Aug 17 (GT) Although a very small percentage of the SL population in the UAE wanted to go back home due to the present health situation, many among them changed their minds thanks to new job opportunities, said a top Sri Lankan diplomat. "Of an estimated 300,000 Sri Lankans here, less than 10% of them — around 25,000 — had registered with the Sri Lankan diplomatic missions a few months ago for repatriation. more..

Aug 17 (AD) The Department of Prisons stated that STF will be involved in ensuring safety at prisons from next week. Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya stated that this decision was taken in accordance with a request made by the Ministry of Defense. Thereby, the preliminary measures are currently being taken to deploy STF personnel at prisons. Throwing contraband into prison premises over the boundary walls has been a recurring incident in the recent times. more..

Aug 17 (CT) A man who is alleged to have raped and killed a 10-year-old girl was yesterday arrested, nearly one month after the incident, at a location in Puttalam, Police said. They said the suspect was initially apprehended by area residents at Asirigama in Puttalam after he visited the area yesterday, Police said. The 41-year-old married man is alleged to have repeatedly raped the minor at a house situated inside a sprawling coconut estate over a period of 10 months. more..

Aug 17 (TM) The Ninth Parliament of SL will see a host of new changes including digital integration of administrative facilities as well as the introduction of the new norm brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Soon after the health guidelines for the election campaign of the 2020 parliamentary election were issued, officials at the Ministry of Health were quick to begin work on a separate set of guidelines for new Parliament more..

Aug 17 (CT) At least 60 inmates at the Negombo Prison are down with chickenpox and this figure is expected to rise considering the crowded situation prevailing in the complex, officials said yesterday. They said the prison was meant to hold a maximum of 700 inmates, however, at present there are some 2,000 prisoners, which has led to a major overcrowding of the holding cells and is a breeding ground for infectious diseases such as Chickenpox. Apart from the overcrowding, more..

Aug 17 (FT) The Pathfinder Foundation and Vivekananda International Foundation, a leading think tank in India, are due to conduct a webinar today with virtual participation of several experts from both countries on two themes viz. Regional and Geopolitical Environment and International Trade and Economic Relations. The two delegations will be headed by Pathfinder Foundation Chairman Bernard Goonetilleke and Vivekananda International Foundation Director Dr. Arvind Gupta. more..

Aug 17 (AD) The names of those who have been selected under the govt’s programme to provide 50,000 jobs to graduates have been published on the official website of the Ministry of Public Services, Provincial Councils and Local Govt. The full list of names can be viewed by visiting the ministry’s website www.pubad.gov.lk Prez had decided to re-commence, without delay, the programme to provide employment opportunities to 150,000 more..

Aug 17 (EN) SJB does not see a short term or long term post-COVID-19 plan on the part of the govt to revive the pandemic-hit economy, SJB MP Dr Harsha de Silva said. Last week’s appointment of cabinet and state ministers by the govt did not reflect a plan to boost the economy which went negative in the first and second quarters of 2020, he added. “Based on the appointments, we don’t see that the govt has any idea about the completely different approach expected due to COVID-19,” more..

Aug 17 (CT) Relevant institutions are currently working on matters pertaining to the removal of security personnel provided to former MPs and Ministers. SSP Jaliya Senaratne said no final decision has been taken so far regarding the removal of the security of former MPs and Ministers. He noted that a security threat assessment report would be prepared and it would be decided whether the security officers assigned to them should continue or not according to the findings of more..

Aug 17 (TM) SL will obtain emergency financial support under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) of the IMF only if the support would be provided with no conditionality, according to the CB Governor. “We do not want to go for the conditionality of the IMF. We were told this arrangement is without any conditions. If that is the case, when the opportunity comes we will renegotiate it. It has to be negotiated on more..

Aug 17 (AD) A total of 1,662 individuals have been arrested over various offences and charges including those with pending warrants, during a special police operation during the last 24 hours within the Western Province. Police said that the arrested suspects include 748 apprehended over drug offences, 696 persons arrested over pending warrants against them, and another 91 arrested over other criminal charges. Further, 127 have been arrested in suspicion of connections to more..

Aug 17 (AD) A laboratory worker attached to the Govt Analyst’s Department has been arrested in Athurugiriya while in possession of over 18 grams of heroin, police said. The suspect was arrested at around 5.30 p.m. last evening (16) in the Moratuwahena area after searching a suspicious motorcycle based on information received by Athurugiriya Police. Police said that 18 grams and 730 mg of heroin was found in the possession of the suspect, a 28-year-old resident of Matara, more..

Aug 17 (EN) The Centre for Environment and Nature Studies (CENS) in Sri Lanka, is protesting against the construction of a road in the buffer zone and inside the Sinharaja World Heritage Site. In a letter sent to UNESCO headquarters, Ravindra Kariyawasam of CENS says construction of the road by SL Army Engineers has commenced on August 10. The road building is taking place from Lankagama to Deniyaya more..

Aug 18 (CT) In the past few months alone, law enforcement personnel, especially the Police, carried out a number of raids in many parts of Sri Lanka which resulted in the seizure of a large amount of various types of drugs as well as drug traffickers. The Police recently seized a haul of drugs known as Mandy which is estimated to be worth more than Rs 200 million, and also found a stock of narcotic inhalers introduced by drug traffickers targeting mostly schoolchildren. more..

Aug 18 (ST) It was no joke though it was turned into one by some of our urban glitterati and social media twitterati who probably cannot distinguish a paddy plant from a weed. When the posts of individual state ministers were gazetted and announced sometimes in minute detail, those who spend their time with a highball in hand and money earned somehow in their pockets, broke into the usual Sri Lankan habit of boos and hoots–now mainly via cyber space–though catcalls more..

Aug 18 (SO) The Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) President Prof. Indika Karunathilake reflecting on how the Association was able to successfully maintain a disease-free environment at the recently concluded parliamentary elections gave the following comments in an online interview, Health journalist. Q: The SLMA was the main technical contributor in enabling the National Election Commission of SL to conduct more..

Aug 18 (CT) Although the Govt’s official communique on the Cabinet of Ministers named Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Minister of Defence, the relevant Gazette notification has no such entry. Article 43(2) of the Constitution, as amended by 19th Amendment, provides that the President shall, on the advice of the PM, appoint from among MPs, Ministers, to be in charge of Ministries determined. Thus, although the Prez continues to be the Head of the Cabinet more..

Aug 18 (ST) The new Cabinet of Ministers that were sworn in on Wednesday face an immediate task of stabilising the economy. Mitigating the external financial vulnerability, reduction of the large fiscal deficit, reducing the growing unemployment in the country and alleviating poverty are challenging tasks in the current inhospitable global economic environment. However their resolution is vital to usher in economic growth in the medium and long run. Policies to stabilise the economy more..

~Aug 18 (ST) It’s no secret that life is a terrible ordeal for most housemaids working in West Asia. The hardships they endure to send money home come at great cost. At the time of writing – 7.30 p.m. in Sri Lanka–it is possible that in Saudi Arabia, where it now is 2 a.m. –thousands of SL housemaids will only just be ending their workday, preparing to sleep just four to five hours before work begins again. It is also possible that at this moment more..

Aug 18 (DM) In spite of the current electoral system being called Proportional Representation (PR) system, in fact there are elements in the very system that disturbs the proportional representation. One is the bonus seats awarded to the party that gets the highest number of votes in a particular district while another being the appointment of members to the parliament through the national list. Both elements further extend the gap between the winning party and the other contenders which more..

Aug 18 (Island) Critics of former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe danced in the streets, the other day, when it was reported that he had finally decided to step down as the UNP leader. But their joy was short-lived; he announced that he would lead the party until his successor was anointed. Now, he says he will be the party leader until the next provincial council elections! Giving reasons for the UNP’s defeat, Wickremesinghe has reportedly told a group of unsuccessful party candidates, more..

Aug 18 (CT) The appointment of Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s personal defence lawyer as the Cabinet minister of justice could be the final blow for victims of gross human rights violations who have been struggling for justice for over a decade. Gotabaya Rajapaksa is at the very least a person of interest in several key cases involving the attacks on journalists Keith Noyahr, Upali Tennakoon and the assassination of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009. more..

Aug 18 (SO) SL may have come close to bundling Test cricket into the back seat with confusion still holding centre stage ever since England’s players evacuated ahead of the coronavirus pandemic and the country yet to attract a foreign team with tours by South Africa, India and Bangladesh postponed and a showpiece T20 tournament called the LPL put on hold. If not for the pandemic, Bangladesh should have toured SL last month and played a three-Test series as part of ICC's Test championship. more..

Aug 18 (CT) The demolition of an archaeological site in Kurunegala, commonly known as the Buwaneka Hotel, triggered controversy in the past few weeks. Following the incident, many demanded that legal action be taken against those allegedly responsible including the Kurunegala Mayor, while some voiced their concerns over the archaeological value of the said establishment. Even though measures are being taken to renovate more..

Aug 18 (Island) The Island: How do you view the Green Climate Fund? Prof: The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is an international climate financing mechanism, and is a main implementing entity for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with a predicted resource of USD 100 billion a year. The GCF operates to transfer finances from the developed countries to the developing countries, and to assist developing countries in their adaptation to climate change and more..

Aug 18 (Island) Born on Oct 22, 1902, he was the twin son of Muhandiram Dionysius Sepala Panditha Dahanayake. He was named Wijayananda after the Wijayananda Vihara in Weliwatta, Galle, where Col. H. S. Olcott first observed the five precepts. His learned father was the chief lay disciple of this Vihara. The eminent astrologer Karo Gurunnanse, who read Dahanayake’s horoscope had predicted that one day he would rule the country. With Ceylon under the British Raj at the time, more..

Aug 18 (FT) Power Ministry yesterday appointed a seven-member committee to investigate the countrywide blackout that left millions of Sri Lankans inconvenienced with businesses, water supply and even traffic coming to a standstill in the power outage, which lasted for more than eight hours in some areas. Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma who assumed duties last Friday said the committee will be more..

Aug 18 (DN) US based SL marathoner Hiruni Wijayaratne shattered yet another national record when she clocked 16 minutes 17. 51 seconds to finish 15th and set up the National record at the 5000m at the Music City Distance Carnival held in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday. This was a fine effort after Hiruni returned to competition after the Coronavirus outbreak. Earlier, the 5000m national record was set by Nilani Ratnayake of 16 min 17.82 sec last year at Army Athletic C'ship. more..

Aug 18 (Island) Favourites Senuka Ahangama and Dimuth Indeepa Samaraweera secured victories in the first two games in the semi finals of the Inaugural SL Youth Chess Grand Prix on Monday. Samaraweera edged out Pesandu Liyanage and Ahangama beat Vinuda Gunathilaka in the first first semi-final held in the morning. Samaraweera and Ahangama were the leaders at the end of the group stage and advanced to the semi finals as favourites. The second semi final involving more..

Aug 18 (CT) Bhanuka Rajapaksha’s twin centuries were in vain as BRC were held to a draw by NCC in the second weekend of the Super-8 round of the SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Cricket tournament (2019/2020) worked off at MCG Katunayake yesterday. In the first innings National cap Bhanuka scored a brilliant 115 runs and continued his good form in the second innings with an unbeaten 110. Bhanuka along with Duvindu Thilakarathne put on 89 runs more..

Aug 18 (DN) Lasitha Guneratne the outgoing President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is to sign off on a high note by fulfilling the long standing requirement of owning a permanent ground, which he obtained at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex in Diyagama recently. In his almost one-decade of service at the SLR in various capacities including two years as the President, Lasitha had a long standing dream of obtaining a permanent ground for SLR to conduct their events. more..

Aug 18 (Island) ICC has commended the efforts of former Sports Minister Harin Fernando to tackle corruption in cricket. SL cricket’s reputation hit a low point three years ago when the ICC opened up a record number of investigations after Scotland Yard’s chief Alex Marshall assumed duties as head of the Anti Corruption Unit. Several Sri Lankans were suspended following these investigations. Yahapalana govt barely did any progressive work during their five years but making corruption more..

Aug 18 (FT) Plantation companies will sustain a cumulative loss of more than Rs. 500 million within months due to policy inconsistencies and vacillation by the Govt on a well-regulated expansion of SL’s oil palm cultivation, the sector’s apex industry association has warned. Palm Oil Industry Association (POIA) said 356,000 oil palm plants imported on the strength of a Govt decision to expand cultivation had been maturing in nurseries for more than three years, more..

Aug 18 (CT) It is no mean achievement that in a football-crazy country like Oman, cricket continues to make int'l headlines - winning accolades and bringing trophies home. Oman was fairly low-ranked when Duleep Mendis joined Oman Cricket (OC) in 2013. It was a good challenge for him and he decided to accept the position. Oman turned the corner one year later, when it became the 38th Associate Member of ICC. OC Board of Directors is led by Chairman Sri Kanak Khimji, whose iconic leadership has been a great help. more..

Aug 18 (DM) Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed as the Leader of the House while Minister Johnston Fernando was appointed as the Chief Govt Whip today. Sources close to Minister Fernando said that the two ministers got their appointment letters from PM Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this evening. It was reported earlier that MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene is tipped to be the new Speaker while Ranjith Siyamabalapitiya will be appointed as the Deputy Speaker. more..

Aug 18 (AN) Mass was held at Our Lady of Madhu shrine to mark the feast day of the Assumption last Saturday. In his homily, Bishop Vianney Fernando of Kandy told the faithful “not be afraid and live in communion with the Blessed Virgin Mary who has always come to the rescue of our country, especially in the troubled periods of its recent history.” The prelate, who celebrated the mid-August feast day together with bishops of more..

Aug 18 (EN) Tracified, a Sri Lanka-based start-up which is developing a blockchain based solution to track supply chains has received funds from a Japanese venture capital firm to take it forward, officials said. Tracified was backed by 99x Technologies, a Colombo-based technology firm and StartupX Foundry, a technology accelerator. Co-founder of Tracified, Dileepa Jayathilaka said Japan-based 360ip Company has invested an undisclosed sum in 20 percent of Tracified. more..

Aug 18 (Island) World Vision Lanka recently handed over ReSource Banks or Sampath Piyasa to the local authorities in Wattala, Ja-Ela and Chavakachcheri areas in a bid to provide livelihood opportunities for 500 households by helping them incorporate environmentally friendly solutions for waste disposal. The ReSource Banks function as resource recovery centres, providing a place for the families to segregate and drop off their non-biodegradable and clean waste and more..

Aug 18 (ST) Hundreds of higher income bracket Sri Lankan expatriates have recently started escaping their pandemic-hit destinations abroad by chartering aircraft from SriLankan and other companies to return home. These trips are tailored as packages comprising paid PCR, transport and hotel quarantine. “They are groups of people who get together and contact an airline directly to charter a flight,” more..