Nov 6 (Island) The World Cup winning Sri Lankan cricket team has just concluded a trip to Australia to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their triumph on that remarkable night of March 17th 1996 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Seeing images of the team touring Australia brought back nostalgic memories as it was the players of this particular team that formed the nucleus of the side that ushered in the golden era of Sri Lankan cricket. The four year period from 1995 to 1998 can more..

Nov 6 (Island) Cricket’s umpiring Decision Review System (DRS) will be used in Zimbabwe for the first time on Sunday when the hosts take on Sri Lanka in the second Test at Harare Sports Club. The DRS has widely been seen as a solution to cutting out umpiring errors in the game, but it has not been universally adopted since its initial trial in 2008. While India has refused to use the system in the past because it did not believe that the technology it is based on was foolproof, more..

Nov 6 (SL) The CB bond issue is being considered as a divine gift fallen from the skies that could be used to destroy the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe govt by some in the Joint Opposition. The past 22 months of this govt did provide them with sticks, stones and mud to throw at the Opposition but they have not had the desired effect. The bond issue was different. Joint Opposition, while demanding action to be taken against former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran, is attempting to use COPE more..

Nov 6 (ST) First it was the office of the Asian Cricket Council being part and parcel of the Sri Lanka heritage with the shifting of its office to Maitland Place. Now from December 10 to 22 the entire gamut of the Asian fraternity would pad-up to be a part of the under 19 Asia Cup cricket tournament. It was first held in 2012 in Malaysia where the trophy was shared by India and Pakistan after the final was tied. The second edition was held in 2013/14 in UAE which was won by India. more..

Nov 6 (Island) The fire-damaged 1,650-seat capacity auditorium and sports complex at Musaeus College was declared out of bounds for students Saturday as police and loss-adjusters investigated the blaze, but initial findings point to shortcomings in training staff to deal with an emergency. The trustees of the school informed students that they should not access the area until further notice, according to a poster put up on more..

Nov 6 (SO) In addition to the central contracts offered to the cricketers of the national team Sri Lanka Cricket also offered annual contracts to 65 other players categorized under Youth, Emerging and Senior. The awarding of these contracts to the players took place at the Sports Ministry Auditorium on Thursday in the presence of Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala along with other SLC officials. 65 National annual contracts to players in more..

Nov 6 (ST) Amidst serious charges of tampering accounts and hoodwinking the regulators, HSBC Sri Lanka is embroiled in a dispute with local staff which resulted in HSBC headquarters in Hong Kong probing allegations by workers.  Investigators from HSBC headquarters had sent an LN (Lotus Note) which is an internal HSBC Group communication method to staff listing a telephone number to contact this int'l team to make an appointment and tell their story at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. more..

Nov 6 (CT) "What is happening to Sripada?" "Who is it to be given to?" "Is it true that half of it is already sold?" "It has been bought by some Arabs, hasn't it?" "They say helicopters come and go." "They are going to build a big Mosque there." "It is said to be Asia's biggest mosque." These are some of the questions raised by people while some others have the answers too. "The Central Environmental Authority is engaged in it." more..

Nov 6 (SL) At least two units which were operating under the Army Intelligence Division have been disbanded with the removal of the Director of the Army Intelligence Division last week. Brigadier Suresh Sallay was removed and Brigadier Vijendra Gunatilake was appointed to the post. Intelligence units which were operating under Sallay were disbanded with his removal. Well informed sources said that Brigadier Suresh Sallay was removed as he lost confidence of defence establishment. more..

Nov 6 (Island) There will be a cash infusion of eight billion rupees to the John Keells Holdings conglomerate if all outstanding 2016 warrants are converted to shares at the Rs. 149.29 conversion price by next Friday (11) but a question mark hangs over whether this would happen given the prevailing JKH share price on the market. JKH closed on Friday on the CSE at Rs. 151.30, down 60 cents from the previous close with nearly 390,000 shares traded between Rs. 151 and Rs. 151.80. more..

Nov 6 (ST) Minister Mangala Samaraweera will summon China’s Ambassador Xi Xiangliang to lodge the Govt’s deep displeasure over his remarks at a news conference to a handpicked group of journalists this week. A high ranking Foreign Ministry source said the meeting will take place in the coming week after Minister Samaraweera returns to Colombo from New Delhi. He is in the Indian capital together with more..

Nov 6 (SO) A day before several civil society representatives held a public meeting in Colombo, President Maithripala Sirisena convened some of them for a special meeting, at his residence in Colombo. Professor Sarath Wijesuriya, senior lawyer J.C. Weliamuna, trade union activist Saman Rathnapriya and author Gamini Viyangoda attended the meeting on Tuesday night. It was the President’s first official interaction with civil society leaders after the speech in which he questioned more..

Nov 6 (ST) The Malaysian Govt is considering a ban on the group that attacked Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Ibrahim Ansar at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in September, authorities there informed a visiting senior official of Sri Lanka’s Attorney Generals’ Department. Senior Additional Solicitor General Dappula de Livera was told by the Malaysian authorities that the group behind the attack had been identified and a ban was under consideration. more..

Nov 6 (TOO) A SL govt minister has ordered an inquiry into how their citizens are entering Oman illegally and has recalled an embassy official in Oman as part of the probe. The moves come after a Times of Oman investigation revealed that SL housemaids are on ‘sale’ in Sohar. Now Minister Thalatha Athukorala, has launched a top level govt investigation. “My officials will be probing to find how SL female domestic workers more..

Nov 6 (TS) It sounded too good to be true for a simple reason: It was a hoax. Toronto fraudster Jayawathe Perera, who promised dozens of investors up to 60% in annual returns, has been sentenced to five years in jail. She was also slapped with a $3-million restitution order. From 2004 until 2014, Perera, 52, conned many of her fellow immigrants from Sri Lanka as well as others into investing their hard-earned cash in bogus schemes. These scams ranged from plans to flip more..

Nov 6 (SO) The construction work of the first stage of Delft Jetty was launched by the SL Navy on Friday (4). In response to a request made by Governor of the Northern Province and under the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Navy undertook the construction work providing man power and knowhow, as part of its social responsibility project. The financial resource for the construction was provided by the Ministry of Prison Reforms, more..

Nov 6 (ST) New details are emerging about the involvement of a state bank in the money markets in which Perpetual Treasuries allegedly played a primary role, according to market sources. “Market players are afraid to talk about this. But one of the dealers from a division from the EPF was apparently transferred to this bank as the head of its treasury division and had been engaged in heavy trading along with PTL during first half 2016 more..

Nov 6 (CT) Joint Opposition (JO) has decided to reveal, on 9 Nov, the names of top 10 politicians in the govt who have corruption charges against them. Joint Opposition MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that this revelation will be made at a special media briefing on 9 Nov by the leaders of parties in the Joint Opposition. Aluthgamage pointed out these ten main politicians have been graded according the seriousness of charges against them. He added that from the 9 Nov onwards, more..

Nov 6 (CT) The science teacher and four students were injured in an explosion that occurred in the laboratory of the Rahala East Junior School, in Aranayake on Wednesday. The explosion had occurred when they were mixing chemicals in a beaker during a science experiment. The injured were admitted to the Aranayake District Hospital. Two students who had been injured in the face, arm and several places on their bodies were subjected to further investigation and sent to the Hospital. more..

Nov 6 (SO) Some may call it a cliche, but the skies started weeping since dawn yesterday, as the nation prepared to bid farewell to the greatest musician it has ever seen. “When the death of Maestro Amaradeva was announced, everyone and everything in this small country stood still, absorbing the news. Not just people, the skies, the earth and all living beings were shocked,” Nanda Malini said fighting tears. more..

Nov 6 (CT) We are not yet sure when another Director General will be appointed. That is a matter for the President to do so. "Absence of a DG has not affected our work or caused delays in Court cases. If the acting DG's signature is challenged in Courts under the provisions of the existing Act, we can put that particular case on hold until a DG is duly appointed. Anyway we expect that govt will appointment a DG very soon. Until then Commission will continue to operate as smoothly as ever" more..

Nov 6 (CT) Nadarasa Sarojini, the mother of Jaffna University student Nadaraja Gajan, who was shot dead by the Police at a roadblock in the Northern Province, charged that certain people were attempting to use her son's death for various political purposes. She said neither her late son nor she had belonged to any political party and insisted that the need of the hour was for the Police and the relevant officials to conduct an impartial probe and punish those guilty of the crime. more..

Nov 6 (ST) President Maithripala Sirisena who chaired last Tuesday’s weekly ministerial meeting at the Presidential Secretariat heard some bitter criticism from his ministers over the painfully slow pace of the Govt’s drive against bribery and corruption. For nearly an hour, the issue came to the fore in the aftermath of the COPE findings on the February 27, 2015 bond issue by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). more..

Nov 6 (Island) Pundit Amaradeva breathed his last a few days ago.  The Sunday Island, while wishing him the supreme bliss of nibbana, reproduces by way of tribute a note penned almost four years ago following an evening of song celebrating the maestro’s 85th birthday. There are differences in playing to a full and captive audience in a magnificent theatre, engaging in a light rehearsal at home with table and hand-pumped harmonium or a full rehearsal with an entire orchestra more..

Nov 6 (Island) A landmark documentary, possibly the first of its kind with its meticulous adherence to the truth, an unspeakably aberrant aspect of the judiciary. It was finally screened, notwithstanding the vigorous attempts to prevent it, by Lenin Ratnayake - alias Ratnayake Banda, alias Lekam Gedera Ratnayake, alternately identified as Bulathgama Lekam Mudiyanse Ralahamilage Lenin Ratnayake ; chief protagonist in the sordid drama which the film portrays in clinical detail. more..

Nov 6 (CT) The entire nation was saddened and silenced by the death of legendary music maestro W.D. Amaradeva, giving a fleeting break to all heated political battles and arguments that prevailed for the past few days. Born as Albert Perera in the village of Koralawella in Moratuwa, this legend was given the name Amaradeva by another legend Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra. The recipient of several awards, including more..

Nov 6 (CT) SriLankan Airlines has called for tenders for the supply and provision of duty free goods for sale on board its aircraft as a total solution on a concessionaire basis with the closing date fixed for the 15th Nov 2016. The tenders have been called as the current controversial duty free supplier Duty Free Partners’ contract with national carrier ends Nov 2016 and the ongoing programme eventually concludes on 31st Mar 2017. more..

Nov 6 (Island) Some members of the COPE, by publicly pronouncing former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran guilty over the Feb 2015, bond issue while proceedings were continuing, had jeopardised  legal action, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said. He that he had repeatedly advised those COPE members including its Chairman Sunil Handunetti and JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake not to give press conferences more..

Nov 6 (ST) As the increased Value Added Tax (VAT) on a variety of items took effect this week, there was good news at least for the Governors lording over the country’s provinces. Though almost all of them have remained in office for less than two years, they will all receive duty free permits to import cars. The decision has been made by the Cabinet of Ministers. It came days ahead of govt’s second budget. Governors thus join exclusive club more..

Nov 6 (SL) In describing what the Maithripala/Ranil (MR2) lot are doing in the matter of following in the footsteps of Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR1) mob the title of this piece is in fact an understatement of the larger reality. It seeks to describe in a very abbreviated form the destruction of the Sri Lankan environment as we know it and those who depend on it for sustenance.  And in this, I do not confine my reference to the abomination that the land more..

Nov 6 (ST) Flexible working hours are to be offered to thousands of public servants serving in Colombo and the outskirts in a fresh bid to reduce traffic congestion at peak hours, a top official said. Megapolis and Western Development Ministry Secretary Nihal Rupasinghe told the Sunday Times that the proposal would be implemented on a trial basis from next month and on a permanent basis from January in the Battaramulla area. more..

Nov 6 (Island) Legal action over corruption allegations was to be instituted against three Ministers this month, but with the removal of Bribery Commissioner Dilrukshi Dias Wickramasinghe, it appears uncertain. Pressure had been brought on President Sirisena to remove Dilrukshi by the Ministers concerned. Efforts of Bribery or Corruption Commission would be revealed in coming months if it is allowed to act without any interference, more..

Nov 6 (SO) Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka will continue to focus on developing the local dairy industry through its Rs. 10 billion commitment. Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka is part of the Fonterra Co-operative Group, which is owned by 10,500 New Zealand farmers. During a recent visit to New Zealand, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe and a high-level delegation of officials toured Fonterra’s Te Rapa factory. Following this visit, more..

Nov 6 (ST) The Perpetual Group now owns around 7% of National Development Bank’s share portfolio, sources said, adding that the firm’s objective might be to gradually raise this stake up to 10%. Perpetual Treasuries, the controversial primary dealer at the centre of the Central Bank bond issue, holds around seven million of these shares. As a sum total, the Perpetual Group has so far invested around Rs. 2 billion in NDB. more..

Nov 6 (ST) A judicial mechanism to probe Feb 27, 2015 bond issue by CB will also cover similar issues in the past ten years, President Maithripala Sirisena said. He said there was a need to take the investigation out of the hands of politicians. President spoke on the findings of the COPE. Made public, report revealed the former CB Governor Arjuna Mahendran made an intervention or used pressure in the issue of bonds. more..

Nov 7 (SO) The first snapshot or snapshot that made its mark in this feline’s mind which she passes on to you is of Mahela Jayawardena in tears at the end of the Trail as one, Trail Walk for Cancer - the 28 day walk by hundreds from Point Pedro to Dondra Head to collect money to built a special oncology ward attached to the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle. Mahela had walked the entire distance of 670 km, along with, we are sure the originators of the Walk, Sarinda Unamboowe & Nathan more..

Nov 7 (ST) The Govt’s proposed draft on a new counter-terror law for Sri Lanka is rather like a thoroughly unpleasant case discovery. Each time that one revisits afresh, new horrors are unearthed. Drawn reluctantly back to this document following representations from several quarters, it may be said that absorbing its contents could well qualify as being subjected to cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment within the meaning of Article 11 of the Constitution. more..

Nov 7 (CT) Friday Forum has called upon President and the govt to respond immediately to these public concerns, which have also been highlighted in many fora. Friday Forum, which calls themselves an informal and self-financed group dedicated to democracy, good governance, human rights and the rule of law, has said: “Interests of political parties, or their individual members or supporters, must not be placed above more..

Nov 7 (CT) To preach about a thing and not act upon it is being insincere, dishonest and uncivil. In so far as fundamental rights and human rights in Islam are concerned the psychological state of the Muslims worldwide stinks with intransigence, prejudice and lethargy. Thus, paving the way for others to tell Muslims to clean up. To advocate the growth of these rights in Islam is like the idiomatic expression, taking coals to Newcastle. Look at the lucid statement below from more..