Jul 27 (DM) Police have arrested an Indian national who tried to enter the maternity ward of the Wathupitiwala Hospital, claiming to be a doctor yesterday. Police said a doctor at the Wathupitiwala Hospital who was suspicious of the man had questioned the suspect. Following the doctor’s queries it had been revealed that the Indian national was impersonating as a doctor. Accordingly, the suspect was handed over to the Nittambuwa Police. Police said suspect was remanded till July 4 more..

Jul 27 (CT) A garment factory, operating within the Seethawaka Export Processing Zone (EPZ), has been caught attempting to dump 19 gully bowsers of toxic sludge, which constitutes hazardous waste, into the ocean through the Madampitiya Sewerage Pumping Station, which can only handle non-toxic waste. This was confirmed by Chairman of the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), Dharshani Lahandapura. more..

Jul 27 (NR) 22 persons have contracted the coronavirus today increasing the number of infections in the to 2,804. 17 inmates at the Senapura Rehabilitation Centre had tested positive while five returnees from Qatar had also contracted the coronavirus. 15 persons who contracted COVID-19 recovered and were discharged from hospitals earlier. The number of COVID-19 recoveries rose to 2,121. 672 persons are currently receiving medical treatment at 9 facilities across the country. more..

Jul 27 (FP) Irony had a hearty laugh last week, skipping across the chain of shoals that links India with Sri Lanka. Embracing Ramayan, the epic that binds the two nations, CAA of Lanka issued an advertisement inviting documents and literature for a research on King Ravana and the ancient domination of aerial routes now lost. It is believed that Ravan travelled widely in his Pushpak Viman, and the aviation routes could tell us more about Lanka’s geopolitical reach and influence. more..

Jul 27 (CT) Swearing-in of MPs on the inaugural day of the new Parliament after the 5 August General Election could run into problems due to COVID-19 health guidelines. This is due to a possible clash between Standing Orders of Parliament and requirements under the Quarantine Ordinance. The Standing Orders demand that all new MPs should be seated in the Chamber at the time of the swearing-in. more..

Jul 28 (CT) The pen was once mightier than the sword. In the age of the smart phone the tongue has taken over. The point of departure of this essay is digital electioneering amidst social distancing. Thanks to the smartphone, behavior tends to leave behind digital footprints. Covid-19 has substantially altered the cacophony of the electoral process. The main contenders have made a definite, meaning full switchover to digital campaigning, micro targeting and online mobilization. more..

Jul 28 (CT) Tamils in Sri Lanka especially in the North and East are now living between the devil and deep sea. Heavy presence of the military [to the ratio of one soldier to every four civilians 1: 4] and on the other side they are scared of the Covid-19. Prez is determined to hold the election on Aug 5, without taking into consideration the voices of the opposition parties requesting to postpone the elections. The govt is now under financial crisis and the coast of living is increasing day by day more..

Jul 28 (DM) Warning that Sri Lanka together with the Asian region will have a minus economic growth this year as a result of COVID-19, former PM and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe claimed that his Party’s campaign has reached a high tempo as it is contesting the 2020 General Elections with a clear programme to life the nation out of such a crisis. Wickremesinghe did not seem to be worried over the latest rift within the Party more..

Jul 28 (DM) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and the fellow travellers of the SLPP are asking for a two-thirds majority in the general election. For what? They want to abolish the 19th Amendment, one of the few progressive constitutional provisions to be adopted in the independent history. (It moderated the excesses of the executive presidency). Mr. Rajapaksa also wants to introduce a new constitution. But, he has not said what would be in it. The sheer absence of detail is disturbing. more..

Jul 28 (DM) The TNA, the main Tamil party amalgam in the North has been putting forward the same manifesto with few changes in wordings at every election since 1977. Every time they demand especially the right to self-determination for Tamils in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and a lasting solution to the Tamil issue in the country. After 2006 - in which year the Supreme Court ruled that the merger of N&E Provinces under the famous Indo-SL Accord signed in 1987 was unlawful more..

Jul 28 (DM) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa in an email interview spoke about what he intends doing if his party wins the General Elections to be held on August 5. He spoke at length about forming a stable Govt. Q: What is your overall assessment of the electioneering process? A: The candidates of all political parties are facing difficulties because of the restrictions imposed on campaigning, but as a party, we are going to win comfortably. more..

Jul 28 (Island) When I raise this question, one may wonder why I raise this question 64 years after Sinhala was made the Official Language of Sri Lanka by the Official Languages Act, No. 33 of 1956. The people in the country, including the people in the North and the East, the politicians and the political parties in the South may believe that Sinhala is the Official Language of Sri Lanka applicable throughout the country. But the Tamil political parties in the North and the East and more..

Jul 28 (ST) That is all we wanted. All these months the SL people have suffered from this global menace called the coronavirus. Most often they have been confined to their homes, their movements restricted, their necessities curtailed and even their elections postponed as the medical fraternity fought a rear-guard action to halt the spread of the pandemic. For many their lives and finances were a shambles even for a few months — offices closed, schools shut and everything that they would consider more..

Jul 28 (Island) Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has recently made an unsuccessful attempt to reclaim 25 out of 99 Trincomalee oil storage tanks leased out to the Indian Oil Company (IOC), in 2003, for USD 100,000 per annum, for 35 years. There are 140 tanks on the farm, and many of them are in a state of disrepair. Having leased out the tanks, the then UNP govt boasted the storage facility would be developed, but only 15 out of 99 tanks given to IOC are currently operational, we are told. more..

Jul 28 (ST) When the month of July comes around there are many reflections on the incidents of July 1983 and the pogrom that targeted the Tamil community. The incidents of that month will always evoke a collective sense of shame for all Sri Lankans when a section of its citizens, the Tamil community, was targeted by organised mobs creating mayhem, resulting in the deaths of thousands and widespread destruction of property. What was even more harmful in the long run more..

Jul 28 (DM) SLPP National List candidate, President’s Counsel Mohamed Ali Sabry was heavily criticized during the 2019 Presidential Election for a controversial speech he made targeting the Muslim community. But today, he believes that there’s a definite shift in the mindset of the Muslim community and that they should place their trust in mainstream parties. If he wins, his priorities are to ensure a secure nation, more..

Jul 28 (Island) A sportsman aspiring to reach international level has to spend between rupees 1,000.00 to 1,500.00 daily to meet his nutritional needs if he is to be competitive at that level, a professor attached to the Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka told a group of coaches attending an online seminar on Sunday. "The nutritional needs of an athlete competing at international level is different to an average person. Special emphasis should be given to fulfill nutritional requirements. more..

Jul 28 (DN) SK Group, third largest conglomerate (Chaebol) in South Korea, has expressed interest to set up an LNG project to be established on Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) in Sri Lanka for supplying LNG at a total cost of USD 600 million. The Ambassador of SL to the Republic of Korea, Dr. A. Saj U. Mendis said that he met with the topmost management of SK Group, to discuss investment and FDI with regard to Sri Lanka. In this context, Dr. Mendis met with the CEO of SK E&S Co. more..

Jul 28 (DM) Rushdi Zarook is a lawyer and first-time candidate for the Colombo District representing the newly-formed National Development Front (NDF) led by entrepreneur Rohan Pallewatta. Mr Zarook spoke on many issues, including the economy, rule of law and voter responsibility. Q: What is the main focus of your campaign? A: NDF is a new party with a vibrant leader who is a professional and a businessman. more..

Jul 28 (Island) Sri Lankan community is now getting used to deploying mobile apps to work from their respective homes following the Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore, this novel app which we are launching today should be made available island wide, Executive Director, St. Anthony’s Industries Group Jeevan Gnanam said. "Daily wage earners had to face the largest financial struggle as they were one of the first groups to be affected when Covid-19 impacted the country. more..

Jul 28 (Island) It is prohibited to earn money illicitly as well as spending them on illegal activities. Even so, in many countries there are considerable amount of transactions, that inevitably go beyond the legally accepted framework of the country. Such illegal transactions which occur beyond the formal economic framework has a detrimental effect on the regular economic activities of any country. Therefore, various rules and regulations are in place in countries around the world to prevent more..

Jul 28 (Island) He may be making court appearances for the Catholic Church free of charge, but eminent lawyer Romesh De Silva is turning out to be the costliest legal counsel in the island. Sri Lanka Cricket is faced with an expensive legal battle with their ex-coach Chandika Hathurusingha and SLC is not taking any chances with the case having hired country’s leading lawyer - Romesh De Silva. Hathurusingha has sued SLC for US$ 5 mil more..

Jul 28 (FT) Vallibel Finance PLC has reported yet another year of highs despite market turmoil with a revenue of Rs. 9.7 billion in the financial year ending 31 March against the corresponding figure of Rs. 8.7 billion in the previous financial year. The top-line bolstered by a growth of 11.12% is all the more commendable, weighed against a negative outlook in the socio-economic sentiments prevalent in the country from the double blows of Easter attacks and COVID-19 pandemic. more..

Jul 28 (USE) The United States is helping Sri Lankan apparel producers to export Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the US. In partnership with the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and SL Export Development Board (EDB), the program included two webinars for over 100 industry participants that prepared them to break into the U.S. market. The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development and is implemented by Deloitte Consulting. more..

Jul 28 (CI) The Lanka Premier League - SL's first major T20 tournament since 2012 - is set to begin on August 28, will feature five teams, and will attract 70 international players and 10 top notch coaches. This is according to a SLC release, after the board's executive committee confirmed the tournament, which had been rumoured for over a month. All of the above, however, is subject to govt and Ministry of more..

Jul 28 (DN) The Ministry of Education has banned contact sports and training for such events in schools until further notice. Secretary to Ministry of Education, Ranjith Chandrasekera said the decision was taken due to the risks concerning the spread of the novel coronavirus. He said non-contact sports and training can commence in schools. Especially Education Ministry gave instructions to all school authorities to focus on education more than sports during this period. more..

Jul 28 (TM) The Govt has taken a stern decision not to import turmeric under any circumstance to the country despite the increase of prices in the local market due to a severe shortage, minister Bandula Gunawardana said. He said that Prez Rajapaksa has clearly mentioned that permission would not be given to import turmeric and that instead, measures must be taken to promote local farming. “Turmeric has been imported from India and due to the Covid-19 situation imports have been halted. more..

Jul 28 (PMD) Prez Rajapaksa has directed the Minister-in-Charge to accelerate the construction works of the Central Expressway project. Construction of the section from Colombo to Kurunegala has been disrupted due to issues relating to the compensation payment process. Prez instructed Minister Johnston Fernando to complete the construction of the expressway while providing a quick solution to the prevailing problems. more..

Jul 28 (PMD) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa assured that each and every promise in his National Policy Framework, “Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour” will be honored in the coming years The President asked for a strong Parliament and peoples’ support to accomplish them successfully. Prez made these remarks during a public gathering in Nikaweratiya Fair premises, Kurunegala during his election campaign tour today (26) in support of the candidates representing SLPP. more..

Jul 28 (CT) The benchmark ‘spot’ made pyrrhic gains of between four and seven cents in two-way quotes to trade at Rs 185.73/76 to the US dollar in two-way quotes as at 4p.m. yesterday (27), aided by exchange controls, market sources told this reporter. Nonetheless, in the calendar year to yesterday, the ‘spot’ has weakened by between 2.44 per cent and 2.40 per cent (between Rs 4.43 and Rs 4.36) in two-way quotes, causing cost-push inflationary pressure as SL is an import-dependent economy. more..

Jul 28 (FT) The UNP criticised potential efforts by the Govt to avail itself to a Repo facility extended by the US Federal Reserve as illegal, arguing SL’s monetary law does not specifically make provisions for such an arrangement and called for an explanation to Parliament on how the funds will be repaid. A recent statement by the Central Bank confirmed that the monetary authority has entered into an agreement with US Fed more..

Jul 28 (AD) A fundamental rights petition has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking a court order on the govt to repatriate Sri Lankans living abroad affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The petition has been filed by Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodituwakku. Attorney General on behalf of the Prez, Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, and the Immigration and Emigration Controller have been named defendants of the petition. Petitioner points out that a large number of Sri Lankans more..

Jul 28 (FT) Supreme Court postponed for 7 Aug the inquiry into the Fundamental Rights application filed by former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen over his imminent arrest and/or imminent illegal detention by the CID. The inquiry into the application by 3 Judges Priyantha Jayawardena, L.T.D. Dehideniya and Yasantha Kodagoda was postponed when one of the judges informed that he personally knows the Petitioner and wanted to step down from inquiring the petition. more..

Jul 28 (Island) Health workers while fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic are compelled to fight another battle simultaneously against the govt to secure their due allowances, the JVP says. Addressing a health workers’ conference at the Hotel Nippon in Colombo, NPP candidate Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that that one of the main promises of the NPP was to strengthen the public health service. more..

Jul 28 (Island) Plans are underway to construct 25 oil storage tanks in Hambantota Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has asked a team of experts to identify land and obtain approval of the Urban Development Authority, according to an a senior official close to the Minister. The refurbishment of the 25 tanks in Trincomalee would cost more than Rs. 2,000 million and it would also take more than 36 months to complete repairs. Recently Minister Amaraweera sought the intervention of India HC more..

Jul 28 (DN) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday said the Tamil National Alliance was trying to achieve what the LTTE failed to gain by firepower. He said that the govt will not give into TNA demands to divide this country on ethnic lines and there will be no room for a separate State in Sri Lanka under his govt. PM was addressing an election meeting held at Narammala Community Development Foundation in support of Kurunegala district SLPP candidate Shantha Bandara. more..

Jul 28 (ST) South Indian runners have taken to smuggling turmeric instead of Kerala ganja to SL after learning that the scarce commodity brought them more money than narcotics. On Wednesday, the Mandapam police near Rameswaran in Tamil Nadu arrested two men with around 600kg of edible turmeric in 15 bundles. They were bound for SL by illegal sea journey. There is a dire shortage of turmeric in SL since more..

Jul 28 (DM) Elections Commission (EC) Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said today that the commission has informed police to take stern action on illegal motorcycle processions reported in Puttalam. He said the Commission has yesterday received at least four complaints on incidents of illegal motorcycle processions held in the district. “There were many complaints about illegal motorcycle processions conducted during propaganda activities in the North Western Province. more..

Jul 28 (FT) The Finance Ministry said Rs. 10.4 billion has been released to purchase about 200,000 metric tonnes of rice from the Yala harvest. Ministry in a statement said that the funds were released on a directive by PM Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance Minister. Finance Ministry said funds had been released to the Paddy Marketing Board and the price per kilo has been set at Rs. 50. The Ministry said in previous years, a kilo of Nadu was bought at Rs. 38 while more..