May 13 (EN) Prez Rajapaksa has instructed official to start work on a digital database of citizens which will have their bio data and which will link all activities connected to a person including income tax and voting. A new ID will be issued to the public through the digital system. “Individual bio data could be viewed physically as well as through the internet,” Prez’s office said. “The new identity card which contains the most more..

May 13 (ST) Sooriyaweva has been one of the key locations, Keells (JKH) has been sourcing vegetables and fruits from since 2010. In this context when local authorities reached out, stating certain areas in Sooriyaweva under lockdown and homes under self-quarantine required essential goods, Keells arranged 300 packs of essentials that were distributed to this community, with the support of the officials from the Sooriyaweva Divisional Secretariat on May 2. more..

May 13 (EN) Sri Lanka’s coconut auctions are conducted online to minimize person-to-person contact during a Coronavirus curfew where many business activities are permitted under health rules aimed a social distancing, Sri Lanka’s coconut auctions started 26 year ago and are usually conducted in Colombo and Kuliyapitiya by the Coconut Development Authority. The Colombo auctions resumed on April 09, under curfew with brokers working online using zoom.com, more..

May 13 (FT) A fresh round of talks on easing the tough times for tourism took place yesterday, with the industry submitting an urgent appeal for State support to pay the wages of minor staff, in addition to other relief measures to survive. Given the importance of tourism in boosting socio-economic development, subject Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday held separate individual meetings with six industry associations to more..

May 13 (DN) Vehicle importers have not received any envisaged waivers or concessions promised so far by the authorities, Vehicle Importers’ Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) President Ranjan Pieris told Daily News Finance yesterday. He questioned as how to clear the imported vehicle now piled up in Hambantota and Colombo harbours when the banks have failed to deliver the instructions given by the Finance Ministry till date. Pieris said vehicle importers operate on short time loans (STL). more..

May 13 (FT) In a telling effect of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Sri Lanka passed April without a single incoming tourist, as per latest data released. The historic development is in view of Sri Lankan borders being closed for tourists, a move applied by most countries in line with measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. The monthly statistical bulletin of SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), depicted “0” for tourist arrivals in the month of April. more..

May 13 (Island) Supreme Court fixed Sept 2,3, and 4 for argument as regards the 12 petitions filed against former Prez Maithripala Sirisena, former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, former IGP Pujith Jayasundera and former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando for their failure to take action to prevent the Easter Sunday bomb attacks despite repeated advance intelligence warnings. SC granted further time till June 16 for former Prez more..

May 13 (Island) UNP, SLFP and several other political parties have called on the Elections Commission to take a final decision and state whether or not the postponed parliamentary polls could be held on June 20. General Secretary of the UNP Akila Viraj Kariyawasam had told a meeting of political parties with the Election Commission headed by Mahinda Deshapriya yesterday that it was the third time they had met in recent weeks, but no finality had been reached with regard to more..

May 13 (FT) The COVID-19 pandemic is a unique global health crisis and requires a response across national boundaries. Throughout the world, government institutions, the private sector, health care services and civil society organisations have come together and pooled their resources in the fight against COVID-19. This is also the case in SL. It is in this context that the Embassy of Switzerland to Sri Lanka announced its partnership with the Swiss Business Circle Sri Lanka, more..

May 13 (CT) The CID informed Court yesterday that an organised group had secretly obtained affidavits from 14 of 16 underage children and their parents, who had been made to participate in lectures, extremist leaders, led by Zahran Hashim, leader of National Thowheed Jamath, connected to the suicide terror attacks which were carried out on 21 April last year. CID had recorded statements from those underage children previously. more..

May 13 (Island) The National Hazards Early Warning Centre yesterday alerted the public to heavy showers, strong winds and rough seas during the next few days, countrywide. Rain was experienced in the Jaffna Peninsula, while heavy rains were reported in Katunayake and Ratmalana yesterday. The prevailing showery condition, over the country, was likely to enhance to some extent, during the next few days, due to the low level atmospheric disturbance in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, more..

May 13 (EN) Sri Lankan children need to receive “leaner, smarter education” where students are guided to be self-directed if distance education is to succeed, a recent study has revealed. The Education Forum Sri Lanka (EFSL) in response to the sudden closure of the schools due to the COVID 19 crisis is proposing that it is critical that the country comes up “with short term fixes as well as long-term solutions to the distance education of school children in the time of calamities.” more..

May 13 (AD) “By working towards a target, the plantation sector has the potential to be a significant contributor to the National economy,” stated Prez Rajapaksa. He made this observation today (12) at the Prez Secretariat while exploring ways of maximizing the productivity of the plantation sector whilst returning to normalcy and recommencing the economy. “The whole world is currently facing a severe crisis,” noted Prez. more..

May 13 (FT) With over Rs. 150 billion in value wiped off in just two days and Rs. 500 billion since 6 March, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Colombo Stock Exchange officials met yesterday to take stock of the current sentiments and trading rules. The discussions had been primarily been on the new three-tiered circuit breaker rules imposed by the SEC and the meeting exploring various options and ideas. Sources said no definitive decisions were made but more..

May 13 (Island) The Railway Department, yesterday, said train services would be limited to the number of passengers reserving its service from today in all parts of the country except in areas where the curfew is still in effect. Ministry of Passenger Transport Management media division said the decision had been reached at a meeting to streamline transport services for both public and private sector employees who were returning to work following easing of curfew on Monday. more..

May 13 (BN) Facebook Inc.’s lack of a serious response to signs of abuse on its platform in SL may have helped stoke deadly violence in the country in 2018, according to an investigation of the social network’s operations there. The company released a summary of the findings Tuesday, along with other independent assessments of the service’s impact on human rights in Indonesia and Cambodia. “We deplore this misuse of our platform,” more..

May 13 (FT) World leaders wanting to end the lockdown and allow their people to move about and contribute to the national economy because many are drowning in bills as they remain shut due to the COVID-19 lockdown, will have to monitor closely for new infections and adjust the health controls they have in place until there is a proper vaccine for COVID-19. A new study is based on the Chinese experience. First Phase 1 study for a COVID-19 vaccine began in mid-March. more..

May 13 (FT) Sri Lanka is one of the best and most ethical garment manufacturing destinations in the world. We have proven that international labour standards and high-quality management processes are being followed as evidenced in the slogan Garments without Guilt, which demonstrate how ethical practices are at the root of the industry's success. Apparel is the single largest industry generating a revenue of $ 5.5 billion which contributes to 44% of merchandise exports more..

May 13 (DN) A motion has been filed in the Supreme Court requesting that a Writ petition filed against Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party be listed enabling to heard on May 18, 22 or 28. Oshala Herath who is contesting in the upcoming General Election under UNP ticket (Colombo District) has filed this writ petition. Attorney-at-law Manjula Balasuriya yesterday filed this motion citing there is an urgency involve in the petition. The petitioner is seeking an Interim Order preventing more..

May 13 (EN) State-run SriLankan Airlines is expecting revenues to drop 60 percent to 400 million US dollars in the coming year forcing the airline to trim its fleet and costs to survive in the next 12 months, Chairman Ashok Pathirage said. SriLankan had earned about a billion US dollar in the just concluded year, and had lost 150 million dollars, Pathirage he told an online forum. Before the Coronavirus crisis, the airline was expecting to lose about 120 million US dollars. more..

May 13 (Island) The Constitutional Council has drawn the attention of Finance Secretary S.R. Attygalle to the continuing difficulties experienced by Provincial Councils for want of sufficient funds. Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake, who is also the CC's Secretary said that on the instructions of the CC a letter was dispatched to the Finance Secretary. Shan Wijetunga, Director, Dept of Communications, more..

May 13 (AD) Ten more naval personnel who were confirmed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus have made complete recoveries, SL Navy said. They had been undergoing treatment at the Homagama Hospital (7), Mulleriyawa Hospital (2) and at the Infectious Disease Hospital (1). These discharged navy men will be kept under quarantine for another 14 days in compliance with the healthcare instructions. Accordingly, a total of 62 naval personnel has recovered so far. more..

May 13 (EN) Stocks rebounded 2.81% at close, ending two days of losses backed by foreign buying, brokers said. “However, considering the current crisis situation, we are still climbing the wall of worry,” brokers said commenting on the market gain. All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed 2.59% or 119.30 points higher at 4,367.25. Index followed an upward trend before coming to an all-day high of 4,417.62 mid-morning after which it showed sideways movement until market close. more..

May 13 (AD) Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the CID to produce former minister Rajitha Senaratne before the court. The court issued this order as the next legal step after the Colombo High Court today set aside the decision of the Colombo Magistrate to grant bail to the former MP over the controversial white van press conference. The verdict had been delivered by Colombo HC Judge Manjula Thilakaratne more..

May 13 (DN) The cost of holding the General Election could be double the cost of the previously held Prez Election given the special circumstances faced, National Election Commission (NEC) Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya told the political party representatives yesterday. About Rs. 7 billion had been estimated for the previous Prez Election, and according to the NEC Chairman this could soar to Rs 14 billion due to the additional measures required in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. more..

May 13 (Island) Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has donated PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), comprising 18,750 surgical masks, 120,000 gloves, and 750 hand sanitizers, to Sri Lanka. The Embassy of Korea, said that the PPE would be provided to colleges of technology in Maradana, Kuliyapitiya, Kurunegala, Kandy, Warakapola, and Kegalle. KOICA Country Director Ms. Kang said "We hope this donation will help all the students and the members in more..

May 13 (FT) In a bid to increase exports of COVID-19 related equipment and promote the quality of local products, Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLS) has introduced new standard types which can be obtained by companies. SLS Director General Dr. Siddhika Senaratne said that the process for giving SLS status to hand sanitisers, face masks and gloves had been completed by the institution. more..

May 13 (TM) An emergency National Identity Card (NIC) service has been introduced instead of the one-day ID card service which was halted due to the coronavirus outbreak. Emergency passport service will be carried out through Divisional Secretariats for those who require IDs for Examination, interviews, driving license and passport purposes. Accordingly, individuals must get ID card applications approved by the respective Grama Niladhari Officer & submit it to local DS. more..

May 13 (EN) Colombo Port has got into the business of storing containers as global shipping was disrupted during a Coronvirus crisis, which may also have longer term potential. “There are a large number of ships going around with heavy container loads as there is no place to store them,” SLPA Chairman retired General Daya Ratnayake, told an online forum organized by the National Chamber of Commerce. “We at Colombo port are hiring the space available to us. more..

May 13 (ANC) Boil the kettle, fill the pot, and raise a celebratory cup. Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry has just dodged a potentially devastating COVID-19 shutdown by swapping 19th-century tradition with 21st-century digital innovation. Within a matter of days, industry leaders were able to deploy a virtual e-auction system that keeps buyers and sellers of the world’s favorite beverage safely apart & socially distanced. more..

May 13 (CT) The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) urged authorities of banks to take some risks and provide relief to businessmen to overcome the economic crisis, as otherwise thousands of businesses will have to shutdown and many would lose their jobs. Speaking to the Media yesterday, PHU Leader and former MP Udaya Gammanpila said that businesses were facing bankruptcy as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic and were thus seeking refuge with their banks. more..

May 13 (NR) The Ministry of Tourism and Aviation has decided to waive for a period of one year, the registration and renewal fees, obtained from tourist hotels and individuals who are required to register with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The decision was announced based on a directive issued by Subject Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. Accordingly, those who have already paid the registration fee for this year will be not be charged next year. more..

May 13 (DM) Education Ministry is focusing on keeping schools open all seven days of the week to catch up with the lost opportunities in education in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic, Education Minister Dulles Alahapperuma said. He added however that teachers or students must not attend classes on all seven days as classes would be conducted in small groups. “We are contemplating a system where more..

May 13 (AD) Former Minister Rajitha Senaratne has been arrested after he surrendered to the CID a short while ago. Senaratne is scheduled to be produced before courts. Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today ordered the CID to produce former minister before the court. The order was issued after the Colombo High Court dismissed the decision of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court to grant bail to the former MP over the controversial white van press conference, this morning. more..

May 13 (FT) SL Nidahas Podujana Sandanaya (SLNPS), which is the coalition including the SLPP and SLFP, yesterday strongly criticised the Elections Commission as partisan, and threatened to take action against some of its members when the new Parliament is convened. SLNPS National Organiser and SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara said the behaviour of some EC members raised concerns about the Commission’s impartiality, and charged a particular member of the EC more..

May 13 (EN) Three minors, all students of Al-Zuhairiya Arabic School in Karaitivu have filed Fundamental Rights petitions before the Supreme Court alleging that officials who identified themselves as Policemen forcibly took them from their parents and attempted to make them sign false documents. The parents of the children have signed the petitions which have been filed by Attorney Prabuddhika Tissera. more..

May 13 (CT) Depending on the water level of the Kattukarai Kulam reservoir, paddy lands will be allocated to farmers on a quotient basis, the Govt Agent of Mannar, C.A. Mohan Ras said. He claimed that hereafter, the canal irrigation societies and other agrarian bodies at village level will not be granted permission to engage in agriculture. A meeting chaired by Ras was held at the District Secretariat, Mannar, to discuss the possibility of cultivating in the coming Yala Season under the said reservoir. more..

May 13 (CT) The activities of Parliament are set to be conducted through an online system. A discussion to this effect had been held under the aegis of Secretary General of Parliament, Dhammika Dassanayaka at the Parliament Complex on 11 May. As most other countries conduct Parliamentary activities through the online system, Sri Lanka too has decided to follow suit. Through the implementation of the online system, at a time when a vote is taken regarding an Act or more..

May 13 (AD) The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are providing US$400,000 (LKR 74 million) to the Ministry of Education (MoEd) towards the National School Meal Programme. 80,000 primary school children will receive one month’s worth of food rations to help them and their families cope with the school closures due to COVID-19, more..