Oct 4 (SL) One of the leaders in the Sri Lankan Real Estate industry – Home Lands Skyline Pvt. Ltd., a fully owned subsidiary of Home Lands Pvt Ltd headed by Nalin Hearth recently added another brand to the company’s flagship Condominium project Luxe Highway Residencies which is a 112 apartment twin tower project with all the modern amnesties to fulfill demands of urban vertical luxury living in Kottawa. Once completed Luxe Highway Residencies will have an on the premises a more..

Oct 4 (Hindu) Expressing concern over repeated incidents of fishermen from the State being captured by the SL Navy, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has written to PM Narendra Modi seeking his personal intervention to secure their release and safeguard the traditional fishing rights of TN fishermen. This second letter in four days seeks the release of seven fishermen of Nagapattinam who were taken prisoners by SL Navy on Oct 1 more..

Oct 4 (ST) Lanka Electricity Co. (Pvt) Ltd blames the Sri Lanka Railway for events leading to the disconnection of electricity supplies to the signal system at the Magalkanda, Ambanpalla, Maggona crossing. The disconnection of supplies caused serious concern among the public, as there were a couple of instances where accidents were narrowly averted. Sunday Times published related pictures in its issues of Sept 20 and 27. LECO General Manager H.N. Gunasekara referring to more..

Oct 4 (CG) SriLankan Airlines achieved the airline industry benchmark of on-time performance on 85.26% of its flights in August 2015, the result of a sustained effort throughout 2015 to improve punctuality, National carrier said in a statement. SriLankan’s performance in August was ranked 16th out of 50 international airlines rated by the global flight data service Flightstats (www.flightstats.com). It placed SriLankan ahead of other reputed international airlines. more..

Oct 4 (CG) The murderer of TULF MP Nadaraja Raviraj has been taken into custody along with another individual allegedly connected with the 2006 assassination of the Tamil politician. CID has taken into custody the individual who had allegedly assassinated Raviraj as well as the individual who had transported the alleged assassin following the murder. The two individuals in custody is a Navy Petty Officer names Senevi and more..

Oct 4 (ST) The Sri Lanka delegation — which spent nearly a week at the UN participating in the high-level segment of the annual debate, with over 150 world leaders in attendance — remained more focused on the meeting of the UNHRC in Geneva than on the General Assembly session in New York. Two meetings, by coincidence, overlapped taking place during the same week. Clearly, the shadow of Geneva was hanging over the delegation in NY, and pursuing it in most of bilateral meetings. more..

Oct 4 (IANS) West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo says he is looking forward to his first taste of Test cricket on Sri Lankan soil. The 29-year-old toured here last year with West Indies ‘A’ but says the thrill of playing the longest format had left him highly motivated for the two-Test series, reports CMC. “It’s my first time in Sri Lanka playing Test cricket. I’ve heard a lot about Sri Lanka and the pitch taking spin, so I really want to play here. They are one of the best teams at playing spin more..

Oct 4 (CG) Japanese PM Shinzô Abe today assured his full support and that of his Govt to Sri Lanka, when he had brief talks with PM Ranil Wickremesinghe in Japan. Wickremesinghe and Abe met in Kyoto on the sidelines of an International Science and Technology Conference and the two leaders will meet on Tuesday for bilateral talks. At the meeting today it was decided that a high-level more..

Oct 4 (CT) The then SLFP Govt had announced that it would give a cash prize for anyone who would give a tip off, leading to the arrest of LTTE's leader V Prabhakaran following the murder of former Jaffna Mayor Alfred Thangarajah Duraiappah. The lump sum the govt offered for Prabhakaran's head was a sum of Rs. 3,000,000 which was a considerably large sum of money at the time. The authorities were happy that V Prabhakaran had been taken into custody in India by the Indian Police more..

Oct 4 (CT) Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne has requested the Planters' Association to increase the daily wage of workers in the plantation sector to Rs 770. He had arrived at this decision after several of rounds of discussions with the plantation sector trade unions, who were demanding that the daily wage should be increased to Rs 1,000. The Planters' Association had pointed out to the minister that as the prices of tea and rubber had seen a steep decline in the recent past, more..

Oct 4 (CT) “Kahawatte and Kotakethana murders were committed by a person and we see there is a specific pattern. There is a possibility that these murders were committed by a serial killer or killers.” These observations were made by Dr. Ruwan M. Jayatunge, an eminent psychologist and an analyst of the killing spree that took place in the two areas during a span of eight years from 2008 to 2015. more..

Oct 4 (SL) JHU says the recent UN resolution on Sri Lanka supported by America does not threaten the sovereignty of the country as claimed by some political parties. Media Spokesperson of JHU Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said that the JHU will not let any force to overpower the judiciary system in Sri Lanka and threaten the sovereignty of the country at any cost. “Even though the UN report suggests a hybrid court or a court of similar nature to look into the issues raised internationally, more..

Oct 4 (ST) Renovation work in a part of the Kandy Municipal Council was halted this week by the Regional Archaeological Commissioner L.W. Gunatilleke as it is protected under the Archaeological Ordinance. The building that was being renovated has connections with the family of Mollie Dunuwille, wife to the first PM of Ceylon, D. S. Senanayake, and is of historic value. Regional Commissioner Gunatilleke said the building operations were temporarily stopped till more..

Oct 4 (Island) The Special Investigative Team appointed by the Presidential Commission to Investigate into Complaints Regarding Missing Persons has commenced investigations in the North into cases identified by the Commission during the conducting of Public Sittings. The investigative team is headed by a Senior Retired High Court Judge and consists of five senior ex-police officers specialized in more..

Oct 4 (CG) In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, 31.75 kg of gold worth Rs. 8.43 crore was seized from 10 passengers who arrived at the Madurai airport by two international flights, including a Mihin Lanka Flight, India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence said. DRI Chennai zone officials along with the Tuticorin and Madurai units seized the gold that were smuggled in the two flights. Of the 10 passengers subjected to detailed examination, three were arrested under more..

Oct 4 (SL) The request of the IUSF asking for a discussion with the Minister of Higher Education and the Minister of Education has been ignored. Convener of IUSF Lahiru Weerasinghe said that the IUSF wrote to the Ministers of Education and the Higher Education and sent copies to the President and the PM twice last month requesting a discussion with the ministers to discuss several pressing demands of the students – yet the students have not received any response from the relevant more..

Oct 4 (CG) Sri Lanka’s leading trade body, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) believes that the Finance Bill of March 2015, presented to Parliament recently sends a negative signal to the private sector and is likely to deter investment. CCC said that the Bill comes at a time that the Sri Lankan private sector was gearing itself to partner the Govt in realizing the full potential of the Country’s economy. more..

Oct 4 (SL) Commissioner General of Prisons, Rohana Pushpakumara, says the number of people being imprisoned has seen a decline this year. He says media has been reporting extensively on crime related incidents since the war is over and this gives the impression that the crime rate has increased. However, statistically the crime rate has seen a decline this year when compared to the past two years. A special programme has been implemented to curb the drugs trade within prison walls. more..

Oct 4 (CG) The Constitutional Council (CC) has received names of over 500 nominees from professional bodies to be considered for appointment to the 10 Independent Commissions set up under the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The CC had written to professional bodies including the Organisation for Professional Association (OPA) requesting for names to be forwarded to the Council, for its consideration, for such appointments. more..

Oct 4 (CG) Former President Rajapaksa says though the passage of the US sponsored resolution on Sri Lanka at the UNHRC without a vote last Thursday is being hailed as a diplomatic victory for Sri Lanka, he is unable to share that view. Rajapaksa raised concerns over some clauses in the resolution, including operative paragraph 6 which affirms the importance of the participation of foreign judges, prosecutors, lawyers and more..

Oct 5 (NS) The USA made sure that Sri Lanka dug its own grave in Geneva in 2015. Looks like the GTF, the Policy Alteration boys, and the International Community (read white eyes only) had been working overtime on wording the joint submission by USA and good old SL. The so called HR abuses read like a US Army Regimental war diary from its many wars in so many countries (Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and a hundred others). The term human shield which is how more..

Oct 5 (CT) President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe consolidated their hold on power by luring some of the senior members of the SLFP to join the national unity govt. This had dissipated the effectiveness of SLFP to function as the main opposition party. As a result, the speaker nominated the TNA leader R Sampanthan as the opposition leader in a welcome gesture to the Tamil minority. President’s political exercise has created a jumbo cabinet with 47 members of cabinet rank more..

Oct 5 (SO) Refuting claims by a group of UPFA MPs regarding the appointment of TNA MP R. Sampanthan as Opposition Leader, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, says if the 95 UPFA MPs are true patriots, they should sit in the Opposition and demand for the Opposition Leader’s post. JVP Leader says it is undemocratic to demand the Opposition Leader’s post when a large number of SLFP MPs have accepted govt portfolios more..

Oct 5 (CT) Modern economies are called knowledge economies because they rely on human knowledge for economic prosperity. However, this designation describes a modern economy only partly. Instead, they should appropriately be called innovation economies. That is because as we discussed in the previous part. knowledge or invention alone is a lame duck incapable of delivering prosperity. For knowledge to be effectively used, there should be entrepreneurs who would use that knowledge more..

Oct 5 (NS) If nations have their origins in civilizations, derive their nationhood from a civilizational premise, the only ethnic group that is entitled to claim the term nation, is the Sinhala ethnic group responsible for the creation of a civilization-the Sinhala Buddhist civilization. No other ethnic group can make that claim, though they have contributed to its evolution at different periods. It is time we admit this fact without resorting to hiding behind the vacuous bogus more..

Oct 5 (SL) US has commended Sri Lanka’s commitment over the UNHRC report. Sri Lankan Govt’s decision to join as a co-sponsor paved the way for all to work together to deliver the commitments reflected in the resolution. The resolution marks an important step toward a credible transitional justice process, owned by Sri Lankans and with the support and involvement of the international community. more..

Oct 5 (ST) When Dr Kasipillai Manoharan father of Manoharan Ragihar who, with all the trappings of a classic Greek tragedy, was shot along with four other friends at the Trincomalee beach front on 2nd January 2006 says that he has no confidence in domestic legal mechanisms to redress his anguish (New York Times, 2nd Oct) this is not a claim made for cheap political advantage. Stories of injustice. This father went through the local justice process with all its pain, humiliation & hopelessness, more..

Oct 5 (CT) Advocates of the LTTE terrorist faction have reportedly recommenced fundraising activities in Paris, France claiming that the organization would be resurrected. A photograph circulating the internet shows a fund collection point, in the neighbourhood of La Chapelle in Paris's 18th administrative district. The reports further stated that the collection point has been functioning at the said location since Sept 26. This separatist group has commenced this fundraising programme under the slogan of more..

Oct 5 (SL) Leader of the PLOTE and TNA MP Dharmalingam Siddharthan is of the view that while an international investigation was what the Tamils wanted, their demands have been downplayed by suggestions of a domestic investigation. However Siddharthan said that although he does not have complete faith in a local mechanism, he has faith in the current regime and hopes that with international observers justice will be done. more..

Oct 5 (CT) Six weeks ago the Govt of Unity took office to establish Good Governance. It pledged to establish law and order for people to live without fear. On the contrary we witness that the law and order and public discipline is being eroded. Innocent youth and students arrested on suspicion are being mercilessly assaulted by the police. Robberies, Murder, Rape and Child Abuse are on the rise. The brutal police assault on the 17-year-old student and a 31-year-old father of a child arrested on more..

Oct 5 (DN) Kenyans accounted for top honours, maintaining their splendid record while SL Navy athlete Anuradhi Bogahawatte won the women's marathon at the 15th LSR Colombo Marathon at Negombo yesterday. Kenyans who have maintained their supremacy over the past few years, winning the prestigious LSR Colombo Marathon, won the first three podium finishes at event which saw 6466 athletes, from 39 countries in action. Kenya's Antony Nugo won this year's men's marathon more..

Oct 5 (CT) Actress and SLFP MP Geetha Kumarasinghe firmly rejected the allegations about her dual citizenship, claiming that those who lost at the recent General Election were trying to enter Parliament by dragging her out. "I firmly and categorically assert that I'm not a dual citizen. I'm only a Sri Lankan citizen now. Before the General Election came, I requested Swiss Govt to cancel my citizenship in their country. more..

Oct 5 (NS) Hotel Renuka and Renuka City has been amalgamated to become Renuka City Hotel following a Rs. 300 million complete refurbishment exercise during a period of eight-months, the management announced last week. 41 of the 100 rooms at the hotel as well as the banquet hall have been completely redesigned and refurbished by DDN Design and Sanken Construction, management said. “The hotel’s gym, pool and lounge areas were also fully renovated as more..

Oct 5 (ST) For the last four years, the month of September has been that time of the year when the Lankan Govt has been forced to undertake its diplomatic hajj; to make its annual pilgrimage to the Mecca of the UN’s Human Rights headquarters at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and superficially grieve past sins done and seek atonement through penance before the one almighty gathering of nations. From 2012 to 2014, each ungodly visitation has been to pray for time in order to ward off more..

Oct 5 (FT) LAUGFS Maritime Services, the fully owned logistic arm of LAUGFS Gas, announced the acquisition of their second LPG ship to provide logistic support for the growing LPG demand in the country. This latest acquisition comes as LAUGFS celebrates its 20-year anniversary this year, and will mark another important milestone as it strives to expand its presence further across the region. LAUGFS’s maiden acquisition of LPG ship more..

Oct 5 (CT) The former President and current Media and Finance Head of FFSL, Ranjith Rodrigo, claimed that the Baddegana Football Complex has been eyed by the Kotte MC for a takeover for no valid reason. According to a recent interview the Mayor of the Kotte Municipal Council, Janaka Ranawaka had with the media, he had stated that the Baddegana Football Complex is to be taken back by the Kotte MC due to lease agreement been disregarded. more..

Oct 5 (DN) British High Commissioner has congratulated Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) for its contribution to local private higher education in SL over the past 25 years. Achievement was recognized at an event held at the HC’s residence last night, attended by Professor Geoffrey Petts, VC of the University of Westminster, along with key partners from academia and industry who have supported the institute over the years and a selection of their distinguished alumni. more..

Oct 5 (CT) Floating Market in Pettah, one of the many ventures implemented under the Colombo City Development Project by UDA on the directives of former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has become a haven for prostitution and drug addicts, among other nefarious activities, CT investigation learns. Currently the Floating Market is in a sad state of affairs. Of the 90 odd stalls, only a handful is occupied. more..

Oct 5 (DN) Fertilizer bought on subsidy is highly inferior and due to this crop productivity too has lowered Exporters Chamber President, Sardha De Silva said. He said that due to this they are paying for ‘bad’ fertilizer for the last three years. “This subsidized fertilizer is utterly useless there is no desired result.” He recalled that the private sector was handling the fertilizer business and they had a choice to buy fertilizer at several places even at a higher price. more..

Oct 5 (NS) The rate at which international sport is played today to remain on top of your game requires not only overall fitness but a sense of dedication on the part of the individual as well because a slight decline in those standards which is humanly possible could lead to a dramatic drop in form or performance. Sri Lanka cricket team has been renowned over the years for its high standards on the field especially their fielding which has been spoken in glowing terms by international more..