Dec 13 (ST) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) retailers have found new life going into the holiday season, but this recent surge could be catching a number of traders off guard, given the elevated short-interest levels in penny stocks seen on retailers, analysts say. Analysts called it the herd instinct and noted that retailers are comfortable with trading in shares below Rs. 10, termed as penny stocks. Over the past 2 months, 90% of the shares traded on CSE were by local retailers. more..

Dec 13 (ST) Investigators have unearthed a massive tax evasion of more than Rs.6 billion by W.M. Mendis & Co. one of the renowned liquor manufacturers in SL owned by CB bond scam suspect Arjun Aloysius. It has also defaulted Rs. 1.1 billion in excise duty up to now inflicting a massive loss to the Excise Department, according to a recent investigation by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). This company has not paid necessary more..

Dec 13 (Island) With the recent opening of the new Manning Market with modern facilities and amenities to consumers and the business community, the roof of the building complex was of significance as it was specially designed by the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and built and installed by Metecno Lanka Private Limited. “The latest technology went into designing the roof as an iconic landmark”, says Anuksha Sri Nammuni, Director and CEO of Metecno Lanka. more..

Dec 13 (Island) Norwegian Ambassador, Trine Jøranli Eskedal and Deputy Head of Mission, Hilde Berg-Hansen, called on WFP SL Country Director, Brenda Barton, for a joint celebration of WFP being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. “I was excited to hear the news”, says Ambassador Trine. “This is the first time that I have served as the Ambassador in a country where there was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.” The Ambassador’s visit was scheduled to coincide with the awarding of more..

Dec 13 (SO) Leading run maker at the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Dhanushka Gunathilaka contends there is nothing special about his batting and that he was just sticking to the basics while being at the crease. Gunathilaka is the top scorer at the LPL with 462 runs with a strike rate of 144.82 and an average of 77.00 while playing for the Galle Gladiators who booked a well deserved slot at the semi finals. “I just try to do the basic stuff and more..

Dec 13 (SO) Kandy Sports Club claims that drug cheat Thilina Wijesinghe had taken a banned substance as a player training with the Sri Lanka rugby squad in August 2019 and not while wearing the club’s jersey. Wijesinghe was banned by the SL Anti Doping Agency (SLADA) for four years after being found guilty of doping last month that prevents him from not only playing but from all forms of off-field rugby activity. “Thilina Wijesinghe had taken this banned substance while undergoing training more..

Dec 13 (ST) Andre Russell’s decision to turn up for Colombo Kings in the ongoing Lanka Premier League turning his back for West Indies raised eye-brows with West Indies coach Phil Simmons saying that Russell’s stint in SL was news to him. But it seems the allrounder has offered to join the squad, having initially opting out from the NZ series due to bio-bubble pressure. Russell was approached by chief selector Roger Harper in October while he was representing Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. more..

Dec 13 (TM) Ministry of Energy is preparing a fuel price stabilisation formula supported by a whole new fuel price stabilisation fund in a bid to keep local fuel prices static amidst fluctuating global oil prices, according to Minister Udaya Gammanpila. He said that unlike the previous Govt’s monthly fuel pricing formula which revised fuel prices on every 10th of the month, new fuel price stabilisation formula would revise fuel prices on more..

Dec 13 (CT) SriLankan Airlines was awarded Four-Star rating for Major Official Airline for 2021 by The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Virtual Expo Award ceremony that was held on 9 Dec. The APEX is one of the world’s largest international airline associations. In conjunction with both the Int'l Flight Services Association (IFSA) and Future Travel Experience (FTE), APEX serves the full spectrum of the end-to-end travel experience. more..

Dec 13 (ST) At least 49 vehicles among 300 luxury vehicles worth Rs. 2 billion seized by Customs which were imported before and during the import ban, are likely to be auctioned, official sources said. The lot, likely to be auctioned, are vehicles that have been imported without proper documentation and in some cases forged papers, the sources said. Vehicle importers and traders have been urging the authorities to release the vehicles even after a confiscation fine is imposed. more..

Dec 13 (Island) With three major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects now on the cards coupled with the commissioning of the Mannar wind power plant, questions are being raised over ongoing moves to forge ahead with plans to build a mega Rs.15 billion cross-country oil pipeline when the long-term demand for thermal power is expected to drop drastically. The renewed interest within some quarters with political more..

Dec 13 (Island) The Dutch monk whose body was found in the lagoon at Ratgama is suspected to have committed suicide though it is still too early to determine the exact circumstances which led to his death as investigations continue, a high-ranking police official said. There is no indication so far that the 59-year-old monk, Ven. Olande Jinarathana Thera, had been killed, senior DIG Rohan Silva in charge of the Southern province said on Friday. “Initial investigations point to suicide but more..

Dec 13 (EN) Activists today Saturday, Dec 12, tied white cloths to the gates of Sri Lanka’s biggest graveyard in protest against the cremation of a 20-day old Muslim boy’s remains who supposedly died of Covid 19 two days ago. The seriously ill child was brought to Colombo’s premier Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital, several days ago and doctors said he had badly infected lungs. According to Muslim activists, an antigen test had been conducted on the infant which tested positive. more..

Dec 13 (EN) SL’s state workers and the ruling class have taken home 84 cents out of every tax rupee collected in the first eight months of 2020 as salaries and pensions, as revenues fell amid cuts and a Coronavirus shock, official data shows. SL’s bloated state sector made up of state workers and politicians have generally been the main beneficiary of taxes collected from the people, taking home over cents of every tax rupee collected for many years. more..

Dec 13 (Island) Two eminent professors who served as presidents of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) at one time lashed out at Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi for arbitrarily dismissing Prof. Harendra de Silva, head of the regulatory body and four other members of the council on unfounded allegations. “The SLMC has now been victimized by political misrepresentation and relegated to professional non recognition”, says senior professors Lalitha Mendis, Colvin Gunaratne. more..

Dec 13 (ST) Supreme Court has decided to permit e-filing of cases and Virtual Court Hearings (VCH) to be conducted in the country, starting from the superior courts. These new procedures are expected to come into force early next year. Several committees of Supreme Court Justices are now drafting the rules which would be gazetted and passed in Parliament. Discussions on online cases have been going on for several years but were intensified after the COVID-19 pandemic and more..

Dec 13 (SO) No decision with regard to the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has been made yet and most likely the Commission will be restructured as stated by PM Rajapaksa in Parliament, said Minister Dullas Alahapperuma when asked about the future of the Commission. He said a final decision has not been made on the Commission up to now and added that the matter will most likely be taken up at more..

Dec 13 (AD) SL’s death toll from the coronavirus went up as two deaths were reported. A 55-year-old male from Col 15 has died of COVID-19 related pneumonia. He had been diagnosed with coronavirus while receiving treatment at National Hospital For Respiratory Diseases (NHRD) before being transferred to Pimbura Base Hospital and subsequently the Mulleriyawa Base Hospital. He had passed away on Dec 11. Another male, aged 66 years and a resident of Imbulgoda, has died more..

Dec 13 (EN) A cabal of state officials and their close associates in the business community have been making important govt decisions bypassing the PM and cabinet of ministers, NPP MP Dr Harini Amarasuriya claimed. These individuals are not accountable to parliament and, as a result, the legislature has weakened since the advent of the 20th amendment, she said. Amarasuriya said that despite a large number of ministers and state ministers in SLPP govt, they are not the ones more..

Dec 13 (ST) Though Shangri La, a name synonymous with an earthly paradise or a mythical Himalayan utopia, the event at the five-star luxury hotel in Colombo last Wednesday, with all movers and shakers of the govt, was less grandiose. To the glitter of crystal chandeliers and music from a group that played traditional music with a Violin, Tabla, flute and Seraphina at the Grand Ballroom, PM Rajapaksa, entertained members of govt more..

Dec 14 (ST) Dian Gomes may not have been an outstanding boxer but he is credited with resurrecting a sport which was in the doldrums and give a corporate profile to boxing in Sri Lanka. No one will grudge the fact that he has been the face of Sri Lanka boxing in the international arena during the past two decades. His leadership and zeal resulted in Anuruddha Rathnayake becoming the first boxer from Sri Lanka to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 after a hiatus of 40 years. more..

Dec 14 (Island) In SL, the current Infection Fatality Ratio (IFR) for Covid-19, as per official figures in media reports, stands at approximately 0.5%. That is 1 in every 200 people who contract the virus sadly passes away. Yet, hope is on the way. The amazing development of vaccines, in record time, may soon help contain this pandemic. We caused it, and we will soon have the means to cure it. On the other hand, if we continue to destroy our forests, irreparably damage our climate, pollute more..

Dec 14 (CT) “The earthquake occurred around 5.40 in the morning as I remember. It was a Saturday. The dishes knocked out of cupboards, the walls were swaying a bit back and forth and the toilet seat was vibrating. The tremor happened early in the morning. Some of us were sleeping. Everything around us was shaking and there was dust everywhere. A huge noise arose from the mountain side before all this happen, more..

Dec 14 (DM) We are almost nine months into the pandemic. Number of smaller work places have been forced to shut down. Nearly 600,000 daily-paid workers were laid off during the shutdown of the first phase of the pandemic. Many of these workers remain unemployed. Some of those who are lucky enough to retain their jobs are working from home. Since the onset of the 2nd wave of pandemic; it (working from home) looks set to be a part of many people’s lives for some time to come. more..

Dec 14 (CT) Corruption, regardless of its form, is one of the biggest social ills, and begets a multitude of other types of social ills including crimes, inequality, and poverty that affects all levels of the society in one way or another. Corruption is also one of the leading factors that stifle a country’s social, political and economic growth. It would not be an exaggeration to say that allowing or tolerating corruption is tantamount to abetting corruption, and is a crime in itself. more..

Dec 14 (TM) State Minister Lohan Ratwatte’s appointment has raised some eyebrows. Questions have been raised on whether he is the most suited person to handle the situation at hand, in terms of controlling the unrest within prisons and keeping the fast-spreading Covid-19 cluster within prisons under control. Ratwatte was on The Sunday Morning Hot Seat to clear the air on such concerns, Govt’s plan on reforming the prison system, more..

Dec 14 (ST) Given deeply worrying abuse of power historically by the SL State under states of emergency with national security as justification, the covid-19 global pandemic must not be employed, much like conflict in the North and the South was utilised, as a cover to trample on civil liberties. When a so-called medicinal man (less politely referred to by some as a witch doctor) touts a syrup to cure covid 19 for which large numbers of desperate human beings queue, sans social distancing more..

Dec 14 (ST) The frantic way the nation’s Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi seems to be running about these days trying to find exotic cures for the coronavirus is heart wrenching to watch. A few weeks ago, the poor thing was seen throwing a pot of enchanted water into the Kalu Ganga from some bridge in Ratnapura, following a dead rope given by some high up, no doubt, to banish the coronavirus from the land. Seven weeks have passed since her magical waters have more..

Dec 14 (CT) The 20th amendment to the constitution was passed recently with the support of 156 members of parliament; it was opposed by 65 opposition members. The passing of 20A was helped by the crossovers of about eight opposition MPs. Although some members of the SLPP were against the removal of the dual citizenship clause, they eventually succumbed to the pressure from the Rajapaksas, and voted in support of the 20A. Those opposing the amendment was led by SJB, more..

Dec 14 (CT) National Olympic Committee of SL (NOCSL) has converted its Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium to a state-of-the-art modern facility for the benefit of the sports fraternity of Sri Lanka and others. The facility will contain all modern equipment required for a facility of this status. The work on this Rs. 25 million Project will be commissioned this evening followed by the NOC AGM. Olympic Council of Asia under Olympicasia assisted with a contribution of $ 100,000 towards the project, more..

Dec 14 (ST) English cricketers who are expected in early January to complete their postponed two-match Test series will undergo on-arrival antigen tests in addition to the regular PCR tests. Visitors to the country are usually subjected to a PCR test on arrival in addition to the two tests done 72 hours apart before boarding a flight. But health authorities will also conduct an antigen test to determine infection sensitivity of the players. more..

Dec 14 (Island) The organization under scrutiny, the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL), was established in 2002 through an Act of Parliament No. 35 of 2002, mainly for the purpose of regulating the utilities industries in the country. Initially, the electricity and water service industries came under the Act. Later, through a resolution passed in the Parliament, Petroleum Industry was also included. Commission comprises 5 members appointed by Minister on the recommendation of CC. more..

Dec 14 (Island) Most countries are making preparations for mass vaccination campaigns to rid themselves of coronavirus, and busy sorting out financial and logistical issues. The UK has already begun inoculating its citizens against COVID-19. The US and India are among the nations planning to do so soon. But, in this land like no other, govt politicians are busy promoting untested cures. Large crowds were recently seen converging on a village in Kegalle, where a herbal syrup described as more..

Dec 14 (FT) Toronto-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Founder, CEO Prem Watsa last week expressed confidence in SL’s growth prospects and optimism to increase investments in select sectors which offer new opportunities. Fairfax is a large investor in Sri Lanka’s premier blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) with an economic interest of 14% including a near 11% stake acquired in early this year for Rs. 23 billion. more..

Dec 14 (CI) Dambulla Viiking have had the look of a dark horse from early in the LPL. Although Jon Lewis was dropped as coach long before the tournament began, he had done Viiking a favour by making some smart local picks in the draft. And despite an early judder or two, when the batting was a little flimsy, they've found a formula that works for them, striding to an impressive five wins from seven completed matches. They've been buoyed the finishing of Dasun Shanaka, more..

Dec 14 (FT) Asia Securities, SL’s leading independent investment banking and wealth management firm, will host its 4th Annual SL Investment Conference over three days next week. Titled 2021: The Investors’ Dilemma, the event will explore the outlook for the economic rebound and financial markets next year, in what will surely be a fascinating investing environment. Considering current safety concerns, Asia Securities will deliver conference virtually with 3 two-hour sessions more..

Dec 14 (CI) Three wins, six losses, LPL finalists. The Galle Gladiators are the first team to qualify for the final of the LPL, coming out victors in a semi-final that at points seemingly neither side wanted to win. Indeed, a two wicket win with one ball remaining barely begins to tell the story of a game that was largely dominated by the ball, but will undoubtedly be remembered for some incredibly sloppy moments in the field from both sides. more..

Dec 14 (DN) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) sent two of their members to South Africa yesterday to monitor and make the necessary arrangements to receive the Sri Lanka National cricketers to commence their two match test tour which is to begin from 18 of this month. The head coach Mickey Arthur and Dr. Daminda Attanayake, Sports and Exercise Physician serving in the SLC committee of doctors left for further arrangements. After consulting the relevant Health Authorities both locally and in SA more..

Dec 14 (CI) However the knockouts turn out, the Lanka Premier League must continue in future years, to help ensure the health of Sri Lankan cricket. The above is what Dambulla Viiking captain Dasun Shanaka had to say on the eve of his team's semi-final against Jaffna Stallions. Shanaka has been a long-time supporter of starting up Sri Lanka's own T20 league, having publicly requested one during a tour of Pakistan last year. He felt this edition of LPL was not without its flaws; more..