Oct 13 (CT) Chairman of the CEB, Anura Wijepala, said if the govt continues to cite environmental and other concerns to justify rejecting permission to construct power plants in the country, consumers would have to pay more per unit of power because the govt would have to purchase power from India at higher rates and bear the loss. But finally, that loss will have to be borne once again by the people themselves through taxes. more..

Oct 13 (NR) JVP says President Maithripala Sirisena’s statement pertaining to investigative bodies should be made clear. President yesterday warned he will be compelled to take action against investigative bodies such as FCID, CID and CIABOC if found to be working according to a political agenda. JVP called to refrain from issuing statements that weaken legal action and moves against criminal or fraudulent activities. more..

Oct 13 (CT) We commemorated the World Mental Health Day last Monday which was remembered under the theme of Psychological and Mental First Aid. However, the day only stands as a reminder to our society that mental health is a serious matter that should not be ignored or taken lightly. However, the reality of the situation is that most of us do not take it seriously and only give it a second's glance. Sri Lanka is yet to receive the memo of being politically correct and more..

Oct 13 (CT) After the election of the new govt, Sri Lanka’s foreign policy has been to show positive attitudes towards the protection and promotion of human rights. In international forums and in public declarations, it has declared that it accepts the international law on human rights, that it is committed to enforcing international agreements on human rights, and that it is committed to a policy of reconciliation. On issues like torture and ill treatment, Minister of Foreign Affairs more..

Oct 13 (Island) Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has requested President Maithripala Sirisena and P Ranil Wickremesinghe to explore the possibility of converting garbage into renewable energy as a solution to the garbage menace which has reached alarming proportions. He said garbage had become a serious environmental issue and it had to be solved urgently. The prelate was of the opinion that Sri Lankan experts should study the methods adopted by other countries. more..

Oct 13 (CT) President Sirisena’s high pitched speech at a ceremony to hand over deeds of houses and property to retired military personnel under the Sathviru Sanhinda programme thumbed his nose at the fundamental principles of good governance and indicated that all was not well with the Yahapalana Govt he jointly leads with PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. President expressed displeasure and disgust at the way that action was being taken against high-ranking military personnel. more..

Oct 13 (EN) Pollution levels in Kelani River, which provides drinking water to Colombo, are unacceptably high, and it needs to be monitored more closely to ensure early identification of pollution and quick action, a senior conservation official said. About a quarter of people live in the river basin and the river is not in a healthy situation, Ananda Mallawatantri told a forum held by Biodiversity Sri Lanka, more..

Oct 13 (DM) The parents of the 17-year-old schoolgirl, who died last year after falling into an unprotected drain at the Nittawela Junction on the Kandy-Katugastota Road, filed a civil law suit, in the Kaduwela District Court today, claiming damages from the Kandy Municipal Council (KMC) and Road Development Authority (RDA). They are claiming Rs.100 million each from the two institutions. At the time of her death, the teenager Sahebdeen Asra was studying for the GCE A/L more..

Oct 13 (Island) A tourism promotion programme was organised by the Sri Lanka embassy in Tehran on 9 Oct, with a view to further promoting tourism between Sri Lanka and Iran. The programme which was held at the embassy was attended by a group of leading tour/travel operators in Tehran and some officials of the Govt of Iran. SL Ambassador Y.K.A. Rohanajith, emphasized the need to further promote tourism between the two countries. Referring to the First Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) more..

Oct 13 (CT) The govt, recently, announced the price increase of all brands of cigarettes by Rs 7; thereby increasing the price of a cigarette from Rs 35 to Rs 42, with the expectation of discouraging tobacco consumption, while increasing govt revenue. It was also revealed in Parliament that a wholesale dealer had purchased over 200 million cigarettes, prior to the price hike; and the loss to govt revenue is expected to be in the range of about Rs 1.3 billion. more..

Oct 13 (RP) High Commissioner of Pakistan in SL Syed Shakeel Hussain says the two countries enjoy excellent relations and there is a strong will on both sides to further develop and strengthen these relations. He was talking to 10-member student delegation in Colombo from Abbotabad, Pakistan. The student's delegation visited Sri Lanka under Pakistan-SL Youth Exchange Programme arranged by Ministry of National Policy and Economic Affairs and National Youth Services Council of SL. more..

Oct 13 (Hindu) A country boat fisherman from Pamban suffered head injury, while another escaped unhurt, when the Sri Lankan navy allegedly pelted stones against them after opening fire in the air, when they were fishing on the high seas on Tuesday night. A group of country boat fishermen had set out for fishing from Pamban north-sea around 2 pm on Tuesday and they were in the boats after laying the nets near Katchatheevu islet around 8:30 pm, when SL navy attacked them more..

Oct 13 (NR) Attorney General today issued a charge sheet against BBS Galagodathe Gnanasara thera over his unruly behaviour opposite the Homagama Magistrate’s Court. Four charges were filed against the thera. A complaint was launched by the Homagama Magistrate with the Court of Appeal. The charges were filed against Gnanasara thera by Attorney General. Thera was charged with Contempt of Court, insulting Court, undermining the supremacy of Court and more..

Oct 13 (TG) Maldives has announced it will leave the Commonwealth after mounting pressure from the 53-nation group over corruption and deteriorating human rights in the Indian Ocean state. Country’s govt, which has been fending off rumours of an impending coup and allegations of money laundering, said the decision on Thursday to cancel its membership was difficult but inevitable. Its foreign ministry said in a statement it had been treated unjustly and unfairly more..

Oct 13 (NR) Court today issued an order for the deportation of a German female who was in possession of posters and images of the leader of the LTTE Velupillai Prabhakaran. The order was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Artigala. The German national was arrested by the Chunnakam police and was handed over to the Terrorist Investigation Division for further investigations. The woman was residing in the island 15 years ago before migrating to Germany. more..

Oct 13 (DM) In the wake of President Maitripala Sirisena lashing out at the alleged politicization of the FCID, CID and Bribery Commission, NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa said it was time for the President to walk the talk. He said that it was obvious that the President had directed his criticism at PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mr. Weerawansa said President was similarly critical of the VAT Bill but had failed to ensure that govt would not proceed with it. more..

Oct 13 (EN) Sri Lanka is to set up a team of people from state and civil society to monitor how official commitments under the Open Government Partnership aimed at making the government more transparent and accountable are carried out. The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the Open Government Partnership Action Plan and the setting up of a Steering Committee to monitor its implementation, acting Media Minister Karunarathne Paranavithana said. more..

Oct 13 (DM) Three men convicted by the US of being LTTE terrorists would get their sentences reduced by 10 years after a Brooklyn judge revealed that he had been “haunted” by the case. “I just believe in my heart of hearts that an injustice has been done and I can’t correct it,” Federal Judge Raymond Dearie has said, according to a transcript of a July 15, 2015 conference with prosecutors and defense lawyers. Dearie was referring to the 25-year prison terms he was mandated to give more..

Oct 13 (PMD) The inauguration ceremony of the 16th edition of the World Export Development Forum was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the BMICH, yesterday. The theme for this year’s Forum is ” Trade for success: Connect, Compete, Change” and the World Export Development Forum is held in Sri Lanka for the first time. Forum was jointly organized by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) more..

Oct 13 (AD) PM should make a special statement in connection with the decision to summon former Defence Secretary to the Courts, MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage says. He also pointed out the institutions that came under the criticism of President Sirisena are under PM Wickremesinghe. “The chief of the anti-graft commission is a close friend of the PM, therefore Wickremesinghe should make a special statement on the decision to summon former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa,” he added. more..

Oct 13 (DM) Colombo High Court Judge today noticed the respondents, cited by former chief JMO Ananda Samarasekara in his revision application, to appear in court on Oct 27. He filed a revision application in the High Court after his anticipatory bail application filed in Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court in connection with the investigation into Wasim Thajudeen’s missing body parts, was rejected. Mr. Samarasekaera cited the AG and the OIC of the CID’s Homicide Division as respondents. more..

Oct 13 (DN) MP Hirunika Premachandra said she had filed a complaint with the Prisons Commissioner regarding undue privileges granted to former MP Duminda Silva, incarcerated for the murder of her father. She said she had received reports that some of the officers and jailors within the prison were helping Duminda Silva by according him with various advantages and privileges. “For instance,” she said, “A person sentenced to death can only see family members once a week.” more..

Oct 13 (GDI) Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Representative of Sri Lanka to the Executive Board of the UNESCO and Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Tilak Ranaviraja represented Sri Lanka at the 200 session of its Executive Board from 7 to 10 Oct 2016 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Addressing the plenary session of the Board, Minister Kariyawasam reiterated the progressive advancements made by Sri Lanka in the fields of education, culture, science with more..

Oct 13 (ITN) Measures have been taken to introduce a type of rice with a composition of Folic Acid and iron needed by the body as a solution to the iron deficiency. It will be carried out in conformity to standards of the WHO. This programme will be launched by the Nutrition Division of the Presidential Secretariat in collaboration with the Agriculture, Health and Education Ministries. This is slated to be included in the rice provided for the mid-day meal given to students of more..

Oct 13 (PMD) President Maithripala Sirisena says the govt is building the national economy of the country with an innovation economy based on knowledge, recognizing this task as its responsibility. “We can’t go on a rapid journey for that. Instead the govt is acting through a well-planned and proper program”, he added. The President was speaking at the Kantha Govi Sammelanaya (Wemen’s Agrarian Conference), held today in the Mahaweli Playground in Galnewa, Anuradhapura. more..

Oct 14 (CT) Come senators, congressmen please heed the call; Don’t stand in the doorway don’t block up the hall; For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled; There’s a battle outside and it’s ragin’; It’ll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls; For the times they are a’ changin’! – Bob Dylan. The quote is aimed at President Sirisena and the corrupt who have managed to pressurise him to make that disastrous speech castigating the FCID, BC and other anti-corruption bodies set up as more..

Oct 14 (CT) The book by Major General Kamal Gunaratne – Warrior’s way to Nadikadal (රණමග ඔස්සේ නන්දිකඩාල්) is written in lucid Sinhala striving for the lyrical at crucial points. It is a record breaking best seller among the Sinhala reading public. Title is qualified with a sub title Defeat of the Tiger Organisation - the true story. It is more than the memoirs of a soldier. It is a powerful political instrument that is designed to capture the Sinhala Buddhist imagination as an epic narrative more..

Oct 14 (CT) The proposed amendments to the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance has recently become a much talked about topic in the country. Chief prelates (Mahanyakes) of the main Buddhist chapters in the country are currently holding discussions regarding the possible amendments to this legislative instrument that governs the affairs of Buddhist temples and Devalas. more..

Oct 14 (CT) The speech President Sirisena delivered at the Foundation Institute, bringing certain allegations against the commissions created by the 19th Amendment, Wednesday has shaken the political landscape of Sri Lanka. The speech, which was given wide publicity, has triggered various reactions. My personal view is that the speech made by the President should not have been made at that occasion. However, we must attempt to identify what made the President to make this statement; more..

Oct 14 (CT) "History is story of the Past and what our ancestors did or were forced to undergo then made it history. We are trying to find fault with them or justify what they did. The importance in History is that it cautions us to be wise and careful so that we shall not repeat the same blunders. Let us not try to be the 'Blind men who tried to describe the elephant, by touching and feeling the part near them. Let us not contribute to another disaster. The issue is to eradicate all the reasons that more..

Oct 14 (CT) TNA MP Gnanamuttu Srinesan said only a secular Constitution will fulfil the expectations of all minority communities in the country. "If a progressive Constitution is drafted, it should be an acceptable one by all communities of this country. Features of a secular State should be included in the new Constitution to avoid complications. Therefore, giving first priority to Buddhism will push other religions to more..

Oct 14 (DN) President Maithripala Sirisena has been repeatedly saying that his goal is to make Sri Lanka a developed and enlightened nation. None would disagree with him. However, it is easily said than done. Development should embrace not only economic development but also human development including a contented life. It would be more difficult to explain what an enlightened nation is. However, good governance would certainly be one of its principal attributes. more..

Oct 14 (DN) Democratic and progressive forces have hailed the historic regime change that took place on Jan 8, 2015, as a democratic revolution. The consensual approach adopted by UNP and SLFP, as opposed to the acrimonious confrontational trajectory these two parties had hitherto pursued, is indeed what brought about that transformation. Also, it undoubtedly augurs well for the future that the duration of National Unity (NU) Govt has been extended from 2-year period, more..

Oct 14 (Island) I belong to the so-called Independent Election Commission. I do not know why they call us Independent because I do not see that word in any of the legal instruments that appointed us. That, however, is the perception of the public. They expect us to act independently and hold the long overdue local govt (LG) Elections immediately. It is a normal expectation in a democracy. In the meantime, many contradictory statements with different dates by Minister for Provincial Councils & Local Govt, more..

Oct 14 (Island) Certain comments on corporal punishment in schools made by President Sirisena at the Guru Prathibha Pranama Ulela held last week have given rise to much controversy. What the President said was as follows: "My mother was a teacher. On occasion due to problems in school, I remember seeing her in tears after she returns home. I know that there are teachers who go home and weep today as well. When I was studying in Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya, more..

Oct 14 (FT) Companies from Australia, France, Thailand, Switzerland, Pakistan and India had expressed interest in investing and starting joint ventures with Sri Lankan companies at the conclusion of the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) yesterday, which gave special focus to SMEs and fostering direct engagement between businesses. Companies focused on several sectors including apparel, organic coconuts & spices, more..

Oct 14 (Island) Prof. Ratnajeevan Hoole’s article today sheds light on the predicament of the National Election Commission (NEC), which has become a whipping boy for the incumbent govt afflicted with what may be called polls phobia. The outspoken don calls the independence of the NEC, of which he is a member, into question. He deserves praise for having the courage to turn the searchlight inwards and also exposing the conceited politicians pretending to be great democrats. more..

Oct 14 (DN) Sri Lanka A undone by the off-spin of burly Antiguan Rahkeem Cornwall were struggling to stave off a possible defeat at the hands of West Indies A in the second 4-day unofficial test played at the Pallekele International Stadium yesterday. By the end of the third day Sri Lanka A set a tall target of 481 runs for victory were floundering at 36 for two wickets having lost Test batsmen Dimuth Karunaratne for 3 and Lahiru Thirimanne for 4 to the West Indies A quicks. more..