Jun 18 (EN) Lanka Ceramic, the clay mining company that is part of SL’s Royal Ceramics group, has said it has revived its sanitaryware business with production outsourced to China. “The company went back to its roots and revived the pioneering business arm of sanitaryware,” Managing Director Mahendra Jayasekera said. “Further, in order to provide superior quality products into the local market, the company has outsourced production to China to provide deluxe brand sanitaryware,” more..

Jun 18 (AD) The number of complaints filed against Dr Mohamed Shafi over alleged illegal sterilizations has amounted to 1,003. The Kurunegala Police had arrested Dr Shafi on May 25th over alleged illegal accumulation of assets. He was later handed over to the CID for further investigations. However, accusations started piling up against Dr Shafi alleging that he had performed illegal sterilizations on mothers more..

Jun 18 (Island) Visitor arrival at the National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwela has increased since the Easter Sunday bomb attacks caused the arrivals to drop to single digits. Deputy Director of the Zoo Anoma Priyadharshini said that arrivals had increased to between 1,000 and 1,500 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as against the usually between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors prior to the terror attacks. Usually Monday and Tuesday recorded the lowest visitor arrivals between 1,500 & 2,000 more..

Jun 18 (CH) Many Christians in Sri Lanka are still too scared to go to church – in spite of security put in place following the Easter Day bombings. Returning from a fact-finding and project-assessment trip to the country, Veronique Vogel, head of Sri Lanka projects for the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, said: “Many told me that they are afraid to enter a church or feel fear when they hear bells ringing.” She described a sense of tension in the capital, Colombo, more..

Jun 18 (ST) SL’s state owned handloom textile wholesale and retail giant in the 1960s, Lanka Salu Sala is no more with the President’s latest decision to close down the iconic institution. He has directed the Industries and Commerce Ministry Secretary to release the company’s Jawatta branch land belonging to it to the Police Department and ordered its closure as it has become a white elephant to the govt. more..

Jun 18 (FT) In commemoration of the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2019, Biodiversity Sri Lanka, together with its member companies from the agribusiness sector and with the support of its Associate Member – United Nations Development Programme, hosted a technical learning event titled Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health recently. Sustainable and innovative practices of BSL member companies were shared with a wide spectrum of interested persons at this event. more..

Jun 18 (DN) Environment protection and coral replanting will be the main themes during the Olympic Day celebration organized by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to be held on June 25 at Polhena beach in Matara. The International Olympic Day falls on June 23 each but since its falls on a weekend, it was decided to stage their annual Olympic Day Run on Tuesday June 25, said NOCSL president Suresh Subramanium at a press conference held at Olympic House. more..

Jun 18 (FT) At a time when the rupee was being strengthened after a long period of economic downturn and the country was ranked as the number one tourist destination in the world, the terrorist attack set our motherland back for many years. But overcoming these challenges through unity and harmony is the only alternative, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said. He said that the support of the Opposition for the special PSC for more..

Jun 18 (FT) Supreme Court yesterday fixed the hearing for the Writ petitions seeking the Election Commission to hold the Provincial Council Elections for 9 September. Court directed to issue notice through the Registrar. It also directed the Registrar to send copies to the Attorney General and requested the Attorney General to assist court as Amicus Curie. The Bench comprised Justices Priyantha Jayawardane, Vijith K. Malalgoda and Gamini Amarasekera. more..

Jun 18 (DM) Thambuttegama Acting Magistrate remanded Anuradhapura Mayor, P. Somadasa, and four others for causing damage of more than Rs.30 million to the house of UNP District Membership Promotional Officer and Kalawewa Electorate Campaign Manager, Ananda Weragoda. During the 1999 presidential election campaign, damage was caused to the property when a grenade was hurled at it. The other remanded suspects are former North Central PC Chairman T.M. R. Siripala, more..

Jun 18 (EN) The senior-most police officer in the North-Western province is under investigation for attempting to cause racial hatred by planting reports of mass sterilization taking place at the Kurunegala teaching hospital. DIG Kithsiri Jayalath is facing an internal inquiry into his conduct over what has become a deeply divisive issue over the alleged crushing of fallopian tubes of Sinhala Buddhist mothers by a Muslin surgeon at hospital. more..

Jun 18 (DM) Court of Appeal has issued a Writ of Certiorari quashing an official intimation made by the Secretary to the Ministry of Education to the Manager of Ashoka College of Horana, to teach either in the mother tongue (Sinhala/Tamil) or in bilingual medium in terms of the education policy of the govt or face the consequences. Court of Appeal Justice Mahinda Samayawardhena ruled that the decision taken by the Secretary to Ministry of Education was based on a wrong premise more..

Jun 18 (AD) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to expedite the legal process required to pronounce Poson Poya Day as an annual national festival and to provide state patronage for the Poson Perahera of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya. The decision was taken considering the request made by Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya Venerable Walawahanguna Wewe Dhammarathana Thero yesterday (16), PM’s Office said. PM is slated to appoint a special committee to look into more..

Jun 18 (DM) A sum of Rs. 6.7 million had been spent for the felicitation ceremony which was conducted in the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on July 31, 2018 when Minister Rajith Senaratne was awarded with the Suwapathi Kirula title, Health Ministry informed Parliament. The ceremony was held to felicitate Dr. Senaratne, who had been unanimously elected as a Vice Chairman of the World Health Organisation (WHO) more..

Jun 18 (AD) Leading SL internet service providers have planned to establish 89 Wi-Fi zones at 53 railway stations across the country, PM’s Office said. One company will facilitate 55% of the total number of Wi-Fi zones. 49 Wi-Fi zones will be established by this company while other internet service providers are set to facilitate the rest of the 40 Wi-Fi zones. 44 of these Wi-Fi zones will be located within the Western Province and 22 of them will centralize 14 railway stations in the Colombo district. more..

Jun 18 (SLA) The much-needed two Samsung HS40 Ultrasound Scanner Units, purchased from the day’s pay of Army personnel were formally handed over to Maharagama Apeksha Cancer Hospital this morning (17) by the think-tank of the meritorious project, Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army. On arrival, day’s Chief Guest Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake, was warmly welcomed by Dr Wasantha Dissanayake, Director, Maharagama Apeksha Hospital and members of more..

Jun 18 (Island) A large number of high-yielding milch cows, imported from Australia, in 2017, were suffering from Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), hitherto not found in Sri Lanka, and officials had failed to stop the spread of the disease, the PCoI was informed yesterday. Dr. Hemal Kothalawala, Veterinary Research Officer of the Livestock Ministry informed the Commission that BVD could be transmitted in several ways. more..

Jun 18 (DM) Despite there being laws pertaining to various elections in the country, Sri Lankan politicians have always attempted to by-pass those laws to push the former Elections Department or the current Elections Commission to hold the elections they prefer at a time more favourable to them. The ruling UNP and its coalition partner, the SLFP some time ago wanted to postpone the local govt elections in fear of defeat and they used the delimitation process to that end. more..

Jun 18 (DM) Around the 1980s Tamil people believed they were given step-motherly treatment by all Governments: there was a simmering discontent in the North-East over policies; they thought the Sinhala Governments were attempting to colonise their traditional homelands with Sinhalese and do harm to the Tamil identity. So this long standing annoyance and the failure to devolve power created suspicion. The Black July ’83 gave birth to Tamil ultra-nationalism. more..

Jun 18 (DM) In the aftermath of the Easter terror attacks, the role and intervention of Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has assumed added significance, as the country battles old demons and faces new uncertainties. met the Chairperson of the HRCSL, well-known academic and activist Dr. Deepika Udagama, for an in-depth look at the myriad challenges facing the country. more..

Jun 18 (Island) Alleged financial irregularities at the Ministry of Health, under Minister Rajitha Senaratne, amounted to Rs. 20 billion, GMOA said. GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said that the loss incurred by the state was higher than the one caused by the Treasury Bond scam. "The damage these irregularities have caused to the health sector is unbelievable. Auditor General also stated that cancer patients, diabetic patients more..

Jun 18 (DN) A series of programmes have been organised by the Kelaniya University to commemorate its 60th anniversary. Anniversary Committee Chairman Prof. Patrick Rathnayake said that an almsgiving, a pirith ceremony, issuing of a commemorative stamp, education exhibitions, book launches, and many other programmes were scheduled to be conducted this year. “The concluding ceremony of the anniversary more..

Jun 18 (Island) Public Service Commission (PSC) instructed Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Nihal Ranasinghe last week to fill nine longstanding vacancies in key positions, according to proper procedure. Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) General Secretary, Joseph Stalin said: "PSC asked Marasinghe last week, through the letter ESC/GEN/01/09/2019, to fill these vacancies. This recommendation was made after more..

Jun 18 (DM) The PHU said a future president would also enjoy the same power enjoyed by the incumbent President since only three powers had been pruned from the Executive. PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila expressed these views after visiting the FCID in Colombo to give a statement over the complaint they made against MP Rishad Bathiudeen. He rejected the reports which said that there was no point in going for more..

Jun 18 (AD) There is a certain foreign force behind the Easter Sunday attacks, according to SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara. He claims that the suicide bomber who aimed the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo didn’t blow himself up at the hotel due to the presence of a group of persons at the hotel. The MP further said that there is a foreign force behind these attacks and that it will be revealed in the future. more..

Jun 18 (DN) The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has embarked on an ambitious drive to be the best customer care service company in the country in the near future. As part of this ambitious plan, CEB launched the CEB Care App, at an event held at the BMICH yesterday. Through this app, close to 6.5 million of CEB customers will be able to make inquiries or provide complaints on electricity-related matters. more..

Jun 18 (ST) Power and Energy Minister Ravi Karunanayake is seeking to whittle down the authority of independent regulator, Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL). Since taking over the portfolio in January this year, minister has already floated various emergency power proposals; contracted barge-mounted electricity outside accepted procurement procedure; and ordered CEB to appoint 27 personal nominees as more..

Jun 18 (CT) It is unwise to summon President Maithripala Sirisena to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), on 21 April Easter Sunday attacks, as it can widen the rift between the Executive and the Legislature, claimed Chairman of the SLPP, Professor G.L. Peiris. “The Chairman of the PSC, Ananda Kumarasiri says the PSC can summon the President as well. It’s problematic whether this can be done legally, but even if more..

Jun 18 (AD) The members of the Special Parliament Select Committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks are due to meet Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya today. It is reported that the chairman of the committee Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri had requested the Speaker to call for the meeting. Accordingly, the committee members and the Speaker will meet at around 11.30 am at Parliament premises. more..

Jun 18 (FT) From the time of S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike’s election victory in 1956, one and only one issue had dominated political party campaigns in this country; and that was communalism. Tamil community was the main focus of these campaigns for over 50 years. That ultimately drove the country to a 30-year civil war, the cost of which is inestimable in real terms. Tamil issue has now been exhausted and lost much of its voter attraction, although now and then more..

Jun 18 (Island) The uninformed tax policy on tobacco followed by the govt had led to the loss of Rs. 100 billion in the last five years, Dr. Palitha Abeykoon Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) said. He also requested the govt to withdraw the decision to allow the import of Chinese cigarettes. The govt should not encourage tobacco and tobacco products, he said. "Govt is planning to make more money by issuing licences for cigarette imports. more..

Jun 18 (FOX13) Two months after more than 250 were killed during terror attacks in SL, the congregation of a Tampa church is returning to offer help. Volunteers from Radiant Church leave Tuesday morning for SL. "This is the first time we've been back since the attacks," said Pastor Ryan Jennings. South Tampa church has five locations across the island-nation, dedicated to educating children. Pastor says when they got word of the attacks that Easter Sun., it hit close to home. more..

Jun 18 (CT) Of all the crimes committed on this planet perhaps the most loathsome is the sight of a child, statutorily under 14 years of age, being employed as a domestic aide, in agriculture, farming, animal husbandry, bakeries, rural small industries, etc. The age limit, under proposed new legislation is to be moved upwards to age 16 considering that 4 to 16 are the best years of a child’s life for education. The problem that concerns society watchers today, especially the media, more..

Jun 18 (DM) Claiming the supplementary estimate -- seeking funds for various items such as the purchase of a vehicle for Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and the renovation of Minister Kiriella's residence -- was today withdrawn though it was earlier presented in Parliament. House Leader and Minister Lakshman Kiriella said he had been living at his private residence since the 1980s and that the entry on the allocation of funds more..

Jun 18 (AD) PM has informed the MPs of the UNP not to make comments on the candidate of the upcoming presidential election. He has reportedly stated this during the meeting of the UNP MPs held at the Temple Trees last evening. State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake revealed this speaking to the media following the meeting. Commenting on the Special Parliament Select Committee, the state minister said the country needs a committee as such at the moment. more..

Jun 18 (SLN) SL Navy sprang into action to bring ashore an ill fisherman for treatment today (17). Based on information disseminated by the Department of Fisheries, SLNS Gajabahu was sent out to retrieve the patient who had left for fishing aboard a multiday fishing vessel Shan Putha 04 from the Beruwala fisheries harbour on 9th June 2019. Accordingly, the ill fisherman was safely taken aboard the naval vessel about 109 nautical miles off the Galle Lighthouse. more..

Jun 18 (DM) Prez has the authority to call for a non-binding referendum on whether the people prefer a general election prior to a prez election but the President will not be able to dissolve Parliament based on such a referendum, SLFP General Secretary and MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said. He said the only option available for a snap early general election, before the completion of four and half years, is by way of resolution in Parliament more..

Jun 18 (EN) The Sri Lankan govt decision to close the loss-making, state-owned handloom enterprise Salu Sala has been welcomed by Advocata Institute, a private sector think-tank, which also urged that other loss-making non-strategic state firms be shut down. “Advocata Institute commends President Maithripala Sirisena’s directive to shut down Salu Sala. While we commend this decision, we are also anticipating the official gazette enacting this statement,” a statement said. more..

Jun 18 (Island) SL-China Friendship Association (SLCFA) warned that the United States was attempting to force Sri Lanka to sign agreements that would be disastrous to its sovereignty and to take sides in a trade war that it had launched against China by weaponizing GSP+ concessions. "The Island reported on Thursday that a high level delegation from the United States will arrive in Sri Lanka to discuss trade matters, among which GSP+ would be a main point of discussion. more..