June 2 (CT) Executive Director of elections monitoring body PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi spoke about the electoral reforms in the proposed 20th Amendment, its pros and cons and the importance of bringing campaign finance reforms and having a quota in the National list for purposes of including women and minorities. PAFFREL further ask for campaign finance reforms. There should be a financial ceiling in terms of more..

June 2 (CT) Law of Armed Conflicts or International Humanitarian Law gives a new dimension to the laws which are applicable to inter- State armed conflicts. Sri Lanka a country with a history of over 30 years of armed conflict should look upon humanitarian norms which are applicable in an armed conflict. It can be noticed that Rights Resolutions which went against the Sri Lankan Govt were upheld mainly because of the non–adherence to Humanitarian Legal principles. more..

June 2 (ST) Criticising a Supreme Court order that prevented the arrest of former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is under investigation for financial fraud, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe recently said that the Commonwealth should be consulted on this matter. In another case, the implementation of a presidential gazette order releasing land for resettlement of IDPs in Sampur, in an area that had been leased to a foreign investor by the BOI, was suspended by the Supreme Court. more..

June 2 (DN) We are in the 2559th Buddhist year to-day. The historical, cultural, social and religious event that changed the Sri Lankan society to what it is today occurred in the full moon Poson Poya day in the 236th Buddhist era or 2223 years from today or 224 after the Parinirvana of Gautama Buddha. It was on the Unduwap Full Moon day that the Bo-sapling of the Sri Mahabodhi was brought to Lanka. Architects of the future of our society more..

June 2 (Island) Poson Poya falls today. Besides its religious significance it is associated with giving. Nobody goes to bed hungry during Vesak and Poson. For, the poor can feast at dansel in all parts of the country. But, unfortunately, the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen with the former indulging in extravagance. Hardly a day passes without heart-rending tales of woe reported from the four corners of the world. While millions of people are going through hell more..

June 2 (Island) It is perhaps symptomatic of the fallen nature of the ordinary human condition that few of us pass the full extent of our lives comfortably reconciled to our natural selves. Even in the midst of prosperity and success, grinding notes of discontent trouble our days and disturbing dreams come to haunt our sleep. As long as our eyes remain coated with dust we incline to locate the cause of our discontent outside ourselves -- in spouse, neighbor or job, in implacable fate or fluky chance. more..

June 2 (CT) Nearly 14 % of Sri Lankan schoolchildren do not complete the GCE O/L Exam, Millennium Development Goals (MDG) country report revealed. It is stated in the report that an analysis based on the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2012-2013 shows that more than 98% of children aged 6 to 10 years are attending school in all districts except Moneragala where the figure is 97.8%. more..

June 2 (Island) Commercial Bank of Ceylon opened trading yesterday at the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) as part of a Market Opening tradition where companies that are listed under the S&P SL20 index are invited to do so. Commercial Bank is Sri Lanka’s third largest company to be listed, in terms of market capitalization in the Stock Market, hovering around US$ one billion. On time to open trading by ringing the opening bell was Commercial Bank’s CEO Jegan Durairatnam. more..

June 2 (CT) Former president Sri Lanka Athletics Association (AASL) Maj.Gen. Palitha Fernando was elected as a council member of the Asian Athletics Association at the congress and election held yesterday at Wuhan, China. Fernando secured 30 votes and placed fifth among 8 council members of the Asian Association. Incumbent president Dahlan Al-Hamad of Qatar was unanimously elected as the President, while Du Zhaocai of China was elected unopposed to post of Senior Vice President. more..

June 2 (CT) Former SL ambassador to Russia, Udayanga Weeratunga, who is wanted in connection with supplying weapons for Ukrainian rebels, was seen at Marriot Hotel, Dubai last week, officials looking for him have said. Weeratunga is also wanted in connection with the controversial MiG 27 deal in 2006 and the FCID wants to question Weeratunga on the purchase of four aircrafts. Marriot Hotel in Dubai is alleged to belong to more..

June 2 (CT) Chandrika Rasnayake, the 400m champion from Air Force, is once again in the spotlight as she goes into the starting blocks at the 21st Asian Championship in Wuhan, China tomorrow. Rasnayake finished just outside a medal in last year's Asian Games shattering the hopes of the country, but she clocked her second best time ever (52.47 seconds) at Incheon. After finishing as leader of Asian athletes with 52.67 seconds performance during the 20th Commonwealth more..

June 2 (CT) On the basis that the controlled rate of the spot is Rs 133.90 to the US Dollar, then this figure translates to a net inflow of US$ 211.42 million. The govt last week raised a total of $ 988 million from the sale of Sri Lanka Development Bonds (SLDBs)-$ 338 million and a sovereign bond ($ 650 million) last week. The balance $ 776.58 million may have had been gobbled up due to the govt's foreign debt servicing commitments or due to Central Bank's (CB's) intervention more..

May 2 (ST) After the new regime’s evaluation of most of the key projects (Outer Circular Highway Phase III, Central Expressway and Southern Expressway Extension), business analysts say that these would recommence with certain modifications to the scope and cost and that Access Engineering (AEL) – in an industry where the construction companies are the market makers given supplier deficit – could be re-awarded more..

June 2 (FT) The next phase of development of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) will commence during the latter part of this year that will aim to double the capacity and include runway improvements, aviation services minister reginald Cooray said. He said the intention of the Govt was to develop BIA as a truly modern and efficient aviation passenger and cargo hub serving not limiting to South Asian region but the wider Asia Pacific region as well. more..

June 2 (Island) On analyzing the World Bank Group’s Doing Business Indices of Rwanda and Sri Lanka, one finds that Rwanda is ahead of us in the 32nd position out of 189 countries around the world. This statistic was revealed during a recent business forum which took place at the Ceylon Chamber Auditorium. The business forum was organized by the CCC in collaboration with the High Commission of Rwanda in India and the Honorary Consulate of Rwanda in Sri Lanka. more..

June 2 (DM) The Puttalam police, with the help of residents rescued a schoolgirl who was forcibly taken into a jungle by a man for immoral purposes. The girl, a first-year student of Anagarika Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Puttalama was rescued after about an hour. The person who is alleged to have abducted the child was also arrested by the people. Schoolgirl was in the habit of returning home after school with her brother in a three-wheeler. more..

June 2 (Hindu) Maithripala Sirisena’s victory over Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Sri Lankan presidential elections in Jan 2015 was enabled by massive support from minorities in the country — the Tamils and Muslims. Clearly, the mandate was not just for a more accountable and democratic govt that would reverse the creeping authoritarianism and family rule heralded by Mr. Rajapaksa, but also for addressing systemic issues that had gripped, and continues to nettle, Sri Lankan society. more..

June 2 (LT) Speaking to the Island paper on 29th May, veteran artist and versatile actress Anoja Weerasinghe has stated that under the present political context, reliable peoples are only found in JVP. She has made this statement while a discussion on Trojan Women and she shared unpleasant experiences she had to face as a result of powerful role she played in this stage drama as the main actress. She further stressed that she is disappointed with Blue and Green politics, more..

June 2 (PTI) A representative group of Britain- based Tamils has sought India's help for Tamils based in northern Sri Lanka in improving their lives through a host of measures. British Tamil Forum, which claims to represent nearly 4,00,000 from the community living in the UK, met officials of Indian High Commission in London last week and sought positive measures for Tamils who are first Sri Lankan but do have an affinity to India. more..

June 2 (DM) The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) has organised another Power Evening, a public forum, captioned Saying No to Corruption! Can Corporates Draw The Fine Line? on June 9, 2015 at The Kings Court, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo. The forum will have Ambassador and Head of European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives David Daly as the keynote speaker and former Central Bank of Sri Lanka Assistant Governor Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaike, more..

June 2 (PTI) Sri Lanka Cricket's interim head and former Test opener Sidath Wettimuny is hopeful the Zimabwe's successful tour of Pakistan will help convince other international teams to play in the country. "I am happy to see international cricket being played in Pakistan and I am hopeful it will help change perception about the security situation and the security plan of the PCB to the rest of the boards," Wettimuny said. He said that the most significant aspect of more..

June 2 (Island) Preferential Voting System (manape) should be eliminated to prevent corrupt and unworthy characters entering Parliament, the prelates of Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Vihares told a delegation of the PAFFREL. A delegation led by PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi called on the prelates to inform them of the March 12 declaration pertaining to the selection of candidates seeking more..

June 2 (GDI) We welcome the dawn of Poson Pasalosvaka Poya with devotion along with due respect and honour to Arahant Mahinda thera who bestowed Buddhism to the Sri Lankan Nation with its attendant cultural heritage and honour, President Maithripala Sirisena said in a message to mark Poson Poya. The message said Arahant Mahinda Thera who arrived in Sri Lanka 230 years after the Buddha's Parinibbana brought peace and tranquility not only to the people in SL in entirety but more..

June 2 (Island) A female Grama Niladhari of the Aruppola division has complained to Kandy police that two men snatched her gold chain valued at Rs. 80,500 on Sunday. She has told police that the two men on a motorcycle had followed her on Dharmashoka Mawatha in Aruppola while she was on her way to attend an official work. The suspects escaped unnoticed by any residents of the area, she has said. Kandy police are looking for the suspects. HQI Nipuna Dehigama heads investigations. more..

June 2 (CT) The CID has launched an investigation into a powerful female politician from Jaffna who had handed over the main suspect of the rape and murder of S. Vithya to the Police. CID said the people of the area had caught the suspect, tied him to a tree, and was going to hand him over to the Police. At that point, the female politician had untied him and had taken the suspect, stating that she will hand him to Police. more..

June 2 (GDI) Let us enrich our lives spiritually, not materially and live with co-existence, respecting other religions and cultures. PM Ranil Wickremasinghe said in his Poson Message. Following is the full message: On Poson Poya day we celebrate the advent of Buddhism, the greatest spiritual philosophy, origined in the East, to our motherland. This event, with a great historical and religious significance, was a prime objective of the missionary service of Emperor Dharmashoka, more..

June 2 (DN) AIA Insurance will conduct an extensive poson safety programme in the district and is concerned about the increased danger faced by the visiting pilgrims who use the tanks and reservoirs. AIA Insurance has prepared for its poson safety programme in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. The company has been conducting a comprehensive safety programme for the past 22 consecutive years for the million or more poson pilgrims who gather in the sacred city. more..

June 2 (FT) In an attempt to put financial regulations back on track, Govt insisted former President Rajapaksa has to clarify the fate of estimated Rs. 28 billion taken for road development projects from National Savings Bank (NSB). Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva highlighted the need for a clear and concise explanation as to how the funds were used and insisted a statement issued by former President over the weekend did not more..

June 2 (FT) In celebration of the 2015 Vesak Poya Day, during the Vesak month of May, the Ambassador and the staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC organised an almsgiving ceremony at the Embassy and offered alms to the resident monks of SL Buddhist temples located in the Washington region. Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Washington Buddhist Vihara presided over the event attended by Ven. Katugastota Uparatana more..

June 2 (FT) The Representative Office of Sri Lanka in the State of Palestine participated at the International Day held on 11 May at the Birzeit University in Palestine, along with a number of other diplomatic missions; such as India, South Africa, Mexico, Korea, Ecuador, Turkey, Japan, Brazil, and European Union. The event was organised by the Birzeit University under the theme of From Birzeit to the World in order to promote cultural and educational programs, more..

May 2 (DN) President Maithripala Sirisena said he would initiate a public dialogue to determine whether capital punishment would be implemented for those who are convicted of peddling, selling and distributing drugs including tablets. President said he would take a decision with regard to the implementation of capital punishment based on public opinion. “There may be objections from different quarters including international more..

June 2 (DM) Over a month has passed since the date on which President Maithripala Sirisena was scheduled to dissolve Parliament according to his 100-Day Programme presented to the people at the January Presidential Election. Yet, he was neither able to do it nor was he able, at least, to fix a date for it on the grounds that the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution that was aimed at the reformation of the current electoral system, was not ready for the adoption. more..

June 2 (DM) What serves the long term peace and security in Sri Lanka: high-handed national security state of the former regime or more nuanced judicial approach of its successor? The contrast of these two approaches was in display last two weeks after the tragic rape and murder of an 18-year-old student in Punguduthivu island, Jaffna. Protestors enraged by the perceived delay in producing suspects before the court, hurled stones at the court house. 130 protestors were arrested and more..

June 2 (DM) Abdulla Hameed, the Ambassador at Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Maldives, recently shared his views on the current political situation in his country. Violence raged in the archipelago during the May Day protest. There is a wide allegation that religious extremism is rising, posing a threat to the fledgling democracy of Maldives. Besides, he said there were many areas for cooperation with Sri Lanka. more..

June 2 (Island) Kidney Disease Research Scientist Dr. Channa Jayasumana revealed that 3 groups of academics co-ordinated by local agriculture scientists in Peradeniya, Colombo and oversees had been hired by multinational agrochemical companies to contribute articles in favour of a toxic agrochemical under attack around the world. He alleged this particular academic group was only interested in promoting glyphosate. more..

June 2 (ST) The quality and potency of medicinal drugs is reduced in pharmacies that ignore regulations that mandate the use of air-conditioning, a senior medical official warned. Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Regulatory Authority (CDDA) Director Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva said that while most pharmacies were air-conditioned others used fans that compromise on the cool temperatures needed for the proper storage of medicines. more..

June 2 (SL) The garbage site in Kolonnawa which now has encroached on 18 acres of land has been a huge issue for over many years for people who live in the surrounding area. People in Meethotamulla and Kolonnawa are suffering from various environmental and health hazards – and the stench of the garbage has become part of their lives. Residents have carried out many protests in the past demanding more..

June 2 (CT) Officials in charge of cadastral surveys have not walked out in the villages, former CJ Sarath Silva said, adding that the govt was rushing through electoral reforms. He noted that the ideal situation was to have constituencies and political parties establishing themselves in these constituencies and grooming candidates as is how it is done in England. Demarcation of electorates is a very, very difficult process more..

June 2 (AM) As many as 2,175 internally displaced Tamil families in Jaffna and Trincomalee districts are set to receive a financial assistance of Rs. 38,000 per family for resettlement with the Cabinet of the Sri Lankan govt sanctioning Rs. 160 million. 204 families in Sampur, Trincomalee district of the Eastern Province, and 1,971 families in Jaffna of the Northern Province will get the assistance initially. more..

June 2 (Hindu) Even as the row over Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s rejection of Tamil Nadu fisherfolk’s main demand is yet to settle down, Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 14 fishermen and three boats, all from Rameswaram, TN. Around 5 p.m. on Monday, the arrest took place at 10 nautical miles north of Talaimannar and the persons were indulging in bottom trawling in Sri Lankan waters, more..