Nov 26 (CI) SL will hop over to Scotland for two ODIs before making their trip to England and Wales for the 2019 World Cup, Cricket Scotland has confirmed. They will compete in two ODIs - on May 18 and May 21 - with the venues slated to be announced in December. The last time SL toured the country was before the 2017 Champions Trophy for two unofficial ODIs, with Scotland upsetting the visitors in a high-scoring first game. SL, though, bounced back to level the series 1-1. more..

Nov 26 (DM) SL's political situation has been wrongly interpreted as a crisis by foreign lenders and conditions will come back to normal in early December, President Sirisena said as bond yields shot up, the rupee fell rapidly, and plans to roll-over debt appear to have been dropped. Sirisena said there was a political disturbance in SL rather than a big crisis. "As I see it in the current politics of SL there is no big conflict," more..

Nov 26 (DM) Former Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake yesterday said there were instances in which President Maithripala Sirisena interfered with high-profile investigations. “As a responsible Cabinet minister, I have never spoken in public about instances in which the President interfered with high-profile investigations. But if the wild allegations continue, I will be forced to divulge details on who interfered, when, where and how,” the MP tweeted. He said the IGP Pujith Jayasundara's more..

Nov 26 (AD) The trading community of the Hatton Town conducted a Hartal movement from 10 am to 1 pm today. Reportedly, all shops in the town had been closed down and black flags had been hoisted in protest. It was observed that all three-wheeler and taxi drivers too had joined the movement by halting their operations. Hartal movement was held in protest against the inaction of the Estate Employers’ Union regarding the estate workers’ demand to raise their daily wage up to Rs 1000. more..

Nov 26 (AD) Former Finance Minister MP Mangala Samaraweera the recent removal of income tax will not have a material impact on the agriculture sector and the productivity. He stated that agriculture-based income taxes are accountable for only 0.03% of total govt tax revenue and thereby it is a negligible figure. According to Samaraweera, the real need for the agriculture sector is access to affordable finance, good quality irrigation, more..

Nov 26 (DM) The police arrested former TNA MP M.K. Sivajilingam and a few others as they tried to cut a cake to celebrate the birthday of LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran in Velvetithurai, Jaffna today. Mr. Sivajilingam, along with others, tried to enter the home garden of Prabhakaran in Velvetithurai only to be obstructed by the police. However, they took a detour and entered the garden, but were barred from any celebration. Later, they attempted to cut a cake at a public park in the area. more..

Nov 26 (DM) Tourism and Wildlife Minister Wasantha Senanayake had attended the UNF group meeting at Temple Trees today, MP Dr. Harsha De Silva said. In a tweet, Dr. De Silva shared a photo of the Minister and added No comment. Minister Senanayake earlier said he was going to resign from his ministerial portfolio and would support whoever has the majority in Parliament. However, it was reported that he attended the Cabinet meeting which was held last week. more..

Nov 26 (DM) The SLPP said today that there was no alternative to the current crisis other than a General Election. Addressing a press conference, its Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said that the country was in an unprecedented situation in which the Govt was contemplating to boycott Parliament. He said Speaker Karu Jayasuriya was partial. “There are strong grounds for boycotting Parliament,” he said. more..

Nov 27 (CT) One often sees the opinion expressed in print that all hopes are now reposed in the Supreme Court and that the very survival of liberal democracy or even democracy in general, rests upon its verdict. Almost all those who express this view mean that the SC should rule against the decision of the Head of State to dissolve Parliament, in effect paving the way for fresh elections. Put differently, these opinion-makers hope and pray that the courts rule against the newly appointed more..

Nov 27 (CT) There is a difference between Grusha Andrews being insane as opposed to Prez Sirisena. Insanity of the executive spells disaster for the republic. Mental infirmity is an accepted reason for impeaching the president of Sri Lanka. Article 38 (2) (a) of the constitution states that “any MP may give a notice of resolution to the Speaker on the grounds that the President is unable to execute his functions due to mental or physical infirmity, or if the President is found guilty of certain acts. more..

Nov 27 (SO) Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara said when the Speaker says he does not recognise the Govt, PM or Leader of the House, it brings Parliament into conflict. Participants are liable even to be arrested for rebelling against the state. He said they do not wish to have this matter taken to such a level as it may seem rather undemocratic even though the UNP led Opposition is acting in defiance of the lawful govt. more..

Nov 27 (ST) A month after the shock appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as PM by Prez Sirisena after sacking PM Ranil Wickremesinghe and his govt, the new appointee has failed to show he commands the confidence of the majority in the House. Instead the UPFA group has shied away from facing a vote in the House on numerous occasions, the latest being on Friday, during the vote to confirm the nominees to the Committee of Selection. UPFA lawmakers staged a walkout before the vote was taken. more..

Nov 27 (ST) It was still not Black Friday here, a day of little significance to those in Sri Lanka. Still, last Thursday, the day before, was black enough for many Sri Lankans who live here and consider SL their second home or owe some allegiance to their country of origin. On Thursday, a local TV station, Channel 4, which had for many years targeted SL with contentious coverage and what some called highly suspicious and noxious video content, carried a story on SL on a prime time newscast. more..

Nov 27 (Roar) When you bought that new phone last week, what did you do with your old beat up phone? Or that old TV you replaced because you bought a new LCD TV to save on electricity? These and other discarded electrical equipment are a new and emerging issue in Sri Lanka called Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) or electronic waste. Electronic waste covers everything from home appliances like TVs, air conditioners, more..

Nov 27 (CT) Sri Lanka’s prevailing situation would have been comical if not for the serious implications. Ranil Wickremesinghe despite being terminated from premiership defiantly occupies the Premier’s official residence- Temple Trees. On 20 Nov, the TNA as the official Opposition met with a group of 15 diplomats to complain that a certain person even after two No- Confidence Motions (NCMs) were passed against him in Parliament, continues to call himself the PM and occupies PM’s Office. more..

Nov 27 (Island) Politicians remember the people only when they get into trouble or elections happen to be around the corner. The current political crisis has had an unsettling effect on leaders of all political stripes. They have suddenly awoken to the fact that the people do exist. All of them, hungering for power, are now wooing Citizen Silva, who considers even the staff of life a luxury. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, fighting a war of sorts in Parliament to retain the power he has grabbed more..

Nov 27 (GV) There is no gainsaying in condemning the current parliamentary violence. Nevertheless, our reactions to such violence—surprise and shock—imply that we think such abhorrent uncivilised behavior is an aberration, not a permanent fixture in our society, thus, allowing us to distance ourselves from any responsibility for it. We overlook how the different types of violence ingrained and normalised in our society are deeply interconnected with the violence we have more..

Nov 27 (Island) In a constitutional democracy, the constitution is the supreme law and governance cannot be on the basis of personal prejudices or the whims and fancies of individuals. The purpose of the constitution is to take political decision-making out of that personal realm to give stability and predictability to the govt. It is now a month since the Black Friday of Oct 26 when the SL polity was plunged into a constitutional and political crisis by Prez Sirisena when he decided he had no option but more..

Nov 27 (CT) It has been found that men who have sex with other men (MSM) have a high risk of contracting HIV as they practice unsafe sex, thus, raising alarm bells. Sex workers, prisoners, IV drug users, gay men transgender and MSM. However, so far HIV patients have been found in every profession mostly in the 25-49 age group. It has also been found that when men have sex with men, they practice unsafe sex most of the more..

Nov 27 (Island) It is universally accepted that it is education and breeding that condition the behaviour of humans. The sordid manner in which many of our so called Honourable MPs behaved, in the full gaze of the world during the scenario that began to unfold in Parliament commencing 26th Oct, showed beyond a shadow of doubt that they woefully lack education as well as breeding. Their violence, boos and catcalls; aggressive, arrogant and obscenity of language also showed them up as low grade, more..

Nov 27 (CI) England have shown they can no longer be considered a one-trick pony who can only win at home, according to their captain, Joe Root. While they have long had a strong reputation at home, where their seamers are often able to exploit helpful conditions and a Duke's ball, England's results away from home have been far less impressive. Going into this tour, they had not won any of their last 13 away Tests and were without an away series victory since early 2016 in South Africa. more..

Nov 27 (ST) Former Iran national rifle shooter turned international coach, Elham Hashemi Masoumi, is in Sri Lanka on an invitation of the National Shooting Sports Federation of SL (NSSF), focusing the probability of joining forces to guide the local shooters. Elham, 47, and an ISSF (Int'l Shooting Sports Federation ) ‘A’ Grade License coach, conducted an assessment and training programme for the Sri Lankan rifle shooters more..

Nov 27 (DN) The new govt will take meaningful measures to reverse the negative trend on the Sri Lankan rupee and appreciate it to Rs. 160 in 2019 and by 2020 bring it up to Rs. Rs. 140, said Minister Bandula Gunawardana. He added that they are also working towards appreciating it to Rs. 160 against the Dollar within a year. He said that the appreciation of the US dollar is not something that is happening in Sri Lanka and the present political scenario is not related to it. more..

Nov 27 (RW) World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Sri Lanka embarked on a new joint project today to improve women’s nutrition and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Sri Lanka by providing critical information and services on sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and food security over the next year. The project, which will assist communities in six districts - Monaragala, Matale, Mullaithivu, Mannar, Batticaloa & N'Eliya more..

Nov 27 (Island) SL Head Coach Chandika Hathurusingha admitted the run out of Kusal Mendis cost Sri Lanka the third Test match as his team suffered a 42 run defeat at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds to concede a 3-0 series loss to England. At a point when England had run out of ideas with Mendis batting so well on 86 having added 102 runs for the 6th wicket with Roshen Silva (62). Then Mendis gifted his wicket away. more..

Nov 27 (Island) 'SMEs and entrepreneurs contribute to the country's economic progress and are a vital link to ensure its commercial importance and progress. A wide cross section of businesses that has flourished added to the importance of annual and other awards. The latter ensure progress of each such enterprise that could contribute to the country's economy, NCCSL president Sujeeve Samaraweera said. He was speaking recently at an annual awards presentation centred on more..

Nov 27 (DM) SL apparel manufacturer Hela Clothing Group announced that it had secured a capital infusion of Rs. 1.2 billion, by way of a mix of shareholder and new private equity investment funds from a private consortium, whose lead investor has a wide portfolio, including private equity investments in the fashion and retail space. Subsequent to this capital infusion, A.R. Rasiah, who has been a long-standing Director of the company, will assume the role of Chairman, more..

Nov 27 (PSL) President Maithripala Sirisena said there is a need for a solution for the issue of the retirement of Army officers in an age where they can best serve the country as highly skilled persons with knowledge, understanding, and experiences without limits. He said as the Commander-in-Chief, he is ready to provide solutions to the issue of retired officers. President said this addressing the inaugural session of more..

Nov 27 (Island) Colombo’s elite lapped up Bangladeshi jute products. This was amply evident at the Bangladesh stall in the X’mas Charity Bazaar held at the plush Galle Face Hotel in Colombo on Sunday. The Sri Lankan capital’s elite, local as well as expatriate, made a beeline to the Bangladeshi stall manned by the staff of the High Commission, to lap up the items on sale. "In just four hours most of the articles were sold out," gushed Riaz Hamidullah, High Commissioner of Bangladesh. more..

Nov 27 (FT) In hearing a nationally and internationally important Fundamental Rights public interest litigation filed by Accessibility Rights Activist Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, the Supreme Court has granted leave to proceed for violation of the Petitioner’s Fundamental Rights guaranteed in terms of Articles 12(1), 12(4), 14(1)(g) and 14(1)(h) of the Constitution and has fixed this case for Argument on 29 Nov next, thus confirming that it is a fit and proper case to be pursued. more..

Nov 27 (DM) More industry bodies are joining the chorus to urge the country’s political leadership to ensure stability and a swift solution to the current political stalemate situation to avert dire consequences to the country’s economy and its people. The latest to join the bandwagon after the country’s key business chambers, travel and IT industry bodies, were the association of manufacturers & exporters of rubber products more..

Nov 27 (FT) World famous hospitality brand Intercontinental is set to return to SL mid next year to manage what is billed as the country’s tallest five star Pearl Grand Tower Hotel. Intercontinental Group of Hotels (IHG) has about 800,000 guest rooms and 5,000 hotels across nearly 100 countries. Pearl Grand Tower Hotel will be spread across 480,000 sq. ft. The structure rises up to 180m high, including 2 basement floors. Project is developed targeting the tourism industry of Colombo. more..

Nov 27 (DM) UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed a gathering of all parties to decide on an election, but said Sri Lanka's constitution must be safeguarded at all times. Mr. Wickremesinghe said this while visiting the Sathyagaraha conducted by civil society groups against the violation of the constitution. “Political parties can discuss and decide on having an election, but it is essential that the constitution is followed when doing things,” Mr. Wickremesinghe said. more..

Nov 27 (DM) UNP MP Wasantha Senanayake, who rejoined the UNP after a series of topsy-turvy events, expressed regret today at becoming an actor in the current political drama. “I have become an actor in the current political drama, and I ask pardon from UNPers in Polonnaruwa. I also ask pardon from the President and PM if I have offended them,” Mr. Senanayake, who was sworn in as Minister of Tourism and Wildlife, said. more..

Nov 27 (Island) Almost nine years to the day it first opened its doors to customers, ODEL’s store in Moratuwa has relocated to the K-Zone complex nearby, joining sister outlets Softlogic Max, Burger King and Baskin Robbins which are already at the location, to provide visitors the multi-dimensional shopping experience that only the Softlogic Group can offer. More than doubling in size in the process, the relocated 6,935 sq. ft. ODEL Moratuwa store significantly enhances more..

Nov 27 (FT) The Leader of the UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday joined the indefinite Sathyagraha campaign launched by the civil society organisations against President Maithripala Sirisena’s Govt. Speaking at the occasion, the UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe said he will work with political parties and civil organisations to stop the unconstitutional course of action taken by the President in violation of the Constitution and against parliamentary democracy. more..

Nov 27 (Island) The decision taken by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) officials between 2006 and 2014 to use the direct placement method in issuing a significant number of treasury bonds was perfectly defensible, Governor of the CBSL, Dr Indrajit Coomaraswamy told the PCoI yesterday. Earlier Additional Solicitor General Neil Unamboowe revealed that from 2006 to 2014, between 80% - 96% of treasury bonds more..

Nov 27 (Island) Dengue cases had increased during the last week due to the prevailing rainy weather. "According to reports from various hospitals, there could be a resurgence in dengue," Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Secretary of the GMOA said. He said that according to the information, the density of mosquitoes was increasing rapidly and that an epidemic could be expected within four to six weeks. "We must focus on the Western province and Kandy, Jaffna, Batticaloa & K'gela Districts. more..

Nov 27 (DN) The International Association of Theravada Buddhist Universities 5th Int'l Conference 2018 will be held on Nov 27-28 in Colombo. It will be hosted by the Buddhist and Pali University of SL under the patronage of the govt. The inaugural session of the conference will be held today at Hotel Galadari from 9 am to 12.30 pm with Prez Sirisena as the Chief Guest. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and State Minister Mohan Lal Grero will participate. more..