June 28 (DM) Ministry of Educations announced that the date of application for the admission of children to grade one in govt schools for 2018 would be extended until July 10. Ministry said the final date for the application for schools admissions had been June 30 as announced earlier but the ministry decided to extend it till July 10. However, Ministry instructed the parents who had not posted their applications yet to obtain an acknowledgement letter from the relevant school Principals more..

June 28 (Island) Sri Lanka was the first South Asian nation to adopt 4G in 2013, ranking the country first in South Asia in the Network Readiness Index, but four years on this accomplishment hasn't matched with Sri Lankan business entities developing new solutions and applications to diversify into new markets. Probably having noticed this gap, global digitisation and Cloud solution providers are eying Sri Lanka to help these businesses in their specialised domain and make a profit. more..

June 28 (EN) Vehicle registrations recovered in May but remained weak compared with last year owing to high taxes and interest rates and loan limits but tipper trucks imports rose to meet demand from revived construction projects. “Vehicle market experienced a rebound in May from a slow April due to the extensive New Year holiday, JB Securities said. “Nevertheless, on a seasonally adjusted basis on most categories, more..

June 28 (FT) A good mix of global and local experts will impart key insights on cyber security today at Sri Lanka’s first-ever youth summit on the important subject as the use of technology and the move to digitalisation gathers momentum in the country. Over 350 A/L students from a host of govt, private and int'l schools will attend today’s event co-hosted by the Daily FT and CICRA Consultancies at the Jasmine Hall of BMICH with Minister Harin Fernando attending as the Chief Guest. more..

June 28 (Island) The successful conclusion of mine clearing operations, in Batticaloa district, was announced at the US Embassy Iftar, in Batticaloa, on the night of June 20. US Ambassador Atul Keshap, made the announcement after having addressed the contentious issue of ongoing Sinhala extremists attacks on the Muslim community, US support as well as the long standing US relationship with the Muslim community. Announcement was made the day before the official statement, more..

June 28 (DM) A group of 25 Nigerian and Ugandan nationals had been rounded up recently by CID for swindling a sum of Rs.50 million from over 15 locals through fake Facebook posts. These foreigners were arrested by the CID on charges of financial fraud. CID launched an investigation following 15 complaints, where complainants had claimed that said group posing as a cash bonanza scheme had directed them to deposit more..

June 28 (ST) Sri Lanka is introducing high-end tourism projects and new travel opportunities in unspoiled areas of Dedduwa and Akurala in the Galle district in an effort to re-develop the southern province, the Western Province and Megapolis Development Ministry disclosed. The two areas will be converted into a high –end tourist attraction zone with an investment of around US$300 million which is made available for this purpose at present, a senior official said. more..

June 28 (DM) Several state-owned undertakings which have already become white elephants have sunk deeper into the red due to overstaffing with political appointees, they say. A State-owned flying venture, for example, had during the past two years itself recruited more than 1,000 persons for (no)-work in various sections. “Most of these new recruits are from the Kegalle district. They go about doing nothing while being on the payroll,” an inside source said. more..

June 28 (Island) Wartime Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said that President Trump had unceremoniously ended a two-decade long tradition of hosting an iftar meal at the White House during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, while the US repeatedly told Sri Lanka how to proceed with post-war reconciliation process here. The previous Rajapaksa govt brought the war to a successful conclusion in May 2009. more..

June 28 (DN) Two suspects including Captain Tissa Wimalasena, the driver and security officer of former President Rajapaksa, were ordered to be further remanded till July 11 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly operating an illegal quarry on a govt owned land in Koratota area causing a loss of Rs. 29 million to the govt. Two suspects Tissa Wimalasena and Lal Priyantha Peiris, a former member of Puttalam PS, were arrested by FCID under the provisions of more..

June 28 (FT) Commercial High Court of Colombo on 23 June ruled that the ex-parte interim injunctions against Hatton National Bank be continued until the final determination and dismissed its application to set aside or vary the said order. Court earlier made the interim injunction restraining HNB from holding or proceeding with its Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for 26 Oct 1016 or any time thereafter for the purpose of obtaining the approval of the shareholders to issue shares to the ADB. more..

June 28 (CI) Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been given a suspended ban of six months and fined 50% of the match fee of his next ODI appearance, after a disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of breaching his contract. SLC's decision will have no impact on the fast bowler's availability for the Zimbabwe series - he was named in 13-member squad for the first two ODIs. Malinga appeared before SLC's inquiry panel on Tuesday, more..

June 28 (DM) Minister Ravi Karunanayake said that govt intends to establish diplomatic ties with several new countries and it is important to give priority for commercial diplomacy. Minister revealed this on Monday when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Prelate of Malwatte Chapter Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera. He told the Thera that rule of Good Governance was able to change the negative image of the country and gain support of int'l community during last 2 years. more..

June 28 (Island) Customs in the early hours of yesterday thwarted an attempt by a Sri Lankan to smuggle in diamonds and gold jewellery estimated to be worth approximately Rs 16 mn. Customs at the BIA identified the suspect as a 38-year-old. A top Customs official said that alert officers had intercepted the suspect as he was leaving the airport through the green channel. Those returning passengers are allowed to use the green channel if they didn’t have anything to declare. more..

June 28 (FT) The two parties of the coalition Govt joined forces yesterday to address the SAITM crisis, with an impassioned appeal to students of State-run medical faculties to return to lectures, while proposing a course of action to address the demands made by student unions and the GMOA. General Secretaries of the two parties reiterated the solutions given by President Sirisena in his statement last Saturday more..

June 28 (FT) Anilana Hotels and Properties (ALHP) announced plans to sell 51% stake in the company to Singapore-based Somap International for Rs. 667 million. ALHP said it is currently in discussion with Indian Ocean Group Pte Ltd. on behalf of its advisory client partner Somap International to invest up to 51% of the capital by way of an issue of new shares with a total value of Rs. 667.4 million for 513.44 million shares at Rs. 1.30 each subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. more..

June 28 (CI) Former South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Nic Pothas has been appointed Sri Lanka's interim coach days after Graham Ford quit the job, following the team's group-stage exit at the Champions Trophy this month. Pothas, who has served as SL's fielding coach since August last year, will oversee the team until the end of the India tour, SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said. Pothas' role as interim coach will begin at home with the five-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, more..

June 28 (DM) Joint Trade Union Alliance of CEB warned of a possible disruption of power supply today due to its scheduled protest march and conference attended by its members from around the country. Alliance General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said more than 22,000 employees of the CEB would participate at the conference. They would hold the conference following a protest march demanding solutions to salary anomalies. more..

June 28 (NP) Sivaloganathan Thanabalasingham, the man accused of killing his wife and whose trial was stayed by the Superior Court, is slated to be deported to Sri Lanka on previous charges, but Quebec Crown prosecutors are requesting the Canadian government block the deportation, according to reports. Thanabalasingham, who initially contested the deportation order handed to him in April because of a domestic violence conviction, could leave as early as next week. more..

June 28 (DN) Colombo High Court ordered to temporally release former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage’s passport for him to obtain US visa. MP sought Court’s permission to travel to the US from July 15. High Court Judge made the order following a request by defence counsel. At a previous occasion, the Colombo High Court had served indictments on MP Aluthgamage in connection with an indictment filed against him by Attorney General for alleged criminal breach more..

June 28 (DM) In a surprising turn of events, govt has decided not to go ahead with the two proposed Indian and Japanese-funded Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) power plants in Sampur, Minister Ranjitha Siyambalapitiya said. He said that instead a 50 MW solar power plant would be constructed there. Agreement to set up a 500 MW coal power plant with Indian investment was signed in Aug 2011 and construction agreement more..

June 28 (DN) Sri Lanka should not miss the opportunity to implement the long-delayed fuel pricing formula since oil prices have softened, said Economist Murtaza Jafferjee. “Petrol is in underpriced in SL, and there remains a case to further increase prices to fully reflect all externalities especially congestion and traffic accidents. Further, with more fuel-efficient vehicles due to hybrids and small engines the tax intensity per unit of road mileage has gone down over the years,” more..

June 28 (Island) Natural disasters around the country have caused losses amounting to Rs. 34 billion to the CEB so far this year, says Power Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. He that the total loss incurred by the CEB due to recent floods and landslides caused by heavy rains was estimated at Rs. 300 million. Over 771,000 electricity breakdowns had been reported due to heavy rains, floods and landslides in Matara, Ratnapura, Galle & Kalutara Districts, he said. more..

June 28 (Island) Deputy Solicitor General Milinda Gunatillake, refering to the submissions made by Additional Director of Information Technology Department of the Central Bank, told the Presidential Commission probing the alleged bond scams that Perpetual Treasuries along with a few other Primary dealers had, through treasury bond transactions in the secondary market made high profits by selling bonds to the EPF. more..

June 28 (DM) Human nature has not changed. It may have embraced new cultures. It may have rejected certain others. It may have progressed from check books to credit cards and e-banking but remains loyal to money and what it does to bring about outwardly pleasures and riches to a tiring businessman and an upstart youth heading for promotion after promotion for doubling and trebling sales in the company he works day in and day out. It continues to indulge in its base instincts and more..

June 28 (DM) LLRC, a committee of high intellect, was charged by the then Govt, with the cognitive challenge of defining reconciliation and offering suggestions for post-conflict settlement. It recommended, among others, that urgent attention be given to resolving land displacement issues in N-E conflict zones, as a load-bearing part of general reconciliation approaches. Govt decided that this recommendation be implemented through SL’s mediation system, which had gained int'l more..

June 28 (SL) Protests continued last week against the SAITM private medical campus in Malabe resulting in public property being damaged. A strike by doctors on the SAITM issue led to hundreds of patients being affected. President Sirisena had stated that there is a political hand behind the behaviour of the university students. Meanwhile Minister Rajitha Senaratne said that action will be taken against those more..

June 28 (DM) Following a statement made during a TV talk show highlighting attacks on a religious minority group, human rights lawyer Lakshan Dias faced allegations raised by Justice Minister on the grounds of creating religious disharmony. Commenting on the situation Dias said that his opinion was based on the facts of a recently published report as well as facts derived from similar court cases that he was appearing for. more..

June 28 (CT) Protests against the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project have been continuing for years due to the adverse effects which are seen in the area around Bandarawela in the Central Highlands. The ADB once rejected funding the project due to several factors including technical faults. Iranian Govt came forward to provide funds as a loan in 2008. People of the area have been complaining of drying up of water more..

June 28 (DM) At a time when the country is facing a debt burden, Ministers should play a key role in securing the people’s money. But they seem to care less. While they get to enjoy most perks and benefits, many of them seem to be surviving the tax game as well. Daily Mirror learns that the statutory allowance for any individual, whether a resident or not is Rs. 500,000. This is a tax-free allowance given to all citizens of SL. more..

June 28 (ST) Scholars at the Cornell University, USA, are fighting to keep alive a decades-old Sinhala language programme that is facing closure owing to funding cuts. Cornell, a renowned private Ivy League institution, is the only university outside Sri Lanka to offer a full curriculum of study in Sinhala. About half of the funding for the course is external, primarily from US Govt’s Department of Education. The rest is from the university. more..

June 28 (DN) Murder trial of schoolgirl Sivaloganathan Vidya will begin before a 3-member bench at Jaffna High Court today. The 3-member bench will be headed by High Court Judge Balendran Sashi Mahendran and comprises Judges Annalingam Premashankar and Manickavasagar Chelian. Chief Justice Priyasath Dep appointed a 3-member bench to hear the schoolgirl Vidya murder case on May 22. more..

June 28 (OBG) The recent decision by the EU to reinstate Sri Lanka to its tariff exemption scheme, designed to assist developing countries in achieving upper-middle-income status, should serve to boost exports and generate renewed private sector investment. On May 19 the EU formally restored Sri Lanka to the ranks of countries that benefit from the GSP+, which provides additional tariff preferences. more..

June 28 (Island) SL Schools Athletics Association is determined to carry on with the tested distances of 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres for the Under-14 age category despite the Ministry of Education dropping such disciplines for the said age category at athletics championships conducted by them this year. "We are continuing with these disciplines as they are the events that build strength, speed and endurance. more..

June 28 (Island) The GMOA President Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya warned attempts to protect the SAITM would cause further turmoil. GMOA wouldn’t give up its efforts to abolish the SAITM project under any circumstances, Dr Padeniya said, urging the public to be wary of false propaganda. Dr Padeniya was responding to attorney-at-law Hemantha Warnakulasuriya, PC, who lambasted the GMOA. more..

June 28 (DM) Sri Lanka was upgraded to Tier 2, the annual Trafficking in Persons Report (2017) released by the US State Secretary Rex Tillerson said. The report stated that SL govt demonstrated increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period and therefore, SL was upgraded to Tier 2. However it said, Sri Lanka did not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, however, more..

June 28 (LBO) Issue of SL development bonds amounting to US$ 515 million has been oversubscribed with close to US$ 1 billion of bids received from investors. CB has received US$ 452.55 million of bids for the one year seven months bond and the bank has accepted 73.93 million at a floating rate of six month LIBOR plus 274.93 basis points. CB has also received US$ 181.29 million of bids for the three year bond and the bank has accepted 107.65 million at a floating rate of more..

June 28 (AD) MP Namal Rajapaksa states that certain isolated mistakes were made during Rajapaksa regime and that they were now paying for said mistakes. He stated this in response to a question raised by the media, after being released from remand custody on bail. Charges were previously filed against Namal Rajapaksa and two others for alleged money laundering practices. He stated that mistakes were the result of arbitrary actions of few govt servants & Police officers. more..

June 28 (CT) On more than a few occasions we have drawn attention to the fact that the Opposition's Raison d'Etre is, as Donald Trump says of the Democrats, to resist: It is obstruction. We have also said throughout the past two years that trade unions, peasants, renegade clerics and university students form the nucleus of their weaponry to destabilize the govt outside Parliament while incessant heckling, stand-ins and adjournment questions ad nauseam are the wherewithal with more..