Feb 13 (CT) Any way you look at it, the newly formed SLPP, led by former President Rajapaksa, has scored a thumping win in the LG elections. The SLPP won 231 out of 340 LG authorities winning massively in rural Sri Lanka, primarily in the Sinhala dominated south. Eventually, SLPP gained a little over 4.9 million votes which was 44.65% of the votes cast in this poll. Their nearest rival was the UNP which appeared to hold on to its urban base winning just 34 councils and more..

Feb 13 (CT) Colombo High Court Judge R. Gurusinghe on 9 Feb set tomorrow (14) to hear the floating armoury case, filed by the CIABOC. CIABOC has indicted Avant Garde Maritime Security Service Chairman Nissanka Senadhipathy and Chairman of the Rakna Lanka, retired Major General Palitha Fernando on 47 counts, including having facilitated Maritime Security Service to operate a floating armoury off the Southern seas at a cost of Rs 35.5 million to the State. more..

Feb 13 (DM) In an effort to fast-track trade, Sri Lanka Customs is now ready to adopt paperless trade procedures. It is necessary to swiftly adapt from traditional procedures to the ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) World System and to ensure an efficient transition. Sri Lanka Customs in collaboration with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce will host a special awareness session on Implementation of Paperless Procedures this Thursday. more..

Feb 13 (FT) Few would have predicted the results of local govt elections in 2018. With the benefit of hindsight, we must now try to understand what happened and why. There are three lessons to be learnt from the results – one lesson for voters, one for the coalition Govt, and one for Mahinda Rajapaksa himself. In the US, spiteful supporters of Bernie Sanders have themselves to blame for Donald Trump. SL is no different. SL voters must learn that perfect is often the enemy of good. more..

Feb 13 (DN) Parliament cannot be dissolved before four and half years unless a two thirds majority passes a resolution as per the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, Constitutional Lawyer and UNP MP Dr. Jayampathy Wickramarathne said. Speaking on the same lines JVP MP Vijitha Herath said not even President Sirisena could dissolve Parliament before Feb 2020 without a two thirds majority support. more..

Feb 13 (FT) International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) together with National Human Resource Development Council (NHRDC) will be hosting a joint discussion forum where the keynote presentation will be delivered by German Ambassador to SL Jörn Rohde. The Ambassador will be presenting on Germany’s dual Vocational Training System: A model for other countries. This forum will be held at the Cinema Lounge, BMICH on 14 Feb. German vocational education and more..

Feb 13 (Island) Indian politician, Subramanian Swamy who was associated with the Rajapaksa administration, has Tweeted yesterday hat he hopes that Rajapaksa would return to power soon, after the SLPP's strong showing at the February 10 local govt election. "It is good to hear that Rajapaksa is making a strong comeback to SL politics. He should become President soon," he Tweeted. However the 19th amendment to the constitution prevents Mahinda Rajapaksa from contesting again as Prez. more..

Feb 13 (CT) Kelaniya University, Computing & Technology Faculty, Dean Dr. Gamini Wijeratne said that he could not comment on the delay in releasing Saturday’s LG polls results as the Uni Vice Chancellor had asked him to leave that matter to the Election Commission. In a previous interview, Wijeratne assured that the new election results tabulation software developed by the Kelaniya Uni, Computing & Technology Fac more..

Feb 13 (CT) The Govt has to be held responsible for the disappointing results at the LG polls, Minister Mano Ganesan said on 11 Feb. Ganesan admitted that the Govt had failed to deliver on its promises to the people, thereby having to face defeat in many LG bodies. Ganesan pointed out two aspects where the govt had failed to deliver on its promises to the people. "The people have indicated where they stand. Firstly, the Govt did not take action against corruption. more..

Feb 13 (CI) Kusal Perera has been ruled out of the T20 internationals against Bangladesh, and has been replaced in the squad by Kusal Mendis. Perera had suffered a side strain while batting in SL's third ODI of the tri-nation series that preceded the Tests, and had returned home for treatment. Although he was named in the T20 squad, he has not traveled with the team to Bangladesh. "According to medical advice, Perera needs more time to recover from the side strain," an SLC release said. more..

Feb 13 (NR) UNP backbenchers have requested PM Ranil Wickremesinghe to form an independent govt with more power to the UNP. The backbenchers made the request during a discussion held at the Temple Trees this afternoon. The discussion included Parliamentarians Nalin Bandara, Bandula Lal Bandarigoda, Wijepala Hettiarachchi, JC Alavathuwala and Mayantha Dissanayake. MP Wijepala Hettiarachchi said full control of more..

Feb 13 (Island) The official poverty line at the national level for January 2018 is Rs. 4580. Poverty line is the minimum expenditure per person per month to fulfill the basic needs and the Colombo District has the highest poverty line of Rs 4972 while Moneragala has the lowest poverty line of Rs 4313. The figure for Gampaha is Rs 4821 and Rs 4477 for Jaffna. Excluding the Northern and Eastern provinces, headcount poverty fell from 22.7 percent to 6.1 percent between 2002 and 2012/13. more..

Feb 13 (DM) While claiming that there is a move by the govt to hand over the Prime Minister post to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, the NFF asserted that a change of personnel was not what was needed. NFF Media Spokesperson Mohammed Muzammil said the people appear to be disgusted with the govt and added there should be a change of govt. “It is crystal clear that people are disappointed with the way this govt has been ruling the country. Therefore they cast their vote in favour of the SLPP more..

Feb 13 (AD) Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan says that so far the TNA has not been contacted by any party with regard to forming a new govt. He stated that because no one has approached them as of yet, they currently have no intention of discussing the matter right now. Responding to a query regarding rumours doing the rounds on a possible UNP-TNA alliance to continue the govt, he said that when and if a certain more..

Feb 13 (AD) UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera says that it could take several more days to name the representatives to be elected from the lists of the SLFP and UPFA according to the LG election results. Accordingly after the election results of the wards are provided by the Elections Commission and the number of elected representatives is decided, the relevant appointment will be made based on the criteria provided by the SLFP and UPFA after seeking the opinions of more..

Feb 13 (Island) Noting that Saturday’s election was held in a peaceful manner, election monitors on Sunday urged the govt to immediately introduce campaign finance laws to ensure that affluent candidates will not be able to bribe voters in coming elections. Executive Director of PAFFREL Rohana Hettiarachchi said that Saturday’s local council election was one of the most peaceful elections in recent years. "Everyone did a lot to make this a success. more..

Feb 13 (Guardian) A Sri Lankan asylum seeker has been ordered for deportation next week, despite the United Nations committee against torture requesting Australia not move him while it investigates whether he will be tortured if he is returned against his will. The deportation order issued for Tamil asylum seeker Shantaruban by the Australian Border Force says he will be deported on 22 Feb. He will not be permitted any visitors more..

Feb 13 (DM) For the first time in the history of governance in SL, an Adiwasi people’s representative, who contested at LG election from Dehiattakandiya has been elected from a multi-member ward in Henanigala as a member of SLPP. The 37-year-old W.M. Shiromala is a mother of three, who has passed G.C.E (O/L) exam. She has received 1,369 votes as the first Adiwasi people’s representative. She said there were many unresolved problems faced by the members more..

Feb 13 (CT) Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake says that the result of the LG elections would be a blessing in disguise as it would lead to the culprits in the previous and current Govts being punished. The UNP MP said, "The people gave a red alert to the Govt regarding corruption issues. Instead of catching the thieves of the previous regime of former President Rajapaksa, these people in our Party started to rob the country. The bond scam is the cause of the big loss at the polls. more..

Feb 13 (IL) Sri Lanka has never shied away from taking its fair share of responsibility in the UN system, which has helped Sri Lanka build an image as a moderate and progressive partner, able to bridge differences and build consensus, SL's Ambassador to the UN Ravinatha Aryasinha said. He made these observations when he addressed representatives of the diplomatic community, UN and other int'l organizations at a ceremony more..

Feb 13 (EN) China Merchants Port Holdings has raised 500 million renminbi (US$79.5 million) from a three-year Panda bond issue to help fund its acquisition of Sri Lanka’s southern port of Hambantota. The company, known as CMPort, said it issued the One Belt One Road corporate bonds at a coupon rate of 5.15% a year for a term of three years to qualified investors. The announcement, on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, said the company shall be entitled to adjust the annual more..

Feb 13 (CT) The UNP has been able to solidify its position in the Colombo Municipal Council by electing 60 members on its ticket at the recently concluded LG polls. The team led by Rosy Senanayake won the elections without breaking a sweat and she is now poised to become Colombo's first female mayor. Informed sources said that a tussle has already emerged within the UNP for the post of Deputy Mayor with Mohammad Arshad and another candidate, who is said to be backed more..

Feb 13 (EN) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is under intense pressure to step down after he led the UNP to a humiliating defeat at local elections, but will he go? Economynext Political Correspondent weighs his options and discusses whether he should go or remain. Five reasons why he should go: 1) Take responsibility for the 13 percentage point decline of the UNP vote. Poor strategy of trying to break the SLFP by more..

Feb 14 (CT) When Lenin wrote his celebrated pamphlet What is to be done? it was a reiteration and an amplification of an earlier tract titled Where to Begin? Minister Rajitha Senaratne Dentist and Bullshit artist exceptional and preeminent has described it as a defeat for Mahinda Rajapaksa. Minster Mangla Samaraweera the only present time minister anchored to the present has described Wake up call, it certainly is. Its timeliness will be determined by unfolding events. more..

Feb 13 (CT) That the SLPP swept the local councils polls on February 10 should not come as surprise to anyone who closely watched the political developments in the country after the demise of the Rajapaksa regime in 2015. The yahapalanaya regime of MS-RW was given the mandate by the people to, clean up corruption, speed up the process of reconciliation with the minorities, control the escalating cost of living, reduce national debt, restore rule of law, and bring before justice more..

Feb 14 (Roar) The frescoes of Sigiriya. The carvings of Embekke devalaya. The architectural wonders of ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka has many beautiful works of art that celebrate hundreds of years of history and culture. Some of these works of art, also highlight the history and teachings of Buddhism. The Buddhist tradition of art in Sri Lanka first began after Mahinda Thero journeyed to Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 14 (Island) Corruption is the abuse of public power for personal benefit or for the benefit of one’s family, friends, clan. tribe, party etc. (Tanzi 1998). Across the world, regardless of the size and type of economic system in place, accusations of corruption have caused govts to fall and prominent politicians including govt and Prime Ministers to lose their office. Scholars and economists have long argued that corruption negatively affect economic growth (Mauro 1995). more..

Feb 14 (Island) A smiling wartime Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, on Monday said that he couldn’t be prime minister under any circumstances as he was a US citizen. Rajapaksa said so in response to a media query whether he would accept prime ministerial position if the SLFP offered it to him. The question was posed as he left the BIA, after arriving from the US. The tough talking Gajaba Regiment veteran said that those who had exercised their franchise against war-winning more..

Feb 14 (DM) As explained by Indian Hindu astrologists Maha Shivarathri is a purely religious ceremony of day time fast and vigil throughout the night. The rituals for the festival are observed by Hindus the world over with the aim of washing away all sins and to pave the way for eternal bliss. This spiritual bliss is experienced through basic religious practices of Ahinsa (non injury), Satya (truthfulness), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), more..

Feb 14 (DN) In Sri Lankan popular culture, the history of Buddhism on the island is basically unassailable. Many monks, scholars, and Buddhist lay people believe that Sri Lanka is the world’s cradle of Theravada Buddhism, as shown by the Mahavamsa, the text written by Buddhist monks that stretches back two millennia. But Professor Osmund Bopearachchi, a Uni of Kelaniya graduate who is now a professor of Central and South Asian Art & Archeology at Uni of California Berkeley, more..

Feb 14 (CT) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vasantha Senanayaka recently said he has reasons to believe that SL's foreign policy is decided upon externally by foreign powers. Country now wonders if last week's decision to recall Minister Counsellor, Brigadier Priyanka Fernando attached to the SL High Commission in London was taken due to foreign pressure. Minister Counsellor (Defence) was recalled following the allegation that he had acted in a threatening manner during a protest more..

Feb 14 (DN) Tomorrow, Feb 14 is V-Day. And the cash registers have been jingling incessantly throughout the whole of last week. For days tainted by commercialism Valentine’s Day gives Christmas a run for its money - big money. It is heralded with a superfluity of marketing initiatives by cunning companies to cash in on the general emotional cupidity and stupidity on display. Yes, it is that time of year again. Love is in the air, romance begins to settle over everything and we are all forced to more..

Feb 14 (Island) A crushing defeat at a midterm election is the political version of a devastating earthquake. That is not something any govt can come to terms with, easily. It is only natural that such traumatic experiences make the ruling politicians take leave of their senses. Some yahapalana leaders, reeling from last Saturday’s local govt polls defeat, have claimed that their camp has not lost because the SLPP has polled only 45 percent of the valid votes. more..

Feb 14 (CB) Sri Lanka's white-ball captain Angelo Mathews believes that a new rehabilitation process on the lower half of his body will help him to stay injury free in 2018. Throughout last year, Mathews was plagued by a series of hamstring, quadriceps and ankle injuries and missed out on a large portion of cricket. There was new hope when he accepted the team's white ball captaincy ahead of the tour of B'desh having stepped down more..

Feb 14 (Island) Does the int'l community’s silence during the rule of Yahapalanya mean SL is finally on the right path, or that we’re finally doing what we’re told to do. From 2009 to 2014, SL was so heavily featured in int'l news and foreign govt feeds that it was impossible to ignore. From the US led resolution, submitted to the UNHRC, to opinions on how the former govt leaders should be tried in int'l courts (one American journalist even explained how former Defense Secretary could be taken out more..

Feb 13 (CT) While I was reflecting on what had happened in the East, there was news again about what was supposed to have been the destruction of Wilpattu, with both Basil Rajapaksa and Rishad Bathiudeen being held responsible. I have no details of what actually has happened there, but the allegations are indicative of the angst caused by the manner in which those who are in charge of the area have behaved. I had recalled while in the East, seeing the splendid roads and more..

Feb 14 (FT) The first-ever South Asian Ironman 70.3 triathlon event is all set to be staged in Sri Lanka on 25 Feb, with over $ 3 million in revenue expected from the 3,000 high-spending visitors the event is anticipated to draw. “With expectations to attract high-profile participants and families during the period between 22 and 25 Feb, whom we think will spend seven to eight days in the country, the sporting event will generate more..

Feb 14 (FT) Global business consulting and IT outsourcing specialist Virtusa’s revenue in the fiscal year 2018 is expected to top the $ 1 billion milestone, an achievement coming slightly earlier than anticipated. “We are forecasting fiscal year 2018 revenue to be in the range of $1,013.3 -$1,019.3 million. The $ 1 billion forecast is coming faster than we expected,” Virtusa CEO Dr. Kris Canekeratne said. At the beginning of FY18, the revenue projection for full year was $935m. more..