Oct 10 (AD) Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Minister Mano Ganesan should be arrested, PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila says. The observation was made while speaking at a press conference held in Colombo this afternoon. He pointed out the reconciliation process has come to an abrupt end in Sri Lanka due to disputes between Kumaratunga and Ganesan. “Not us, they should have been put behind bars more..

Oct 10 (NF) A Chinese woman died after falling off a train at the Madampagama, Ambalangoda Railway Station on Sunday morning. The foreign national who was travelling on the foot-board of the express train plying from Galle to Colombo, died after she fell off the train on to the platform. The deceased Chinese national was aged 25. Another woman had been travelling with her in the train and were scheduled to return to China tonight. The body of the deceased was taken to Balapitiya Hospital, more..

Oct 10 (ITN) MP Jayantha Samaraweera and Sarath Weerawansa the brother of MP Wimal Weerawansa have been further remanded. The Colombo Fort Magistrate ordered to re-remand them until the 24th of this month. NFF MP Jayantha Samaraweera is accused of misusing three vehicles of the President Secretariat during the previous regime. The charges also mentioned that in this manner he had caused a loss of more than five million 34 thousand rupees to the govt. more..

Oct 10 (ITN) PM Ranil Wickremasinghe has said that the consensual Govt is safeguarding the Buddha Sasana not by word but by deed. The PM made this observation participating in a function held at the Veheragoda Puranana Vihare in Sedawatte. The vesting of the Bodhi Maluwa, Bodhi Prakaraya, Chaithya, Dharma Salawa and Library Mandiraya of the Veheragoda Purana Maha Vihare in Sedawatte took place more..

Oct 11 (SL) Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian cricket captain and TV commentator at a recent TV talk show was asked by an anchorwoman what he thought of the recent decision of the Indian Supreme Court to ban all politicians from BCCI. Gavaskar, who apparently did not seem to go along with all the recommendations of the Supreme Court asked: Why ban only politicians in cricket? There are ministers in charge of ministries who are also totally ignorant about the subject. more..

Oct 11 (CT) The market last week was livid with a leaked on-site examination report, claimed to have been prepared by Central Bank’s primary dealer supervision staff, on the controversial primary dealer, Perpetual Treasuries. It appeared that a good-intentioned whistle-blower from within the Bank had released it to the market. A website linked to a political party had picked it up and reproduced it in full in its website. A week before the leak, Perpetual Treasuries was in the news after more..

Oct 11 (SO) Once more two important pieces of draft legislation for the proper administration of Buddhist institutions and the priesthood have been postponed indefinitely even though they were to have been debated and passed by Parliament last week. The two draft bills, the amendment to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance and, the much awaited Theravada Bhikku Kathikawatha (a code for the monkhood) more..

Oct 11 (CT) Among the systems of good governance put into place after the watershed elections of January 2015, 19th Amendment takes pride of place. Over the past one and a half years there have been other path breaking legal enactments also, such as the Office of Missing Persons Act (OMP) and Right to Information Act (RTI) which have the potential to transform the way governance takes place in the country. If implemented in a positive spirit, more..

Oct 11 (GV) The very mention of the town Angoda has widespread negative connotations, as National Institute of Mental Health is situated there. This points to the wider issue of stigma that surrounds the treatment of mental health issues. In order to mark World Mental Health Day on Oct 10, Groundviews visited the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and found that the reality was far from the picture painted by perception. We compiled a story on Microsoft Sway more..

Oct 11 (SL) Minister and General Secretary of JHU Champika Ranawaka says he is not totally satisfied with the govt’s stand, and added that if they are not vigilant, it will only be a matter of time before people give them the same treatment they gave the Rajapaksas. He said that the Tamil leaders need to learn about the Sinhala people’s generosity and reform accordingly. If the Tamil leaders continue to travel on the same more..

Oct 11 (SL) As someone who has written for publication for more than half a century, dealing with plantation issues, crop diversification, pioneering work with sheep, politics and a potpourri of other subjects, I have taken my fair share of criticism of one description or another.  However, I have never been threatened until recently for what has been published under my name. In and of itself, in the matter of attempting to silence people’s opinions by threat, this is not an event of earth-shaking more..

Oct 11 (Island) Last Sunday, Alice Akka was ambling to her vegetable plot when she fell into a rabbit hole. She went hurtling down a dark void and, a few moments later, landed on her back with a thud. She found herself in Wonderland. A deposed king with his family was seated on a sidewalk. They were apparently planning to regain the kingdom which, they had once thought, was their grandma’s estate. Street lights were on and Alice Akka saw a posh nightclub over yonder. more..

Oct 11 (ST) Most countries have achieved the landmark UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). World leaders agreed on these goals 15 years ago in order to tackle poverty and climate change and to pave the way towards a more gender equal global society. The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been accepted by the world as the way forward to resolve the world’s most pressing issues by 2030. Achieving growth with equity and all inclusive growth are more..

Oct 11 (DM) A group of Golden Key depositors said the confidence they had on Central Bank is waning because it had failed to fully execute its plans to repay all the troubled finance company depositors within the stipulated time-frame. The repayment plan proposed by Minister Ravi Karunanayake was to repay 41% of the amount originally deposited in the Golden Key Credit Card Company Limited (GKCCC) depositors in four stages. The depositors said they are clueless as to how the final payment was more..

Oct 11 (CT) There are several employees of various sectors crying out loud, picketing and striking every now and then demanding something, which more often than not turns out to be for personal benefit, and in many cases very selfish and unfair ones. Then there is this top notch athletics coach, Philip Ranjith, the Sports Officer of North Western Province and producer of many talented national athletes and international more..

Oct 11 (IPS) Today marks the World Mental Health Day under the theme Dignity in Mental Health-Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for All. The aim of this year’s theme is to prepare people to confidently tackle the stigma, isolation, and discrimination that continue to affect those who suffer from mental health conditions, their families and caregivers. Psychological first aid covers both psychological and social support.  Therefore, investment in psychological first aid more..

Oct 11 (Island) A dialogue on unitary and federal systems of govt has already begun albeit among a woefully inadequate number of citizens. This article is an attempt at contributing to an informed dialogue on federalism by presenting the implications of international experiences and research findings on federalism for Sri Lanka. It would be pertinent to begin by reviewing the pattern of physical spread of the two systems, among the world’s total of 195 sovereign countries. more..

Oct 11 (SL) Renowned diplomats believe that Sri Lanka should remain committed to the sustenance and strengthening of the SAARC. They say the govt’s decision to withdraw from the SAARC summit in Pakistan, against the backdrop of some tensions between India and Pakistan, will not go well for the country or the regional bloc. The principle should be that the collective interests of the SAARC region should be always upheld. more..

Oct 11 (FT) 17 Malaysian companies will be in Colombo this week to explore investment opportunities on the sidelines of the World Export Development Forum (WEDF). Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) the export promotion agency of Malaysia will organise an Export Acceleration Mission (EAM) to Colombo, from 11-14 Oct. The companies consist of manufacturers of automotive products, building materials, detergents, parking meters, more..

Oct 11 (PTI) A state-of-the art pollution control vessel of the Indian Coast Guard is on its maiden visit to Sri Lanka to strengthen ties and mutual understanding with the their counterparts there. During its two-day visit starting today, Samudra Peheredar's crew will participate in professional, training and sports interactions with Sri Lanka Coast Guard personnel. The exercises are aimed at strengthening ties and mutual understanding between the two Coast Guards. more..

Oct 11 (ENS) Historically, relations between India and Sri Lanka have been fraught with controversies and even high tension at times. There has always been an atavistic fear in Sri Lanka of being dominated by India, the Big Brother just 30 nautical miles away from the island’s northern tip. The fear became acute with the brazen Indian political and military intervention to settle the Tamil question in the island nation in the 1980s. more..

Oct 11 (Island) Initial Public Offerings (IPO) expected to take place over the rest of this year are likely to be postponed for next year but debenture issues will come into play to raise funds for companies. The reasons for IPO postponements are the current political uncertainties in the country coupled with its troubled financial situation. "Due to the current political and economic volatility, investors are adopting a wait and see approach rater than going for new IPOs. more..

Oct 11 (FT) Monetary Board will hold a special meeting on the operations of primary dealers, including concerns linked to Perpetual Treasuries, over the next few days, Central Bank said yesterday after it had complained to police on the leak of a confidential inquiry carried out on Perpetual Treasuries.  “There has been widespread coverage in the press and electronic media regarding a report related to the examination of Perpetual Treasuries conducted by the Central Bank more..

Oct 11 (FT) Despite buoyant confidence, SL Tourism revised down the 2016 arrival target to 2.2 million from 2.5 million, and changed track on rolling back the minimum room rate policy saying it could continue for the next two years, contrary to an earlier announcement it would end in March 2017. Minister John Amaratunga remained upbeat over the industry’s progress, which is expecting revenue of $ 3.5 billion by end of the year. more..

Oct 11 (DN) Nine clubs and associations who have defaulted in submitting their audit reports for the past year have been suspended from getting any financial grants by SLC. The nine member clubs are: Baduraliya Cricket Club, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Southern Province Cricket Association, Negombo Cricket Club, Matara District Cricket Association, Puttalam District Cricket Association, Kollupitiya Sports Club, Normads Sports Club and Peterson Lane Sports Club. more..

Oct 11 (CT) The father and son of the same family were hacked to death by unidentified individuals last Sunday evening in Angunukolapelessa, Police said. Police Media Unit noted that the mother and the elder son of the family were also hospitalized after the incident. The family had been attacked with sharp objects, by an unidentified group of individuals. The father and younger son had succumbed to their injuries upon being brought to the Angunukolapelessa Hospital. more..

Oct 11 (CT) Thirty cricketers will be offered central contracts by SLC for the ensuing year and as they have suffered a substantial pay-cut on their annual guaranteed fee compared to the previous year. A player in top category received a contract fee of US $165,000, category 2 received US $100,000, US $70,000 was paid in category 3 and US $40,000 in category 4 during the 2015-2016 contract periods which ended in February. more..

Oct 11 (FT) If the Supreme Court determines that the VAT Amendment Bill, tabled last week, contains clauses violating article three of the Constitution, the bill can only be passed following a referendum, PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila said. He said article no 3 in the Constitution which protects the Sovereignty of the People, is being violated by the recent VAT Amendment bill. “Article no 3 of the Constitution says that sovereignty is in the people and is inalienable. more..

Oct 11 (VN) Vietnam wants to further the traditional friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka, Vietnam deputy PM Vu Duc Dam told President Sirisena on their sideline meeting at the second Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit that commenced in Bangkok on Oct 10. Both sides took note of significant developments in multiple sectors such as economics, justice, defence, culture, education and agriculture. However, they acknowledged that room for bilateral cooperation remains extensive.  more..

Oct 11 (Island) Colombo Magistrates’ Court Lawyers’ Association (CMCLA) at a special general meeting, unanimously decided to condemn the telephone tapping and hacking of the email of High Court Judge, Shiran Guneratne and moved that the authorities take immediate steps to inquire and arrest the suspects. It was also decided that the President and the Secretary of the Association should meet more..

Oct 11 (TP) Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF) has launched a campaign to provide urgent humanitarian aid to the people in Sri Lanka affected by widespread floods which hit the country in May. Dozens of people were killed, hundreds of homes were destroyed and more than 375,000 people displaced due to the disaster. This is the first campaign launched by any humanitarian organisation from Qatar for SL. The initiative aims to provide 11,000 food baskets more..

Oct 11 (DM) Former DIG Vaas Gunawardena’s wife Shamalie’s bail condition was relaxed by ordering her to appear before the CID on the last Sundays of every month instead of the last Sundays of every week. The Judge made this order on Mrs. Gunawardena on considering the pleadings made by Counsel Asela Rekawa who appeared on behalf of Mrs. Gunawardena during the inquiry into the motion filed by Mrs. Gunawardena in the High Court seeking a relaxation of the bail condition more..

Oct 11 (EN) Central bank said it has called in law enforcement authorities to probe a leak of a draft regulatory examination report into what observers say is the biggest securities scam in SL. An online publication leaked a draft investigation into the activities of Perpetual Treasuries, which has made extraordinary profits from unusually large volumes of Treasury bonds allocated to it at high yields during the tenure of last CB governor. more..

Oct 11 (FT) Making the pension application process more user-friendly, the Pensions Department has launched an automated system to apply for pension with effect from yesterday. According to a circular, pension application forms will now only be accepted through the Pensions Department website, www.pesion.gov.lk. Any individual who wishes to submit an application should first visit the website and follow the link titled Pension Management System to access the application form.  more..

Oct 11 (SL) A surveillance list of human rights defenders which was in the possession of the Terrorist Investigations Department (TID) has come to light. The existence of such a list surfaced following the detention of human rights activist Ruki Fernando at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) last week. Fernando was detained by TID and questioned at the airport and later released. Sources said that Fernando was detained based on a list in the possession of TID. more..

Oct 11 (Island) Senior Customs officers say they are in an embarassing position because they have been ordered to suspend investigations into the release of over 800 luxury vehicles which were undervalued. General Secretary of Nidahas Vurthiya Samaithiya said that govt coffers would lose around Rs. 40 million by way of taxes due to this action. All customs officers have been informed the above directive from more..

Oct 11 (DM) Change of wind pattern in the Indian Ocean had resulted in the present dry spell, A spokesman from Department of Meteorology said. The winds are moving away from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean bringing the drought to SL. “The situation may change by the middle of this month,” he said.  Moisturised laden winds blows inland which brings rains. Light showers were expected at few places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts, more..

Oct 11 (FT) The Supreme Court fixed the rights petition of Tiran Alles to be taken on 18 October before the same Bench which granted leave to proceed and an interim order to maintain Status Quo (the existing state of affairs).  Court observed that the matter had come before the Bench not properly constituted and was of the view that unless it is taken up before the same Bench which granted leave and the interim order, it would be subversion of the judicial process.  more..

Oct 11 (DM) Dr. Jayampathi Wickramaratne, who is a member of the Steering Committee on Constitutional Reforms, said the 21-member Committee would submit a report to the Constitutional Assembly (CA) in two weeks outlining the progress in the constitution-making process. The drafting of the new Constitution was still in its preliminary stages. “The six steering committees appointed by the CA are still deliberating on more..