Days after it received the go-ahead from Sri Lankan government, the Chinese firm constructing the controversial USD 1.5 billion Colombo Port City Project today welcomed the decision, saying it will take prompt measures to ensure the project is completed soon.

Today the European Commission will co-sign two new support programmes worth €38 million in total in the field of rural development and trade with Sri Lanka, as EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, arrives for a three day visit to the country.

Noting that concrete evidence is needed to take forward the case pertaining to the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda, Homagama magistrate Ranga Dissanayake said yesterday (15) that he would consider granting bail to the suspects at the next hearing.

The EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica arrived in Sri Lanka today (15) to re-affirm EU support for the Government of Sri Lanka, review ongoing development programmes and to discuss ways and means of urther enhancing Sri Lanka – EU bilateral cooperation.

Sri Lankan shares edged down on Tuesday, falling for a second session amid fears of further declines due to worries over a higher budget deficit and economic growth, brokers said.

Police fired tear gas to disperse a protest march by Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) in Fort, Colombo this evening (15).