May 31 (PTI) A team of 36 newly-inducted Indian Administrative Service officers has visited Sri Lanka to get first-hand knowledge of administrative practices in the neighbouring country. They visited Sri Lanka as part of the foreign exposure component of the IAS induction programme. The programme in Sri Lanka was conducted and coordinated by SL Institute of Development Administration. The visit was aimed at exchange of best administrative practices between India and Sri Lanka. more..

May 31 (Xinhua) The South China Sea disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks between China and the countries concerned, Minister Kabir Hashim said Tuesday. Hashim made the remarks during his meeting with Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Regional affairs should be settled through consultations among those directly concerned, rather than being subject to external forces, he said. more..

May 31 (AD) The decision to increase the prices of cars was made after also considering a request by the vehicle importers, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake asserted. “We had received written requests from the importers in this regard,” he pointed out. He also went on to say price of trishaws also increased due to an appeal by the three-wheeler drivers’ association. Meanwhile, he said Japan will lend $4.2 billion more..

May 31 (Island) Grandpass police yesterday arrested the woman, who was photographed collecting relief supplies brought for flood victims on the Kelani Bridge, using chronies on Sunday (22). Identified by the police as Mali from Wellampitiya, she was photographed collecting relief supplies brought by kind donors to beleaguered flood victims who had found refuge on the Kelani bridge and then putting those items in a container. Later the goods were allegedly sold to flood victims more..

May 31 (DN) The liquor consumption of SL had gone up from 26% to 34% during the period of 2007 to 2015. Alcohol is one of the major factors that increase the incidents of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Health Services Director General Dr. Palitha Mahipala said. The rapidly increasing NCDs is a major health issue in Sri Lanka. Nutrition issues are another factor that contributes towards increasing NCDs. The most number of over nourished children are from Colombo District. more..

May 31 (CG) Norwegian State Secretary Tore Hattrem arrived in Sri Lanka today on a two day visit and began meetings in Colombo. Hattrem is meeting with the Govt including Foreign Minister Managala Samaraweera, opposition and others in Colombo today before heading to Jaffna tomorrow. The purpose of the visit is to have bilateral meetings and to develop further the business cooperation between Sri Lanka and Norway. more..

May 31 (CG) British Minister of State in Charge of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire, says Sri Lanka is yet to fulfil the commitments made to the international community. Swire also supported the international approach to the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. He expressed these views while on a visit to New Delhi. Swire discussed the issue of U.K. citizens in Tamil Nadu jails as well as the immediate issue of human rights in Sri Lanka during discussions more..

May 31 (CT) All-Island Three-Wheel Owners Association (AITWOA) and the All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Drivers Union (ACTWDU) say that they will be compelled to increase fares in the three-wheelers due to the new tax revisions and the hike in spare part prices. Sources from the two Associations told this paper that they had held talks with firms engaged in importing three-wheelers to the country related to the new tax revisions by the govt. If the tax on spare parts could be maintained more..

May 31 (AD) Public Services Commission (PSC) has decided to remove Anusha Palpita from the post of additional secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs, effective immediately. Secretary of the commission, Gamini Seneviratne, stated that according to the Establishment Code a person with an ongoing case with regard to allegations of criminal act, bribery or corruption cannot hold a position in the public service. more..

May 31 (LeN) Following the outrageous appointment of most infamous notorious corrupt Anusha Pelpita as the additional secretary to the ministry of Home affairs of minister Vajira Abeywardena it has become necessary to center discussions in a direction in which hitherto the country did not focus. That is , the attention of the public has been attracted to the rule of most corrupt officers who are unconscionably and shamelessly carrying on their tasks without getting eradicated or uprooted via good governance more..

May 31 (DM) The water levels in the Kalu Ganga, Nilwala Ganga and Attanagalu Oya are rising as a result of the heavy rains in several parts of the country, the DMC today. The water levels in the Kalu Ganga were on the verge of breaching its banks and as such those living in the vicinity were alerted to remain vigilant for any emergency situation that might arise. The highest rainfall of 115.3 mm was recorded from Hiniduma in Galle District for the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m. more..

May 31 (PTI) Seven fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested today by Sri Lankan Naval personnel for allegedly fishing in Lankan territorial waters prompting Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps for their release. The seven, part of groups of fishermen who ventured into the sea from Rameswaram, have been taken to Talaimannar in northern Sri Lanka, more..

May 31 (DM) SL Customs today donated Rs.2 million worth of confiscated sandalwood logs to the Ayurvedic Drugs Corporation (ADC) for manufacturing medicine. Customs Director General W.A. Chulananda Perera told those gathered at the handing over ceremony that the Sandalwood logs weighing nearly 500 kilos was valued at two million rupees “The Sandalwood logs were among those seized last year at the BIA, the Harbour and other exit points by officers of Customs more..

May 31 (Island) Director General Health Services (DGHS) Dr Palitha Mahipala said that in accordance with the Establishment Code the GMOA could not dictate terms to the Ministry when giving appointments to doctors. Addressing the Media at the Health Ministry, Dr Mahipala said however that the trade union had been allowed by the Establishment Code to intervene and instruct the Ministry in doctors' transfers only. That too the union membership should be more than 15%, more..

May 31 (CT) The Joint Opposition sent a communiqué to President Sirisena, requesting him not to reappoint Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran as his term ends today (31). The communiqué has been signed by JO and MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardena, and MPs Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Prof. Tissa Vitharana. It is in the best interest of the economy and the Central Bank, more..