Nov 27 (CI) BCCI president Shashank Manohar, who is also the ICC chairman, has criticised the imbalance of power within cricket's governing body because of the constitutional revamp last year, which gave the boards of India, England and Australia greater authority and a larger share of the revenue. Manohar called the revamp bullying, and said there were several faults in the ICC that he hoped to rectify during his term as chairman, which ends in June 2016. more..

Nov 27 (FT) Former Navy Commander Admiral (Retd) Jayantha Colombage slammed the media for terming commanders who had saved the country from the clutches of terrorism as those engaged in large-scale corruption and fraud. He said that the commanders were only asked to give statements by PRECIFAC, which is inquiring into some matters. “It is our bounden duty to come before the President-appointed more..

Nov 27 (DN) A price formula for petroleum products will be introduced soon aiming to provide relief to customers with the drastic price drop of crude oil in the world market, Minister Chandima Weerakkody said. Price formula will probably be introduced in the first quarter of next year. "Petroleum and Petroleum Gas Ministry is engaging in discussions with the CAA to formulate the price formula. It is necessary to look into various sectors such as transportation prior to formulating the formula," he said. more..

Nov 27 (DN) TNA said yesterday it was deeply shocked and saddened by the suicide of 18-year-old student Rajeshwaran Senthuran. "We understand that this act is an expression of what he felt. His suicide is something that should be carefully reflected on by all parties concerned. We would like to express our deep sorrow and sympathy to his family," Opposition leader R. Sampanthan and MP Mavai Senathirajah stated in a release. "We must all keep calm at a time like this. This is crucial. more..

Nov 27 (DN) Five students attached to the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM), filed a contempt of court action against Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Ministry Secretary for failing to comply with an undertaking given to facilitate the required clinical training at designated state hospitals. The five petitioners cited Minister Rajitha Senaratne and Secretary Anura Jayawickrema as respondents. more..

Nov 27 (DM) The tax revisions in the 2016 Budget are likely to have negative impacts on the apparel exports of Sri Lanka, while locals may not be able to afford locally-made garments, an apex industry body said. “The revision of Ports and Airports levy from 5% to 7% and Nation Building Tax (NBT) from 2% to 4% will have serious impacts on our capital investment programme,” Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters’ Association Chairman Saif Jafferjee said at the organisation’s AGM. more..

Nov 27 (PTI) Madras High Court permitted two pro-Tamil outfits to hold meetings to commemorate those, who laid down their lives during the Eelam war between 1989 and 2009 in Sri Lanka, at Kolathur in Salem district and at Palanisamy grounds in Alamoor on Nov 27. Justice M.M. Sundresh allowed two different pleas filed by C Ramamurthy, town secretary of the Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam and by P Bharathi of Sethiathope in Cuddalore district, more..

Nov 27 (DM) National Police Commission (NPC) said it had informed IGP N.K. Illangakoon to take disciplinary action against the low-ranking police personnel who were found to have been involved in the attack on HNDA students. NPC Secretary Ariyadasa Cooray said the report of the 3-member committee, appointed by the NPC to inquire into the October 29 attack, was taken up for discussion today prior to more..

Nov 27 (DN) Sri Lankan govt’s official delegation for Commonwealth sessions in Malta dealt with a number of issues on Tuesday due to unintentional lapses on the part of the Maltese authorities. Minister Sagala Ratnayaka, a member of the SL delegation to Malta, had to spend nearly one hour at the airport to claim his baggage. Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who took the same flight to Malta, underwent the same experience before leaving the airport premises on Tuesday afternoon. more..

Nov 27 (Island) The JVP demanded to know from the govt why only rujino game had been exempted from taxes in its Budget 2016. JVP Propaganda Secretary MP Vijitha Herath asked in Parliament yesterday whether the govt had any intention of promoting the betting game known as rujino. "Rujino is played by many Lankans in several places. Of them the most popular place was Salaka and police has raided that gambling place several times during the previous govt. more..

Nov 27 (DN) Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe assured that the release of LTTE suspects who were detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act would not be a threat to National Security. The general public should not panic over the release of LTTE suspects, as govt has taken the entire responsibility of releasing these suspects. Currently there are 204 detainees, suspected to have been involved in terrorist activities and more..

Nov 27 (CT) Minister Sajith Premadasa, brought two bottles containing water from Thissamaharama to Parliament to emphasize in the House the extent of contamination in water in impoverished areas in Sri Lanka. He said that the murky water in those bottles was exactly what the people were consuming in Tissamaharama. "This is the water that is drunk by the helpless people of Tissamaharama. The previous regime did nothing to address this serious issue but instead squandered millions on more..

Nov 27 (CT) NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa is to leave for Europe today to conduct a series of lectures for Sri Lankans living in several western European countries. Weerawansa was to leave for Europe last month. However, he was arrested at the BIA for using an invalid passport. Later, he was produced in the Negombo Magistrate's Court. Magistrate released the MP on a Rs 10,000 cash bail and two sureties of Rs 1 million each. His passport was granted conditional release by more..

Nov 27 (DM) Regaining the General System of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus) facility from the European Union (EU) maybe farther away than the govt has recently claimed, according to the disposition of EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka David Daly, who called the private sector to pressure the govt over human rights issues. He noted that the recent developments in the local front are raising questions in Brussels. more..

Nov 27 (DM) World attention will again be focused on the Commonwealth from today to Sunday as the 54 countries in this movement spanning the five continents hold their biannual summit in the small Mediterranean Island of Malta. For Sri Lanka this summit is of special significance. The last summit was held in Sri Lanka from Nov 15 to 17, 2013 and the then President Rajapaksa, whose regime fought long and hard for the prestige of hosting this summit, took the chair with pride and confidence. more..

Nov 27 (DM) It is doubtful whether the govt has got its priorities right in respect of reconciliation, given the emphasis it has placed on matters pertaining to the Tamil diaspora. Soon after the January 8 regime change, Minister Mangala Samaraweera had planned a diaspora festival to be held in December which was later put off indefinitely apparently due to possible protests by the southern nationalists. And now govt has removed 8 diaspora organizations and 267 persons from a list of 16 organisations more..

Nov 27 (DM) Govt’s enhanced relation with the US is reflected in Power’s remarks that the US-SL relationships was taking place in a wholly new and fresh way. Soon after her arrival in the country, she interacted with Minister Mangala Samaraweera. In her remarks to the media after the meeting, she said, ”Mr. Minister, it’s wonderful to be here in Sri Lanka. I just touched down a few hours ago and I already feel immersed in the warmth more..

Nov 27 (EN) Sri Lanka's currency will recover as the economy strengthens, Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran said as the rupee fell to fresh historic low amid money printed to keep interest rates low. Mahendran said there was tendency to see "stronger a reflection of the strength of our national economy." "But we've admitted that e economy is no terribly strong," Mahendran told a business forum on Nov 23. more..

Nov 27 (SL) Several of the 120 Tamil political prisoners who have been incarcerated over many years have given up on life and remained in oblivion, having lost all hope of ever being released. For over 20 odd years, these long term political prisoners have not been allowed to be in contact with their families and no one ever visited them. They take some pills and just slip into a world of their own with nothing to look forward to. more..

Nov 27 (DM) Q: Did you participate at the Pinkama held at the Sri Maha Bodhi premises in Anuradhapura to invoke blessing for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa? A: Yes. I also actively participated in arranging the religious activities of the Pinkama organised by the combined opposition to coincide his 70th birthday. Q: If so, are you liable for disciplinary action? A: What, disciplinary action? more..

Nov 27 (Island) The TULF urges the govt not to interfere with the rights of the Tamil people to celebrate Maveerar Day today (Friday) as it has been conducted for more than two and a half decades. V Anandasangaree, TULF leader said he had spoken with a large number of the northern people. "They told me that the Maveerar Day is not a day to commemorate Velupillai Prabhakaran but a day to mourn the death of our loved ones more..

Nov 27 (ST) Pocket meetings, group discussions and animated telephone conversations and various other means of exchanges of views are the order of the day. Reason — Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera has fixed the date for Sri Lanka Cricket elections on January 3 and the nominations will be opened from Tuesday till Dec 4, with 86 stakeholders voting to elect 147 cricket administrators. more..

Nov 27 (LBO) Sri Lanka’s Inter-company Employees Union on Thursday opposed a budget proposal to create a venture capital structure using EPF and ETF funds. 2016 budget proposed a venture capital approach for providing equity financing facilities to SMEs through the establishment of a fund termed by Finance Minister as a Fund of Funds. The Fund will comprise of stakeholders such as Banks, Insurance more..

Nov 27 (BBC) Six years after the end of Sri Lanka's bloody civil war, Jaffna in the northern Tamil heartlands is returning to normal. But do the city's residents feel free to remember their war dead? The BBC's Priyath Liyanage in Jaffna finds out. News of the suicide of the young student reached Jaffna households early on Thursday, a reminder of the days when death no longer shocked anyone here. Senthuran Rajeswaran was 18. more..

Nov 27 (DM) The newly constituted Elections Commission has been hit a legal lacuna, with it being unable to determine its functions and roles, it is learnt. The Constitutional Council, reintroduced under the 19th Amendment, nominated three members to the Elections Commission establishing it for the first time in the country. Yet, the absence of legal provisions has become a problem in deciding on its roles and responsibilities. more..

Nov 27 (Island) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet ministers representing the SLFP today to discuss contentious issues relating to the coalition govt’s first budget presented last Friday. Among the issues to be taken up today is a budget proposal which is widely seen as a move to undermine powerful Samurdhi portfolio held by S.B. Dissanayake. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe revealed that more..

Nov 27 (Reuters) Shares edged down and closed at their lowest in four-and-a-half months on Friday on worries earnings of financial firms would fall after the new budget proposals announced last week were implemented. Main stock index ended 0.03%, or 1.96 points, weaker at 6,961.41, its lowest close since July 9, in thin trade. "Market was very dull, not much of activities. Market was basically holding on with a marginal dip," said Yohan Samarakkody, head of research at SC Securities (Pvt) Ltd. more..

Nov 27 (EN) Asian Development Bank has recommended Sri Lanka encourage private sector involvement in curriculum development and teaching in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes to build a more productive labour pool. “The present low quality of labour and productivity in the country may affect the realization of projected economic growth targets,” bank has warned in a new report on modernising technical education in south Asian economies. more..

Nov 27 (CT) Dr Sanjiva Wijesinha’s article appeared in Sunday Times, 22nd Nov. Those who haven’t read it should be able to access it or infer content from what follows. The main thrust of his reproach is that while there was massive coverage of the terrorist attack on Paris, Sri Lanka was left alone during the years when the Tigers were active: we grieved alone; we grieved and mourned and suffered alone. It has been observed that success in a legal case depends on more..

Nov 27 (CT) History repeats itself. Although this is not a proven fact, we observe not one but several things that make us believe that it is true, with each passing day. History and mistakes go hand in hand in these rarely noticed incidents around the world. The lesson the world should have learned after the First World War was not learned in due time and the world was led towards the Second World War. Now the world is facing what may or may not be the third world war. more..

Nov 27 (CT) Minister Harin Fernando effectively put a maximum payable price on the proposal for Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to purchase the troubled telecom service provide, Hutch. Fernando addressing an SLT gathering with Mobitel personnel in the audience, claimed that both he and SLT/Mobitel Chairman, Kumarasinghe Sirisena, were being treated like punching bags over the proposed Hutch Deal. more..

Nov 27 (Island) People’s Bank recently partnered with IBM and Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) to launch the first phase of its digitalization drive. This partnership and the introduction of this cutting-edge technology will enable People’s Bank to deliver a new level of service to its customers, whilst revolutionizing the banking sector. The following is the text of the statement issued by the bank: "People’s Bank selected the most advanced IBM enabled technology, to implement the more..

Nov 27 (PTI) Mechanised boat owners' associations, comprising 11 outfits, today warned of launching an indefinite stir from December 5 if the Centre did not take steps to secure the release of the 23 fishermen and 53 boats seized so far by Sri Lankan naval personnel. They also wanted compensation for the boats that were totally damaged while anchored in the Sri Lankan coast, said Sandhya, Vercode fishermen's association president. Various associations' functionaries, more..

Nov 27 (Reuters) Sri Lanka said on Friday it was calling on Saudi Arabia to pardon a domestic worker sentenced to death by stoning after she admitted committing adultery while working in the Arab nation. An official from Sri Lanka's Foreign Employment Bureau said the married 45-year-old woman who was working as a maid in Riyadh since 2013 was convicted of adultery by a Saudi court in August. Her partner, also a SL migrant more..

Nov 27 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tea exports to Japan, considered a discerning market, have fallen sharply this year compared with last year, impacting mainly producers of high grown varieties, brokers said. The slowdown in shipments to Japan comes amid an overall slump in tea exports owing to less demand from key markets like Russia and the Middle East. “Of concern for the high grown tea producers is the reduced quantity exported to Japan,” Asia Siyaka Commodities said more..

Nov 27 (CT) Minister Ravi Karunanayake said yesterday that the real value of assets held by each Govt Ministry would be shown as capital expenditure from the year 2017, under the government's new policy to introduce an Integrated Treasury Management Information System (ITMIS). Making a Special Ministerial Statement, Minister Karunanayke said that the disparity between the original value of an asset and its current value would be shown as revenue under the new system, more..

Nov 27 (LBO) Sri Lanka is to remove the casino entrance fee imposed in the last budget and plans to increase the annual levy imposed on the business of gaming, other than rujino, to 400 million rupees. “I also propose to amend the Finance Act to make directors and shareholders personally liable for non-payment or any act which is taken to avoid payment of Casino Industry Levy introduced in Interim Budget,” text of budget speech said. more..

Nov 27 (AD) The officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Crimes Unit of the Narahenpita Police Station has been arrested by the bribery commission while soliciting a bribe of Rs 2.5 million. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption stated that the police officer was arrested at around 3.30pm today in the Kohuwala area. Crimes OIC had requested for the bribe from a doctor in order to refrain from lodging a case against the latter regarding a certain transgression. more..

Nov 27 (CG) Singapore has expressed confidence that the relations with Sri Lanka would be further deepened and strengthened. These views were expressed when the newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Nimal Weeraratne presented his credentials to Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore, the Foreign ministry said today. The ceremony was held at the Istana, the office and official residence of President of Singapore where High Commissioner more..