Aug 8 (NR) Minister Arjuna Ranatunga claims the former and present Ministers of Sports appointed unsuitable individuals to high ranking posts within the cricket industry. Speaking to media after calling on the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter this morning the Minister said the current Minister of Sports is disinterested in the sports field. Minister said the Minister of Sports as he believes, does not have the authority to make favourable decisions pertaining to cricket. more..

Aug 8 (AD) The Court of Appeal has issued notice to three individuals including the Northern Province Chief Minister (CM) C. V. Wigneswaran, to present submissions on Sept 7, with regard to the Contempt of Court charges by failing to carry out a court order. Provincial Ministers Anandi Sasidharan and K. Sivanesan have also been issued notice along with the Chief Minister. Judge bench comprising Justices Kumudini more..

Aug 8 (DN) A national city shading project under the theme of million trees will commence today to minimise the air pollution, global climate change and warming. The Project will provide clean air and shade urban areas, Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said. He was addressing a media briefing yesterday in Colombo.The first phase of the campaign will be conducted under the patronage of the Minister a in Kandy today. The second phase will be conducted in Kurunegala. more..

Aug 8 (SLN) The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ship Qian Weichang arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill visit today. Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the ship in accordance with naval traditions. Upon its arrival at the Colombo harbour, Senior Captain Dong Yan and Commanding Officer of the ship, Commander Zhang Juyong met the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Western Naval Command Headquarters and more..

Aug 8 (EN) Brother-in-law of ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Nishantha Wickremesinghe had used priviledges reserved for the head-of-state to divert an aircraft for personal use, inconveniencing passengers and causing the airline financial and reputational damage, a commission of inquiry heard. Operations Control Manager Gopitha Ranasinghe testified at a Presidential Commission of Inquiry investigating irregularities more..

Aug 8 (CI) Harsha de Silva has been appointed Sri Lanka women's head coach, reprising the role he had performed between 2010 and 2013. De Silva's term is for two years, and he officially begins on August 15, several weeks before India women's forthcoming tour of the island. The other major assignment on the horizon is the World T20 in the West Indies, scheduled for November this year. A domestic right-arm seamer in his playing days, de Silva holds a Level 3 coaching qualification, more..

Aug 8 (DM) Finance ministry announced today that special bus services have been provided to facilitate the train commuters who were stranded due to the train strike and that private buses could operate on any route regardless of route permits. The ministry said in a statement that the train commuters were permitted to travel on CTB buses using their train tickets or season tickets. It said the govt would repay the cost incurred by the SL Transport Board for providing the special bus service. more..

Aug 8 (PMD) The new faculty building of the Applied Sciences Faculty of the Eastern University was vested with the students and the construction of the new auditorium of the University was commenced under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena today (6). Prez who visited the University was warmly welcomed by the students. Prez who unveiled the commemoration plaque joined the event of starting of more..

Aug 9 (DN) A prospective salary increase for all parliamentarians has become an issue that has generated much discussion in recent weeks and is unlikely to increase the popularity of any of the major political parties, even as national elections loom on the horizon. The catalyst for this controversy was the recent salary increase granted to judicial officers. There has been a tradition of increasing the salaries of parliamentarians whenever the salaries of judicial officers were revised. more..

Aug 9 (CT) With the end of the civil war in 2009, the Rajapaksas’ deceitful claim of zero civilian casualties had inadvertently trapped their regime into an irreversible position. This absurd claim meant the inability to acknowledge the losses of a battered society that suffered the brunt of terrorism and faced the horror of the unacceptable death toll of their loved ones during the final stages of the war. It also resulted in the missing of a historic opportunity for a genuine reconciliation. more..

Aug 9 (SO) From the time exams originated, students have found ways to cheat. Today, the correct answers are just a few taps away on a Smartphone or a Smartwatch. So countries have come up with new ways to stop the unethical behaviour of students at exams. Some examiners use metal detectors, surveillance cameras, mobile-phone jammers and even drones. Others have taken a more drastic step. more..

Aug 9 (CT) One of the most distressing moments of my turbulent life was a fleeting episode at the Shangri-La conclave some months ago organized by Viyath Maga. It was something that was generated by the ideological atmosphere and social semiotics of that event. It was when a well-known and respected name in the IT industry, who operates from both Colombo and Jaffna, an articulate, cosmopolitan Sri Lankan of Tamil ethnicity, Mr. Mano Sekaram, thought fit to open his more..

Aug 9 (ST) One of the main planks on which the present Govt came to power was its pledge to wipe out corruption and call the corrupt to book. While most supporters of the Govt might question how far the Govt has succeeded in doing so, it is useful to examine the progress made in combating this scourge that has afflicted the country and threatening its progress as a nation. Corruption and the spread of narcotics are, probably, two of the most debilitating diseases afflicting country’s more..

Aug 9 (DN) The chairman of the four-member committee appointed to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Monday’s train accident at Pannaliya, off Polgahawela, Operating Superintendent of Railways, V.S Polwattage said that investigations of the site have been completed and the next step of recording statements from relevant officials will begin today. “We will be able to submit the final report in 2-3 weeks” more..

Aug 9 (GV) On July 23, former UN Special Rapporteur on Counter-Terrorism and Human Rights, Ben Emmerson released a report following on from his visit to SL in 2017. Emmerson pulled no punches in his report – saying that the need for repealing the PTA was unequivocal while urging that any replacement legislation be aligned with international standards. Emmerson met with representatives of Govt, several High Court Judges, and a number of detainees during his visit. more..

Aug 9 (Island) Bandula the human being received many responses after last week’s Island article on freedom for Bandula the Elephant. Int'l Celebrity Chef Peter Kuruvita wrote from Australia. He said, "This elephant has been there for many, many years. The zoo needs a revamp. We should try and get some funding. I used to go there all the time as a kid. Our house was a 10-minute walk away. So, what do we do machang? How do we free this guy? Even if he goes to Pinnawela, it would be more..

Aug 9 (ST) An Australian Govt initiative to help the booming Surfing industry, was launched in Arugambay with a Surf Instructor Training Programme, by the Australian High Commissioner to SL, Bryce Hutchesson. “This project is designed to strengthen the Tourism value chain by providing an adequate supply of skills and international recognition to the Surf Coaches and Instructors at Arugambay. Objective of the project is to increase the income of 28 informal Surf Coaches more..

Aug 9 (CT) Colombo High Court acquitted on 26 May, 2017 Iyer Sriskandarajah, a Hindu priest, charged with aiding and abetting the suicide bomb attack on former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a Colombo suburb on 1 Dec, that left three dead including the suicide bomber. The verdict came after it found the confession by Iyer was not made voluntarily and the State Counsel was unable to submit any other evidence. But the acquittal came after the priest had spent nearly 13 years in more..

Aug 9 (CI) Lasith Malinga's heroics for the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 League in Toronto haven't been enough to secure a first int'l call-up since September last year. The fast bowler was ignored as Sri Lanka announced a 15-man T20I squad for the one-off game against South Africa on August 14. Malinga, who still harbours hopes of playing for his country, was the third-highest wicket-taker in Canada, and more..

Aug 9 (Island) Singer (SL) PLC announced its results for the quarter ended 30th June 2018. The results showed an increase of 16% in revenue amounting to Rs. 15.1 Billion, compared to the previous year, in spite of challenging business conditions. While an improvement in the rural economy was noted in April-May, the company noted a lower consumer demand in urban areas. The Consumer Durables industry, where Singer is present is more susceptible to more..

Aug 9 (Island) Burglars in days of yore, used to make a hole in a wall and put a pot through it with the help of a stick before entering a house. If it got smashed, they would run away because they knew the occupants were fully awake. Yahapalana leaders employed the same modus operandi the other day. In a bid to keep MPs happy and contented, they sought to give them a massive pay hike. They leaked their decision to the media to gauge public reaction only to get the same scare more..

Aug 9 (CI) Suranga Lakmal defended seven runs off the final over to cap off SL's most inspired showing in the field and best batting performance of the series so far and end an 11-match losing streak against South Africa. After rain interrupted both innings, South Africa's target was reduced to 191 runs off 21 overs and they looked set to reach it. They needed 69 runs off the last 10 overs with seven wickets in hand when more..

Aug 9 (FT) Entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Otara Gunewardene on Tuesday received the Woman of the Year award at the eighth edition of the Top 50 Professional and Career Women Awards 2018. Organised by Women in Management (WIM) and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the awards witnessed 63 women from Sri Lanka and the Maldives being honoured with prestigious Gold and Silver awards for excellence. From being a sole proprietor of one store in 1990, more..

Aug 9 (CT) Marathon running has always been considered the most difficult challenge in regular athletic competitions; the runner gets the daunting task of running 42.195km, which normally takes around 2 to 3 hours. But, the SL distance running great, Sanath Bandara will be eyeing something categorized as impossible, he will be eyeing to set Guinness records, running the fastest bear foot 50Mile, the fastest bear foot 100km and the biggest distance in 12 hours at the Track Ultra more..

Aug 9 (CT) Apart from former SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala, all others raised their hands in favour of Sports Minister Faizer Musthapha’s suggestion to appoint Independent Election Committees to conduct National Sports Associations (NSAs) elections. Minister called the meeting to discuss the proposed new amendments to the sports regulations, which will allow Sports Ministry to appoint an Independent Election more..

Aug 9 (FT) A delegation comprising of Takefumi Akai, Mayor of City of Akaiwa in Okayama Prefecture and Japan based Association of Medical Doctors of Asia including high school students from Japan, visited the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) on Tuesday (7) in Colombo. While extending their fullest support towards the reconciliation process in SL, the discussion which was attended by ONUR officials, centred on the possible cooperation in reconciliation more..

Aug 9 (CT) Romania is becoming the gateway to Europe, gradually displacing Turkey, which currently occupies that position, Minister Daya Gamage said. Minister said that he wants to boost two-way Romanian trade, currently at US$ 20 million, to US$ 500 million in five years. He also said that he plans to establish 5,500 export villages island-wide. Currently, global trade is controlled by 7,000 mainly multinational companies (MNCs) which have a 53% market share, said Gamage. more..

Aug 9 (Island) The govt is to bring new legislation to revise the land fragmentation policy, which would necessitate the obtaining of permission from the authorities before fragmenting coconut lands above five acres, instead of currently applicable ten acres, Minister Navin Dissanayake said. "Under the new legislation, to fragment coconut lands above five acres, a land owner would have to obtain permission from local govt authorities more..

Aug 9 (FT) Cabinet this week approved the reconstitution of the National Trade Negotiating Committee comprising of 16 members, appointing representatives of different agencies as heads of subcommittees tasked with handling negotiations of all free trade agreements underway at present. Minister Malik Samarawickrama, presenting a Cabinet proposal, has informed the Ministers that considering the magnitude and complexity of the negotiation with widened scope, more..

Aug 9 (DN) SL’s broad-based plans for boosting both FDI and exports are explored in detail in a forthcoming report by the global research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG). Marking OBG’s third publication on the country, The Report: Sri Lanka 2018 tracks several developments across the economy including Port City Colombo, the Chinese-backed real estate project, which has been earmarked for a key part in the Asian giant’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. more..

Aug 9 (FT) JO charged that SL Ambassador to Qatar A.S.P. Liyanage had wrested control of the Stafford Sri Lankan School in Doha, forcibly bringing it under the management of the SL Embassy in an attempt to misappropriate funds to the tune of Rs. 4.5 million. Elaborating on the matter, JO MP Wimal Weerawansa said that the school had been commenced by 20 Sri Lankans who had raised funds to set up the institute more..

Aug 9 (Island) Cabinet decision to implement a fuel price formula based on world market prices would not be scrapped, Minister Rajitha Senaratne said. Asked at yesterday’s Cabinet News Conference, about some Ministers publicly disagreeing with the govt’s policy on fuel prices, Senaratne said that such persons should express their views at the Cabinet meeting first. Govt announced last month that fuel prices would be reviewed on the 10th of every month and an increase or decrease effected more..

Aug 9 (FT) EFL was granted Special Leave to Appeal by the Supreme Court on 1 August, relating to an illegal forest clearing and the subsequent erection of an electric fence within the immediate vicinity of the Nakolagane Purana Raja Maha Viharaja in Ehetuwewa, in the Kurunegala District. Over the years, EFL has been ardently involved in combating the clearing of forest land in SL while ensuring complaints of such regard are brought to the notice of relevant Govt officials. more..

Aug 9 (SWI) Swiss Justice Minister Simonetta Sommaruga concluded her four-day visit to Sri Lanka by saying that Switzerland will do its utmost to ensure that the nation’s newly formed Office of Missing Persons, as well as the Human Rights Commission, can do their work. During her visit, Sommaruga met President Maithripala Sirisena, as well as govt ministers, representatives of the national human rights commission, and more..

Aug 9 (CT) Minister Daya Gamage, claimed that whereas his Ministry has a cadre strength of 57 with room to go up to 82, on the other hand the Ministry of Agriculture has a cadre strength of 36,000. Speaking in Colombo, where he introduced a WB funded US$ 104 million matching grants programme to entrepreneurs, one entrepreneur said he was finding it difficult to breed Tilapia fish in paddy lands due to opposition by Ministry of Agriculture. Sri Lanka has an export market for Tilapia. more..

Aug 9 (CT) In line with the Govt’s ambition to develop several domestic airports to ease travel times, Cabinet on Tuesday agreed to carry out a feasibility study on building a domestic airport in the Kandy District to connect the Central Province with other regions for economic development. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva submitted a proposal to carry out a feasibility to develop a domestic airport, which could facilitate medium-sized aircraft at Dingana, connecting the Central Province with more..

Aug 9 (Hindu) DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s passing has evoked powerful messages of grief and solidarity from several senior Sri Lankan leaders, representing Tamils of the island’s north and east, and the Malayaha Tamils living in the central and southern parts of the country. Observing that the DMK leader was highly respected as an influential politician in the sub-continent, veteran Sri Lankan Tamil politician and more..

Aug 9 (FT) PM informed Parliament that Rs. 205 million has been allocated as compensation for victims of the communal violence that occurred in the Kandy area earlier this year, but that awarding of compensation has been delayed as the valuation process was still ongoing. Responding to a query by Minister Rauff Hakeem, PM said that thus far, Rs. 18 million in compensation had been awarded, but the remaining monies would be given only once the Dept of Valuation completed its task. more..

Aug 9 (DN) Finance and Mass Media Minister Mangala Samaraweera in a special statement extended his regrets to the railway commuters, on behalf of the Govt, who were highly inconvenienced due to the strike launched by railway workers without any prior notice. Minister said during the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on August 7, a decision was taken to appoint a Special Commission to carry out salary revisions of all govt sector employees, including railway workers. more..