Jun 26 (Island) Controversy surrounds the failure on the part of the banking system to detect highly irregular large scale transactions carried out by drug kingpins over a period of time. Recent arrest of two persons, separately, allegedly involved in narcotics trade revealed the existence two such accounts in different banks. One account had recorded transactions to the tune of Rs 490 mn whereas the other revealed transactions more..

Jun 26 (CT) Lanka Hospitals celebrated its 18th anniversary and its success in delivering quality healthcare as a leading private hospital in SL. Lanka Hospitals is a 270-bed multi-specialty tertiary care hospital spread over 350,000 square feet, complete with a helipad and is the only private medical facility in SL equipped for air-ambulance services. The hospital offers state-of-the-art features that are complemented by cutting-edge technology and staffed by a well-experienced & trained team, more..

Jun 26 (FT) Former diplomat Jayantha Dhanapala, one of the three civil society members on the Constitutional Council, has resigned, CC Chairman Karu Jayasuriya announced. He commended Dhanapala for the excellent service rendered to the CC to which he was appointed in Oct 2018. Jayasuriya said steps will be taken in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution to fill this vacancy. The attention of CC was also drawn to the activities of Election Comm & Police Comm. more..

Jun 26 (FT) Central Bank yesterday sought to brighten its COVID-19 track record, insisting it had done all it could within its mandate in reducing rates to historic lows to increase liquidity, and insisted that while the stimulus will help in the short term, complete economic recovery will take all stakeholders of the economy and reforms. Being the apex financial institution of the country, the CB provided its full scope of essential services more..

Jun 26 (PO) Pakistan PM Imran Khan held a telephonic conversation Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and a broad range of other issues. PM Imran Khan commended the efforts made by Sri Lanka to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. He briefed the SL President about the latest situation in Pakistan and the steps taken by the Govt to contain Covid-19 and efforts to save lives, secure livelihoods, and sustain the economy. more..

Jun 26 (CT) SL cricket Captain Dimuth Karunaratne said that if any incidents of match-fixing had taken place during the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, it is very important to reveal all available evidence. Speaking to the Media after a training session held in Pallekele, Kandy, yesterday, he further said that these types of statements cannot be made without concrete facts. To protect the purity of cricket, available evidence must be revealed, instead of pointing fingers at various people. more..

Jun 26 (CT) Govt has arranged 10 flights between 24 June till 7 July, to repatriate Sri Lankans from 10 countries, while a total number of 9,580 Lankans have already been brought back to the island from 38 countries, Co-Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. He also said that according to statistics, by 16 June some 52,401 Sri Lankans in 117 countries have made requests to return to Sri Lanka. more..

Jun 26 (Xinhua) China on Wednesday donated its third batch of medical aid to Sri Lanka to help the country fight the COVID-19 virus which has to date infected over 2,000 people in the country and caused 11 deaths. The medical aid, including 30,000 PCR testing kits, 30,000 disposable coveralls, 30,000 medical protective face masks, 600,000 surgical masks, and 30,000 medical goggles, was handed over by charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy Hu Wei to Minister Pavithra more..

Jun 26 (DM) Former Minister Champika Ranawaka against whom indictment has been filed yesterday challenged the govt to complete the projects which were initiated by him as the Megapolis Minister. Ranawaka speaking at his election campaign launch said he cannot be defeated through political or judicial exercises. “I am aware that funds are being spent to destroy me politically. I would like to remind my opponents that I can only be defeated if the projects which I initiated during my tenure as more..

Jun 26 (Island) Prof. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan, who headed a high level govt inquiry into the proposed finalisation of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement told Prez Rajapaksa that the previous yahapalana administration and the US had signed two agreements in 2017 and 2018 as regards two phases of the project. Prof. Gunaruwan said that though SL received USD 7.4 and USD 2.6 mn in 2017 & 2018 respectively, more..

Jun 26 (Island) Minister Bandula Gunawardane said that he would set the date for the commencement of the GCE A/L and Grade Five Scholarship exams, after consulting all stakeholders including the health authorities. Cabinet had on Wednesday authorised him to decide on when it would be possible to hold the A/L and Grade 5 exams, after considering the delay in covering syllabuses, as schools had been kept closed due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in March. more..

Jun 26 (FT) The ideological backwardness overwhelming the political system of Sri Lanka can be considered an important factor that has rendered it difficult to resolve the crisis the country is facing. The crisis of Sri Lanka which has now reached a state of extreme deterioration can longer be resolved with patchwork and darning within the old system. Yet, both the politicians and society in general that have got accustomed to the old system have failed to comprehend this reality. more..

Jun 26 (FT) The problem with SL’s tourism is that it’s so unimaginative. A visit to any major global tourist destination is enough to understand how so basic our sales strategy is. Unfortunately the people who are supposed to lead this innovation are so mediocre. They only know to bust millions on fancy promos and serve themselves. According to a predictive analysis done by the Viyathmaga Institute of Policy Innovation, the number of tourist arrivals in 2020 may range from more..

Jun 26 (DM) The UNP is to kick off its campaign for the General Elections on Sunday June 28 from Colombo, party’s General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said yesterday. Mr. Kariyawasam said the party would mostly use modem technology and will have zoom meetings. In addition, usual meetings will be posted on social media. These meetings are expected to begin from July 4, he said. All meetings will be held maintaining health guidelines, according to Mr. Kariyawasam. more..

Jun 26 (EN) A senior official in the Presidential Secretariat says the date to reopen the Katunayake international airport for incoming traffic is not yet confirmed as discussions are still on-going. Admiral Jayanath Colombage (Rtd.) said that the govt had tentatively fixed August 1 as the date for re-opening but it could still change. He said that only incoming tourists will be allowed to disembark and they would be permitted to travel to more..

Jun 26 (DN) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed Mahaweli Development Authority and Irrigation Department officials to take action to minimise the human-elephant conflict when implementing future development projects. PM said that it was due to the lack of proper planning, that wild elephants have started to encroach on human settlements. PM was addressing a meeting with Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Development Authority officials. The meeting also focused attention on more..

Jun 26 (DN) The writ petitions filed by Members of Apè Janabala Pakshaya including BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaatthe Gnanasara thera challenging the rejection of their nomination papers to contest the General Election from Kurunegala district were today withdrawn by petitioners in the Supreme Court. When the petition came up before Supreme Court three-judge-bench comprising Justices Sisira de Abrew, Murdu Fernando and S. Thurairaja, counsel Thishya Weragoda more..

Jun 26 (AD) Ambassador of the US Alaina B. Teplitz says the US govt is always supportive of SL’s development activities and is ready to provide technical assistance to SL’s power and energy sector including first LNG power project in the island. She further said the US govt is ready to provide its fullest assistance to road traffic problems in urban areas in SL. US Ambassador made this statement when she met with Minister more..

Jun 26 (EN) Sri Lanka has successfully sold US$ 100 million of dollar denominated bonds which had drawn interest from bidders compared to under-subscribed earlier auctions, while rupee Treasuries yields plunged below dollar yields. Sri Lanka sold US$ 50 million of 7 month bills at an average yield of 5.7% fixed, with 63.13 million dollars of bids coming in. At Wednesday’s auction rupee 12-month rupee Treasury bills were sold at 5.66%, plunging 96 basis points from a week earlier. more..

Jun 26 (Island) Upholding its well-respected credentials as a caring mobile service provider, Mobitel continues its national duty to the nation by swiftly responding to urgent needs of citizens during the prevailing situation that the country is facing. In its latest endeavor, Mobitel partnered with Senehasa Education Resource Research and Information Centre (SERRIC) to provide free connectivity, enabling children with special needs at SERRIC to continue their learning activities more..

Jun 26 (EN) Central Bank has explained its regulation of leasing and finance companies (non-bank financial institutions) and how it cancels the licenses and liquidates such firms when they fail to follow regulations. “CBSL does not ensure that an LFC under its regulation and supervision does not fail but would take all possible efforts to prevent such failure,” Central Bank said. “It is categorically stated that more..

Jun 26 (AD) A drug dealer has been shot dead by police during a shootout at Gampaha, the Police Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said. He was reportedly gunned down during a confrontation with officers of Malwathu Hiripitiya Police, which resulted in a shootout this morning. Acting on a tip-off, the police officers had set up an instant roadblock in the area of Malwathu Hiripitiya in Puwakpitiya and signalled a motorcyclist to stop. However, the driver had sped up, disregarding the orders. more..

Jun 26 (Island) Former Crime OIC of the Fort Police, Niroshan Suriyakumara had been interdicted by his superiors for informing tourist hotels in Colombo of a possible second attack by Islamic terrorists, the PCoI was informed yesterday. Suriyakumara said that Senior DIG - Western Province, Jagath Abeysirigunawardena, had sent a letter to police stations that there would be a second wave of attacks five months later. Suriyakumara had then informed tourist hotels of it. more..

Jun 26 (EN) Central Bank had injected 459 billion rupees in to banking system from late February to avoid selling govt securities at market rates or for private credit and spent at least US$ 1.3 billion in foreign reserves for current and debt payments. The central bank has printed 227.4 billion rupees to finance the deficit (directly monetize debt) by avoiding bill or bond auctions in March and April and another 67.4 billion rupees to more..

Jun 26 (AD) Opposition Leader of the Kalutara Pradeshiya Sabha S.A.D. Nilantha and another individual have been arrested by Kalutara South Police. They have reportedly been arrested in connection with an incident of breaking the locks and forcibly entering the Vernon Fernando Sports Complex in Kalutara. The arrests were made following investigations carried out based on a complaint lodged by the manager of the stadium. Around 12 individuals including more..

Jun 26 (Island) Customs Department has called in the CID to investigate an illegal beedi leaf shipment detected on Wednesday, a Custom’s Official said. Superintendent of Customs, Lal Weerakoon told The Island that a suspect had been taken into custody and further investigations were underway to arrest others involved in the racket. The Customs Department’s Port Control Unit detained a Rs 122 million worth beedi leaf consignment, shipped from Chennai, India as yarn. more..

Jun 26 (AD) SL’s archeological sites, monuments, premises and museums coming under the Department of National Museum as well as the public reference division of the Dept of National Archives, which were temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, will reopen for local tourists from July 01. Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural & Religious Affairs Bandula Harischandra made this announcement. more..

Jun 26 (EN) Kandy’s COVID battered tourism industry is seeing business ticking over as the wedding season kicks in and domestic tourists book weekends. Kandy, which hosts large scale weddings has now started to get domestic customers as the weddings resume. “The hotels are operating somewhat and most of them are depending on the banquet events. There are 10 to 25 weddings happening in hotels so that’s good to keep the cash flows,” Kandy Hoteliers Association President more..

Jun 26 (NR) Attorney General Dappula de Livera has returned 40 incomplete investigation files to the Acting IGP Chandana Wickramaratne pertaining to suspects arrested over the Easter Sunday attacks. Coordinating Secretary of the Attorney General State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said the AG directed the Acting IGP to conclude investigations of the 40 files. She said investigation files were directed to the AG Dept from various Police Stations pertaining to the Easter Sunday attacks. more..

Jun 26 (TM) JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today questioned as to what became to the findings and recommendations of the PCoI appointed by former Prez Sirisena to probe the Avant-Gard case. He said the former PCoI was constituent of highly respected individuals unlike the current PCoI appointed by Prez Rajapaksa. He said reports submitted by the previous PCoI found Avant Garde Chairman more..

Jun 26 (NR) The JVP charges the govt of preparing to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement after the conclusion of the upcoming General Election. Former MP Bimal Ratnayake said Sri Lanka would become a colony of the United States if the MCC agreement is penned. He stated the JVP was represented by six MPs, adding that the SLPP led by Mahinda Rajapaksa had at least 55 MPs while with the support of the SLFP, the number rose to around 99 MPs. more..

Jun 26 (AD) 17 more patients, who had tested positive for the COVID-19, recovered from the disease today. The latest recoveries were reported from the IDH (4), Iranawila Hospital (1), Kattankudy Base Hospital (7), Hambantota District General Hospital (3) and Theldeniya Base Hospital (2). This brings SL’s recoveries count to 1,619. Total number of COVID-19 cases identified in the country hit 2,010 on Thursday (25) with 10 fresh cases among naval personnel. more..

Jun 26 (AD) Colombo Magistrate’s Court has issued warrants on the driver and the assistant involved in the controversial white van press conference, called by former Minister Rajitha Senaratne back in early November last year. Additional Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage, issuing the warrants, called for the arrest of the duo as they failed to make an appearance before the court today. Presenting its submissions, CID said more..

Jun 26 (TM) A total of 26,000 postal packs received from the Malaysian Postal Administration Institute that were stranded with illegible addresses have been directed to the destined locations, the Postal Department said. Postmaster General Ranjith Ariyaratne said appeals were made to the Govt of Malaysia, seeking assistance to restore the illegible addresses of 19,000 other postal goods, and the parcels will be distributed after details of the destined locations are received. more..

Jun 26 (DM) British School in Colombo yesterday (25) conducted a Drive In graduation ceremony for the first time in Sri Lanka at the school premises for their graduating class of 2020. The British School Media Coordinator Savanthi de Silva said the Drive In graduation ceremony was organized as an attempt to carry out their duty towards the students while adhering the health guidelines in relation to social distancing and other precautionary measures against COVID-19 virus. more..

Jun 26 (AD) US Embassy in Sri Lanka says that no MCC grant monies were ever transferred to or spent by Govt of SL under the proposed $480 million grant. “MCC-managed funding to support grant preparatory activities — nearly all of which have been canceled or indefinitely postponed pending the Govt’s decision on whether to proceed with the grant — was made available under the same highly transparent and more..

Jun 27 (CT) All good things must come to an end. Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s victory over LTTE and limited victory over Covid-19 are fast turning into just sweet but distant memories. A new enemy and one about whom Gota and his power cartel has very limited knowledge, and with no effective weapons to fight with, is threatening to drown him, his regime and the country into the sea of economic scarcity, hunger, malnutrition, starvation and even death. It is pointless to fight an election and grasp more more..

Jun 27 (CT) The govt and what remains of the opposition will be going out to the polls in a month’s time. Freed from lockdowns and curfews, candidates are already organising small scale rallies, challenging opponents, and racking up one controversy after another. Harin Fernando’s harangue against the Cardinal, and the backlash against it by his party and his former party as well as the regime, won’t be the last of its kind: expect more slipups, more faux pas, and more baying of more..

Jun 27 (DM) Former trial attorney at The Hague’s International Criminal Tribunal (ICC) and senior counsel Anura Meddegoda said that Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan alias Karuna Amman, LTTE’s renegade leader turned politicians should be tried for war crimes. President’s Counsel Anura Meddegoda with nearly four decades of experience in legal practice both in the official and unofficial bars and the international courts, more..