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Archives

Britain stands firm on Sri Lanka travel advisory amidst calls for reform

Mar 28 (DM) Despite growing pressure to reform the travel Advisory on SL, Britain on Tuesday said that its travel advice assessments are made by drawing on expert sources of information available to the government and that they continue to keep Sri Lanka travel advise under close review. “The safety of British people is the main factor when determining our travel advice for all countries, including SL. Our advice is designed to help British people make informed decisions more..

People’s Bank gross income expands by 16% to cross Rs. 450 b

Mar 28 (FT) People’s Bank announced the results for its year ended Dec 31, 2023 reporting total consolidated operating income and pre-tax profit of LKR 96.8 billion and LKR 19.3 billion, respectively. Reflecting high interest costs on term deposit funding, due to the high interest rate environment which prevailed during 2022 and early 2023 - and significant interest concessions extended to the customers for the ultimate benefit of the country - saw consolidated net interest income more..

දිනන්න පුදුම තරගයක්

Catholic Bishops Conference calls for change of governing system

Mar 28 (DM) Catholic Bishops Conference in its Easter message called for a change of the governing system in SL in order to find solutions to the social, economic and political crisis faced by the nation. "Easter is being cebrated at a time when the country is facing a severe social, political and economical crisis. It is essential to bring in a major change to the country's governing system to ease the people's suffering. It is the responsibility of all citizens to work towards bringing this change," more..

15-20 safari jeep drivers penalised every month

Mar 28 (CT) Yala National Park Warden Manoj Vidyaratne said between 15 and 20 safari jeep drivers, who take tourists to the park, are penalised for exceeding the speed limit every month. He mentioned that although the speed limit within the national park is set at 20 kmph, many jeep drivers have been observed driving at speeds exceeding this limit. Vidyaratne said over the past 3 months, the speed of jeep drivers has been consistently monitored using speed limit gauges installed in the park. more..

Fungal infections rapidly spreading countrywide

Mar 28 (CT) The rapid spread of Tinea, Dermatophyte fungal infections mainly in Anuradhapura and across SL, is largely attributed to the misuse of medications and the emergence of antifungal drug resistance, Dr. Hema Weerakoon of A'pura Teaching Hospital, said. Despite data collection indicating a numerical increase in reported cases compared to previous years, the prevalence of Tinea infections continues to rise both in the A'pura District and countrywide. more..

Egg production increasing by 600,000 per month amidst drop in feed cost

Mar 28 (Island) Egg production in SL is rapidly rising but the price of eggs will not increase until December, Secretary of All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association (ACEPA), Rathnasri Alahakoon says. The layer poultry farming had recovered from its slump in 2022 and that from late 2023, production has been increasing by 600,000 a month, Alahakoon said. “Actually, there is a risk of the price dropping Rs 30, which will be disastrous to the industry. We have asked the govt to include an egg more..

Japanese investor to revamp Pettah floating market

Mar 28 (FT) A Japanese investor has stepped up to breathe new life into Pettah’s floating market and spearhead the revamp to the iconic landmark underlining Sri Lanka’s position as a premier tourist destination. The MoU for project was signed by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Nimesh Herath and the Japanese investor Akira Hirose yesterday at UDA in Battaramulla. The total amount invested in the renovation is Rs. 300 million. The local partner is J&S Masters Ltd. more..

Sinopec to start work on refinery by June

Mar 28 (Reuters) The world's largest refiner, China's Sinopec (600028.SS), opens new tab, plans to start work on a refinery in Sri Lanka by June, power minister said, advancing a project earmarked as the biggest investment in the crisis-hit island nation. Sri Lanka is looking to attract investment in the battle to stabilise its economy and return to growth following a financial crisis caused by a severe shortfall of dollars in 2022 more..

Mullaitivu Health Services Director killed in road accident in Omanthai

Mar 28 (DM) Director of Health Services in Mullaitivu Dr. K. Akilendran died in a fatal road accident in Omanthai yesterday. Initial police investigations revealed that Dr. Akilendran was traveling from Mullaitivu to Vavuniya in a cab when a tipper, traveling from Vavuniya to Kilinochchi, collided head-on with the cab. Police suspect that the accident occurred when the tipper attempted to overtake a three-wheeler ahead of it. Doctor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Vavuniya General Hospital, more..

Exploring ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the Hambantota coast kicks off

Mar 28 (CT) US Ambassador to SL, Julie Chung, along with Heidi Hattenbach, Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, and Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, spearheaded an inspection dive to explore the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota. The US Embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has taken a significant step to preserve SL’s rich maritime history more..

පොහොට්ටුවට නාමලක් පිපෙයි

Namal takes over from Basil as SLPP national organiser

Mar 28 (CT) Hambantota District SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has been appointed national organiser of the SLPP at the Executive Committee meeting. The Executive Committee meeting took place last afternoon (27) at the official residence of former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa in Wijerama Mawatha. Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa previously held the post. Namal has been entrusted with SLPP organisational affairs including overseeing the upcoming elections, according to reports. more..

Sri Lanka’s enchanting beauty and rich heritage on the Pekoe Trail

Mar 28 (FT) Imagine a breath-taking journey through the lush heart of SL’s central highlands, where The Pekoe Trail, recognised by National Geographic as a must-visit destination in 2024, invites you on a vibrant exploration of nature, history, and culture. As the first walking and hiking trail within the Serendipity Trails concept, The Pekoe Trail offers adventurers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts over 300 kilometres of captivating landscapes, connecting the traveller more..

Legal action against Cabraal over 2012 Greek treasury bonds purchase

Mar 28 (AD) Legal action has been instituted against five individuals including former Governor of Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Ajith Nivard Cabraal, CIABOC says. Accordingly, Bribery Commission on March 26 instituted legal action in the Colombo High Court under Case No. HCB 271/2024 after concluding its investigations into a complaint filed by former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe. The complaint had been put forward against the CB’s purchase of Treasury Bonds issued by more..

Sri Lanka to halt midnight border tax amid corruption concerns

Mar 28 (EN) Cabinet have given approval to draft a bill to suspend the Special Commodity Levy, amid corruption concerns, following a proposal submitted Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said. The SCL is applied as a single tax, instead of the tax-on-tax effect seen when duty, CESS, PAL and VAT are applied on top of food imports in particular. But SCL is imposed overnight as people are sleeping, without any discussion in parliament, raising serious concerns about more..

Ven. Siridhamma Thera released from PTA charges

Mar 28 (DM) Colombo Chief Magistrate today ordered to release former Convenor of IUBF Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera from a case filed for allegedly committing offences under the PTA during the Aragalaya protests in 2022. Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis made this order considering the insufficient evidence against the suspect for charges under the PTA. Ven. Siridhamma Thera was produced before court on Nov 23, 2022 after being detained under the PTA for 89 days. more..

Video: Gnanasara Thero sentenced to 4 years RI

Mar 28 (AD) BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero has been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment for the defamatory comments made against Islam in late 2016. The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige today while imposing a fine of Rs. 100,000 on the monk. Gnanasara Thero is accused of making defamatory comments against Islam during a 2016 media briefing convened on the Kuragala Buddhist monastery, more..

National Digital Economic Strategy 2030 takes shape

Mar 28 (FT) In a bid to propel Sri Lanka towards a digitally empowered future, the Cabinet of Ministers sanctioned the implementation of the National Economic Digital Strategy 2030. “The strategy aims to unlock new avenues for economic diversification, job creation and inclusive development,” Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. Recognising the imperative of a comprehensive digital economic strategy to steer the country towards higher revenue generation by 2048, more..

Sri Lanka Customs sets up internal affairs unit, detects bribery

Mar 28 (EN) Dept of Customs has set up an internal affairs unit, and two staff members have been detained over a bribery allegations, Additional Director General of Customs Sudatta Silva said. The two staffers have already been detained following a complaint by person from whom a bribe was demanded, he said. After a detection is made, the suspects would either face internal disciplinary action taken or in the case of a criminal matter like bribery, referred to the Bribery Commission, more..

පොහොට්ටුවට අපේක්ෂකයෙක් නෑ!

The digital road to heaven

Mar 28 (FT) Infrastructure development is a fundamental for economic growth. Any country seeking to improve its people’s lives must invest in infrastructure to ensure free and speedy movement of goods and services. Trade and commerce and therefore economic growth depend on such developments. So historically the road to economic heaven has been literally that – building of roads, and other infrastructure for free and easy movement of goods. And this kind of development took years. more..

Why the JVP-NPP’s moderate leftist pink paradigm deserves a chance

Mar 28 (FT) Why Bharat Matters, matters. The new book by one of the world’s most outstanding and admired foreign ministers, India’s Dr. S. Jaishankar, makes clear the centrality of Ramayana mythology within Bharat as BJP’s India and BJP worldview. Cosmology dominates ideology. In an ambitious exegetical enterprise, Dr. Jaishankar strives to confer the (non-secular) Ramayana a methodological and intellectual status as a strategic text that is implicitly above Kautilya’s (secular) Arthashasthra, a Realist classic. more..

Abans clarifies: Local McDonald’s franchisee not under its umbrella

Mar 28 (DM) In an attempt to set the record straight, Abans PLC today said the local franchisee of the US fast food giant McDonald’s is not a part of its umbrella. In a filing to the CSE today, Abans PLC pointed out that the local franchisee of McDonald’s is International Restaurant Systems (Pte) Limited incorporated under the Companies Act No.7 of 2007. The majority shareholder of the said company is Rusi Pestonjee who owns a 98.73% stake more..

EC ready to squeeze in two national polls this year

Mar 28 (Island) Even if circumstances lead to holding a general election early, the Election Commission (EC) is ready to hold the presidential election on time between 17 Sept and 17 Oct, 2014, EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake has said. Asked to comment on SLPP MPs urging to support the proposal to conduct a general election, prior to the prez polls, Ratnayake said that they were ready to hold two national level elections within the current year. “If Parliament is dissolved, more..

Truth, Unity & Reconciliation Bill: Asgiri Chapter to consult top monks council

Mar 28 (TM) Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect is to closely study the proposed Truth, Unity, and Reconciliation Commission Bill and consult the Chapter’s Supreme Sangha (monks) Council before raising concerns regarding the proposed Bill. Last month, the Interim Secretariat for the Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism presented a copy of the said draft Bill to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters. Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera of more..

MPs rally for snap general election amidst Prez’s push for Presidential poll

Mar 28 (DM) Following the exclusive revelation by the Daily Mirror on Tuesday that the prez election will be conducted in the first week of October, MPs from across the divide - except those from the NPP - have ramped up efforts to prevail upon Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to declare a snap general election as early as possible. Earlier, Basil Rajapaksa of the SLPP, requested the Prez in his one on one meeting that the parliamentary more..

European Chamber Report: Diversity, equity and inclusion crucial for Sri Lanka's...

Mar 28 (Island) SL businesses must look beyond the surface to design Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategies that consider broader complexities, if they are to achieve tangible and transformative business results and greater social harmony, says a new landmark report that provides recommendations for businesses to harness the potential of DEI. The new report Unlocking the Power of DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as a Strategic Imperative for Business Success and Social Harmony more..

Siyambalapitiya tells banks to lower interest rates following CB directive

Mar 28 (FT) In the wake of the Central Bank’s decision to lower the bank interest rate, State Minister oRanjith Siyambalapitiya has called on commercial banks to swiftly follow suit and pass on the benefit to their customers. He stressed the importance of easing the financial burden on borrowers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to stimulate economic growth. He also underscored the potential for lowering loan interest rates to boost investor confidence more..

හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

President instructs to reopen National Art Gallery before year’s end

Mar 28 (PMD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, during an inspection tour yesterday (26), visited the John de Silva Memorial Theatre and the long-delayed National Art Gallery. Despite construction commencing in 2011, both projects remain incomplete. Pre Wickremesinghe instructed officials to expedite the opening of the National Art Gallery before the year’s end, emphasizing the need for consensus among artists and architects. He also pledged govt support for financial allocations. more..

UNP chairman refutes opposition’s allegations of election delay

Mar 28 (AD) UNP chairman, MP Wajira Abeywardena has vehemently refuted the claims made by the opposition about the possible delay of the forthcoming elections. He stressed that the election amendment bills recently tabled in parliament will not impact the prearranged schedule of the elections, which he said are set to duly take place in compliance with constitutional regulations. Abeywardena alleged that opposition factions lacking clear slogans are resorting to more..

Elections: Parliament Poll preceding Prez Poll a smokescreen: NPP

Mar 28 (TM) JVP-led NPP of the Parliamentary Opposition stated that talks about holding a Parliamentary Election before the Presidential Election are only an attempt to suppress the issues faced by the people. With the Prez Election scheduled to be held late this year, it was reported that a faction of the ruling SLPP MPs is of the view that a Parliamentary Election should be held before it. The matter has led to a social discussion more..

Dhananjaya indicates Kamindu could be retained at number seven

Mar 28 (Island) Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has indicated that young batting sensation Kamindu Mendis could continue to bat at number seven in Test match cricket although the team management and the selectors will be tempted to push him up the order to number three. Kamindu bats at number three in First Class cricket and had a prolific season in the National Super League. Making his comeback to the Test side, the left-handed batter scored hundreds in each innings to cement his place more..

UK Trade Partnership Program promotes organic standards in Sri Lanka

Mar 28 (FT) UK Trade Partnership Program project in SL, funded by UK Govt and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), aims to promote exports through facilitating access to markets, providing technical advisory services to SMEs, and strengthening business support organisations. In this context the Sensitisation training on organic standards for private sector operators, which took place between 18 and 20 March at the Granbell Hotel in Colombo, raised awareness more..

මහේස්ත්‍රාත් තිළිණ ගමගේ මරන්න...

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