Sep 28 (Island) A trade deficit typically occurs when a country does not produce enough goods for its residents. Alternatively, a deficit means that a country’s consumers are wealthy enough to purchase more goods than the country produces. When production cannot meet demand, as in Sri Lanka, imports tend to increase. Persistent trade deficits are detrimental to the country’s economy because it is financed with debt. Sri Lanka currently owes around US $ 65 billion. more..

Sep 28 (Island) Minister John Amaratunga, said the govt was exploring the possibility of resuming the ferry service between Rameshwaram and Thalaimannar. Addressing the World Tourism Day official celebration at the Uni of Jaffna, Minister said the govt was keen to proceed with the plan as it would benefit the Northern Province. Amaratunga said the Palali Airport, which operated as a military airport for a long time, more..

Sep 28 (LBO) In October last year I had the privilege of participating in the blessing of a new water well in the Killinochchi District of the Northern Province. Its construction had been funded by the UK based charity Child Aid Lanka. Family on whose land the well is built, together with neighbours who also benefit from the new well’s water, had gathered to join in. We were all looking forward to the ceremony and snacks. It was a happy occasion, with children smartly dressed as if for well’s b'day party. more..

Sep 28 (FT) findmyfare.com, SL’s largest and fastest growing online travel company, is flying high with the recent news of their raising series B funding from Ironwood Capital Partners. The Company serves as a one-stop travel shop, offering its customers the very best deals available in the marketplace on hotel stays across Sri Lanka and flights to destinations around the world. findmyfare.com was the brainchild of Abishek Sithampalam and Thushan Shanmugarajah, more..

Sep 28 (DM) Sri Lanka will soon raise US $ 500 million by selling Panda and Samurai bonds in China and Japan for the first time, in an effort to expand the country’s investor base. A Central Bank official said that the two committees appointed by Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and People’s Bank of China are currently working towards issuing up to US $ 250 million renminbi-denominated Panda bonds in China this year. more..

Sep 28 (ST) The largest global digital health event this year, Digital Health Week 2018, will take place in Colombo on Oct 7 to 12. Already over 600 delegates from over 60 countries have registered for the various conferences happening during the digital health week. The organisers said in a media release that the Digital Health Week is a global event organized by the Health Informatics Society of SL (HISSL), SL Medical Association (SLMA), Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), more..

Sep 28 (Island) Commercially, the Asia Cup final will be a flop and television producers Star are set to lose millions of US$. Tickets too had been sold out expecting an epic India versus Pakistan final like in the Champions Trophy in London last year. But Alas, Pakistan crashed out of the virtual semi-final against Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. In the absence of their arch-rivals, India start today’s final at the Dubai Sports City against Bangladesh as firm favorites. more..

Sep 28 (DM) Referring to the remark made by Prez Sirisena at the UNGA that SL should be allowed to handle its own internal affairs, former MP Sarath Weerasekara said Prez’s comment would only be valid if the govt withdraws the co-sponsorship of 30/1. Rear Admiral Weerasekara, who is in Geneva to counter the pro-LTTE propaganda, said SL is legally bound to implement recommendations in the resolutions unless more..

Sep 28 (DN) When the Minister Faiszer Mustapha was being grilled in parliament by members of the opposition over the country’s cricketing woes last week, he was seen waxing eloquent on why the country should give every possible chance to a Lankaputhra coach to succeed. He was also seen bandying around statistics to show that Chandika Hathurusingha had a much higher win ratio than the preceding foreign coaches. This is after the Daily News had shown that all previous successes more..

Sep 28 (DM) U S Polo Assn., the world renowned American gents’ clothing brand was the Gold sponsor for the first ever Equestrian Sports Competition held recently at the Polo Grounds, SL Military Academy in Diyatalawa. The global brand is marketed and distributed in Sri Lanka by D. Samson & Sons (Pvt) Ltd. The event was organized by the SL Military Academy (SLMA), the premier officer cadet training institution of the SL Army in collaboration with SL Equestrian Association. more..

Sep 28 (AD) Director of Anti-Corruption Force Namal Kumara has made another revelation regarding DIG Nalaka de Silva of TID and a French national sending financial aid to carry out terrorist activities in the country with the knowledge of the DIG. Namal Kumara had arrived at the CID and recorded statements. Reportedly he has produced another CD containing the alleged telephone conversations with DIG Nalaka Silva. more..

Sep 28 (ST) The decision to ban animal sacrifices in Hindu kovils was taken with the consent of Hindu community leaders, Hindu Religious Affairs Minister D.M. Swaminathan said. He said the Cabinet intervened and approved the memorandum prohibiting animal slaughter in Hindu temples, largely because there was no institutionalised structure to regulate Hindu temples’ practices and activities. At present, they are left in the hands of individuals and management committees. more..

Sep 28 (FT) The Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka hosts the opening ceremony of the new Residence of the Korean Ambassador and the 2018 National Day reception on 28 Sept. It is a monumental year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean Govt, against the backdrop of the recent third Inter-Korean Summit in Pyeongyang. It is the first National Day reception since Ambassador Lee Heon began his new post in the island in January 2018. more..

Sep 28 (FT) Media freedom is essential to a functioning democracy, but reckless use of such freedoms will be the death of it. This was the key takeaway at the 20th anniversary celebration of the Colombo Declaration on Media Freedom and Social Responsibility, where several speakers highlighted the dangers of irresponsible reporting and media coverage. In terms of Sri Lanka, both Mangala Samaraweera and more..

Sep 28 (AD) Two more gang members in connection with the recent violent incidents that took place in Jaffna, have been arrested today (27), Chunnakam Police stated. The police have seized a stock of sharp weapons including 3 swords and 6 axes from the suspects. The two suspects, 19 and 22-year old youths, are reportedly residents around Chunnakam area. They are slated to be produced before the Mallakam Magistrate’s Court in Jaffna and further investigations are being carried to more..

Sep 28 (FT) Right to Know Day today has taken on special significance for Sri Lanka since the enactment of the Right to Information (RTI) law has enabled citizens to ask crucial questions on how we are being governed. To mark Right to Know Day, Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has launched a complete interactive database of the decisions made by the RTI Commission, classified by topic and geographical location, which can now be accessed via www.rtiwatch.lk, more..

Sep 28 (AD) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe says that he would always defend the freedom of media, despite the numerous insults directed to him by the mass media. The 20th anniversary of the Colombo Declaration on Media Freedom and Social Responsibility, presided by the PM, was held this evening. Joining the event, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran stated that there is no apparent progress on the investigations carried out more..

Sep 28 (AD) UPFA MP S.B. Dissanayake says that if the incumbent President Maithripala Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa are assassinated, the PM will gain the political advantage from that. The former minister alleged that the PM is attempting to protect the IGP and the DIG, accused over the alleged conspiracy. Dissanayake also charged that the country’s Police is not controlled by Minister of Law and Order Ranjith Madduma Bandara and more..

Sep 28 (Island) Upcountry People’s Front would continue to be in the present govt and would contest elections on its ticket Central Province Council Member R. Raja Ram said. Ram said his party had been able to render yeoman service to the plantation sector people particularly in the Nuwara Eliya District, as a consitutuent­ of the yahapalana coalition. Ram said that much more could be done for the betterment of plantation sector community by remaining to be part of the present govt. more..

Sep 28 (DM) During Magisterial inquiry conducted into the controversial bond scam, serious allegations had been levelled against the Attorney General's Department and the CID by the defense counsel, over the alleged recording of statements from three individuals of W.M. Mendis & Company by force. In these recorded statements, the three individuals had stated that they were asked to give false statements to the CID by their lawyer. more..

Sep 28 (Island) Evidence of people using their Right to Information (RTI) in making public authorities accountable and in fighting corruption is still scarce in Sri Lanka, Thilaka Jayasundara, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Media said yesterday. She is also the chairperson of the ITN. "I had the opportunity to visit the U.K and Japan and witness the power of freedom of information being wielded in those countries as a tool for effecting good governance. more..

Sep 28 (CT) Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) said that the Govt is continuously failing to attend to the people’s needs and that would ultimately lead to its downfall. National Convener of BBS, Ven. Vitharandeniye Nanda Thera, said that it is disgusting that Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera was being imprisoned. He claimed that this Govt is creating drama at the UNHRC to make NGOs, Islamic extremists and the int'l Diaspora happy by attempting to destroy soldiers and more..

Sep 28 (DN) A lawsuit filed by two political activists seeking an order to re-instate former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Chairman of the SLFP was yesterday dismissed by the Colombo Civil Appellate High Court. The Colombo Civil Appellate High Court two-judge-Bench comprising Judge Manilal Waidyatilleke and D.N. Samarakoon decided to affirm the Colombo District Court’s judgment without a hearing into the matter. more..

Sep 28 (DM) President Maithripala Sirisena underscored the efforts taken by Sri Lanka to restore democracy when he spoke at the 73rd Session of the UN’s General Assembly in New York, on Sept 25. President Sirisena probably had a spring in his step when walking to the podium to make the speech because he knows that, unlike in the past, Sri Lanka is slowly earning the respect of the international community where peace and reconciliation in the island are concerned. more..

Sep 28 (DM) “GMOA Secretary Haritha Aluthge told a news conference that their counsel were currently studying the facts included in the judgment and that the GMOA’s emergency Central Committee which was scheduled to meet next week would decide on this matter.” (DM Online) This same news report concluded saying, the GMOA “would further discuss these matters with Prez Sirisena.” For the GMOA, these matters would mean heavy damage caused to its inflamed ego and how it could now save more..

Sep 28 (DM) This is an amazing country where people play politics with the safety and security of political and military leaders, despite some of them being possible targets of remnants of the LTTE -- the outfit that suffered a humiliating defeat nine years ago in the three-decade-long war with the armed forces. This divisive, malicious and irresponsible attitude on the part of ruling parties as well as the opposition has been witnessed for more..

Sep 28 (Island) Chairman of SLLP Prof. G.L. Peiris, said that the Commonwealth Local Govt Forum (CLGF) owed an explanation as to why Commonwealth Local Govt Conference 2019 would be held in Colombo in June next year because the govt deliberately delayed LG polls. Recalling the circumstances under which the incumbent administration had delayed local govt polls for over 2 years before experiencing more..

Sep 28 (DM) The Supreme Court has upheld a 2005 ruling of the Commercial High Court in favour of the Aitken Spence Group in a case filed against Garment Services Group Ltd (GSGL) incorporated in Britain and its directors on the grounds that they had sabotaged the business operations of a subsidiary company called Aitken Spence Garments Ltd (ASGL). The dispute arose after GSGL, which was in management more..

Sep 28 (EN) Sri Lanka has missed two targets set for June 2018 under an ongoing reforms programme and discussions are to continue on the next phase, an International Monetary Fund review mission said after a visit to the island. "The mission made significant progress toward reaching a staff-level agreement with the government on completing the fifth review of the EFF," Head of Mision Manuela Goretti said in a statement. more..

Sep 28 (CT) Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera blamed the education system for making slaves of children and not giving them the opportunity to open up and blossom and be creative. He also blamed the tuition culture ingrained in the education system which also contributed to students just cramming notes and passing examinations. He was speaking at Spark 18 held at Royal College yesterday (27). more..

Sep 28 (CT) Minister Mangala Samaraweera is misleading the people by talking of a 12 per cent depreciation in 2012, said former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal. He said that the 12% witnessed in 2012 was managed by 2015 hence improving the value of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the value of the US Dollar. “In the years under the regime of former Prez Rajapaksa, annual depreciation was held at 2.8%. more..

Sep 28 (CT) Colombo Fort Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne yesterday, permitted the CID to direct DIG Nalaka de Silva to the Govt Analyst’s Department at 10 a.m. today, to record voice samples in connection with an alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Maithripala Sirisena, MP Mahinda Rajapaksa and his spouse Shiranthi Rajapaksa. The CID yesterday made a request to this effect through a motion and more..

Sep 28 (CT) Ministry of Law and Order says the policy decision taken by the Govt to deploy the STF to crackdown on organized crime and use of drugs within prisons will only be initiated after a proper assessment. Secretary of the Ministry, Padmasiri Jayamanna said that the premature revelation of measures to be undertaken to tackle the issues would hinder the objective. He pointed out that the drug smuggling racket which more..

Sep 28 (DM) In response to a question posed by one of the students of Royal College, Colombo, Minister Mangala Samaraweera said the depreciation of rupee was not the end of the world. Minister came with this reply at a special briefing held at the Royal College with the participation of students. Minister & State Minister Eran Wickramaratne were attending an Exhibition on Innovation & launch of Royal College’s TV more..

Sep 28 (ABC) A New South Wales University student accused of plotting to assassinate Australian politicians has been released on bail, after an expert found the sole piece of evidence couldn't be connected to him. Mohamed Kamer Nizamdeen, 25, was arrested in August after a colleague found a notebook allegedly containing details of plans to kill Malcolm Turnbull and his former deputy Julie Bishop. more..

Sep 29 (Island) Landmark SC judgment on SAITM; which headline sent joy coursing through Cass’s veins, arteries too, she hastens to add. The one-paged article on the judgment in The Island on Tuesday (25) started thus: "The Supreme Court on Sept 21 affirmed the Court of Appeal judgment on Jan 31, 2017 and ordered the SL Medical Council to Register as a Medical Officer of the state, petitioner Dilmi Sooriyarachchi, a medical graduate of the SAITM under Section ….." more..

Sep 29 (DN) Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was under British Colonial Rule, prior to 1948. It was colonized due to obvious economic reasons-with Ceylon being called the Granary of the East for its lush cultivation, export of rice and other economic potential. At the end of a lucrative period of business entrepreneurship and ruler ship, the British gave so called Independence to a people who were enjoying independence and prosperity, even before these invasions-to an extent that more..

Sep 29 (SO) When it comes to Indo–Lanka relations there is no greater story than the Ramayana which has found a place in history as a story that is passed down from generation to generation, for millennia. The significance the Ramayana has in the collective Indian psyche is that of a religious text and holds sanctity as a narrative of the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). more..

Sep 29 (DN) President Sirisena’s address to the UNGA this week came on a day that saw Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Emmanuel Macron of France give stunning and hugely contrasting messages to the world, and raised new concerns about the trends in international relations. With the UNGA’s traditional first day speaking opportunity for the SL leader, President Sirisena did carry a message that sought opportunities for Sri Lanka to resolve national issues more..

Sep 29 (CT) When Justice Saleem Marsoof (JSM) handed over his Committee Report on Muslim Marriages and Divorce Act (MMDA) Reforms to Minister of Justice in Dec 2017, ending a long period of wait and suspense, the Muslim community in particular and the country in general eagerly expected that its’ recommendations will carry much hope and promise for those affected by certain aspects of this legislation. However, shattering all such hopes, it came to light that the Report more..