Jan 27 (Island) Keells Super has once again surpassed expectations by opening a fabulous supermarket at a very convenient location at Maharagama. Situated at 226, High-level Road, Maharagama. This outlet boasts of more than 13,000 square feet area with a wide range of fresh produce - vegetables fruits, seafood and meats to groceries, household products for the entire family. The outlet has its own production bakery which produces a range of breads, savouries more..

Jan 27 (NS) Govt’s decision to gradually stop allowing women going to the Middle East to be housemaids will not be easy unless we change the dependency on remittances from that region, several analysts have pointed out. UNP MP Dr Harsha de Silva, UNP MP said, “All this is mere talk. The main source that keeps our exchange rates afloat is raw labor. it is highly unlikely that the govt will take any substantial measures to cut down the number of housemaids leaving the country”. more..

Jan 27 (GDI) "Mahasamayama" the grand opera produced and directed by Prof. Ariyarathne Athugala will make its debut at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre to mark its first anniversary, on 30th January with the patronage of the President Rajapaksa. ‘Mahasamayama’ woven around ancient Sri Lankan and Indian mythology and folklore is based on an ancient traditional legend - 'Gotaimbara and Mahasona'. more..

Jan 27 (ST) Quick check-ins and fewer queues at the Colombo airport are among the improvements by SriLankan Airlines planned this year along with consolidating its operations and route network. The airline’s Chief Marketing Officer, G.T. Jayaseelan said the airline would not be operating new sectors, nor acquiring new aircraft but rather focus on improving the product. He said they are adding flatbeds to all business class seats to Europe, which is a standard facility on business class more..

Jan 27 (ST) AirAsia is terminating its popular, budget-fare, flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and back from end February, the airline said earlier this week in an announcement that surprised the local travel industry. Malaysia’s highly successful budget carrier said it would no longer fly on this route from 26 February saying the decision was “due to commercial reasons”. Jasmine Lee, Commercial Director of AirAsia Berhad, asked on email for the reasons for the move, told more..

Jan 27 (PTI) India and Sri Lanka are close to clinching an agreement on drawing a fishing boundary in the Palk Strait that would put an end to recurring attacks on fishermen from Tamil Nadu allegedly by the island navy, Minister of State in PMO V. Narayanasamy said on Sunday. “The proposed agreement is in final stages. Both Indian and Sri Lankan Governments have agreed to the boundary proposals,” he told reporters here. more..

Jan 27 (NS) Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) said, it couldn’t be held solely responsible for the fake identity papers of migrants and added the loopholes in obtaining such identity documents needed to be eliminated. SLBFE officials said steps have already been taken to establish a mechanism to detect forged documents presented by applicants. However, the SLBFE pointed out that the issue arises at the point where legal documents are obtained. “There are loopholes in the more..

Jan 27 (CT) The UNP is tipped to appoint Sajith Premadasa as the Deputy Leader once again as he has agreed to give his fullest support to the party. Premadasa who was not appointed as the Deputy Leader of the party when other key appointments were made, had pledged to extend his support for the future activities of the UNP, following a discussion he had with his leader Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday. Accordingly, the duo will attend a party membership drive more..

Jan 27 (E24|7) A Sri Lankan girl was found dead in International City on Friday evening. It is reported that she jumped off the balcony of her 4th floor accommodation. Aged 26, Anupama had started working for Jen Perfect cleaning company in Dubai four months ago. The owner of the company, Terin, who is also a Sri Lankan, said he was shocked to find out about her death. "I don’t know what happened and why she did it,” more..

Jan 27 (IC) Yet another disappointing tour to Australia will come to an end shortly. After the humiliating three-nil whitewash in the Test series, Sri Lanka put on a stronger showing in the ODIs, but failed to secure the series. After the two-match T20 series, the team’s focus will turn to the naming of two new captains — the sports minister confirmed that Sri Lanka will use separate captains for Tests and limited-over matches. It is a good move, taking into account performances over more..

Jan 27 (CG) The ‘Bodu Bala Sena’ says it has lodged a complaint with the police saying some groups were using the name of the organization to create a rift between Buddhists and Muslims. Executive Committee member of the ‘Bodu Bala Sena’ Dilantha Withanage told The Sunday Leader that the logo of the organization had been used in Kulliyapitiya during a protest by a group recently. “We condemn any attempt to degrade any religion. We have nothing against Muslims. more..

Jan 27 (CT) While discussing a number of problems pertaining to Buddhist temples, priests and the practice of the Buddhist religion in the country overall, one of the main points of the conversation revolved around some of the ongoing disputes between some Muslim and Buddhist groups. Referring to the various messages that have appeared in the media recently, President Rajapaksa requested the group not to more..

Jan 28 (DBS) On 15th January 2013, by no less than violent means, CJ Shirani Bandaranayake was de facto removed from her post. This was done despite a ruling by the apex court of this country that the purported process by which she was sought to be removed was illegal and unconstitutional. The purported removal of Chief Justice Bandaranayake resulted in various responses by governments, political groups, the legal fraternity and Human rights groups both here and abroad. more..

Jan 28 (SL) Watching the huge crowds in Washington on the occasion of Barack Hussein Obama’s inauguration couldn’t but push one’s imagination towards a relocation of the event to Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan practices. Given the Sri Lankan, officially-approved and promoted reality, video-documented on at least a couple of occasions, where “pro-govt demonstrators” are seen releasing their hold on their weapons in order to accept a five hundred rupee note for “services rendered” more..

Jan 28 (SO) Colombo, being the commercial capital of Sri Lanka gets a very important place in the country and all the issues confronted by the city become almost national issues. Therefore, administering the city as the Mayor of Colombo is considered a very prestigious as well as challenging task for any person. M.J.M. Muzammil has now got that task before him, after a tough challenge for the position from the govt side. more..

Jan 28 (SL) Since confirmation some months ago that Sri Lanka’s opponent in the first of its two Davis Cup ties this year would be Pakistan, at the top of SLTA’s wish-list was that professional engagements might preclude Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshifrom Davis Cup duty. Without Qureshi, twice Doubles’ finalist at the US Open andone-time ranked 125th in the Singles, to contend with, Sri Lanka fancied its chances of overcoming Pakistan and thuspreserve its Group 2 status for a third straight year. more..

Jan 28 (DBS) When five French resistance fighters after failed action against the Vichy occupying forces are tortured, we in the audience flinch. When Lucie, a young woman among the captives, is raped, we weep in our minds with her. When she returns with the lifeless body of her young brother, Francoise, we endorse the bitter truth – the agonizing attempt to live amidst shadows of looming death. Veteran dramatist Dharmasiri Bandaranayake’s play, Dhawala Bheeshana, the Sinhala version of more..

Jan 28 (ST) In this article to ST UNP leader Ranil Wickeremesinghe insists that adherence to Commonwealth principles and core values is important to avoid being labelled a pariah state by the international community. “It is time for President Rajapaksa and his govt to think of the country and its people: not only of themselves and their power ride. We have no wish to ride with him in this Lamborghini to disaster,” more..

Jan 28 (SO) Sporadic student clashes at universities have tarnished the image of higher educational institutes. Students who hold different political ideologies and are affiliated to various political parties have been held accountable for unleashing violence during the past four decades. Many students have become victims to the cycle of violence. The first such victim was an undergraduate at Peradeniya University in 1976. He was allegedly killed by a fellow student and more..

Jan 28 (CT) Shirani Bandaranayake has done just that. The Courts have quashed the decision against her. She was not given the rights extended to every person under our law- the right to natural justice. She is a victim of man’s inhumanity to man. She refused to resign and we applaud her for that ; for it is a great sacrifice on her part for the cause of the Rule of Law and the independence of the Judiciary. Our selfish , hypocritical politicized society is characterized by everyone working in more..

Jan 28 (ST) For the smiling children clustered around him, the chance to meet cricketer Kumar Sangakkara must have been a bigger thrill than receiving the bikes he had brought them as gifts. However, in the months to come, these bikes will make a significant difference in their lives. For many of these children this will be their primary mode of transport to school – and Kumar hopes – to a better life. “The people in those areas are facing more..

Jan 28 (CT) This refers to RMB Senanayake’s response to Chandra Jayaratne. Chandra Jayaratne requested professional economists to explain whether Sri Lanka can achieve per capita GDP of $ 10,000/= by 2022 as claimed by Minister S.B Dissanayake. Senanayake concluded as follows: “So the growth rate projected by the Central Bank of 7.5% is possible but is it desirable for it risks a larger current account deficit which if there are not adequate foreign capital inflows could cause more..

Jan 28 (CT) The Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) has announced the launch of a website complementing the print edition of The Sri Lankan Republic at 40: Reflections on Constitutional History, Theory and Practice,first published in December 2012. The website contains the complete contents of the two volume publication as freely downloadable PDFs, and other related content. The hard copies of the book will be available free at CPA from 1st February 2013 onwards. more..

Jan 28 (ST) The latest World Bank report on South Asia expects the economies of the South Asian region to pick up in 2013. It expects the South Asian regional GDP growth to rise to 5.7% in 2013 and improve to 6.7% in 2015. This expectation is based on gradual improvement in global demand for South Asia’s exports, policy reforms in India, stronger investment activity and a return to normal agricultural production. Impliedly, it stresses the need for fiscal consolidation more..

Jan 28 (FT) As Sri Lanka reports a huge 30% growth in tourism, many new mega-projects are now slated to back this crucial sector by the Govt and the large scale projects under the Strategic Development Projects Act are not for short-term cash gain. “During 2011 to 2013, many strategic development projects of large-scale have been approved by Parliament. I commend the Economic Development Ministry for introducing large-scale projects under this Act to enhance our more..

Jan 28 (Island) With around Rs. 500 billion in Treasury bonds expected to mature during the first nine months of this year, market analysts say it would be tough for the Central Bank to maintain price stability and lower interest rates unless the govt introduces significant fiscal reforms and foreign direct inflows increase this year. The Public Debt Department of the Central Bank will conduct another record high Treasury bond auction more..

Jan 28 (Island) Sri Lanka perhaps has the oldest undergraduate population in the world. A student who enters a national university after inordinate delays does not know when he or she will graduate, given the large number of strikes and other such protests that disrupt universities. Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake has recently said that the govt intends to effect changes to the education system so that a student will be able to enter university at the age of 16 or 17. more..

Jan 28 (Island) Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Sarath Amunugama said business would have to move up to the next level of entrepreneurship in order for the country to achieve sustainable economic growth. "This is why the govt is concentrating on small and medium scale enterprises. We need to shake up the banks and you can look forward to many more changes this year so that businesses can effectively play their part in driving economic growth," more..

Jan 28 (DN) Sri Lanka briefed India about the progress it has achieved in the areas of post-war reconciliation and the implementation of the recommendations of the LLRC report during the eighth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission, which was held in Delihi last week, External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama said returning to Colombo after the meeting. He said Sri Lanka-India Joint more..

Jan 28 (Hindu) It’s been hardly four months since the second phase of the India-assisted housing project got under way here, but already about a dozen houses of the 43,000 planned have been completed. “Already about 10 houses are ready under our area itself,” said United Nations Human Settlement Programme’s National project Manager I.A. Hameed. UN-HABITAT is one of the three implementing agencies selected by the Indian authorities. The Indian High Commissioner more..

Jan 28 (DN) The Lanka Sathosa with the coordination of Internal Trade and Cooperatives Ministry has implemented a special programme to purchase vegetables directly from the farmers and sell at concessionary rates at Lanka Sathosa outlets. Lanka Sathosa General Manager H A Jayathilake told the Daily News yesterday that this move has been initiated under the directives of Minister Johnston Fernando considering the escalating prices of vegetables in the country. more..

Jan 28 (FT) Just as the Wright brothers would have dreamt of their first flight experience, so did 125 young children from rural towns and city suburbs realise their cherished dream of flying in an aircraft on a journey in the skies over Sri Lanka yesterday. Their beaming faces expressed their delight and excitement as they boarded a special SriLankan Airlines flight UL001 southward bound. The flight departed at approximately more..

Jan 28 (CI) Sri Lanka's impressive all-round performance in the first match in Sydney has given them a 1-0 lead and their tour of Australia ends with the possibility of making it 2-0 during the final game at the MCG. Whatever happens in Melbourne, Sri Lanka will remain the world's No.1-ranked Twenty20 side and Australia will stay at No.7, but for Angelo Mathews' men this is an opportunity to at least claim superiority over Australia in one format on this tour. For Australia, victory or defeat in this more..

Jan 28 (Island) The JVP affiliated Women for Rights (WfR) organisation charged that the govt’s false propaganda had prevented their protests, during the past few years, demanding the freeing of Rizana Nafeek. Co -Chairwoman of the WfR, Saroja Paulraj said that when women’s rights organisations and Opposition political parties protested against the decision to execute Rizana by the Saudi govt in 2007, the Sri Lankan govt had repeatedly insisted it would initiate a dialogue and she would be more..

Jan 28 (Island) A preliminary investigation conducted by the Health Ministry into the amputation of a final year law student’s left hand, has revealed that the Matara hospital doctors’ negligence was the cause. However, acting on the orders of Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Health Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayathilaka has appointed a committee, headed by DDG Dr. Lal Panapitiya, comprising the Medical more..

Jan 28 (DN) The media must act in a more responsible manner when reporting incidents of child abuse, National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) Chairperson Anoma Dissanayake said. “All sections of the media, especially the electronic media, are duty bound to act responsibly when revealing the identity of abused children, since such revelations can have a negative impact on abused children,” she said. “Though the media plays a pivotal role in mitigating child abuse incidents, more..

Jan 28 (DN) Minister G.L. Peiris, on a tour of the Hambantota district, visited the Shangri-La Hotel construction site and observed the rapid progress of the work. The Minister, in his remarks of encouragement to all those he conversed with at the site, said that there was strikingly visible evidence of the confidence placed in the future of Sri Lanka's economy by major investors. He described the Shangri-La project as a landmark investment by one of the most prestigious hotel chains in more..

Jan 28 (Island) The Higher Education Ministry will hold discussions soon with a view to reducing the age of admission to universities. The Ministry’s is to minimize the unnecessary waste of students’ time after national exams. Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Sunil Navaratne said that the world standard was 12 years of school education to enter universities, but in Sri Lanka it was a minimum of 13 years. more..

Jan 28 (NE) The recent impeachment of Sri Lanka’s CJ, Shirani Bandaranayake, has re-focused international attention on the country. Catherine Ashton, head of the EU’s External Action Service, has expressed “considerable concern”. However, the problem with Sri Lanka runs deeper than any single case. Despite the Sri Lankan Govt’s claims of progress on human rights since the conflict with the LTTE, also known as the ‘Tamil Tigers’, ended in 2009, the reality is very different. more..