Sep 16 (CB) Sri Lanka's Test squad is to be announced shortly and when the team's training begins on Tuesday, there will be lot of focus on the pink ball. Sri Lankans will play their first ever day-night Test during their upcoming tour of UAE where the second Test against Pakistan will be a day-night affair. "The last domestic season, we played with the pink ball. It was a wise move by SLC to get us prepared for day-night Test matches. I was only able to play one game because more..

Sep 16 (JE) Govt of Japan has decided to provide a total sum of US$ 1,263,112 (Rs. 190 million) to SKAVITA Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Project (SHARP) and HALO Trust for humanitarian demining in Northern SL. Grant Contract was signed between Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan and Lt Col (Retd) Sarath Jayawardhene, Programme Manager of SHARP and Ms. Fiona Kilpatrick, Programme Manager of HALO Trust, respectively, on 12th Sept at Emb of Japan. more..

Sep 16 (PTI) SL's former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga chose to stay away from a brainstorming session, organised to probe into the SL cricket's decline. "I did not take part. It was not a sports ministry exercise but something done by the current cricket administration itself," Ranatunga said. Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara convened the day-long meeting, which was held on Friday, where former cricketing greats, former more..

Sep 16 (NR) The JVP says it will support the proposed new Constitution based on three key factors. The leader of the JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the new Constitution should protect the rights of all citizens. The JVP MP added the Constitution should abolish the Executive Presidency and should also see the electoral system amended. MP Dissanayake said if a common stance can be reached on these factors then the Constitution will be considered. more..

Sep 16 (CT) An E-health card, containing up to date medical records would be introduced to all Sri Lankans, Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. "This card would carry all previous medical records of the individual. In an emergency where the individual is found unconscious, doctor attending the case can obtain the medical history immediately in order to provide necessary treatment," he said. Discussions are currently underway with an international company in designing this E health card. more..

Sep 16 (NR) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is no room for racism under the good governance govt. Speaking at an event at Zahira College, Maradana last evening the PM said the country’s economy faced grave setbacks as a result of racial differences during the 30 year long civil conflict. He said ethnic conflicts, language and religious issues are experienced today adding for 30 years the country’s future suffered as more..

Sep 16 (NR) Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama says legal action will be taken against those involved in the controversial Treasury bond issue. The Minister speaking at a function in Galagedara said legal action will be taken after the report by the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into the Issuance of Treasury Bonds is submitted. Minister added the Commission can only determine who is guilty and is not vested with powers to enact the law. more..

Sep 16 (NR) SAITM says the actions of the Sri Lanka Medical Council resulted in the regulator of medical education in the UK, the General Medical Council including SAITM in the list of medical qualifications that are not accepted in Britain. Issuing a statement SAITM charged that certain individuals were attempting to provide undue attention to the report by the General Medical Council. The Institute said any university across the world is able to register based on the recommendation of more..

Sep 16 (NR) The GMOA says it will not reject the recommendations provided by the committee appointed by the President to solve the issues surrounding the SAITM. Executive Committee member Dr. Prasad Colombage said a future course of action will be taken after assessing all recommendations. Dr. Colombage said the protests and strikes by the GMOA will continue until then. However, Dr. Colombage said the GMOA more..

Sep 17 (SL) The National Unity Govt launched its eight-year development plan – Vision 2025 – A Rich Country in the first week of this month with some of its basic objectives being raising the per capita income to $ (US) 5,000 a year, providing 1 million new jobs and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of $ (US) 5 billion per year. It envisions Sri Lanka being transformed into a hub in the Indian Ocean with a knowledge based highly competitive economy. While we do sincerely hope that more..

Sep 17 (SO) When a former Prez of the Republic attempts to defend persons convicted of massive misappropriation of public funds and violation of state regulations and institutional codes, that former head of the State demeans his high office and undermines public morality. And, when that former head of State mobilizes religious clergy to canvass public contributions in an effort to help those convicts pay their fines, he manipulates very Dhamma his Republic is committed to nurturing. more..

Sep 17 (SL) EC Mahinda Deshapriya  asked the people and the political parties to actively get involved in protecting the country’s democracy and rule of law. The worst thing to do is to remain silent. Just as a govt can be toppled by a vote, it can also protect a govt. The vote is your power, vote is your voice, vote is your future, vote is your right. The only thing those over 18 get without discrimination is their vote and their death. more..

Sep 17 (ST) The UN General Assembly begins its annual sessions in New York tomorrow overshadowed by the threat of one of its trigger-happy member-states, the People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) going ballistic, threatening a nuclear catastrophe with global implications. President Sirisena is billed to speak on day two – Tuesday. He will get to shake hands and rub shoulders with world leaders and keep them briefed about the good work he is doing back home. more..

Sep 17 (Island) Time was when cinemagoers in Colombo and elsewhere used to look forward to what was called full serials when exciting sequels used to follow one dramatic episode after another. The Commission of Inquiry investigating the so-called bond scam is very much a full serial of this sort. The print and electronic media are giving its proceedings extensive coverage – as they should given the news value and the drama of the daily happenings no less than more..

Sep 17 (NS) President Sirisena’s daughter Chathurika Sirisena who recently released a book on her father spoke on her inspiration, her father, and many issues surrounding President Sirisena. Q: How did you get an idea to write a book? A: When my father was the Health Minister he received an award as the Best Health Minister from Hayward Uni. My mother had a wealth information about my father & she preserved more..

Sep 17 (CT) A glance at the National Disaster Management Centre's update on the current situation in Sri Lanka shows what would appear to be an absurd situation for a small island such as ours. Much of the country is listed as seriously affected by drought, while most of the rest of the island is facing flood and landslide warnings. Some two million are hit by the drought which is the worst in 40 years and the state has already spent nearly Rs 2 billion providing relief to these people. more..

Sep 17 (ST) Order by the Commission on Treasury Bonds by the Central Bank declining to compel Arjun Aloysius, principal shareholder and director of Perpetual Treasuries (Pvt) Ltd to give evidence before it, raises interesting points of law for consideration. Indeed, its effect has wider ramifications beyond the subject matter of this Commission. In its Order, the Commission has exhaustively listed as to why it is desirable that the CEO of Perpetual Treasuries give evidence more..

Sep 17 (SO) This feline can take lies, even accept corruption of the venal, but what she cannot stand is being treated like a village idiot or moron with a negative IQ. Some of the explanations given for the sil cloth scam as this charitable act (my b.. foot!) is called, sent this cat’s blood pressure soaring. OK, it was an expensive gimmick to cadge votes at the presidential elections; OK, it unfortunately put away a respected civil servant in the clink, very OK the wise judgement sent warning shivers more..

Sep 17 (Island) With just 15 days to go for Sabaragamuwa, North Central and Eastern provinces to automatically stand dissolved, the coming week will be a make or break period for the govt. 20th Amendment to be taken up for debate on Wednesday. SC we believe has already conveyed its determination on the constitutionality of the proposed 20A. It was all over the social media that the SC had determined that 20A needed a referendum to be passed into law. more..

Sep 17 (CT) President is scheduled to address the UNGA in New York next Tuesday (19). The Head of SL State is attending the UNGA at a time when UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, during his opening statement at the 36th session of the UNHRC on Monday (11) expressed his frustration over delays the SL Govt has thus far displayed in implementing the USA co-sponsored resolution. more..

Sep 17 (ST) Ambalame Pina-Pina; Walankadak Gena-Gena; Eka bidapu Gona-Gona; Ekata mata Hina-Hina. I was reminded of this favourite children’s rhyme when listening to Kussi Amma Sera’s diatribe on the foibles of SL politicians. Eya ekak kiyanawa. Anith dawase anith ekkena ‘return’ ekay denewa, she said one day, looking up from the Lankadipa newspaper while reading a story about a ruling party politician attacking an opposition politician and the return response from the aggrieved party. more..

Sep 17 (Island) Sanath Jayasuriya was unhurt after a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the stadium in Kabul where a game of the Afghanistan Premier League was taking place. Jayasuriya was functioning as mentor to one of the teams and returned home after the incident. There had been four layers of security and the bomber had passed the first layer and had blown himself up before reaching the second layer. Graeme Labrooy was also in Kabul at the time more..

Sep 17 (ST) Hayleys, now controlled by businessman Dhammika Perera which acquired Singer SL earlier this week, appears to be reverting back to a model which included consumer electronics that failed many years ago. The deal which rocked the Colombo stock market on Wednesday and would eventually be worth at least Rs. 15 billion for a 71.2% controlling stake, is one of the largest acquisitions in recent times. more..

Sep 17 (Island) Graeme Labrooy is expected to be named as the Chairman of Selectors on Monday by Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara. SLC were discussing names like Jerry Woutersz, Gamini Wickramasinghe, Malintha Warnapura, Vinothan John and Jayantha Seneviratne to form the new selection panel after Sanath Jayasuriya’s committee resigned following the humiliating series loss to India. Manager Asanka Gurusinha also had stepped down, but he will be recalled. more..

Sep 17 (ST) A team of cardiologists from the Carolina Children’s Hospital in the United Kingdom are performing heart surgeries at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle. The team of doctors headed by Specialist Consultants Dr. John M. Simson and Dr. Monalist will perform heart surgeries free-of-charge on children with serious heart problems. The team arrived in Sri Lanka on 15 September and will perform surgeries on children with serious heart ailments. more..

Sep 17 (ST) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) imposed bans on all 22 players and coaches of two teams found guilty of misconduct and not playing to the spirit of the game in a domestic match-fixing inquiry that ended recently. Investigators looked into allegations that the outcome of the Premier B First Class match between Kalutara Physical and Culture Club and Panadura Sports Club at Surrey Village grounds in Maggona was fixed. more..

Sep 17 (ST) U.V.K. Madirika of Kalutara Youth Club set up a new meet record at the 29th National Youth Games Women’s Race Walking event in Anuradhapura yesterday. She took part in the women’s 5000 metres Race Walking event finishing in 24 minutes and 26 secs, thus breaking the record she set up in 2015 at the Youth Games which was 25 minutes 25 secs. Madrika also triumphed at this year’s National Sports Festival (2017) Race Walking event held in Battaramulla. more..

Sep 17 (SO) The next 3 years will be critical for the country, if power plants proposed in the Least Cost Long Term Generation Expansion Plan (LCLTGEP) does not come on stream in time, said Public Utilities Commission of SL Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe. He said it is now up to the CEB to implement the projects in time to avert a power crisis in the coming years. “We approved the LCLTGP of the CEB in July. However, we have not received a confirmation of its implementation in writing” more..

Sep 17 (ST) Lasith Malinga launched a scathing attack on SLC for preparing wickets against the wishes of the national team during the recent home series defeat to India. Making a presentation at a brainstorming session in Battaramulla to create a new direction for SLC and transform the team’s fortunes, Malinga highlighted several key factors that he thinks have contributed to the current worrying state of the game. more..

Sep 17 (ST) Work on budget 2018 has got underway on the directions of Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to make it people’s friendly, providing modest economic support for low-income households and would be generally supportive of business while cutting govt expenditure. Treasury officials are considering the possibility of lowering tax rates for micro and small-and medium –sized enterprises and granting short term relief for drought and flood hit rural areas while more..

Sep 17 (SLN) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) provided by the Indian Govt to SL Navy, in a bid to expand its operational capabilities, arrived at the Colombo harbour this morning (16). Ship was received by the Navy in accordance with naval traditions upon her arrival. Ship was officially taken over by the Director General of SL Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge at the Port of Kochi, India on 5 Sep. New platform which is manned by 10 officers and 98 sailors more..

Sep 17 (PMD) President will leave for New York, today, to attend the 72nd UNGA. This is the third time that President is addressing the UN General Assembly. 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) convened at UN Headquarters on Sept 12. General Debate will open on Tuesday, with a focus on the theme, Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet. more..

Sep 17 (ST) Hemas Pharmaceuticals has ventured out for the first time with its entry into Myanmar to commence distribution operations as Hemas Mandalar Pharmaceuticals Ltd. The official launch celebrations took place in the presence of K.W.N.D. Karunaratne, Ambassador of SL for Myanmar, senior management members of Hemas, and other dignitaries from both Myanmar and SL. Hemas Mandalar Pharmaceuticals Ltd, in partnership with Family Mandalar Company, would serve more..

Sep 17 (Hindu) In the time that it took me to drive to the New Delhi airport from my home in the mountains to catch my flight to Colombo, I could have driven across Sri Lanka from north to south. There couldn’t have been a better introduction to the island by my Sinhalese chauffeur cum Man Friday, S.E. Sylvestor. For nearly 30 years, Sri Lanka was caught in the throes of a brutal civil war. From Jaffna in the north to Trincomalee in the east, the country was ravaged by all the disaster wars more..

Sep 17 (AFP) A British journalist believed to have been attacked by a crocodile in Sri Lanka was mauled on his leg but died of drowning, according to a forensic examination Saturday. Police said the judicial medical officer who conducted a post-mortem examination on Paul McClean determined that the 24-year-old drowned after being bitten on his right leg. "There were six teeth marks of an animal on his right leg," police official more..

Sep 17 (CT) Several Buddhist organizations yesterday launched a protest to condemn govt ministers who insult Buddhist monks and to oppose moves to accept Rohingya refugees to Sri Lanka while expressing support for Buddhists in Myanmar. The protesters marched from Torrington Circus up to the Myanmar High Commission in Colombo. Protesters yelled slogans condemning the govt ministers for making disrespectful remarks on Buddhist monks. more..

Sep 17 (SL) MP Hirunika Premachandra has written to Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne calling for the transfer of the prison hospital doctor. In her letter, Premachandra accused the doctor of giving special treatment to VIP inmates transfered to the prison hospital. She said that even the former prison doctor had been transferred after he gave special treatment to VIP prisoners. MP accused some prison officials of being corrupt resulting in VIP inmates enjoying a luxurious life in prison. more..

Sep 17 (CT) After what transpired at the Presidential Commission on Boand Scams, this past week, we believe that former Minister Ravi Karunanayake might just be overwhelmed by the idea that he could have pulled off an Arjun Aloysius when he was summoned to give evidence, and had refused to do so. That way, it might have been possible for him to retain his, now lost, ministerial portfolio as well. Oh well, what's gone is gone more..

Sep 17 (Island) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Al Hussein, has expressed his concern over the slow pace of reforms in Sri Lanka and said the absence of action, on accountability meant exercising universal jurisdiction was even more necessary. This means that Sri Lankans can become subject to int'l law even in foreign countries. This statement needs to be seen in the context of the war crimes cases registered against former army commander General Jagath Jayasuriya more..