Nov 9 (Island) Govt Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) yesterday announced that it would host a three day pre-intern workshop to create awareness among medical graduates on Good internship practices. GMOA Secretary Dr Naveen de Zoysa said the training would commence on Saturday at Ananda College. Programme was initiated by GMOA in 2013. Developed countries had made such programmes a must to ensure the quality of doctors, who served in their hospitals, he said. more..

Nov 9 (CT) With the risk of another dengue epidemic following the onset of monsoonal rains, the Health Ministry will launch special two-day programme to destroy mosquito breeding places islandwide again. According to the Dengue Control Unit, so far 69 people had died of the fever this year. It said the special programme will be carried out on 10 and 11 in several districts where there was a higher tendency for the outbreak of an epidemic. Colombo was identified as the district in which more..

Nov 9 (CT) Ministry of Defence denied all reports about the arrest of a security forces member, earlier this week, together with several members of AAVA Group by the Police. Brigadier Roshan Seneviratne said, military forces have received no information officially from the Police about any arrest of an active duty Army officer in addition to members of AAVA Group. "Ministry asked the Special Forces Commander in Jaffna more..

Nov 9 (CT) Both the IGP Pujith Jayasundara and the Govt appears to be on snooze mode despite the increasing and intensifying ant-Muslim campaigns by radical Buddhists, with certain protestors openly threatening to burn and kill Muslims, while others have declared that they are ready to carry out suicide bombings. During a recent protest opposite the Fort Railway Station, a group of protestors, including a person by the name of Dan Priyasad, as per his Facebook page, more..

Nov 9 (Island) Tamil political parties who were now frequently working together to protest against common issues affecting the community were however treading with care so as to ensure that the majority Sinhala community did not see them as extremists. Militant turned politician, PLOTE leader Dharmalingam Sidharthan said that although all Tamil political parties were getting-together to apply pressure on the Govt and the International community regarding common Tamil issues more..

Nov 9 (DM) The value of the rupee against the US dollar has dropped to Rs.150 raising concerns among the people of possible price hikes on imports including food items and raw materials, the joint opposition MP Bandula Gunawardane said. He said the rupee had drastically depreciated under the current Govt and would lead to an economic crisis if remedial action was not taken. “In 2012, it was Rs.127. more..

Nov 9 (CG) President Sirisena greeted US President elect Donald Trump on his historic win at the US Presidential elections. “My warm congratulations to US president-elect Donald Trump  on this historic victory. @realDonaldTrump,” President tweeted. PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said that SL hopes to further strengthen ties with the US following Trump’s win at the election. He said the election showed American public chose a businessman and not a politician as their new President as they wanted a change. more..

Nov 9 (CI) SL women's new head coach Hemantha Devapriya has not given up hopes of his team causing a few upsets in the four-match ODI series against England, despite injuries to four key players. Former captain and experienced all-rounder Shashikala Siriwardene is out with a knee injury, which was followed by a bout of flu. There are also injuries to left-arm medium-pacer Udeshika Prabodhani (shoulder), batsman Yasodara Mendis (finger) and all-rounder, Eshani more..

Nov 9 (EN) As US heads for a presidency under Donald Trump, backed by a white nationalist vote and an anti-free trade agenda SL is braced for aftershocks from roiling international markets. "In terms of Sri Lanka the initial impact will be how it will affect fund flows to emerging markets," Shiran Fernando, an economist at Frontier Research said. "We will have to see whether funds will return, like after Brexit vote." more..

Nov 9 (DN) Colombo Fort Magistrate decided to vacate an order previously issued for the arrest of Chandrasiri Wickramasinghe, a Director of Tourism Promotion Authority, on his return to the country at BIA. Court was informed that four suspects, including Wickramasinghe have filed Fundamental Rights Petitions in SC. They have expressed their willingness to appear before courts. Defence Counsel informed court that Wickramasinghe will return to the country on Nov 15. more..

Nov 9 (EN) The upset victory of Donald Trump is seen a blessing for Sri Lanka which could have faced renewed pressure at next year's UNHRC over war crimes accountability and reconciliation. Outgoing US President Barak Obama's UN ambassador Samantha Power had been a key figure behind the 2014 resolution against Sri Lanka and calls for international investigations if Colombo failed to probe war crimes. With Obama's Democratic party nominee Hillary Clinton defeated at more..

Nov 9 (DN) We have reached consensus to a great extent on power devolution, PM said. He was speaking at the first year commemoration of the death of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera at the SLFI. “Within the UNP too there are members who have come from provincial & local govt. And both the main parties have members who have served as chief ministers. Their views were also taken into account. more..

Nov 9 (Reuters) Shares hit a more than one-week closing low on Wednesday as a surprise win for Republican Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election weighed on sentiment and as investors turned cautious ahead of the national budget on Thursday. Investors feared a Trump victory could cause global economic and trade turmoil and years of policy unpredictability, which among other things, will discourage U.S. Federal Reserve from raising interest rates in December as long expected. more..

Nov 9 (NS) Ministry of Women’s and Child Affairs announced moves to promote foreign employment opportunities in Europe and Asia in a bid to cut down the numbers flying off to the Middle East seeking greener pastures. Ministry recently proclaimed the formulation of a national policy and plan on 1.2 million female-headed households in the country. The majority are in the North and East, Batticaloa, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu (over 100,000) and in Colombo, Kurunegala and Kandy more..

Nov 9 (DM) The joint opposition lodged a complaint against Minster Ravi Karunanayake at the Bribery Commission over three cases of financial misappropriation during the Yahapalana govt. JO MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage said they have gathered documents regarding twelve different cases amounting to Rs. 10 billion against Minister Karunanayake and added that they were lodging only 3 complaints as of now. more..

Nov 9 (CG) Govt has decided to purchase private land in the Jaffna District to resettle war displaced families. There are 971 families still in welfare camps in the Jaffna District and 682 of those families are landless families. Steps have been taken to resettle 462 of those families in alternative lands and lands are to be identified to resettle 220 families. As there are less state lands in Jaffna it has been proposed to purchase private land of 20 perches for each family. more..

Nov 9 (DM) A suspect who was arrested over suspiciously behaving and pretending as a journalist at the funeral of veteran musician W.D. Amaradeva at the Independence Square, where the President and other VIPs were present, was ordered to be remanded till Nov 15 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate today. According to the prosecution, the suspect had behaved suspiciously taking photographs of the VIPs continuously pretending to be a journalist. Police officers attached to more..

Nov 9 (DN) Opposition Leader and TNA Leader R. Sampanthan yesterday stressed the importance of the support of the international community as Sri Lanka strives toward achieving reconciliation in the future. The Opposition Leader made this observation when he met UK State Minister for United Nations and Commonwealth the Baroness Anelay at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. more..

Nov 9 (CG) A new set of guidelines are to be issued to shelters for abused women, the Government said today. In addition to providing legal assistance, counselling and medical services, to women victimized by domestic violence, rape, and sexual abuse there is a need to maintain temporary protection shelters. The first protection shelters by the Govt was established in 2012 and subsequently several others have been established at provincial level. more..

Nov 9 (CI) An unbroken 82-run partnership between Heather Knight and Natalie Sciver saw England to a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Colombo. The first encounter of the four-match series did not count towards the ICC Women's Championship, and qualification for the World Cup, but allowed England to start their tour well. Knight, England's captain, was also the pick of the bowlers before helping chase down a target of 169 with more than 20 overs to spare. more..

Nov 9 (NR) The govt has accused certain groups of instigating protests through the use of retired disabled veterans. Minister Rajitha Senaratne said disabled veterans who are now demanding their pensions also received compensation from the previous govt. Minister Senaratne raised several questions calling for who was responsible for sending thousands of veterans away after 6 years of service during the term of the UPFA led govt. more..

Nov 10 (FT) The Convention on Diplomatic Relations was ratified on 4 April 1961 at the United Nations to streamline the powers and functions of the diplomatic missions and relations in the world family of states. Any member of the UN family, small or powerful are obliged to follow the convention based on customary international law in setting up, functioning diplomatic missions and maintaining diplomatic relations among member states. Diplomatic missions are set up, more..

Nov 10 (GV) Two days ago a video was posted on YouTube where a man named Abdul Razik belonging to an extremist sect that calls itself Sri Lanka Tawheed Jamath (SLTJ) makes a speech in Sinhala in a public venue about the Muslim marriage law of Sri Lanka. The short video clip is only 3 minutes and 14 seconds long, but long enough to stir a tsunami of violent emotions. He stands there in front of what appears to be a crowd, surrounded by people, setting the stage. more..

Nov 10 (CT) Deputy Minister Ameer Ali Shihabdeen believes that the onus of creating a North and East merger must be on the people concerned and that politicians must not make decisions without consulting the people they represent. According to him, Muslim community fears that they will be a minority within a minority. He further supported the claim, noting that the rights of Muslim community, which was snatched by more..

Nov 10 (CT) As a commentator on Sri Lanka’s civil war Michael Roberts has proved himself as productive and tirelessly self-referential as he is frequently misguided. The latest example comes in his article From Historic Compromise to Resolve: Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2006. In response I will focus on aspects of Robert’s analysis – mostly concerning the origins of Eelam War IV (2006 – 2009) – that are either contentious, factually inaccurate, lacking in supporting evidence, seemingly uninformed more..

Nov 10 (ST) On the Yonex-Sunrise sponsorship package 48 Sri Lankan shuttlers in the Senior Ranking list and Under 19 and Under 17 Ranking lists received badminton kits at the SL Badminton Association Headquarters. The presentation was made by the Chief Guest the Minister of Sports. The package included Raquets, shoes, Competition T-Shirts, Practice T’Shirts, Shoes Bags Track Kits and Socks. Those eligible were categorised in five groups as per provisions in the Contract. more..

Nov 10 (DM) Acknowledging the Sri Lankan govt’s positive approach of creating a more conducive environment for foreign investments, Embassy of Germany Deputy Ambassador Dr. Michael Dohmen said they are looking forward to invest in the Southern part of the country. “It is important that our corporation is not only going to North, but also to projects in other areas as well. It is true the focus is the North and East. more..

Nov 10 (DN) Politics momentarily took a backseat last week as the nation mourned the passing of Pandit W. D. Amaradeva, the country’s foremost musician who was admired by all and sundry not only for his musical genius but also for the exemplary life he led. As news of Amaradeva’s sudden demise last Thursday shocked Sri Lankans, the government declared a week of national mourning. The late maestro was accorded a state funeral with his body lying in state at more..

Nov 10 (SO) While vigilant patrolling is a key element in coastal defence, the Navy has the onerous responsibility to protect our borders. SL Navy has a fleet of Off Shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) which venture out into the deep sea. One such OPV is SLNS Sagara (P-622) berthed at the Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee alongside a large landing craft. One bright Friday morning when the radiant rays of the sun flashed out in splendour over the coast, I carefully made my entry along more..

Nov 10 (CI) Three days between Tests is hardly enough for teams to work on their weaknesses. But this was Zimbabwe's opportunity to prove they had learnt from their mistakes in the first Test, or at least from their first innings in this Test. Going by the evidence of the 45 overs they batted on the fourth day, they haven't. Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka's stand-in captain, who on the previous day had become just the third bowler after more..

Nov 10 (Island) It was America’s Brexit moment. Donald trumped Hillary Clinton’s Democratic leviathan which was backed by media moguls and Wall Street to the hilt and secured the much-coveted US presidency. Trump was demonised by his opponents and the media in such a way that even the people in far away countries thought his election would precipitate the Apocalypse. No sooner had the polling got underway in the US than the prospect of a Trump victory jolted Asian markets, more..

Nov 10 (Island) The Curious Case of Shiny Black Media Ministry BMW (Sorry Benjamin Button). Last week I wrote how Nimal Bopage, Media Ministry Secretary’s BMW blocked the entrance to a concert at the Maliyadeva Girls’ School in Kurunegala. He chose to flaunt the BMW belonging to the taxpayers none of whom get an opportunity to travel in it. However, I received more information thereafter of this curious case of the Black Media BMW. It was Charitha Herath, who first purchased more..

Nov 10 (ST) Several Sports Associations have expressed their displeasure over Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera’s decision in promulgating regulations removing most of the intrusive, restrictive regulations introduced in 2013. However, a selected number of Sports Associations are silent over the issue and seem to have agreed with Minister. This is the first time that Sports Minister had taken a direct decision to amend the Sports Law unlike more..

Nov 10 (Island) If the world of maritime security was murky, the murkiest part of it was the floating armouries. This article examines the controversy surrounding the Galle floating armoury of Avant Garde Maritime Services. By 2012, the number of firearms of foreign maritime security companies coming into the Galle naval armoury for storage had increased exponentially. What started with just 12 firearms as a temporary measure to help in the fight against piracy soon became a flood with more..

Nov 10 (ST) The Musical Genius is no more. Yet his contribution to indigenous music will be remembered for generations to come. Regarded as a national treasure, Pandit Amaradeva has been our foremost musician – singer, violinist, music composer and director. Forging his own style, his contribution to the development of modern Sinhala music has been enormous. When he started out, the lad from Moratuwa, Albert Perera as he was then known, was a violinist. more..

Nov 10 (ST) Sri Lankan doctors at the National Cancer Institute in Maharagama (NCIM) working with the National Blood Transfusion Service and the Ministry of Health have become the first in this country to successfully complete a procedure known as stem cell mobilisation, a critical step leading up to another big milestone – the first autologous stem cell transplant to be conducted in a local public hospital. more..

Nov 10 (Island) The Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka Kenichi Suganuma recently made a courtesy visit to the Dole farm in Buttala to inspect its banana plantation. Ambassador Suganuma made this visit accompanied by his wife, two embassy officials along with Hirokazu Naka - General Manager, ITOCHU Corporation, Colombo Liaison Office. Speaking about his visit, ambassador Suganuma said that he was delighted to pay a visit to the farm and inspect the plantation. more..

Nov 10 (DN) Sri Lanka who was defeated in their first two matches in the ongoing Asia Solidarity Cup Soccer Championship in Malaysia fought a battle of honour against Macau to force a one- all draw at the Sarawak Stadium in Negiri, Kuching yesterday. Sri Lanka dominated the game with an early goal by Kavindu Ishan who found the net following a superb pass from Mohamed Rifnaz in the fifth minute. They were leading the game until Macau’s Voi Weing found the equalizer in the 85th minute. more..

Nov 10 (ST) A highly confident contingent of four men and four women carrom players accompanied by two officials left for the UK to participate in the 7th World Carrom Championship scheduled to be held from Nov 7th to 11th in Birmingham, UK. This world event held once in four years was hosted in 2012 by SL ending up in second place behind India. Nishantha Fernando kept the national flag flying high when he defeated Baratha Dasan of India to be crowned as World Champion. more..