Branches of the People’s Bank will remain open tomorrow (11) despite it being a Poya Holiday.

In an announcement, the bank says their branches will be open in order to open accounts for those eligible for Aswesuma benefit payments to open bank accounts.

Minister of Trade – Nalin Fernando today (31) said that it has been decided to permit importation of chicken.

Speaking during a media briefing at the ministry this morning, he said the decision was taken with the intention of controlling chicken prices.

The prices of schoolbags and school shoes have been slashed by 10%, manufacturers have reportedly told State Minister of Finance – Ranjith Siyambalapitiya today (July 27).

This has been conveyed during a discussion held at the Finance Ministry.

The manufacturers have further told the State Minister that they are willing to sell existing stocks of schoolbags and shoes in the market at revised rates.

The price reduction comes after several rounds of lengthy talks between the state minister and the manufacturers.