Sep 30 (Island) Minister Vajira Abeywardena said in Kandy that public servants should know the Financial Regulations and the Administrative Regulations (AR) well and then implement the state policies without fear or favour. Minister said so, presiding at a conference of Kandy District Grama Niladharis at the Kandy Cultural Centre hall, on Thursday. Grama Niladharis played an important role in implementing policies of the govt for the benefit of the people, he said. more..

Sep 30 (AD) The National Council for Road Safety (NCRS) has reported that discussions were held with Trade Union heads to establish a monthly payment scheme for three-wheeler meters that are to be newly implemented by the Ministry of Transport. President of the National Council for Road Safety Sisira Kodagoda stated that the new meters can be purchased for a fee less than Rs.9000.  He further added that the new meters will not be imported from an international supplier more..

Sep 30 (NS) The Veddahs, who has a strong factual claim to being the first settlers to inhabit the land of Sri Lanka, bemoaned the fact that they had not been consulted and made aware of the constitutional reforms process, specifically about the issue of the devolution of power. Generations of these ancient people are presently found living in 62 villages located within six Districts. Leader of the indigenous people, Veddah Chieftain, more..

Sep 30 (NR) The JO charges that the benefits of the price reduction in stocks of rice sold at Lanka Sathosa outlets are enjoyed only by a few. UPFA MP Bandula Gunewardene said govt should take steps to reduce the price of a kilogram of rice in the open market as well. He said such a move will be beneficial to all. MP Gunewardene added these are ridiculous attempts to deceive the public. He noted in his capacity as the Minister of Trade back in the day he initiated the Sathosa network, more..

Sep 30 (Island) A trishaw carrying 13 schoolchildren collided with a tipper truck in Elpitiya on Thursday, seriously injuring nine of them. The driver of the trishaw was also among the injured. The condition of the injured was serious, hospital sources said. Elpitiya Headquarters Inspector B. L. Ajith Prasanna said the trishaw driver had planned to transport 15 children to their homes after school but two students had declined to get in as there was no room. The trishaw had lost control more..

Sep 30 (Island) Friday Forum is extremely concerned that Sri Lanka did not sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in New York this month. Sri Lanka has a proud record of unequivocal opposition to nuclear weapons, and has long championed multilateralism in the fields of arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. It has been among the first States to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968, more..

Sep 30 (NR) Minster Vajira Abeywardene says certain individuals are attempting to spread racism through the incident pertaining to the Myanmar Rohingya refugees. Minister speaking at a meeting with state officials in the Matale District said success cannot be attained through vengeful politics. He added looking at the incident in Mount Lavinia people cannot call themselves Buddhists. Minister said he has noticed people trying to create racism through the Myanmar incident. more..

Sep 30 (NR) UNP says it is preparing to face the upcoming Local Govt and Provincial Council Elections. UNP General Secretary Minister Kabir Hasheem speaking at a function at A'pura said the party will introduce mechanisms that lead them to victory. He said the two best mechanisms that will help provide for villages, including providing unlimited jobs is the PC. Minister added that local govt body that looks into hospital labourers and labourers in schools is Pradeshiya Sabha. more..

Sep 30 (ST) Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has begun a hearing on a complaint lodged by activist Deeman Ananda alleging a cover-up of the theft of historical artefacts from Sigiriya and the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. Mr. Ananda claims that an official of the Dalada Maligawa was involved in melting down 1,800 kg of gold from a karanduwa belonging to the Maligawa. He also alleges that a group of more..

Sep 30 (NS) With cancer gradually on the rise, with 17,000 to 18,000 cases reported per year, Governmental health authorities are scheduled to bring in new legislation to regulate areca nut based products owing to their carcinogenic properties and nature. With the exception of cervical cancer, all other types of cancer is gradually increasing with oral cancer being highly prevalent among males and breast cancer being prevalent among females. It is important that those with more..

Sep 30 (NR) The suspect arrested yesterday over the unrest in Mount Lavinia against a group of Myanmar Rohingya refugees has been remanded till the 9th of October. The order was issued by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court. The protest was launched by a group of individuals last Tuesday in Mount Lavinia. The suspect is a 34 year old resident of Rawatawatte. A female suspect was arrested over her involvement in the incident in Mount Lavinia. 42 year old suspect a resident of more..

Sep 30 (CT) The perinatal mortality rate, reported as 11 deaths per 1,000 live births, is comparatively high when compared to neonatal mortality (seven) in Sri Lanka. Census and Statistics Department (CSD) in its recently released Demographics & Health Survey 2016 (DHS 2016) said. Nonetheless, this is lower than the perinatal mortality rate of 17 deaths per 1,000 live births in the survey conducted a decade ago. more..