Feb 22 (CG) A high level Iranian delegation arrived in Sri Lanka today to resume ties following the lifting of international sanctions on Iran. Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian arrived in Sri Lanka with a 30 member delegation to establish close cooperation with SL. The delegation consists of members from both the Govt and the Iranian private sector as well as Iran’s biggest Chamber, Ministry of Industry & Commerce said. more..

Feb 22 (CG) Malaysian authorities have nabbed 971 foreigners including Sri Lankans in a nationwide crackdown that began on Friday midnight. A total of 2,182 foreign nationals were screened in the 12-hour operation, the agency quoted an official at Malaysian Immigration Department. Migrant workers from Nepal, Indonesia, Burma, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India and China were arrested during the raid. The move comes hours after Malaysian Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced more..

Feb 22 (Island) Members of the Opposition berated the govt in Parliament. But the same members at lunch asked the ruling party members whether they could join the govt. Minister Lakshman Kiriella said so, addressing a meeting at Hataraliyadda. "If we can give ministerial portfolios to about 45 in the Joint Opposition, it will be left with only ten members, but, we cannot do that in accordance with the Constitution," Minister Kiriella said at the meeting held to mark the launch of the road network more..

Feb 22 (Island) Free Trade Zones & General Services Employees’ Union (FTZ&GSEU) has called upon the govt to publish the draft of the proposed Indo-Lanka Economic and Technical Agreement (ETCA) and to inform society of the govt’s own justification for entering into such a bilateral agreement. Statement by Anton Marcus, Joint Secretary of FTZ&GSEU said: "We are fully aware that signing bilateral agreements more..

Feb 22 (NYT) I gave a talk last month at the Galle Literary Festival in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This festival, whose home is in the southern city of Galle, has become over the past decade one of the brightest lights in Sri Lanka’s cultural firmament. This year, it established outreach festivals in Kandy, in Sri Lanka’s hill country, and in Jaffna in the North. Taking the festival to Jaffna, the northern province capital, was particularly significant. It is less than seven years since the brutal civil war more..

Feb 22 (DM) The SchoolNet Online Educational System, which provides free Internet access to 2,800 govt schools, has come to standstill because of the non-payment of bills by the Education Ministry. The Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin said it was a month since the online system, which facilitates studies by accessing reference materials, tutorials, emails and other educational programmes, had been stopped its services. more..

Feb 22 (AFP) A elephant polo tournament in Sri Lanka which was scrapped after one of the beasts went rogue has been revived with tuk-tuk taxis taking their place, to the relief of animal lovers. Six teams of three vehicles each and their drivers and passengers competed in the 2016 tuk-tuk polo championships held over the weekend in Galle. "We had a tuk-tuk polo event last year. It was more of a friendly game, more..

Feb 22 (DN) The lowest number of blind people of Sri Lanka had been reported from the Southern Province and the highest from Uva Province. People living in the Eastern and North Western (Wayamba) Provinces too are suffering from preventable blindness more than the people living in other areas, a recent research conducted by the Vision 2020 Programme revealed. According to the research, 80% of the blindness is preventable. People who had become blind due to cataract is 66.7% more..

Feb 22 (CG) Above normal warm weather was experienced in most parts of the country today, including late in the evening. The maximum temperature values were approximately 4C above normal in Jaffna, 3C above normal in Hambantota, Katugastota, Mannar and Trincomalee, 2C above normal in Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Kurunegala, Maha-Illuppallama, Nuwara-Eliya, Puttalam, Ratmalana and Vauniya while in other areas it was a little above normal. more..

Feb 22 (ENS) Officials in Sri Lanka have described as premature the controversy currently raging in the island over the Lankan govt’s intention to sign an Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India. “As yet, there is no document to comment on. What was exchanged between the Commerce Secretaries of the two countries was a one-page document containing eight points on economic and more..

Feb 23 (CT) In the first part of this series published last week, it was pointed out that the secrecy surrounding the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement, now commonly known as ETCA, had left both supporters and opponents in a state of confusion. As a result, fear has engulfed the local professional bodies of every description that Indian professionals would flood Sri Lanka’s limited job markets. Such a flooding, it has been argued by protesting professionals, more..

Feb 23 (CT) Feb 22 marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ceasefire Agreement in 2002 between the govt and LTTE with Norwegian facilitation. This was an unexpected development that brought hope to the country that the war would come to an end and a peaceful solution to the ethnic conflict would be possible. Faced with the prospect of economic collapse, and a protracted war, govt of that time headed by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe sought to break the stalemate with a bold initiative. more..

Feb 23 (SO) Sri Lanka is in a position to teach the world how to stand up to dictatorial regimes and overturn such regimes through peaceful elections, member of the Independent Elections Commission, Dr. Ratnajeevan Hoole, said. He said the Commission is currently occupied with the task of absorbing the former Election Department staff, preparing to conduct upcoming LG elections, where for the first time 30% quota more..

Feb 23 (ST) When the media first announced that President Sirisena would be paying a state visit to Germany it was said that this would be the first by a Sri Lankan Head of State in 43 years. How wrong that was! Other news media, particular the plethora of websites that exist today, picked up the news item and repeated it without taking the elementary precaution of checking the veracity of what the original report said. This habit of picking up what some media outlet says as fact and more..

Feb 23 (Island) A respected Indian scholar, in an article we reproduce, on this page, today, from one of our Asia News Network (ANN) partners on editorial content sharing basis, sounds an ominous warning for political leaders the world over: underemployed and unemployed young men and women are a disruptive force with the potential to dishevel rulers’ robe of legitimacy and grip on power. Quoting the International Labour Organisation (ILO) statistics, he points out that more..

Feb 23 (CT) Following the establishment of the National Govt, the laws of the country have taken a new hue, and in some cases have been completely whitewashed. On the other hand, the govt has also made some positive changes as depicted by the enactment of the 19 A; including quota representation of women in Local Govt elections. Despite all of this, the country is still embroiled in legality of sorts with the need for more..

Feb 23 (CT) After a rather unusual delay Sri Lanka cricket finally announced both the World T 20 team as well as the Asia Cup squad more or less in haste on Thursday. It was only prudent on the part of the selectors to have named the same squad for both the Asia Cup and the World T 20. Whilst we do accept that the job of a selector is a tough one and thankless, one wonders what the thinking or the basis was in some inclusions and also exclusions! Criticizing a player already in the squad more..

Feb 23 (FT) At present, the public is minimally informed as to what Megapolis development is all about and has many questions regarding the concept of the Megapolis. Therefore, the Megapolis Ministry should further educate the public as to how it will affect them when implemented, especially the villages and rural countryside located in the periphery of the boundaries of the Megapolis. Now that the Megapolis Development Master Plan has been launched, quick action must be taken to more..

Feb 23 (ST) The IMF facility that the govt has requested is absolutely necessary to resolve the current balance of payments difficulties. It is however only a palliative, not a solution to the fundamental economic problems. The govt must use this assistance to address the fundamental economic problems. It is especially necessary to reduce the fiscal deficit. Failing to take corrective measures towards fiscal consolidation could lead to a severe economic crisis. more..

Feb 23 (Island) Rajiva Wijesinha provides a fascinating insider account of the first appearance of RtoP and how Sri Lanka was framed with the help of the "conglomerate of interventionist’ NGOs, who had been built up with foreign funds during the previous regime. Not surprisingly, the concept was introduced at the same time the LTTE was defeated in the East, also in July 2007, and by none other than the man who pioneered the concept, the former Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. more..

Feb 23 (CT) Everybody talks about the human-elephant conflict these days. After which came the human-crocodile conflict. But nobody has talked about the human-leopard conflict until recently. Leopards were never known to attack people like the elephants and not much attention was paid to the possibility of leopards attacking humans. However, like many animals in Sri Lanka the leopard too is slowly and gradually losing its habitat more..

Feb 23 (SO) Surge in the number of foreign architects, consultants and contractors in Sri Lanka is a major challenge the construction sector has to grapple with in providing employment to local craftsmen, SL Institute of Architects Immediate Past President Chitra Weddikkara said. This does not mean that the architectural fraternity does not want foreign construction craftsmen but the fact is, a piece of the pie has to be given to local craftsmen as they are as able as any other from abroad. more..

Feb 23 (DM) A premier marketing tool, Google Street View Trusted is now in Sri Lanka and has the budding ability to transform the way you look at a business like never before. Eye-catching images of a business’ best features such as exquisite restaurants, enchanting gardens, captivating lounges and cozy coffee shops can now be all displayed in a magnificent walk through virtual tour that is uploaded directly on google. Not just exclusive to hotels, Google Street View more..

Feb 23 (Island) Residents of Vadamarachchi East are planning a protest at Maruthankerny in Jaffna against proposed water purification project which, the fear, will pollute groundwater in the area. President of the Vadamarachchi East Undergraduates’ Union S. Sathees said that the protest would be held on Feb. 26 at 9.00am. More than 1,000 villagers to be affected by the project were expected to participate in the protest. more..

Feb 23 (DM) Local unit of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Lanka IOC, saw its Dec quarter net profit rising 44.6% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs. 882.4 million. The company appears to have benefitted from the falling global crude oil prices. The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter rose to Rs.1.66 cents from Rs. 1.15. The revenue for the quarter declined 10.8% YoY to Rs. 18.2 billion as the administered fuel prices remained low. But the cost of sales too fell 13.2% YoY to Rs.16.4 million reflecting more..

Feb 23 (FT) Bringing a balanced view to the mixed fortunes of the Colombo Stock Exchange, an expert recently stressed the current situation is not as grim as commonly perceived, recalling the country has weathered worse situations in the recent past. Brandix CFO Hasitha Premaratne in a recent seminar bringing positivism to the gathering stressed that Sri Lanka’s economic woes in the global front were far lower compared to other countries going through severe financial turmoil. more..

Feb 23 (FT) Apparel and fabric giant Brandix will commence construction of its newest factory in Batticaloa next month, pumping in $ 10 million and giving a further boost to the north-east region. The new factory comes as a welcome addition to the lagging region where Brandix already operates a plant in Punani, Batticaloa, for the past five years. The earlier investment stands at Rs. 230 million, Brandix CFO Hasitha Premaratne said. more..

Feb 23 (Island) Paceman Geethal Fernando’s impressive match bag of 14 wickets which included a hat trick was probably the best feat by a quick bowler this season as his feat paved the way for St. Benedict’s to record a thrilling innings and 27 runs victory over St. Joseph’s on Saturday. In a season dominated by spinners, no quick bowler had such match-deciding figures in tournament or in traditional matches. His seven wicket haul in the first innings which included a hat-trick rattled more..

Feb 23 (DN) 16th International School's Athletic Championship (ISAC) 2016 will be held at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama from March 4 to 6. ISAC is the most important co-curricular event in the school calendar of all international schools. Having commenced in 2001 it has established itself as the flagship sporting event on the country's international schools. Around 3,000 athletes from 24 international schools will compete in 130 events at the meet more..

Feb 23 (Island) 15 LTTE suspects detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) are planing to stage a fast unto death. They have requested that their remains be handed over to the Medical Faculties of the University of Jaffna and the University of Peradeniya. Their protest was scheduled to commence yesterday. The detainees have said their organs like kidney and eyes could be used for the benefit of those who more..

Feb 23 (DH) Members of the De Lanerolle family in Sri Lanka have always been in the business of manufacturing and exporting tea. So, it came as a big surprise to the family when the sons — Rohan and Ishan De Lanerolle, decided to pursue their passion — music in a big way. While the family business remained the priority and focus, Rohan and Ishan began learning and training in music. SL doesn’t have many venues and institutions offering lessons in music, points out Rohan, more..

Feb 23 (CT) Govt appears to be winning its war against food inflation. In some 20 food items captured in Colombo by the Central Bank, 13 of those items saw their retail prices decline on a year on year (YoY) basis as at Thursday, while only 7 made price gains. Similarly, on a week on week (WoW) basis as at Thursday, 12 of those items suffered price declines, while only three made gains, while the rest of the five items captured in the survey saw their prices stagnate. more..

Feb 23 (CT) The much hyped Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement (ETCA), that the Govts of Sri Lanka and India were to sign by June 2016 is unlikely to go through, if there was mounting opposition towards it, State Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe said. All this is still at discussion and study stage, we will not proceed with it, if there was mounting opposition towards it and if it was inimical to the interests of SL, he said. more..

Feb 23 (CT) An eatery at New Kattankudy in the Batticaloa District has been sealed by the Public Health Officials following a complaint that more than 25 persons including children and elderly persons had fallen sick and been hospitalized after consuming food there. Victims have been admitted at the Kattankudy Base Hospital on Friday and investigations are in progress over the food items which were made available at the eatery, according to Kattankudy MOH Dr. U L Nazeerdeen. more..

Feb 23 (DN) With the motive of bringing about the opportunity to partner with the IT/BPM industry in the UK, SLASSCOM together with the EDB successfully concluded a highly interactive and engaging session on February 15 at the Kingsbury Hotel. The session was featuring Kelly Hallard, CEO of NOA and Director of European Outsourcing Association (EOA), the industry association and professional body for outsourcing that works with and support large European buyers and global providers more..

Feb 23 (Island) Govt doctors in the Uva province expressed their displeasure at what they called snide comments made by Minister and Badulla District MP Harin Fernando against Govt Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) President, Dr Anurudda Padeniya. The controversial comments the minister made at a media briefing in Badulla were telecast by Derana TV on Saturday. more..

Feb 23 (NS) Department of Prisons informed that General Secretary of the BBS, Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera was to give a sermon at the Welikada Prison today. According to the Department of Prisons, the monk would take part in religious rites and would also give a sermon. Commissioner of Prisons, H.M.T.N. Upuldeniya said that since February 22 was a Poya day, all prisons island-wide conducted various religious rites and programmes in relation to significance of Nawam Poya day. more..

Feb 23 (Island) Govt parliamentary group that has met so far as a single entity is scheduled to meet as two separate groups for the first time at 11.30 am today at Parliament complex. UNP group will meet under the leadership of PM Wickremesinghe, while SLFP MPs of the govt would gather with Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva presiding. Govt members of UNP and SLFP used to meet as a single group till the last meeting when Minister Mangala Samaraweera made a caustic remark more..

Feb 23 (Island) Internet facilities of more than 2,000 govt schools countrywide had been disconnected due to non-payment of bills, a teachers’ union said. General Secretary of CTU Joseph Stalin said that altogether about 2,700 schools had been provided with internet facilities under the School Net Connection project for the use of students, especially those studying Information Technology as a subject. more..