Jun 25 (ST) This is not funny. I mean it is not funny ha ha! It is funny curious. Some days ago somebody – let’s leave the name out, but it certainly was not any of our news — conscious diplomatic Metternichs from Hyde Park Gardens emailed me to say that former president Chandrika Kumaratunga would be in London Town the following week. Now there was nothing curious in that. She drops in now and then to see her son Vimukthi and daughter Yasodhara or for this and that we know little about. more..

Jun 25 (CT) Two months have passed since the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, and as life slowly returns to normal in Sri Lanka attention now turns to what exactly happened on that fateful day. With President Sirisena holidaying in Singapore, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was the acting head of state. On Easter Sunday, when the devastating terror attacks struck 3 Churches and 3 hotels, PM who was out of Colombo, rushed back to take control of a situation that was threatening to boil over. more..

Jun 25 (CT) Colombo has become the hotspot for a myriad of different weather conditions. On a typical day out a person can now experience mild to scorching sun, flash rains and even thunder, all in a matter of a few hours. Last year, Sri Lanka was ranked as the second most vulnerable country to climate change in the Global Climate Risk Index 2019 published by Germanwatch while the World Bank states that approximately 19 mil people more..

Jun 25 (DN) The yearning to know is a basic human yearning. All human beings opt for what makes sense and not nonsense, what is true and not false, what is good and not bad, what is beautiful and not ugly, what is of more value than of less value. Experience, knowledge and understanding are concomitant with human growth from infancy to advanced age. Individually and collectively human beings also desire to improve themselves and be virtuous. While many wish even to transcend more..

Jun 25 (DN) April 23rd was made a day of national mourning in honour of all the victims of the evil forces let loose last Easter Sunday when Christians proclaimed and celebrated victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ. We as a whole nation of many ethnicities and religions are one in observing this national mourning in sympathy with the victims of this horror but also as a protest against the forces of evil against humanity. Although the horrific incidents occurred in particular places more..

Jun 25 (Island) There was an Energy Policy in SL, dated 2008, applicable for three years. Since 2013, and now a good 4 1/2 years into the present govt, energy policy revisions are in discussion. So the Ministers, present and past, have not been able to even specify what the energy policy is. That allows him and all the entities, those outside the sector, including CPC and CEB, to play ball games with the energy sector. The owner of the key energy sector entities is the Ministry of Finance; more..

Jun 25 (Island) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe says the National Thowheed Jamaat (NTJ) threat has been effectively neutralised and all those who had links to NTJ leader Zahran have been arrested. He assures that the country is now safe. Curiously, he is striving to have the govt’s controversial Counterterrorism Bill ratified in a bid to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act; he believes that the country has had to tackle the problem of international terrorism and there should be new laws. more..

Jun 25 (FT) The incumbent Monk of the Ashwaththaraama Historical Temple at Thalgasyaaya, Akmeemana, Galle Ven. Matugama Gunarathana Thero last week heaped praise on Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith for his leadership following Sri Lanka's worst tragedy in recent history on Easter Sunday. “Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith had the guts, the courage, not any politician, to declare without any hesitation that SL is a Buddhist country,” more..

Jun 25 (DN) Kusal Mendis admitted that his heart was in his mouth when he spilled a catch given by England’s Ben Stokes during the crucial World Cup match played at Headingley here on Friday that SL managed to win by 20 runs to keep their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive. The dangerous Stokes was on 57 and batting with last man Mark Wood when he pulled a delivery from Lasith Malinga bowling his last over more..

Jun 25 (CI) Shakib Al Hasan came, spun, and conquered, carrying Bangladesh to a comfortable 62-run win over Afghanistan that kept their semi-final aspirations alive at the 2019 World Cup. Shakib made it to the record books on the way, most significantly becoming only the third player - after Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh - to have a century and a five-wicket haul in the same edition of the World Cup, and the second, after Yuvraj, to score a 50-plus score and return a five-for more..

Jun 25 (CT) Paceman Binura Fernando was an up-and-coming sensation back in 2015 and he was selected to play Lasith Malinga’s T20 team against Pakistan straight after playing for Sri Lanka under 19. An injury prevented him from playing and he hasn’t been featured in SL’s team since then despite being 6 foot 5 inches in height and a tall left armer, the tallest paceman SL has. Fernando, who is now playing Division 2 cricket in England, was seen at Sri Lanka’s practice session in Leeds. more..

Jun 25 (ST) SL would be targeting a Top 3 finish at the 11th Asian Youth Netball Championships which will be worked off from June 29 to July 7 in Kashima, Japan. Tournament will be conducted by the Asian Netball Federation where 11 top Asian countries are expected to participate. SL have been placed in Group ‘A’ along with the defending champions Singapore, Thailand, South Korea and Nepal. The Group ‘B’ consists of Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Chinese Taipei, Brunei & host nation Japan. more..

Jun 25 (EN) Sri Lanka is attempting to lure transit passengers at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport to make short visits into the country to boost tourism earnings, which are falling after the Easter Sunday terror attack, a SriLankan Airlines official said. "We are going to have a strategy to attract transit passengers which we are going to discuss with the tourism ministry and other organizations' members," Holidays Manager Buddhika Hewawasam said. more..

Jun 25 (ST) During the World Cup in England and Wales, the Sunday Times caught up with Paul Farbrace who worked two stints with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). He was first understudy to Trevor Bayliss, then Sri Lanka’s head coach, for two years from 2007 to 2009. He then took over the position in 2014. Soon after Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, Farbarce ended his association with SLC and left for England. more..

Jun 25 (ST) Sri Lanka’s automobile industry is now undergoing changes with vehicle sales growth expected to slow down this year due to import controls and heavy taxes slapped by the Finance Ministry. Mobility remains dominated by personal vehicles but the drop in the local vehicle market will be corrected by 2020, Dr. Lawrence Perera – CEO of Micro Holdings and Micro Cars Ltd said. Automakers will need to find innovative ways to retain consumers’ loyalty as more..

Jun 25 (ST) The govt will pay compensation to some 31,000 public servants in the next two months who have been subjected to political victimisation between 2005 and 2015, a spokesman to the PM’s office said. The Cabinet memo presented by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe in this regard had been granted approval last Tuesday along with the observations of Prez Sirisena. There has been a long delay in providing relief to public servants who had been subjected to political victimisation more..

Jun 25 (DN) If Sri Lanka continues on this favourable path, the country can reach 6% growth in the next 5-6 years which would clearly improve the outlook of the banking sector asserted CB Governor Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy in a conversation with the KPMG team recently. SL has an output gap and the Central Bank is focusing on improving the growth rate as macro-economic stabilization has become crucial, while more..

Jun 25 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism yesterday kicked off the post-Easter Sunday attacks special promotion to woo Indian tourists. SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) along with the SL Inbound Tour Operators Association (SLAITO) and SriLankan Airlines unveiled a total of 15 special promotional packages to Indian travel trade in Mumbai with a guest appearance by SL-born Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez. Today the promotion will move to New Delhi. more..

Jun 25 (DN) Powerloom Development and Export Promotions Council (PDEXCIL), set up by Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India is organizing an exhibition cum buyers meet, India International Textiles Expo (IIT Expo Colombo 2019), from July 29 to 31 at Hotel Galadari, Colombo. Trade visitors from garment industry, major importers, wholesalers, bulk buyers and institutional buyers will participate. PDEXCIL works on the objective of overall development of power loom industry of India more..

Jun 25 (FT) Central Bank together with LankaClear Ltd., (LCPL) achieved a significant milestone in the country’s payment landscape by launching the National Card Scheme (NCS). NCS, will be operated by LCPL in partnership with the int'l payment card operator JCB Int'l of Japan. Initially, a debit card will be issued under this card scheme. Additionally, NCS cards will be accepted across over 4,800 ATMs Island wide connected to more..

Jun 25 (DN) The National Police Commission (NPC) has decided to entertain public complaints against the Police through the internet too. “The programme will be launched at a ceremony held in Colombo under the patronage of Speaker Karu Jaysuriya,” a Police Commission official said. He said the Police Commission Website had now been upgraded and modernised to enable it to entertain written, oral or video complaints through the internet. This would enable the pubic to video instances of more..

Jun 25 (FT) The newly appointed High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Sashikala Premawardhane assumed duties at the Mission on 24 June. Her assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony that began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, followed by religious observances and chanting of pirith by the Maha Sangha. Speaking on the occasion, HC-designate set out her plans for strengthening bilateral relations between SL & Singapore, more..

Jun 25 (FT) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday assured he would lead the charge for stronger investment in the future to fast track economic growth and create new jobs outlining ambitious plans for a host of new investment projects including a renewable power cable to India. The PM made these statements while attending the opening of the Hyrax Oil SDN BHD Lubricant Blending Plant in Muthurajawela, more..

Jun 25 (Island) President of Bar Association (BASL) Kalinga Indatissa, PC has written to Minister of Foreign Affairs Tilak Marapana, PC under the provisions of the Right to Information Act No. 12 of 2016 and Article 14A of the Constitution, requesting a copy of the proposed Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The text of the letter: The undersigned is a citizen of SL and the present President of the BASL which is the sole representative body of more than 19,000 more..

Jun 25 (Island) Lanka Electricity Workers’ Union President Malaka Wickramasinghe said that if the govt decided to pay the electrical engineers salary increases after obtaining Cabinet approval, despite the Appeal Court decision to suspend the pay hikes, it would resort to legal action. Wickramasinghe said he had come to know that there was a move to pay the increased salaries after obtaining Cabinet approval. A protest would be organised after informing all unions and political party leaders more..

Jun 25 (Island) A CEB senior engineer who refused to endorse an agreement to purchase emergency power last year is facing an inquiry due to pressure from former senior CEB Board member. CEB Deputy General Manager (Generation) Sujeewa Abeywickrama, contacted for comment, said: "The disciplinary inquiry against me is a conspiracy and all are trying to get rid of me. I have to fight against the diesel mafia and more..

Jun 25 (CT) On a directive of Kalmunai Magistrate I.N. Rizvan, the Kalmunai Subadra Ramaya Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Vana Ranmutugala Sangaratana Thera and Kalmunai Murugan Temple Chief Priest K.K. Satchithananda Kurukkal, were summoned before the Kalmunai Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Two priests and three others have been charged under Public Nuisance Ordinance, when the Emergency Laws were in place. From 17 June, the Buddhist monk along with Hindu priest more..

Jun 25 (DM) Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the UNP had not yet decided on its presidential candidate though several party members had made comments about a person perceived to be fielded. The minister who is also the UNP deputy leader made this comment to the media after attending a function held at a mosque in Maradana. “Several UNPers have mentioned the name of an individual for candidacy without any basis. The UNP will nominate someone who is mature and more..

Jun 25 (DM) UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said that she was concerned that the terrorist attacks two months ago in Sri Lanka have fuelled increasing tensions. “The lack of a unified approach between the President and the Govt regarding key human rights concerns risks adverse impact on the effectiveness of the security forces in ensuring safety and protection for all,” she said making her opening statement more..

Jun 25 (FT) The British Council, in partnership with the National Institute for Language Education and Training (NILET), is pleased to initiate a Tamil language course for public officials with the aim of reducing language barriers in bilingual divisions. The course is part of Strengthening the Reconciliation Processes in Sri Lanka (SRP), a four-year program launched in March 2018, which contributes to strengthening the country’s reconciliation processes by supporting govt, more..

Jun 25 (AD) Current political leaders should retire to make way for new leadership, says Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. The Cardinal stated this delivering a special sermon at Sant’Antonio Abate Church in Milan, Italy on Sunday (23). Many political leaders who have governed the country have proven themselves to be failures, Cardinal Ranjith said addressing the devotees. “What have our political leaders done throughout history? more..

Jun 25 (Island) Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has strongly objected to repeated attempts by the American Bar Association (ABA) to establish a branch here since Jan 2018 ostensibly to be monitored by the Justice Ministry and the AG’s Department. The clout of the ABA even without a foothold here has been such that in Oct 2018 the Attorney General in a communique titled, Official Letter of Authorization for the Establishment more..

Jun 25 (DM) Back in the late 1950s, Britain deliberately rejected European Union membership. Subsequently in the 1960s, Britain sought to join its ranks. However President de Gaulle of France rebuffed Britain’s application and finally Britain formally joined the European Union (EU) only on Jan 1, 1973. At that time many argued, the British joined the EU as a means to halt the decline of its economy. The UK’s per capita GDP relative to the EU’s founding members’ declined steadily more..

Jun 25 (DM) The Easter Sunday attacks compelled local Muslims to engage in self - introspection of the unfolding wave of radicalization and Arabization of their community. That is a welcome development in an otherwise heinous carnage. Especially so since, until the serial monstrosity on the Easter Sunday, a vocal group of Muslims were defending the on-going transformation in the pretext of true Islam, and even the well- meaning ones were turning a blind eye. But, the Easter Sunday carnage more..

Jun 25 (DM) Satanin Satana, the second part of Dharman Wickremaratne’s history of the JVP’s second rebellion has followed the first with commendable speed. The first volume had so much detail that one would have believed it to be conclusive. But, as the second volume shows, there were many more related stories waiting to be unearthed. Much of it is blood and gore. After the voluminous first part, one could ask if more..

Jun 25 (ST) The Govt passed the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises or Underutilised Assets (Repeal) Bill on Thursday (20), despite vehement protests from the Opposition. Some Opposition parties saw the Bill as a sinister move to hand over the Pelwatte and Sevanagala sugar factories to Minister Daya Gamage. UPFA MP Gamini Lokuge told the House that, when Sevanagala was under Daya Gamage, more..

Jun 25 (FT) Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC Chairman and industry veteran Chrisantha Perera strongly believes a $ 5 billion export earnings target per annum for tea in the medium term is possible though optimistic. This view was shared by Perera in the Chairman's Review of the Ceylon Tea Brokers PLC 2018/19 Annual Report. He notes that barring the Russian Federation and other CIS countries, Sri Lanka does not have more..

Jun 25 (Island) Eradication of terrorism was more important than providing CCTV cameras, said Mahanayake of Malwatte Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera addressing Minister Lakshman Kiriella as he gifted the new CCTV equipment to the temple. The authorities had not taken prompt action when they received intelligence information about the impending attacks, said the prelate adding that terrorism had more..

Jun 25 (EN) The US has lifted travel advisory imposed after Easter Sunday suicide attacks which asked citizens to reconsider visits to SL to exercising increased caution when traveling to the island. "Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism," the US State Department continues to warn. "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, govt facilities, more..