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Advisory Board appointed in accordance with Prevention of Terrorism Act.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has appointed an Advisory Board as per the Section 13 of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, No.48 of 1979, the Director-General of Legal Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Attorney-at-Law Harigupta Rohanadeera said. The Chairman of the Advisor…

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'Xi Jinping Thought' introduced into curriculum in China.

China will introduce the political ideology of the Chinese President in its national curriculum. "Xi Jinping thought" will help "teenagers establish Marxist beliefs", said the Ministry of Education (MOE) in new guidelines. The ideology will be integrated …

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British stamps banned from Chagos Islands in Indian Ocean.

Mauritius has moved a symbolic step closer to wresting control of the Chagos Islands, in the Indian Ocean, from the UK. The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a UN agency in charge of the world's postal policies, voted to block the use of UK stamps from the remote archipelago…

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Cuba’s central bank now recognizes cryptocurrencies.

Cuba will now recognize and regulate cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, citing “reasons of socioeconomic interest.” Resolution 215, which was published in the state-run Official Gazette, says the central bank will set new rules for how to deal with digital currencies. Commerc…

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International Day Against Nuclear Tests - 29 August.

The International Day Against Nuclear Tests on August 29th raises awareness and educates about the harmful effects of nuclear testing. Nuclear weapons testing began in 1945. Since that time, nearly 2,000 nuclear tests have taken place. When nuclear testing first began, scien…

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Kabul Airport Attack Kills 13 U.S. Service Members and at Least 90 Afghans.

More than 100 people were killed, including at least 13 U.S. service members and 90 Afghans, at the Kabul airport Thursday (26) when two blasts ripped through crowds trying to enter the American-controlled facility, disrupting the final push of the U.S.-led evacuation effor…

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Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter passes away.

Former England and Sussex captain Ted Dexter has passed away. Dexter, nicknamed “Lord Ted”, was an aggressive batsman and part-time seam bowler who played 62 tests for England after making his debut in 1958 against New Zealand and was captain between 1961-1964. After retirin…

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Algeria cuts diplomatic ties with Morocco.

Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra said that his country has severed diplomatic relations with Morocco due to “hostile actions”, following months of resurgent tensions between the North African rivals. The countries have long accused one another of backing opposition…

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The Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts died at age 80.

The Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts died on 24 Auguat 2021 in London at age 80. Watts’ passing was confirmed by a statement from the band. Charlie Watts was born in London’s Bloomsbury district on June 2, 1941. He was a teenager when his parents gave him a drum set and …

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World’s first autonomous, electric cargo ship to make voyage with zero crew onboard.

A Norwegian company called Yara International claims to have created the world’s first zero-emission ship that can also transport cargo autonomously. The Yara Birkeland electric cargo ship was first conceptualized in 2017 but now looks to make its first voyage with no crew …

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World Bank halts aid after Taliban takeover Afghanistan.

The World Bank has halted funding for projects in Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country. It cited concerns over how the Taliban's takeover will affect "the country's development prospects, especially for women". The move comes just day…

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Canada, UAE, PNG qualify for 2022 U-19 men's World Cup.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the Americas, Asia and EAP qualifiers to the ICC U19 men's cricket World Cup have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The apex body of cricket said based on guidelines approved by the ICC Development Com…

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5th India-Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise “KAZIND-21”

As part of military diplomacy and to strengthen the growing strategic relation with Kazakhstan, the 5th edition of Indo- Kazakhstan Joint Training Exercise, “KAZIND-21” will be conducted at Training Node, Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan, from 30 August to 11 September 2021. The exer…

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Philippines approves GMO 'golden rice' for commercial production.

The Philippines became the world's first country to approve the commercial production of genetically modified "golden rice" that experts hope will combat childhood blindness and save lives in the developing world. A biosafety permit issued by government regulat…

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UAE announces the world’s tallest observation wheel ‘Ain Dubai’

The world’s largest and tallest observation wheel is set to be unveiled in Dubai, UAE on October 21, 2021.  The observation wheel called as ‘Ain Dubai’, is 250 m (820 ft) in height, located at Bluewaters Island.  The record-breaking wheel is 42.5 m (139 ft) taller than the cu…

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Dubai sets up specialised court to combat money laundering.

The Dubai government’s media office announced on Sunday (22) that the Dubai Courts have established a specialized money laundering court to thwart financial crimes. The new court was set up within the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal. Through this specialized …

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International Dog Day 2021

International Dog Day is observed every year on August 26 to raise awareness about dog adoption and the importance of providing rescue dogs with a safe and loving environment.  The history of International Dog Day dates back to 2004 when the day was founded by Collen Paige, …

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Safe Cities Index 2021

The Safe Cities Index 2021 is a report from The Economist Intelligence Unit, sponsored by NEC Corporation. The report is based on the fourth iteration of the index, which ranks 60 cities across 76 indicators covering digital, health, infrastructure, personal and environment…

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Pakistan conducts successful test of 'indigenously developed' Fatah-1 guided MLRS.

Pakistan Army on Tuesday (24) conducted a successful test of indigenously developed “Fatah-1” guided Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS), according to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military's media wing, in a statement, said the extended-ra…

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Women’s Equality Day - 26 August.

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting the right to vote to women.  The amendment was first introduced in 1878. In 1971, the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as Women’s Equality Day. Source:  https://nationalwom…

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Yahoo shuts down news sites in India over FDI regulations.

Yahoo has shut down its news websites in India due the new foreign direct investment (FDI) rules that limit foreign ownership of media companies that operate and publish digital content in India. This includes Yahoo News, Yahoo Cricket, Finance, Entertainment, and MAKERS Ind…

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