June 9 (AD) Olympic medalist, Susanthika Jayasinghe, who recently stirred controversy by announcing her plans to auction off her Olympic Silver medal, says that she has served the country more than the Minister of Sports.  She stated that by now she has confirmed the value of an Olympic medal and the services a country can gain from an Olympian. She claimed that presently there is an offer for around Rs 250 million for her medal more..

June 9 (NR) Govt says Samurdhi Unions have been advised to initiate discussions and take the necessary steps with regard to any individuals affected in the disaster who may have obtained loans from Samurdhi banks. Speaking in Parliament Minister SB Dissnayake expressed these views in response to a question raised by MP Jayantha Samaraweera. MP noted there are individuals who were affected by the adverse weather that have taken Samurdhi loans from the banks and more..

June 9 (DN) DMC issued landslide, rock fall and cut slope failure warnings in areas belonging to seven districts today if rains continue for the next 24 hours. Galle district - Baddegama, Yakkamulla, Neluwa, Thawalama, Niyagama and Nagoda secretariat divisions and surrounding areas. Kalutara – Bulathsinhala, Agalawatta, Walallawita and Baduraliya secretariat divisions and surrounding areas. Matara – Kotapola, Pasgoda, Pitabeddara and Mulatiyana DS and surrounding areas. more..

June 9 (ICC) Danushka Gunathilaka was not destined to play the knock he did against India at The Oval on Thursday. In fact, he wasn't even in the SL squad for the Champions Trophy and got a chance only because Chamara Kapugedera injured his knee while fielding, less than 24 hours before SL's crucial match. Gunathilaka might not have played the game had Upul Tharanga not been suspended for two ODIs for a slow over-rate more..

June 10 (CT) Inaction on Aluthgama, near silence on Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) rhetoric and a government servant (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) not being taken to task for accepting an invitation to open the office of a political organization (BBS), and other acts of omission and commission raised the ire of Muslims in Sri Lanka. That was during the tenure of Mahinda Rajapaksa and some claim that all this pushed the Muslims of the country to vote for Maithripala Sirisena en bloc. more..

June 10 (SL) Coupled with the May 19 commemoration of the conclusion of the ethnic/anti-terror war, the subsequent reshuffle of the Cabinet may have put the nation at the cross-roads, all-round than anything else. It may be good in ways, not-so-good in other ways. In the absence of the alternatives, this is the best that could have been hoped for, at least politically though not necessarily otherwise. A mid-term shake-up of the Cabinet is inevitable under any circumstances. more..

June 10 (DN) One-time Olympic Silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe’s decision recently to sell her medals created tremendous hype in society. She made allegations against the Ministry of Sports for not giving her due recognition. Jayasinghe, in a recent interview, said, recognition given to sportsmen and women have declined and as a result, Sri Lankans participating in international competitions have also gradually declined. more..

June 10 (DN) Once again the old saying unuth ekai munuth ekai (There is no difference between former and present rulers) is heard more and more in the streets. That means ordinary masses, including those that voted for change on Jan 8, 2015 are frustrated and demoralized. Their expectations have been not only not fulfilled but they also see a continuation of old policies by the new dispensation too. Old wine in new bottles, so to say. Promised national policies are not yet formulated, more..

June 10 (DN) When we emerge from mother’s body we come not only with life but also with capabilities may be with a flair for something or more or a cleverness of some form. It is to develop those abilities that we learn in schools on wishful disciplines. Education is incomplete without a vocational training. Practical knowledge and experience is an absolute necessity for a person to become a practician or a practitioner. The maxim, Little education is dangerous is more..

June 10 (Roar) Sri Lanka has been celebrating its long and enduring love affair with one of the world’s most iconic cars, the Mini. More than 100 Minis, representing 21 different types and models, dating back nearly 60 years were put on display by their proud owners at Colombo Racecourse last Sunday (May 28). Festival of Minis was organised by the Mighty Mini Club of SL, who also used the event to help raise funds for more..

June 10 (SL) During the War Heroes commemoration day two weeks ago, a group of war heroes engaged in a sathyagraha at Independence Square. Their family members had also joined them in this protest. Although they had congregated at Independence square to commemorate their loved ones who had lost their lives during the war, they had to eventually stage their commemoration ceremony at Vihara Maha Devi park together with around 1,000 others gathered there. more..

June 10 (Island) Dr. Lionel Algama (Algama Koralalage Lionel Kumaradasa Perera) the renowned, gifted and multifaceted Musician, Innovator of musical instruments, Teacher, Conductor and Composer of music passed away on the 18th of May 2008 nine years ago at the age of 74. He was a contemporary of famous musicians such as legendary Dayananda Gunawardena, Premasiri Khemadasa and Pandit Amaradeva. In addition, he was an acclaimed 'A' grade more..

June 10 (CT) The sky was woefully downcast and that unmistakable scent of oncoming showers permeated the air, as the pent up clouds strained, bursting at its seams, finally overcoming the searing sun after a long drawn-out battle for supremacy. In sheer relief what commenced as giant teardrops, caressing the tops of the thirsting trees, it petered down onto the roofs with rhythmic urgency as it rapidly grew into torrents that was guzzled up by the parched earth. more..

June 10 (Island) We thought journalists would be able to carry out their duties without let or hindrance when the likes of Mervyn Silva were relegated to the political dustbin about two and a half years ago. But, worryingly, there are some self-proclaimed yahapalana politicians who are of the same ilk as Mervyn, within the ministerial ranks of the present govt, troubling the media. On Wednesday, Minister John Amaratunga laid bare his true face following a meeting with a group of more..

June 10 (Island) Don’t we have anything other than an Olympic medal to worry about? What a fuss is being made about Susanthika Jayasinghe wanting to sell her Olympic Silver Medal. So what if she does? The Minister of Sports, Dayasiri Jayasekera, who is now in the fun game of Cabinet Co-spokesman too, has said the Sports Law would be amended to prohibit the sale of an Olympic medal won by a Sri Lankan. more..

June 10 (NS) Sri Lankans rejoiced last week when the lions beat the Indians, who are ranked No. 2 in the OIDs. The win was quite unexpected, mainly because SL had come in after losing to South Africa while India was on a high after beating their arch rivals, Pakistan. Given the mammoth chase, Sri Lankans were more or less scripted out of the tournament until two young guns Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka put up a steady fight to ensure that they give a hard time to Indians. more..

June 10 (NS) Two years on, a constitutional solution to the minority issue, one of the electoral promises of the yahapalana govt is far from being a reality. The ongoing constitution-making process in the parliament has made some progress with regard to the degree of devolution – a sticky issue in the past, while the process has slowed down due to issues not related to devolution. One such major issue seems to be the abolition of the executive presidency. more..

June 10 (NS) Calamities unite people. In a world dominated by social media networks, the unity to help more people is more apparent than it was before. Over 200 lives were lost and thousands were displaced a few days ago due to incessant rains which resulted in floods and landslides in several parts of the country. People once again united to help the victims. Help arrived from all corners of the island. But what is more touching is when more..

June 10 (Island) SL’s inimitable one-man cricket cheer squad, Percy Abeysekera, pays a glowing tribute to SL for showing how classy they are surpassing the fancied Indians by seven wickets at the time many had written them off. A man with over six decades of experience behind him as a cheerleader sees the importance of backing our boys in the good days as well as the bad ones with equal zest. ‘We tend to forget them, undermine them and ridicule them when they lose. more..

June 10 (CI) The world called it the mother of all miracles when little Bangladesh beat the mighty Australians in Cardiff in 2005. Twelve years later, in a toe-to-toe battle with New Zealand at the same ground, Bangladesh staged a comeback for the ages, winning by five wickets after being blown away by their pace attack. The stunning turnaround was scripted courtesy Bangladesh's highest stand for any wicket in ODIs between centurions Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah who added more..

June 10 (ICC) This was a great victory for Sri Lanka and a much-needed one. It meant a lot to the Sri Lanka team to chase down that very stiff total and to do it with such ease will have been hugely satisfying. There is no doubt, Sri Lanka would have had a few worries coming into this game given recent form, injuries to key players, and the suspension in the last game of stand-in captain and in-form opener Upal Tharanga. more..

June 10 (FT) In recognition of its efforts towards the community development, Grama Prabodhaya initiated by the Rotaract Club of University of Moratuwa has been selected as the Single Club International Winner in Year 2016-17 Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards, organised by Rotary International out of the projects carried out by more than 8,000 Rotaract clubs in 167 countries across the globe. Grama Prabodhaya is one of the sustainable community service projects more..

June 10 (KT) A Sri Lankan domestic worker in Kuwait faces charges of manslaughter and abortion after she accidentally killed her newborn during delivery. According to a police report, the SL woman went into labor inside her Jordanian sponsor’s house, then locked herself up inside a room and attempted to deliver the baby on her own. She has tried to pull the baby but ended up accidentally decapitating it and then screamed for help. The sponsor rushed to see what happened and more..

June 10 (FT) Central Bank is in the process of introducing a flexible inflation targeting framework with the assistance of the IMF to support SL’s economic growth objectives and flexibility in exchange rate management. Delivering the keynote address at Fitch Sovereign and Banking Forum 2017, CB Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said the successful transition to a flexible inflation targeting regime will enable more..

June 10 (CT) Kumar Sangakkara has officially hosed down any suggestion he would come out of int'l retirement to aid his country's Champions Trophy campaign. Moments prior to SL's must-win Group B match against India at The Oval, Sangakkara laughed off a possible return to national duties despite suspension and injury rocking his former teammates. No, definitely not, Sangakkara said when asked by his co-commentators if he was tempted by a possible return for SL. more..

June 10 (FT) Despite the tea industry escaping any long-term impact from the recent floods, the sector is projected to have lost Rs. 599 million worth of tea and machinery according to officials, and would have to relocate over a dozen factories to escape future disasters.   Even though he dispelled fears of serious volume losses, Tea Commissioner believes about Rs. 599 million, with tea constituting an estimated Rs. 172.4 million & machinery accounting for Rs. 426.7 million, has been lost. more..

June 10 (NS) Ministers of Northern Provincial Council (NPC) have come under scrutiny after allegations of financial corruption and misuse of power. A committee appointed by the Northern Province Chief Minister, C.V. Wigneswaran had concluded their investigations and handed over their report which was tabled at the council on June 7. Chairman of NPC, C.V.K. Sivagnanam said that Chief Minister would more..

June 10 (Hindu) Madras High Court has directed the Assistant Solicitor General to get instructions from the Union govt on a Public Interest Litigation petition seeking direction to the govt to refer the alleged human rights violations committed by the SL navy for the past 34 years against Indian fishermen to the Int'l Court of Justice. First Bench passed the direction on PIL moved by Fishermen Care, an organisation for fishermen rights, and posted the plea to July 17 for further hearing. more..

June 10 (SLN) Coast Guard personnel onboard CG 41 attached to the Northern Naval Command, during patrol, detected a suspicious bag abandoned in the seas about 10 Nm off Kankesanthurei today (9). Further investigations into the incident carried out by the Navy disclosed that there were 5.5 kg of heroin stocked in the bag in 5 packages. The apprehended bag of heroin was handed over to the Kankesanthurei Police for onward investigations. Similarly, Navy recovered 9.3 kg of heroin more..

June 10 (CT) Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has written to the President Maithripala Sirisena urging, particularly in his capacity as Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation, to ensure the right of families to engage in memorialisation activities and also the security of persons who engage in such activities. We publish below the letter in full. more..

June 10 (DM) Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) recently awarded scholarships to 140 outstanding students, including the top achievers at the 2016 GCE A/L Exam, to help them realise their dreams of becoming globally sought-after chartered accountants. The scholarships were awarded at the institute’s annual scholarship awards ceremony, which was held under the patronage of Minister Mohan Lal Grero, CA SL President Lasantha Wickremasinghe more..

June 10 (DM) In the wake of a sudden rise in child begging in the recent past, especially in the city of Colombo and its suburbs, the police have decided to initiate special raids to arrest those who forced children into begging, the Police Headquarters announced yesterday. Police Media Spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said during 14 raids conducted during the last three months, 18 children were taken into custody and produced in courts. “11 boys, 7 girls who were engaged more..

June 10 (DM) Questions were asked in Parliament today with regard to the distribution of relief items under the label of some politicians. JO MP Chandrasiri Gajadira asked whether a certain minister had distributed bananas with his name attached. Minister Gayantha Karunathilake, who responded to the allegation, said a certain group of mischief makers had done this to tarnish his image and added that the CID was investigating more..

June 10 (SK) Sri Lankan all-rounder Asela Gunaratne feels that sharing the dressing room with Jasprit Bumrah for the Mumbai Indians franchise during the 2017 IPL helped him counter the death over specialist’s threat during his crucial 22-ball 34 that helped Sri Lanka earn a surprising win over defending champions India in the eighth match of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy on Thursday. Coming in to bat following Kusal Perera’s inability to continue out in the middle more..

June 10 (HCI) In a special ceremony held on June 3, at Hellebodde Estate in Pusselawa, High Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh Sandhu along with Ministers Palani Digambaram, and V.S. Radhakrishnan, laid foundation stone for 100 new houses being constructed under the Indian Housing Project. MPs and Central Provincial Council, senior Govt officials as well as officials from Plantation Human Development Trust (PHDT), Plantation and Estate Management participated. more..

June 10 (DM) Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has confined itself to distributing relief whenever there is a disaster and had kept away from its main duty of preventing such situations, JVP MP Sunil Handunetti said. He said DMC had failed to save people's lives from the recent floods and landslides. "The number one priority should be to save lives while the saving of property comes next. more..

June 10 (DN) Mirihana Police yesterday arrested a suspect who was involved in the arson attack on a shop near Wijerama junction, owned by a leading Muslim businessman in Akurana. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a member of an extremist organisation attempting create disharmony in the country by fanning racism. Police sources added that the suspect who had worked in a number of leading hotels in Colombo as a steward is a resident of Nawinna, Maharagama. more..

June 10 (Island) Kandana police have launched an investigation into the incident where Tourism Minister abused and threatened a journalist on Thursday in the premises of his office at Kandana following a complaint lodged by the latter. Police said they would obtain statements from the policemen who were on duty there as well as the public. A senior officer said they would also obtain a statement from a policeman attached to the Ministerial Security Division who had urged more..

June 10 (Island) The total damage caused by the recent floods and landslides owing to Cyclone Mora was around eight billion rupees, Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa told Parliament yesterday. Minister Yapa said the government would need more than Rs 8 billion to repair the damaged properties and meet the cost of recovery process. He added that required funds could be obtained from Insurance Trust Fund. more..