Mar 28 (SL) Matara – Beliatta railway line, which is currently under construction, is the first rail track to be constructed since the end of British colonial rule. This newly constructed railway line does not only upgrade Sri Lanka’s railway network, but will also improve the economic development of the region. The contract of phase one of the Matara – Kataragama new railway line (127 km) between Matara and Beliatta was signed on August, 2010 between Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) and more..

Mar 28 (CG) Sri Lanka as a maritime nation with natural ecological advantages will work in tandem with friendly countries to maintain cooperation in the maritime age, President Maithripala Sirisena said today. Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia 2015 held in China today, the President noted that Sri Lanka is currently identified as a country with relatively high growth among emerging market economies. more..

Mar 28 (CT) President Sirisena's decision to provide official sanction for the singing of the national anthem in the Tamil language is a cheerful development for the country, which was battered for a long time due to racist politics of the two main political parties, the UNP and the SLFP. This is a good omen for a better future as the two main political parties, the UNP and the SLFP, which were responsible for curtailing the right to sing the national anthem in the Tamil language more..

Mar 28 (FT) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said that there were no secret camps in the country. He also said that investigations with regard to missing persons would be completed within 6 months. Premier made these statements at a meeting held with the MPs of all political parties of the Jaffna District at the Jaffna District Secretariat yesterday. PM, who arrived in Jaffna yesterday for a three-day visit, first travelled to the Naga Viharaya and participated in religious activities. more..

Mar 28 (CT) Chief Minister of the Northern Province, C.V. Wigneswaran and the Northern Provincial Councillors boycotted a visit by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe to Jaffna yesterday, following an exchange of views over the military presence in the North and the views expressed by the PM in an interview with an Indian TV station. PM Wickremesinghe, State Ministers Rosy Senanayake, Vijayakala Maheswaran more..

Mar 28 (NF) Department of Census and Statistics revealed that more than 20% of the youth are unemployed. Their latest report states that a 20.6% of the youth between the ages of 15 and 24 are currently unemployed. Central Bank released its Labour Force -Statistics Quarterly Bulletin for last year. According to statistics, 4.2% of the population are unemployed. However, 24.5% of the women between the ages of 15 and 24 and 18.2% of the males in the same criteria are unemployed. more..

Mar 28 (OI) Fishermen of this island today resolved to cooperate with their Sri Lankan counterparts and not use high power motor boats and banned fishing nets. A meeting of the fishermen here also postponed their planned agitation, scheduled to be held here, demanding action against those who used banned fishing nets. They also resolved to launch a state wide stir if fishing boats seized by Sri Lankan naval-men were not released, said N J Bose and T Jesudass, the two main functionaries more..

Mar 28 (LAT) The road from Colombo, Sri Lanka's graceful seaside capital in the south, to the northern town of Jaffna has rarely been a straight shot. Most of the 250-mile journey follows the A9 highway, which slices through palm groves and green carpets of farmland that were the main battlegrounds of the country's three-decade civil war. During the worst fighting between an army dominated by the Sinhalese ethnic majority more..

Mar 29 (ST) Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa has a tough decision to take within the next few days. He has to decide who should be the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, in the wake of SLFP members deciding to join the UNP-led Govt with the sanction of the SLFP. The confusion caused by the unusual situation prompted several MPs including those in the UPFA, in which the SLFP is the main constituent party, to ask the Speaker to rule on who should be the Opposition Leader. more..

Mar 29 (SL) The announcement that 26 MPs of the former Rajapaksa regime had been sworn in as eleven cabinet ministers, five state ministers, and ten deputy ministers, made a great many independent members of the public and veteran UNPers openly declare their utter disgust, revulsion and exhibiting nauseating reactions. Such ordinary people had been at the receiving end of that regime for a near decade and when Maithripala Sirisena broke ranks, declared his intentions of more..

Mar 29 (SO) Political analysts are at cross-roads as to what direction the country is moving in following the Govt's decision to give ministerial portfolios SLFPers which has also given rise to questions about, the legitimacy of a SLFP Leader functioning as Leader of the Opposition. Critics had a field-day pointing out the absurdity of the current political order in the country, when the Govt cannot be distinguished from the Opposition. more..

Mar 29 (NS) The 19th Amendment, which seeks to reform the executive presidency, has now been tabled in Parliament. It has the approval of the entire cabinet sans the sole representative of the JHU. One would assume that it has the blessings of President Sirisena. The text, as it stands, contains contradictions with regard to who the real Head of State would be (once enacted) but is full of irregularities in terms of that which should and should not be included in a document of more..

Mar 29 (CT) Northern Provincial Council (NPC) led by its Chief Minister (CM) C.V. Wigneswaran had boycotted meeting Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe during the latter's current visit to the North. The boycott is ostensibly over the military presence in the North and the Premier's comment to a foreign media institution that the CM is not supportive of the Central Govt. At face value, CM not being supportive of the CG cannot be construed as surprising, because the CG and the CM belong to more..

Mar 29 (SL) Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka says he is ready to face any inquiry into alleged human rights abuses during the war and is prepared to face the inquiry in any country. He also spoke on the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickremethunga. Q: How did you feel on your first night spent in Welikada prison? A: I was expecting it when I contested for the presidential election and I prepared myself to face any eventuality. more..

Mar 29 (ST) Almost a century ago — August 1920 to be precise, the US passed the 19th Amendment to its Constitution. By this amendment, its Congress (Parliament) granted franchise – the vote, to adult women in addition to the men. It was a long, hard struggle for women, led by a feisty young activist, Alice Park and her band of determined suffragettes. They were thrown in jail for making such demands in the middle of World War I, but their relentless campaign bore fruit and women of America more..

Mar 29 (ST) My dear Newly Appointed Ministers, I thought I must congratulate you on your new appointment. I am not sure whether you realise it, but you are a very lucky group of people. That is because most of you, after being ministers for twenty years and then losing an election, are now ministers again, after just two months in the Opposition! So, you must be very happy about your appointments but pardon me, we are confused. That is because we believed Maithri when he said more..

Mar 29 (SL) During presidential election campaign many promises were made to the people. Among these was the promise to abolish the executive presidency. The people expected them to keep their promise and did not expect them to just dilute the powers of the executive presidency nor did they want an executive PM instead. But by now there is a huge debate regarding the govt’s actions. more..

Mar 29 (SO) Sri Lanka was being described as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean long before the term 'string of pearls' was coined by modern Western analysts to describe the network of friendly states and bases being built by China as it projects its power globally in consonance with its new-found economic might. Such was our island home's regional significance that some ancient geographers depicted the island on their maps far bigger in size than its actual extent. more..

Mar 29 (SL) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s attempt to force the 19th Amendment through parliament has caused more than palpitations amongst the ruling elite. Champika Ranawaka has led the charge against Ranil Wickremesinghe and has explained in plain words exactly what the repercussions are. Once in a while it pays to listen to what the Minister of Power and Energy says: what he has to say is rocking Ranil Wickremesinghe far more than the Treasury bond issue. more..

Mar 29 (CT) Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake, who was instrumental in exposing many corrupt activities of the previous govt, is now silent. We asked him why? Q: You promised before the presidential election that thieves would be caught. However, so far, nothing has happened. What have you got to say about your promise now? A: Actually, the situation is not so bad. We were afraid that we would be killed if we lost election on 8 Jan. more..

Mar 29 (CT) Political centre stage in the country was taken by storm last Sunday when 26 SLFP front liners accepted ministerial portfolios to form, a National Govt under President Sirisena. As pressure was building up against UNP led govt of PM Wickremesinghe and former President Rajapaksa gaining ground through a strong force within SLFP Opposition, Sirisena and Wickremesinghe shrewdly moved in to divide the Opposition by offering ministerial posts to 26 SLFP MPs. more..

Mar 29 (NS) The world’s leading producer and marketer of rugby wear, Canterbury International, is impressed by Sri Lanka’s appeal for the brand and contends the island-nation is the foremost place in the region (South Asia) for its products. The analysis and observations were made by none other than the manufacturer’s Sales and Business Development Manager for Asia, Simon Leung. “This is the best opportunity for Canterbury in this part of the world and we are looking forward to more..

Mar 29 (ST) On Jan 8, 2015, hopes of Yahapalanaya loomed large over Sri Lanka. On that day of planetary change, most Sri Lankans thronged polling stations to cast their vote for change, and a new era was born — or was it? Besides national elections, there is another election that begs the attention of most Sri Lankans. That is the election to choose office bearers of Sri Lanka Cricket – the official body that governs the game in SL. more..

Mar 29 (CT) The vice president of Football Federation of Sri Lanka Sunil Senaweera says that the current president of FFSL Ranjith Rodrigo should take the responsibility for the Sri Lanka team's recent unworthy performances including the one with Bhutan in the World Cup qualifier. Present FFSL president's only concern is about his personnel agenda, he has no interest in promoting the game, blamed Sunil Senaweera vice president of FFSL and a former referee more..

Mar 29 (ST) Go rush to your TV screen and get glued to the final episode of the concerto Chin Music on stage at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds in progress right now. Two orchestras – one representing Australia and the other representing New Zealand have put their wits to test to learn as whose players would play the better version of Chin Music. Yes, ladies and gentlemen it is time for the final of the Cricket World Cup 2015 version. Though cricket is essentially a batsman’s game more..

Mar 29 (ST) Although the govt has promised to waive interest accumulated due to delays in redeeming gold jewellery pawned in state banks for less than Rs.200,000, these banks continue to levy the interest payment, though less, contrary to the budget proposal. A large number of customers said that they have fallen from frying pan to the fire, when the banks told them that they will have to pay current interest rate when more..

Mar 29 (SO) Govt has drawn heavy flak for undermining good governance by aiding and abetting mega scale fraudsters and not expediting the prosecution of culprits who continue to roam freely and even accuse the current Govt of being corrupt. Anti Corruption Committee Secretariat (ACCS) has received a large number of complaints related to massive financial frauds and after preliminary studies, the files are handed over to Fraud and Corruption Investigation Division more..

Mar 29 (ST) The UDA is short of cash to continue rental payments for 582 families evicted to make way for Indian Tata Housing’s US$429.5 million mixed development project at Slave Island, Colombo. This is because the Indian company is yet to fulfill its financial obligations in accordance with contractual agreements, official sources revealed. Work on the project has been suspended pending sorting of some issues between the new Government and the developer. more..

Mar 29 (NS) It is a small group of students who are protesting against the student fee increments at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), the University Vice Chancellor Dr. Vijitha Nanayakkara said. “They are a politically motivated group,” he added, explaining that the academic activities of the university are conducted despite the Satyagraha held by the activists and the posters that have been put up throughout the university. more..

Mar 29 (ST) Share price trends have been on the lower side for several weeks since a new administration emerged with analysts attributing the downturn to a combination of reasons including uncertainty over impending polls and, as of this week, the approaching April season. Colombo bourse started the week on a slightly higher note on Monday’s early trade in another trading session marked by thin trade, but closed the week on a slump owing to investors opting to more..

Mar 29 (ST) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is reopening investigations in cases that were closed during the past regime in a bid to determine if all information had been considered in scrutinising the alleged malpractices especially when files were closed due to insufficient information. “This was a popular excuse when certain probes didn’t see the light of day,” an analyst commented, adding that this should be sufficient cause to restart inquiries pertaining to market misconduct. more..

Mar 29 (AA) Following a change in regime in Sri Lanka, India intelligence agencies will engage with their Sri Lankan counterparts to crack down on what they describe as the “growing influence of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)” in the region, particularly with the active support of the staff of Pakistan’s embassy in Colombo. Top intelligence sources said there was concrete information that some Pakistani embassy more..

Mar 29 (ST) The recent decision by the Govt to impose fixed prices for a cup of tea and hoppers has not gone down well with traders, with some up-market cafes opting to ignore the regulation, and smaller boutiques deciding not to sell these items at all. Authorities have warned that the rule would be strictly enforced. “The prices of tea and hoppers were reduced because of the price reduction of gas, sugar, milk powder, electricity and kerosene oil. I understand that a cup of milk tea can be more..

Mar 29 (ST) A Pass in Maths at the GCE O/L will be compulsory to follow GCE A/L classes, with effect from 2017, the Education Ministry has decided. Even students in the Arts stream will be required to obtain at least a simple pass in Maths, in contrast to the current system where Maths is exempted to enter certain streams. However, students of the Arts stream will have the option of obtaining a pass in Maths while following A/L classes, and need not have a pass in Maths to follow A/L classes. more..

Mar 29 (ST) New electoral reforms where the number of seats in Parliament will be increased to 250 from the existing 225 will be explained to party leaders tomorrow by Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya. The new package will see the election to 140 seats through the First-Past-the-Post system, 80 through a District proportional representation system and 30 seats from the National List. more..

Mar 29 (DM) President Sirisena expressed hope that the Free Trade Agreement with China, currently under negotiations, will provide further inputs for value addition and economic cooperation in the region. Speaking at the Opening Plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in China, President said also that Sri Lanka as a maritime nation with natural ecological advantages will work in tandem with friendly countries to maintain cooperation in the maritime age. more..

Mar 29 (SL) The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited says plans are in progress to lease out the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport to several local and foreign companies. The corporate communication official of the company, Derik Karunaratna said that the decision was taken since the company is losing Rs. 250 million per month. The Mattala Airport will be leased out as per the MRO concept to a foreign aviation company as well as to SriLankan Airlines. more..

Mar 29 (CT) Deputy Minister, Ajtih P. Perera said former Lankan envoy to Moscow, Udayanga Weeratunga, still at large after the revelation of alleged weapons sales to Ukrainian rebels, will be tracked down with Interpol assistance if a probe into those allegations justify it. Former UPFA Govt never changed Weeratunga's Moscow posting which he held unbroken for 9 years. He speaks the Russian language fluently and still owns a more..

Mar 29 (SL) President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to visit Pakistan early next month. Foreign Ministry sources said that the dates for the visit are now being finalized. Meanwhile, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan at Colombo, Dr. Sarfraz Sipra expressed deep shock, heartfelt condolences and sympathies on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan on the demise of Priyantha Sirisena, the youngest brother of the President of Sri Lanka. more..

Mar 29 (CT) Govt has decided to include three more clauses to the Draft 19th Amendment to the Constitution in response to pressures from the JVP, the JHU and certain sections of the SLFP, sources said. But there could still be more opposition from the JHU despite the addition of the three clauses to the amendment. A govt spokesman said the new clauses will be tabled during the Committee Stage of debate on the 19th Amendment on 7 and 8 April. President Maithripala Sirisena will express more..