Asian Tribune

Bank of Korea to hold rates at 2.50% on January 15, next cut delayed to 2027 – Reuters poll

Asian TribuneJanuary 13, 2026

South Korea’s central bank is expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.50% when it meets on January 15, as the recent weakening of the Korean won has reduced the scope for monetary easing, according to economists surveyed by Reuters. The poll indicates that expectations for the next rate cut have been pushed...

Sri Lanka’s Central Bank Foreign Reserves Rise to USD 6.82 Billion

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Sri Lanka’s official foreign reserves have risen to USD 6.825 billion by the end of December 2025, according to the latest data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This marks an increase of 13.1% compared to the reserves recorded at the end of November 2025, which stood at USD 6.034 billion. The main...

Norochcholai Power Plant Generator Restored After Maintenance

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

A temporarily decommissioned generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant has been restored following maintenance work. However, the electricity produced by the restored unit has not yet been integrated into the national grid. Authorities report that the connection is expected to be completed in the coming days. The Norochcholai facility has three operational generators capable of...

Three Killed in Early Morning Accident on Puttalam–Colombo Road In Sri Lanka

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Three people have tragically lost their lives in an accident that occurred this morning (12th) on the Puttalam–Colombo main road, in the Mundalama Navadankulam area. Police report that the collision involved a motor vehicle and a van. Among the deceased are two women traveling in the motor vehicle and one man. Additionally, one person injured...

Court to Recall Bribery Case Against Keheliya Rambukwella and Four Others on February 13

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

The Colombo High Court has ordered that the bribery case filed against former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and four others be recalled on February 13, the court ruled today (12). The case, instituted by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), was taken up before Colombo High Court Judge Mohamed Mihal earlier today....

Chinese Foreign Minister Meets Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral discussions with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, this morning (12) during a brief visit to the island. According to official sources, the primary focus of the meeting was to assess Sri Lanka’s post-disaster recovery efforts following Cyclone Dittva and to convey details regarding humanitarian and...

A/L Exams Resume Today After Cyclone Disruption in Sri Lanka

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

The G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) examinations are resuming today after being postponed due to the widespread disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Department of Examinations has announced. The remaining subjects of the 2025 A/L exams will now be conducted under a revised timetable running from January 12 to January 20, 2026. Commissioner General of Examinations...

Restoration of Northern and Talaimannar Railway Lines Begins in Sri Lanka

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Restoration work has officially begun on the Northern and Talaimannar railway lines in Sri Lanka, marking a significant step in post‑disaster infrastructure recovery. The launch was held today at the Maho Railway Station, with officials confirming that rehabilitation efforts will proceed with support from international partners. The project is being backed by a USD 5...

Education Reforms Should Suit the Country, Not the JVP: Namal Rajapaksa

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has criticised the government’s proposed education reforms, urging that any changes must be tailored to the needs of the nation rather than aligned with the political agenda of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). Addressing the media, Mr. Rajapaksa said the President’s recent comments suggest the reforms may...

NMRA Strengthens Regulations to Combat Illegal Pharmacy Practices in Sri Lanka

Asian TribuneJanuary 12, 2026

The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has reaffirmed and strengthened existing rules requiring the full-time presence of qualified pharmacists at all registered pharmacies across Sri Lanka, in a bid to curb illegal practices and improve public safety in medication dispensing. Under the NMRA Act No. 5 of 2015, pharmacies must employ at least one licensed...