July 2 (PTI) China recognises India’s special role in stabilising the strategic Indian Ocean region but the perception that it is India’s backyard may result in clashes, Chinese military officials and experts have cautioned. “The word backyard is not very appropriate to use for an open sea and international areas of sea,” Senior Captain Zhao Yi, associate professor of the Institute of Strategy in China’s National Defence University, said more..

July 2 (Island) An irate parent has, in a letter to the editor, lashed out at the politicians responsible for scheduling a general election for August, when the GCE A/L exam and Grade Five Scholarship exams are held. A respected senior engineer, he has spoken for hundreds of thousands of parents perturbed by the timing of the election. He has demanded that the polls be postponed. One cannot but agree with him. Priority should be given to children’s education & not electoral contests. more..

July 2 (FT) The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, Major General Shakeel Hussain, reiterated Pakistan’s intention to continue its support to Sri Lanka to enhance the younger generation’s nation-building capacity through better educational opportunities. He made these comments last evening at a ceremony where scholarships worth Rs. 3.67 million were awarded to 154 Sri Lankan O/L and A/L students under the Jinnah Educational Scholarship Programme of Pakistani govt. more..

July 2 (Guardian) I remember very well the moment I first fell for Kumar Sangakkara. It wasn’t at Lord’s, or any other cricket ground, but in a sideroom at the offices of the Terrence Higgins Trust in King’s Cross. And he wasn’t playing a cover drive, or diving to take a catch, but interviewing HIV and Aids workers about their day jobs. Sangakkara was, still is, an ambassador for the ICC’s Think Wise campaign, more..

July 2 (Island) I once read an article written by Prof. Kumar David in The Island. He says that the interview given by Ven. Maduluwave Sobitha, to the Sunday Thinakural, was the most significant political interview in the last six months. Prof. David says that the interview was a stunner when Sobitha Hamuduruwo said that, if he got elected, within six months he would abolish the executive presidency and the electoral system and step down from the position of President. more..

July 2 (ST) “Other professionals like lawyers, doctors or architects are not asked to blow the whistle. So why only the accountants,” asked an irate accountant at a recent meeting. Another colleague responded from the other side of the room: “That may be because we audit company reports that are publicly listed and shareholders go by our statement and comments.” This discussion occurred at the auditorium of the Chartered Accountants Institute of Sri Lanka when more..

July 2 (CT) Youth athletes were left in a quandary as the Athletics Association (AASL) has decided to send only four athletes for the IAAF World Youth Championship even though 13 youth (under 18) athletes have achieved required qualifying standards. Championship will be held from 15th to 19th July in Colombia. "For now we have decided to send four medalists of 1st Asian Youth Athletics championship for the world event" more..

July 2 (DN) CMC has hired extra lorries to address the garbage issue in Ginthupitiya, in addition to its own fleet of lorries, said Colombo Deputy Mayor Titus Perera. Those lorries would also be deployed today along with the CMC lorries to collect massive garbage dumps which have piled up for days in some areas of Colombo. Situation was aggravated due to part of the massive garbage dump in Jinthupitiya being strewn on the road causing problems for the trucks clearing the garbage. more..

July 2 (Island) The Basnayake Nilames Association of Sri Lanka announced that the association had decided to help the incumbent Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela secure another ten-year term. President of the association Basnayake Nilame of Kataragama Devale, Kandy Kushan Wegodapola, said that the association had decided to support the incumbent Diyawadana Nilame. The association would launch a campaign to canvass for the re-election of Pradeep Nilanga Dela, more..

July 2 (Island) Trade union sources in the tea plantations pressed their demand for a Rs. 1000 per day wage as the jump – off point for for further negotiations with the respective managements. This is to be granted irrespective of plantation losses. Crucial negotiations between the parties today would either continue a period of relative industrial peace or end in confrontation. Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) said prices for plantation more..

July 2 (CT) When the election results were announced in the 1994 general elections, Chandrika Kumaratunge was in hiding at a secret location. She felt there were threats on her life. Only her confidantes were permitted to visit her. Those confidantes who were with her when the results were announced saw tears in her eyes. "See, having done such a massive campaign and the people's swing towards us we've got only 105 seats," she lamented with deep pain of mind. more..

July 2 (Island) I met The Fit Traveller- Skye on Instagram as we posted travel pictures and then on Twitter. She had a unique description of herself "Wellness • Nourishing Food • Luxury Travel Journalist roaming the globe to bring health conscious travellers the latest" And one day Skye Gilkeson was in Sri Lanka with her husband Andrew and we decided to meet. I wanted to know her story and of her travels and why she and Andrew had decided to travel for one year wanting to be more..

July 2 (CT) In the backdrop of the $100 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank that has been set in China for which $ 40 billion is been assigned for the development of the Silk Route, Sri Lanka Tourism took the high ground together with the SL Embassy in Beijing to launch an aggressive Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion in the top end Chinese province of Shandgon in the Quingdao city. Quingdao connects with Colombo city by more..

July 2 (Island) Veterinary Department of CMC complained of a dearth of Veterinary Supervisors and that had hampered the implementation of its programmes. Chief Veterinarian, Dr. I. Dharmawardane said that at present there were three Veterinary Supervisors whereas there should be approximately 20 for the Council to carry out its functions. A recent dog census carried out by it and the on-going cat census had been affected by the severe shortage of workers. more..

July 2 (DM) It is now recognised that for developing countries like Sri Lanka, meeting the energy needs of an economy aspiring to achieve rapid growth, while ensuring environmental sustainability, is a key challenge. Energy Symposium held last week, organised by the Ministry of Power and Energy on the theme Energy Challenges in the Knowledge Economy, was an important effort in putting the energy agenda front and centre. There was an impressive range of technical presentations more..

July 2 (Hindu) The fishermen here struck work on Wednesday and observed a day’s fast, demanding the release of 14 fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on June 2 and a compensation for 19 boats, impounded by the Lankan authorities but could not be salvaged. As a court in Sri Lanka had twice extended the judicial remand of the 14 fishermen, the fishing community and the family members of the arrested more..

July 1 (Island) Kandy Chief Magistrate A.M.A. Wasanthakumara remanded till July 09 a car broker produced by the Peradeniya police for allegedly extorting Rs. 300,000 from a postmaster and a female employee of his institution while they were in a van at Gannoruwa near Peradeniya. Suspect, Indika Suraweera, was arrested by the police following a complaint by the postmaster that the suspect posed as a policeman in civvies and took photographs with his cellular phone and more..

July 1 (CT) A Sri Lankan male was arrested by the Customs Officials at the Departure Lounge of the BIA yesterday with counterfeit foreign currency. Customs Media Spokesperson Leslie Gamini said that the suspect was a 59-year-old man from Rajagiriya attempting to take USD 85,000 to Singapore via flight SQ 469. The foreign currency which amounts to Rs 11,498,222 was concealed in his baggage when he was apprehended by the Customs Officials of the BIA. more..

July 2 (Island) Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that the govt has neither halted nor terminated any development projects. Responding to former SLFP MP Bandula Gunawardena’s allegations that about 2 million people lost their jobs due to the new govt abandoning development projects, Finance Minister claims that not a single development project or programme was terminated by the govt. more..

July 2 (CT) Members expelled from the Leftist parties attached to the UPFA urged President Maithripala Sirisena to give leadership to the civil society struggle and the victory achieved on 8 January. The United Left Front comprising members expelled from the LSSP (amounting to around 75% of the LSSP), the Communist Party of Sri Lanka and the Democratic Left Front called on Sirisena to get out of the corner he had got himself trapped in, in his attempt to save the SLFP. more..

July 2 (Island) IGP N. K. Illangakoon ordered the arrest of a Chief Inspector attached to a special unit coming under the Vavuniya Range for obstructing the duties of a team of policemen when the latter went to apprehend a group of treasure hunters. According to a senior police officer, six suspects now in custody had been hunting for treasure in the jungles of Vavuniya and the Chief Inspector who is also under arrest now had attempted to prevent the treasure hunters being taken onto custody. more..

July 2 (DN) Supreme Court Judge Justice Sarath De Abrew who allegedly assaulted a domestic helper with a pistol butt may face arrest or criminal charges. CID which handles the case will report the details of the case to the Mount Lavinia Magistrate seeking a directive from the court for further action. Earlier the police sought to interview the SC judge in connection with the assault case, but refused to accede to the request. more..

July 2 (DM) The two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter are visible after sunset pass extremely closer to each other from July 1, Astronomy and Space Applications, Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies Dr. Chandana Jayaratne said. “This rare conjunction event is visible from July 1 onwards provide a spectacular view in the Sky just after sunset on the western horizon as two bright objects which are closer to each other,” he said. more..

July 2 (DN) Mihin Lanka has been ranked by Skytrax as the third best low-cost airline in Central Asia and India in 2015. Airline was launched in 2007 and strives to deliver quality service by adapting to passenger needs and maintaining the highest of standards. Airline has successfully evolved into a trusted brand for travellers within the region. Skytrax rank is based upon customer satisfaction survey results of product & staff service standards, more..

July 2 (CT) Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga denied reports that she too would contest the election if former President Rajapaksa was to do so. She said, "Just because Mahinda Rajapaksa is going to submit his nomination to contest the election, it does not mean I am going to do the same. This is a lie. I have a party and the party has a chairman. The party also has discipline. I will not talk about it too much now. more..

July 2 (CG) The United National Party (UNP) is to hold talks with Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka with regards to the Parliament elections. Fonseka said that he has been informed that UNP chairman Malik Samarawickrema will meet him in an attempt to obtain the support of Fonseka’s political party for the UNP at the election. The former Army Commander said that the Democratic Party led by him has already decided to contest the August 17 election independently. more..

July 2 (CT) The Jaffna Medical Council (JMC) has warned about a growing trend of abuse of prescription painkillers in the peninsula. Addressing a media briefing The JMC said the majority of those who abuse prescription painkillers are the youths. Such addiction could have debilitating effects on the nervous system and the long-term abuse could also lead to death, the JMC representative explained. "Some are in the habit of taking a large amount of painkillers. more..

July 2 (FT) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, ousted from office in January, set the stage for a major political comeback in his hometown of Medamulana yesterday, with the announcement that he would lead a faction of the SLFP to contest in the parliamentary election. A low drum-roll of firecrackers sounded in the distance, as thousands of supporters gathered in the leafy gardens of Rajapaksa’s Carlton House more..

July 2 (DM) Sri Lanka was again plunged into political turmoil and tension yesterday with the re-emergence of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who declared from his home base of Medamulana that he would be a candidate at the general elections on August 17. Mr. Rajapaksa made the announcement to a huge crowd including a large number of former ministers or MPs of the SLFP and the UPFA -- but he did not specifically say from which party or alliance he would contest. more..

July 2 (DM) Heroin is a grave menace that has gripped Sri Lanka at present. Numerous recent detections thwarted trafficking attempts though it earned an ill-repute to the country as the narcotics hub in the region. From an ex-PM to a former Police Chief the allegations were levelled against many for aiding and abetting the trade. Amidst authorities busy escorting the evading drug barons back to the country, a shocking arrest was made last week of a law enforcement officer who sold Heroin. more..

July 2 (DM) President Maitripala Sirisena displayed greater flexibility to the call by a section of the UPFA, the political combination led by the SLFP to nominate Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Ministerial candidate. But he is under pressure from his loyalists not to do so. Now, the President is caught in a dilemma. He dissolved Parliament in a proclamation issued last Friday and declared the General Elections. more..

July 2 (SL) Heavy criticism was directed at the Colombo Mayor’s alleged decision to lift the ban imposed by the former regime on hawkers preventing them from doing business on the Colombo city pavements. During the last govt, UDA under former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa initiated several city beautification projects and they imposed the ban on hawkers of Colombo city from selling on the pavements. more..

July 2 (DM) The swan symbol may appear again on ballot papers at the August 17 general elections as the New Democratic Front (NDF) has conveyed its intention to contest the polls, party officials said. Mr. Maitripala Sirisena also contested the January 8 presidential election as the common Opposition candidate using the swan symbol of the NDF. Earlier, in 2010, Mr. Sarath Fonseka contested presidential election using the same symbol. more..

July 2 (Island) The Govt Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) has sought Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya’s immediate intervention to thwart the Health Ministry moving to establish a Drug Regulatory Authority (DRA) in violation of the Parliamentary Election law. The DRA is formed in accordance with the new National Medicinal Drug, Devices and Cosmetic Authority policy. GMOF Secretary Dr Jayantha Abeyratne more..

July 2 (ST) Since it opened two years ago, much was done to make Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport viable. Little or nothing has worked. Incentives have included rock-bottom handling, landing and parking charges. Businesses were offered exemptions on customs duty, exchange control and import-export regulations to set up shop in surrounding areas. Even liquor was cheaper at the duty free. more..

July 2 (AM) Filing an affidavit to court today, Dialog Axiata informed that it was unable to provide telephone records of Wasim Thajudeen to the CID due to technical and practical difficulties. The company said that it keeps records of telephone calls for only a duration of three months. Colombo Aditional Magistrate Nishantha Peiris asked the company to assist the investigations in whatever capacity possible. more..

July 2 (DN) If by chance former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was given nomination to contest forthcoming General Election by President Maithripala Sirisena, the political parties that supported him to dislodge Rajapaksa will be forced to take serious political decisions against the President, Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said. "Why would President Sirisena want to give nomination to a rejected President", asked Ranatunga. more..

July 2 (DM) Sri Lanka has been a country that has always worked in line with its friendly allies to maintain and enhance ties as means of strengthening international relations. These ties include partnerships for import and export trade and other business initiatives which aim at the development of the country. While every country would fall prey to illegal offshore activities, it is nothing new to Sri Lanka. more..

July 2 (Island) Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran said that it would be in Sri Lanka’s economic interests to continue with govt borrowings both onshore and offshore, in order to preserve the continued momentum of economic growth and to re-affirm the strong positive image in the minds of lending institutions that Sri Lanka was fast becoming a mature democracy where political events did not unduly affect the workings of more..

July 2 (CT) Chairman of the COPE D.E.W. Gunasekera said recent statements made by everyone including PM, Ranil Wickremesinghe and former Deputy Minister, Sujeewa Senasinghe regarding the controversial Treasury bonds issue were all absolute drivel. We have obtained the telephone call records pertaining to conversations between Bank of Ceylon and Central Bank, plus 30 persons have given evidence under oath, more..