May 29 (CT) SDB bank launched a unique initiative targeting women entrepreneurs in the micro, and SME sector. Current initiative is implemented by SDB bank as a solution for the credit gap facing by the Women Entrepreneurs in the said sector. Launch of the product was held on 24 May at SDB Kirulapone Branch while island-wide branch-level ceremonies were held to coincide the main event. Wherein over 200 female entrepreneurs island-wide were financially assisted on the initial day of more..

May 29 (DN) 20th Amendment to the Constitution (20A) proposed by the JVP has prevented crossovers of MPs against the collective decision of the party, JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. The MP, speaking at a press conference to brief on the content of the 20A to abolish Executive Presidency, said cheating voters by crossovers has become a common occurrence leading to instability in Parliament. more..

May 29 (FT) Presidential awards titled Shilpa Navoda that launched yesterday is an all-island competition and exhibition aiming to boost the handicraft sector and give it more market access to improve earnings. National Arts and Crafts Council Chairperson Heshani Bogollagama said: “This program began two years ago to strengthen and promote the handicraft sector in the country. We saw that there was a certain distance between the people and the industry, mainly due to more..

May 29 (DN) Six remand inmates who had been brought to the Baddegama Magistrate’s Court for their respective trials yesterday escaped from the custody of prison officers. The detainees had been brought to the Magistrate’s Court with a large number of other convicts reportedly numbering over 30. Some unofficial reports revealed that the prisoners had tricked the prison officers when they were trying to rush a prisoner who claimed to have had a heart problem at the court. more..

May 29 (FT) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe focused on the need to link the Northern Province with southern development corridors to develop its economy focusing on agriculture, fishing, tourism and manufacturing. PM speaking in Kilinochchi during a visit to the war-affected Province noted that despite the war ending nine years ago, the region had not seen an economic regeneration. He pointed out that despite the development of more..

May 29 (Island) The 3 children of the police constable attached to the Gokarella police station who committed suicide recently after hearing about his wife’s death will receive Rs 30,000 a month, IGP Pujith Jayasundara said. "Already money has been deposited in accounts that we opened for them. Until the children are aged 18, their grandmother has the right to withdraw the money and spend on their education and sustenance," he said. "After they turn 18 they can withdraw money themselves" more..

May 29 (FT) At a special ceremony held on 27 May, the foundation stone was laid to start the construction work for development of Most Ven Maduluwave Sobitha Thero Village (Elapathagama) in Anuradhapura District. The foundation stone was jointly laid by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Minister Sajith Premadasa and Acting High Commissioner of India Arindam Bagchi in presence of Ministers Gayantha Karunathilake, Daya Gamage and P. Harrison and with the blessings from more..

May 29 (DM) Perceptual Treasuries Chief Arjun Aloysius offered me money in 2015 but I refused to accept it, Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake said. Mr. Ramanayake said that he was among many MPs who were offered money by the Perpetual Treasuries Chief. “I was offered money by Aloysius but I refused to accept saying I don’t want to associate with them,” he said. more..

May 29 (Island) Over 2.5 million commuters had moved away from using buses between 2015 and 2017, Lanka Private Bus Owners Association (LPBOA) President Gemunu Wijeratne said quoting statistics of the Central Bank. These commuters had shifted to using private motor vehicles, motor bikes, private office transportation vehicles and trains. "If this continues by 2020 the bus industry will suffer greatly. There are many reasons for this. Increase in bus fares, slow pace of some private buses more..

May 29 (DM) The police said they were probing to establish whether test cricketer Dhananjaya de Silva's father Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Councillor Ranjan de Silva’s killing was linked to the Councillor's opposition to drug smuggling. Ranjan de Silva was gunned down by three men armed with T-56 weapons outside his residence in Ratmalana on Thursday night. A senior police officer investigating the incident said that several police teams were conducting investigations more..

May 29 (CT) People in flood risk areas have been evacuated to safe locations. At present, approximately 17,976 families have been evacuated to 265 welfare centres due to flood and landslide risks in nine Districts. The National Disaster Relief Service Centre (NDRSC) has provided Rs 44.15 million cash allocations to the 12 District Secretaries to address the immediate needs of the affected populations. more..

May 30 (CT) The cold war in the form that existed in the last century disappeared with the collapse of the state capitalistic model of socialism as was practised in the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc. The world is left with a few countries that follow the same state capitalistic model. Despite the belief that the cold war ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union, a new cold war appears to have emerged with a vengeance. Though the protagonists of this appear to be the corporate capitalist interests more..

May 30 (CT) The unusual conditions that prevailed over the past few weeks that brought torrential rains to many parts of the country are easing and from today the country can expect better weather. DMC said water levels of the main rivers were normal in many monitoring stations although the Kalu Ganga and the Attanagalu Oya continued to remain at flood level but the water was slowly receding. As the region picks itself up from the deluge, some sobering numbers have to be looked at. more..

May 30 (SO) SL’s former-war wrecked Northern region is witnessing signs of economic resurgence with greater political will being demonstrated by the Central Govt and the shifting of focus by the local Tamil leadership towards development, as the Provincial Election also nears, observes a top regional researcher. In a candid interview, Dr. Ahilan Kadirgamar, a political economist based in Jaffna, highlights that the lack of vision demonstrated more..

May 30 (CT) The sudden recommencement of the constitutional reform process after a break of over six months coincides with JVP’s proposed 20th Amendment to the constitution which would abolish the executive presidency in its present form. The parliamentary steering committee which is headed by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have instructed its experts committee to submit a paper for consideration within two weeks. If the 20th Amendment were to become law it would more..

May 30 (CT) Though I am no longer a member of the National Human Resources Development Council (NHRDC), I am still working with the Organization of Professional Associations trying to promote reforms that will give us a more efficient public sector. I could not attend the last discussion they had, to fine tune the recommendations our NHRDC Sub-Committee produced, but we decided on the telephone that they would concentrate on a few essentials rather than going for root and more..

May 30 (CT) In what would be a signal honour for Sri Lanka and her politico cum international relations professional, Member of the European Parliament, SL-born Niranjan de Silva Deva Aditya, will personally intervene between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un. “I will be personally visiting President Donald Trump in Washington and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang,” more..

May 30 (DN) Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam- Scholar, Statesman, Administrator, Patriot— Erected by a Grateful People in testimony of a life nobly spent in the service of his country and in recognition of his pre-eminent and signal services as the champion of reformed legislature and of his matchless devotion and steadfastness in the cause of the Ceylon Uni, 1853–1924---Above is the inscription on the platform of the statue erected at old parliamentary complex in memory of more..

May 30 (DN) As heavy showers descended, floods, strong winds and landslides reigned across the country during the last few days. Death toll thus far is 24 and more than 170,000 people have been affected in 20 districts. Colombo is one of the most-affected districts and it has been so at an alarming frequency over the past few years. As the city expands in size, population and aspirations, it must address its susceptibility to flooding in order to provide better living standards for residents. more..

May 30 (Island) Some are born corrupt; some get corrupted and some have corruption thrust upon them, one may say, with apologies to Shakespeare, as regards SL politicians. We have seen politicians take to corruption as if to the manner born; they seem to have corruption in their genes, and others, in spite of being well heeled, indulge in corrupt activities after entering politics, sully their good reputations and become a disgrace to their families. But can corruption be thrust upon anyone? more..

May 30 (Island) During the last decade we Sri Lankans are forced to face several challenges. Among these are landslides mainly in Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Nuwara-Eliya districts, high expenditure on fuel imports, water shortage mainly in the dry zone, Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology which is reported to affect 400,000 in 11 districts, high costs of crop production causing poverty mainly in the rural and estate sector, effective disposal of solid waste, etc. more..

May 30 (Island) The logic of govt ministers’ and state officials’ musings on economic matters is puzzling. More so as a bias towards economic understanding is sorely needed by the public. Three examples taken at random illustrate the misgivings. First, Central Bank in a recent statement said that gross official reserves at end of 2014 amounted to US$ 8.5 billion and if there were no further borrowings the external debt servicing of more..

May 30 (CT) Quarter milers Dilip Ruwan and Ajith Premakumara, Long Jumper Amila Jayasiri and Middle Distance runner Hemantha Kumara took wing to the Philippines to participate in the Philippine Open Athletics Championship. Major Ranjith Hennayaka accompanied the team as coach, while Rohana Jayalal went as the team manager. Dilip Ruwan was SL’s prime 400m runner until this year before his fellow team-mate Kalinga Kumarage took the 400m by storm in the first National trial more..

May 30 (DN) Sri Lanka and Singapore defeated PStar Netball Club and Sri Lanka Development Squad respectively on the 3rd day of the Invitational International Netball Tournament played at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday. The final is scheduled for today when Sri Lanka battle it out against Singapore at 5pm while in the third place play off SL Development squad faces PStar Netball Club from England at 3.pm. Minister of Sports Faizer Mustapha will be the chief guest at the final more..

May 30 (EN) It was 26 August 2000. Central Bank’s new state of the art building was to be declared open by Deputy Minister of Finance, Prof G L Pieris. Governor A S Jayawardena, Deputy Governor Manik Nagahawatte and myself were standing under the foyer of the building to receive the Chief Guest. This event coincided with the Central Bank’s hosting of the South East Asia, NZ and Australia or more..

May 30 (Island) Tamil Guardian posted a series of messages, from sitting British politicians and other schemers, issued to mark what they called Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day. The Island carried the Tamil Guardian report in its Saturday, May 27, 2018, printed edition. The full report can be accessed online. Global Sri Lanka Forum (GSLF), in a letter to The Island, alleged that the pro-LTTE Diaspora had paid a person in the editorial to publish the Tamil Guardian report. more..

May 30 (FT) Digital Mobility Solutions Lanka Ltd., which operates PickMe, has completed Rs. 1 billion in cumulative capital-raising recently with the infusion of the biggest chunk worth Rs. 693 million, which will be utilised to venture into high potential food delivery and logistics. The latest fundraising has attracted the World Bank’s private sector investment arm IFC Group to take up Rs. 385 million in what was its maiden venture capital investment in Sri Lanka. more..

May 30 (CT) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had appointed Tharanga Indika as Assistant Manager of Galle CC, (who is now accused of pitch fixing), despite objections from the caretakers of Galle CC, Southern Province Cricket Association, communiqués of 2016 reveals. Tharanga Indika, who had also worked as the Curator of Galle CC, is now being questioned over alleged pitch fixing and trading inside information to bookies after more..

May 30 (Island) Members of the CEB Engineers’ Union (CEBEU) would meet this Friday to decide on future trade union action, a spokesperson for the union said. It is quite likely that they will decide not to attend to any breakdowns after office hours and on holidays under any circumstances after Friday’s Special General Meeting. "Our Executive Committee met on May 25 and decided to call a Special General Meeting convening all members to discuss the current developments and to decide on more..

May 30 (NR) Railway Technical Services Trade Union Committee says the 48 hour strike action launched over several demands has been successful. The strike was launched at 4 this evening despite the leave of all station masters, drivers, guards, technical and others staff attached to the Dept of Railway being cancelled. However, Chairman of the trade union committee Sampath Rajitha said said if repressive measures are used against workers engaged in the strike, more..

May 30 (DN) Although a batch of flu vaccines is on the way, the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle is still under-equipped and underfunded to deal with the current flu epidemic, GMOA Co-Secretary Kanchika Samararatne said. “We need the vaccine immediately, because it can take about a week to (work),” he said. “(It’s) useless to get it after the influenza epidemic,” he said. Ministry had appointed a Special Committee more..

May 30 (FT) The Port of Colombo recorded a 16.2% growth in container handling for the 1st quarter of 2018 over the same quarter last year, according to Alphaliner Monthly 2018. Among container ports worldwide, Colombo growth rate is second only to Port of Singapore, which has recorded 16.5% growth over 2017. It is also a very significant achievement when compared against Port of Colombo 2017 figures, with 8.3% growth of 2017 against 2016. more..

May 30 (DN) Auto Miraj, the Lankan car care company will be diversifying into the leisure sector by investing in three luxury hotels in Sigiriya, Mirissa and Kandy. These include two five star hotels as well. Chairman and founder of Auto Miraj, Iroshan Sarathchandra said that they have already purchased the land in Sirigiya and Marissa and are awaiting final approvals to get the project off the ground. He said that they hope invest over Rs. 3.5 billion for the three projects and more..

May 30 (FT) The battle between Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) and CEB has reached a stalemate with the former refusing to approve the generation plans proposed by the latter. In the latest bid to break the deadlock between the PUCSL and the CEB, President Sirisena last week convened a second meeting with all stakeholders, including three top members of the Attorney General’s Department, which was followed by more..

May 30 (NR) Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam says he has instructed the Department of Examinations to conclude paper marking activities of the GCE O/L and A/L examinations during school holidays during which the relevant exams are held. Minister said the reason for the proposal was to prevent difficulties that students face due to the unnecessary delay in releasing exam results and to reduce the period of time for which schools are closed due to paper marking. more..

May 30 (FT) One of six inmates who escaped from prison officers at the Baddegama Magistrate’s Court was arrested yesterday. A special team from the Baddegama Police and STF had arrested the escaped inmate at around 11 p.m. last morning at the Ellekanda area in Baddegama. The 21-year-old detainee had been held in custody for a rape case while the other escaped inmates were in remand custody for robbery. Investigations are underway, under the guidance of the Matara Prison more..

May 30 (Island) Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has blamed President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe for the UNP-led yahapalana govt’s failure to punish those responsible for mega corruption during the previous administration. Expressing his deep disappointment over continuing political crisis, Ranatunga alleged that the failure on the part of Sirisena and Wickremesinghe enabled robbers to become heroes. more..

May 30 (DN) SLFP General Secretary and Minister, Duminda Dissanayake said if the govt had acted in a manner similar to Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, those accused of fraud and corruption in the past would have been punished by now. He said if the govt had followed the Malaysian Premier’s example, those accused of wrongdoing in the past would already have faced legal action. He was speaking to journalists after participating in the cleaning of Mahakandarawa irrigation tank more..

May 30 (DM) Five patients who sought treatment for Pneumonia at the Matara General Hospital during the last few days, have died, the inquirer into sudden deaths Lalith de Silva said. Accordingly, the number of deaths that occurred due to this disease during the 28 days of this month, has risen to twelve. Kosala Sewwandi, a 21-year-old unmarried girl from Deeyagaha in Paranawatta and Hewage Karunadasa (76) a resident of Pitabeddara in Tennahena have died. more..