Jun 19 (DM) While assuring that the construction of the Central Expressway Project (CEP) would be completed soon, PM Mahinda Rajapaksa said there would have been no delay if their govt had not been toppled in 2015. He said this while on an inspection visit of the second stage of the Central Expressway from Mirigama to Kurunegala, a stretch of 41 kilometres. PM said the Central Expressway comprised four lanes and six interchange points and would be completed within 30 months. more..

Jun 19 (AD) Attorney General told the court that issuance of arrest warrants by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and several other bond scam suspects has followed a lawful procedure. The writ applications filed by Ravi Karunanayake, PTL owner Arjuna Aloysius, CB employees Sangarapillai Pathumanapan and Indika Saman Kumara, seeking a court order to revoke the arrest warrants more..

Jun 20 (CT) The Sri Lankan economy, like several other open economies, is crippled, largely and not solely, because of the pandemic. The threat of a second wave of Covid-19 is sending more tremors to an already shocked and shattered world economic leadership. Sri Lanka also has a military trained president, who in more than one sense fits the description of a control freak. He has extended his control over almost all branches of the country’s administration and governance. more..

Jun 20 (CT) This article is presented with reference to the recent news item stating that the Cabinet has approved a proposal to set up 10 new universities in SL using a grant/ loan from the ADB. In the midst of COVID-19 pandemic resulting in serious long-term economic hardships this proposal appears to be unproductive and wasteful of valuable resources. Currently we have a shortage of qualified staff and most universities are ill-equipped and lack modern teaching and research facilities. more..

Jun 20 (CT) On 26 Feb 2015, I had been at the central bank for a month and was still familiarising myself with the bank’s operations. That morning the former ministers of finance and highways and an advisor to the prime minister dropped by my office. They were accompanied by the finance secretary and senior management of the road development authority (RDA). I invited the 3 deputy governors of the CB to attend the meeting. more..

Jun 20 (DM) Poverty alleviation or social justice with a more equitable distribution of wealth and resources is widely accepted as the number one priority issue for the world. Hundreds of millions of people are oppressed in this poverty trap manipulated by systematic capitalism and they are the worst affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. That is why we are seeing unprecedented and widely supported campaigns for an end to white supremacist racism and for social justice. more..

Jun 20 (DM) COVlD-19 has created a global pandemic. World Health Organization provides key considerations about addressing stigma and discrimination, prevention of violence against women, support for vulnerable populations; quarantine and restrictive measures, and shortages of supplies and equipment. UNESCO has shown 72% of the world’s student population has affected temporary closure of educational institutions. It is a step taken to protect vulnerable population. more..

Jun 20 (DM) Soaring population of stray dogs has given rise to numerous issues time and time again. From matters pertaining to their health and safety to reports of public nuisance and their negative impact on tourism, news of problematic incidents has often reached our ears. Stray dogs, although close to our hearts, have congregated into large populations; have escalated to becoming a growing health hazard. more..

Jun 20 (CT) The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) woke up from a deep slumber last week, to provide some relief to the masses who were undergoing financial hardships due to the three-month-long lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, only after a severe tongue-lashing from the Prez. Being the highest monetary authority in the country, it is quite unfortunate that CBSL waited three whole months, without paying heed to the economic crisis unfolding in the country more..

Jun 20 (ST) Many years ago, I was connected to a research project of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in the Monaragala district. The research project which was led by Dr. Wilbert Gooneratne, a former regional development expert of the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD). When we passed through Wellawaya and Buttala to reach Monaragala, it was a usual seasonal scene to observe lime fruits piled up from place to place on the roadside. more..

Jun 20 (Island) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has urged the public to vote for only those with proven track records, at the upcoming general election. What if the people followed his advice? Most SLPP candidates would not poll any preferential votes; the same goes for other political parties which also have many a rogue among their candidates. But the public will not be able to get rid of such undesirables so long as they vote for the political parties responsible for nominating rogues. more..

Jun 20 (Island) A retired banker, perhaps with the best of intentions, has made the suggestion for what seems to be, a very strange alliance: What about Gota-Sajith alliance? (The Island, 19 June). While agreeing with his assessment of the performance of our dynamic President, I have to point out that, unfortunately, he has not stated why the Prez needs an alliance with Sajith or, more importantly, what contribution Sajith can make, except a vague statement: more..

Jun 20 (Island) Former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has lauded Prez Rajapaksa’s accusation of Central Bank officials of failing in their duties to uplift the economy. He has also said he’s happy the Prez has joined them in support of what they fought for the last five years. Is this the leak of a coming political alliance between SLPP and UNP? Why not come together to fight the forces of the CB, which the Yahapalana govt more..

Jun 20 (TM) Sri Lanka’s systemic weaknesses and a history of failed policies have made its unhealthy reliance on world powers inevitable. Any plans for self-sufficiency can only be for the long run, due to Sri Lanka’s import dependence. Therefore, it makes no sense to ask the question whether Sri Lanka should rely on other countries or not, but rather which countries it should rely on, especially following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the world. more..

Jun 20 (ST) Healthy travels are the order of the day with focus on safe and secure certifications a key requirement when visiting Sri Lanka in future that is set to be the new normal as per guidelines issued by the SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Future visitors will be allowed if they stay for a minimum of five nights at SLTDA registered Safe & Secure certified four and five star establishments only. Upon arrival the first night the tourist needs to book accommodation in proximity to more..

Jun 20 (MB) For nearly a decade, siblings and scientists Dineth Danushka and Suneth Kanishka have been making field visits to study Dendrelaphis bifrenalis, a snake known as the Boulenger’s bronzeback, which is endemic to Sri Lanka. The data that the brothers gathered over time led them to believe there were two distinct populations of the snake, and that, for more than a century, its various populations had been more..

Jun 20 (ST) Stanley Jayasinghe, born 1931, was a household name in cricket in the 1950’s. Educated at Nalanda College Colombo, and captained his school in 1951, he was an outstanding right-hand batsman and a part-time off-spinner as well. He had the distinction of playing for Ceylon whilst in school. Two of his team-mates, opening batsmen Carl Obeyesekera and Ashley de Silva were also national players, the latter being a 12th man. What an honour for the school. more..

Jun 20 (TM) Going by current global statistics on Covid-19, China is likely to be the largest and most stable tourism-generating market for some time, as western markets such as Europe and the US are staggering due to the pandemic. So it may make a lot of sense to have China as the main target market, instead of scattering your marketing efforts across the world, for the following reasons. •China is the least affected by Covid among the world’s major tourism markets •Almost every other major more..

Jun 20 (Island) The executive committee of the SL Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) formed their new tournament committee on Thursday not knowing when they would be able to recommence cricket action more than three months after the premier tournament was halted due to the covid 19 pandemic. Familiar names in the schools cricket administration shared the tournament secretary positions in the four age groups but more..

Jun 20 (FT) Tharinda Ratwatte, 24, the driver of the Defender vehicle involved in the motor accident that killed a 22-year-old police constable was released on bail yesterday by Colombo Additional Magistrate Y. Prabhakaran. The suspect was released the two sureties of Rs. 500,000. Court was informed that the family of the subject had given Rs. 100,000 to the other motorcyclist who was injured in the accident. Duleeka Alahapperuma, a Police Constable attached to State Intelligence Service (SIS) more..

Jun 20 (FT) The newly appointed Ambassador-designate of SL to the Kingdom of Norway Godfrey Cooray assumed duties at the Mission on 15 June 2020. His assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony with the lighting of traditional oil lamp, followed by religious observances of Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu and chanting of Pirith by Maha Sangha. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador-designate Godfrey Cooray set out his plans for strengthening bilateral relations between SL more..

Jun 20 (CT) The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) Tribunal dismissed the appeal of Sri Lankan show jumper Mathilda Karlsson over their decision to annul results and world ranking points from competitions held in France. “The FEI Tribunal, which is an independent body, ruled that the FEI’s decision of 17 Feb 2020 to remove the competitions was rightfully taken and dismissed the appeals. more..

Jun 20 (Island) The future of tourism in a post-COVID-19 context and linked issues were discussed by the SL Association for Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) at the OPA headquarters on Thursday. CEO, Destination Management Sector, John Keels Group, Nalaka Amaratunga inaugurated the concept of SLAITO Youth and focused on the responsibilities that would devolve on youth in the area of reviving the local tourism industry. The young are expected to examine the pros & cons of the industry, more..

Jun 20 (CT) Aiming to provide proper training and knowledge on the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka for SL tour guides, an Indian Speaker at the World Ramayana Conference, a Member in the Global Ramayana Encyclopedia Project and the author of My name is Ravana: Sri Lanka’s perspective of Ramayanam, Bala Sankuratri will be conducting a webinar titled Ramayana Yathra. Sankuratri said that he firmly believes that SL tour guides who conduct the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka should have more..

Jun 20 (FT) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called on contract companies to fast-track the completion of the Central Expressway, which was initially expected to be completed within five years. He made this observation while touring the project yesterday, after he received complaints of numerous delays. During the visit Central Expressway Project Director K.H.M.A.K. Kehelella gave the PM more..

Jun 20 (CT) Singer SL, the importer and distributor of John Deere tractors joins the national mission to cultivate fallow paddy lands across SL. This is in line with the Prez Rajapaksa’s vision to turn Sri Lanka a self-sufficient country with rice and a rice exporting nation. As the first step towards this mission, a farming festival (Vap Magual Ceremony) was also recently held in Akuragoda, Battaramulla; ploughing a 12-acre fallow paddy land using several John Deere tractors. more..

Jun 20 (DM) Construction work on two Udagama housing schemes in the Lunugamvehera elephant management forest reserve funded by the Indian government were suspended by the National Housing Authority on Thursday. National Housing Authority Chairman Renuka Perera said the beneficiaries of the two housing schemes would receive land in other areas and that he had instructed the Hambantota district Manager of the NHA to take immediate steps in this regard. more..

Jun 20 (FT) The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday warned that political interference and inadequately vetted economic policy could weaken the country’s banking system, leading to a dangerous situation. Speaking to reporters, SJB member and former State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne charged that political interference and policymaking driven by fear could lead to the banking system of the country weakening more..

Jun 20 (CT) Harpic has been actively supporting the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the Gampaha District. The brand redirected resources and funds, allocated for various CSR projects under Harpic Mission Wellbeing for uplifting SL’s hygiene standards, towards fighting the current COVID–19 pandemic. Under this initiative, Harpic helped to renovate and modernise the Base Hospital Minuwangoda which is one of the main facilities currently being used to treat COVID-19 more..

Jun 20 (DN) SL will save around Rs. 1 billion from the ban of import of batik and handloom and also by doing away with the voucher system for issuing school uniforms, Minister Wimal Weerawansa said. Govt will be able to save around Rs. 450 million by providing school uniforms through local manufactures direct to regional offices of the Education Ministry. This is a step taken in the right direction to kick start a new Made in SL Apparel Industry according to Prez Rajapaksa’s more..

Jun 20 (ST) The damage caused by the Lakvijaya coal power station to people around it and the environment adds at least Rs 10.23 to each unit of electricity generated by the plant, a team of experts has found. The impacts considered by the SL Energy Managers Association (SLEMA) were greenhouse and other gaseous emissions, resource depletion, thermal, particulate and fugitive — from coal transport, storage & handling — more..

Jun 20 (CT) It has come to light that a close tussle has arisen between UNP Vice President Ravi Karunanayake and former MP Daya Gamage, over the Party’s Deputy Leadership position, which had fallen vacant following the removal of former MP Sajith Premadasa from the Party membership. UNP internal sources claimed that though Karunanayake had been coveting the post for some time, the personal favourite of Party Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to fill portfolio is Gamage. more..

Jun 20 (Island) Pathfinder organization has recommended the setting up of a Presidential Task Force on Ocean Resources as part of Sri Lanka’s post Covid Development Strategy. The following is the text of Pathfinder statement: "Throughout the post-independent period Sri Lanka has neglected the most valuable and accessible natural resource available to us the sea around our shores and the country’s location close to some of the world’s most important routes for sea-borne trade. more..

Jun 20 (Island) The families of SL leaders are multi-ethnic and multicultural and, therefore, they believed that multiculturalism could work across Sri Lanka, Ven. Galagodatte Gnanasara Thera, told PCoI probing the Easter Sunday suicide attacks. Thera said that Islamic extremism could not be eradicated until the country’s leaders took necessary measures to ban extremist practices across the country. more..

Jun 20 (DN) Retired Customs Additional Director General Tharaka Seneviratne, giving evidence before the PCoI on Political Victimization, said FCID officials had forced him several times to confess that it was on the instructions of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the Customs was to provide eight kilos of gold to be enshrined at the Sanda Hiru Seya, Anuradhapura, being constructed for the fulfillment of a vow on winning the war. Seneviratne said the police officials had more..

Jun 20 (SLN) Navy apprehended 2 persons with a haul of drugs belonging to the category of Kerala cannabis, during a special operation conducted on the Kakarativu Island in Jaffna this morning (19). SL Navy has been conducting regular operations to prevent illegal drugs being smuggled to the island via sea routes. As an extension of this, a special operation was conducted today in the Northern Naval Command. On receipt of information regarding a transfer of drugs from a foreign more..

Jun 20 (CT) Department of Posts clarified the reason behind the Dept’s delay in delivering parcels from abroad and those ordered on-line as being due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Dept noted that false allegations were made via social media claiming that items that were purchased online and imported, have been stolen or lost, and further clarified that due to travel restrictions, many online more..

Jun 20 (FT) Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, the authors of international best seller Why Nations Fail, wrote a book, The Narrow Corridor – States, Societies, and the fate of Liberty and published it in September 2019. The book was about liberty. The authors argued that for liberty to prevail the state as well as society should be strong. If the state was too strong they called it a Despotic Leviathan (Leviathan – they have taken the name of a Biblical sea monster) more..

Jun 20 (FT) If an honest appraisal is done, it appears that the rubber industry in Sri Lanka is ailing from a debilitating decease and its very survival is at stake in the longer term. Among other reasons, fluctuating demand, and consequent drop in prices for raw rubber coupled with a high cost of production arising from minimum wages and upkeep of plantations, under development of value adding industries, the importation of raw rubber for the few value adding industries from countries more..