Sep 23 (FT) Pandemic-related; lockdowns, flight cancellations, non-operation of outbound tours and the closure of the local airports will certainly have an impact on the tourism industry of the country which is the third largest foreign exchange earner in our economy. Until an effective vaccine is found this is an industry that cannot have any hope to grow. Hence huge facilities such as airlines, hotels, shopping malls and recreation venues are idling. This has a severe effect on all stakeholders more..

Sep 23 (DM) The Cabinet decided to permit rice imports only in the event of a shortage created in the local market to stabilise the retail prices, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane said. He said the Cabinet took a policy decision not to increase the price of rice this year and next year and added that the government had fixed Rs.55 as the purchase price of paddy from cultivators while the retail prices remained stable. “Mill owners and traders will not be allowed to jack up rice prices. more..

Sep 23 (NR) The total number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country reached 3,321 as eight more arrivals from foreign countries tested positive for the virus today. New cases include 5 recent returnees from UAE, 2 from US, and 1 from Ethiopia. In the meantime, number of recoveries from the disease in Sri Lanka moved up to 3,129 as 11 persons infected with the virus were discharged from hospitals upon recovery earlier today. 181 active cases are under medical care. more..

Sep 23 (AD) The CID has informed the court that the investigations into the allegations of negligence of duties by the former Defense Secretary Hemasiri Fernando and IGP Pujith Jayasundera have been concluded. The investigative body mentioned this when the case was taken up before Colombo Additional Magistrate R. U. Jayasuriya today. CID officials informed the court that the Attorney General has been consulted on more..

Sep 23 (FT) Vish Govindasamy, the Group Managing Director of Sunshine Holdings, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Employers’ Federation of Ceylon (EFC) for the year of 2020-2021. He takes reins of the national organisation for the employers by succeeding Overseas Realty Group Chief Executive Officer Pravir Samarasinghe. Govindasamy has pioneered Sunshine Group’s diversification into newer key economic sectors such as consumer goods, agribusiness, and more..

Sep 23 (AD) Home Affairs Ministry has issued a circular to amend the official hours of all Grama Niladhari officers in the country. Accordingly, Grama Niladharis are required to attend their duties for six days of the week apart from their day off. The press release issued by the Director-General of Govt Information states that the new official hours will be implemented from Oct 1. The Grama Niladharis are to be available in their offices from 8.30 am to 4.15 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays more..

Sep 23 (EN) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Transport to terminate a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded light railway transit (LRT) project with immediate effect. In a letter written to the ministry secretary, Secretary to the President P B Jayasundara said the project is very costly and not the appropriate cost effective transport solution for urban Colombo transportation infrastructure. more..

Sep 23 (AD) Nittambuwa Police has arrested heroin trafficker Amila alias Gemba over 3 grams of heroin yesterday. Upon interrogation of the arrested suspect, the police have also arrested three more individuals who engaged in crimes along with him. Several weapons including a sword and an air rifle have been recovered from the possession of the suspects. Meanwhile, a retired member of the SL Army has been arrested for involvement in drug dealing. The arrest has been made by more..

Sep 23 (CT) An inmate of the Welikada Prison was transferred from the Prison Hospital to the National Hospital, Colombo, to extract a mobile phone he had hidden in his rectum, Prisons Commissioner General Thushara Upuldeniya said. The inmate had been taken to the Aluthkade Court for the hearing of an illegal drug possession case against him. Upuldeniya explained that before the inmate was transported back to the Welikada Prison, a mobile phone had been taken from someone and more..

Sep 23 (AD) Four more petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court, challenging the draft bill of the 20th Amendment. The latest petitions were placed by the TNA leader R. Sampanthan, Anil Kariyawasam, public interest litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku, Executive Director of CPA Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu. The TNA leader, in his petition,MP claims that certain clauses of the draft bill of the 20th Amendment proposed by more..

Sep 23 (CT) Mannar Zonal Officer attached to the Dept of Archaeology (DA), Chaminda Silva said, an archaeological team that had been engaged in excavation work at the Nanattan area in the Mannar District had come across a pot containing ancient coins. He said, the pot had been handed over to the Mannar Police. Afterwards, the Police had sought advice from Mannar Archaeological officers. According to the officials, the set of coins numbering 1,850, dates back to the Anuradhapura era. more..

Sep 23 (AD) SLPP MP Prof. Tissa Vitharana has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA). He was nominated to the position by Lasantha Alagiyawanna while it was seconded by Udaya Gammanpila. The Committee of Selection, at the meeting held on the 27th of August 2020, nominated 16 members to the COPA in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 119 (1) of the Parliament. The COPA members include: Udaya Gammanpila; more..

Sep 23 (DM) While saying that nearly 20 native leopards have become prey due to human activities reported since January, the Wildlife Department said they have taken all measures to put an end to these occurrences. Department of Wildlife Conservation Director (Health), Dr. Tharaka Prasad said that the SL leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is strictly protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of Sri Lanka. more..

Sep 23 (CT) Dishan Gunasekara was elected as the 12th Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya yesterday. Gunasekara had previously functioned as the Basnayake Nilame of the Devundara Sri Vishnu Devalaya. The annual general meeting to elect new office-bearers to the Kataragama Devalaya took place under the aegis of the Buddhist Affairs Commissioner, Sunanda Kariyapperuma, at the Moneragala District Secretary’s Office. more..

Sep 23 (EN) Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in the world to live in during the Coronavirus pandemic, Korea’s ambassador the Indian Ocean island, Woonjin Jeong had said. The ambassador had believed that Korea was the safest country in the world until he came to Sri Lanka during a meeting with a group of 22 Sri Lankans who were going to Korea to work. He had been impressed by measures taken by SL to stop the spread of Covid-19, the Korea embassy said in a statement. more..

Sep 23 (CT) In order to promote tourism in Arugambay, thec SL Tourism Authority will establish its Provincial Office in Pottuvil soon. This would not only ease the problems of the foreign tourists but also pave the way for solving the problems of the local tourist sectors at their footsteps. This was assured by the Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism S. Hettiarachchi at a meeting held at the Pottuvil DS on Friday. more..

Sep 23 (CT) Case filed at the Polgahawela Magistrate’s Court, by the Polgahawela Police, against writer Shakthika Sathkumara was yesterday (22) put forward to 9 February 2021 pending the Attorney General’s instructions on whether or not to file indictments. The case (B/7673/19) was filed against Sathkumara under Section 3(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Act, No. 56 of 2007, as Amended, for allegedly propagating or advocating religious hatred more..

Sep 23 (DM) An accomplice of imprisoned underworld gangster Ihalagamage Darshana alias 'ID' has been arrested with 3 grams of heroin by the STF in Mount Lavinia yesterday. 35-year-old suspect, Nidesh Priyanga Silva, is a resident of Mount Lavinia and was arrested following a tip-off. Gangster 'ID' is currently in prison over possessing a hand grenade and heroin. Investigations revealed that the arrested suspect was handling financial affairs of ID and had been operating as more..

Sep 23 (AD) Publishing child pornography online and through other media have rapidly increased in the recent years despite provision in the Penal Code and the Obscene Publications Ordinance. Therefore, it has been noted that the existing provisions are inadequate to meet the present circumstances. Accordingly, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (lCTA) and SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has complied a report containing more..

Sep 23 (DM) Gazette Extraordinary titled Expedite the issuance of legal documents to those who have occupied or developed State lands without any document has been cancelled, Land Commissioner General R.M.C.M. Herath said. The previous gazette notice numbered 2192/36 was published by the Land Commissioner General on Sept 10. “It is hereby informed that the notice published by the Land Commissioner General, under the caption “Expedite the issuance of legal documents to more..

Sep 23 (AP) Sri Lankan authorities announced that they will offer livestreams from the island nation’s wildlife parks, in a move to help revive a tourism industry that has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. The govt’s Tourism Promotion Bureau said livestreaming will initially cover four national parks to showcase the South Asian country’s exotic wildlife, including leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles & birds. more..

Sep 23 (CT) The Sammanthurai Magistrate issued an injunction prohibiting the holding of the Memorial Day meeting and procession for Thileepan, a late leader of the LTTE. The Officer-in-Charge of the Sammanthurai Police, K.D.S. Jayalath had submitted a petition to the Sammanthurai Magistrate’s Court seeking an injunction on Karaitivu Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman K. Jeyacyril, who had taken steps to hold the commemorative event for a leader of a banned terrorist movement. more..

Sep 23 (S&B) An Aframax tanker is being sought by SL authorities after escaping arrest in the country. Officials at the Port of Galle attempted to arrest the Kutch Bay earlier this month on the authority Sri Lanka Ports Authority, told Ship & Bunker Tuesday. The ship had previously been reported as sold for scrapping in August by shipping intelligence service VesselsValue. Media reports claiming the vessel had been chartered by troubled oil trading firm GP Global are understood to be incorrect, more..

Sep 23 (AD) PCoI probing the Easter Sunday terror attacks has issued notices to former Prez Maithripala Sirisena, his personal secretary and the three Auxiliary Bishops of Colombo to appear before the panel tomorrow morning. The personal secretary and the three Auxiliary Bishops were initially issued notices to testify before the PCoI at 2pm today while the former President was notified to give evidence on Oct 5. more..

Sep 24 (DM) United Nations marks World Maritime Day today. Where SL is concerned, it comes this year in the wake of the fire that broke out on Sept 3 in the engine room of the MT New Diamond when it was some 65 km off the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. The fire that broke out initially on board the large crude-oil carrier and the one that broke out subsequently were finally extinguished on Sept 11. A Filipino crew member was reported to have been killed in the fire while 19 others were rescued. more..

Sep 24 (Island) Yahapalana Prez Maithripala Sirisena recently contradicted former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando as regards the latter’s statements before the PCoI. It was, in fact, Sirisena who appointed the PCoI several weeks before the end of his term. Without realising the possibility of being pulled up for contempt of the PCoI, in a statement issued on Sept 19, the SLPP lawmaker, who is also the leader of the SLFP rejected Fernando’s damning accusations, more..

Sep 24 (CT) Marine pollution, an issue that has long plagued SL, might finally be curbed through an effective solution, as seen with the first floating trash-trap that was set up in the Dehiwala Canal recently. The continuous disposal of large amounts of plastic into canals and waterways, eventually leading to the sea and often ending up on our shores, leaves all those concerned for the environment and marine life constantly more..

Sep 24 (CT) Strident calls were repeatedly made from many quarters for the 19th Amendment to be repealed. Some argued that it should be repealed in its entirety, while others pleaded for the retention of some of its provisions. What has been overlooked is that there is no 19th Amendment capable of being amended or repealed. It does not exist. It has not existed since 15th May 2015 when the 19th Amendment Bill, having been debated and passed in Parliament, was certified by the Speaker. more..

Sep 24 (DM) Tragedies can be kaleidoscopic moments. They provide those instances that cut through imposed façades. An unobtrusive cutaway view in a moment of tragic truth. The latest such tragedy in Kandy where three innocent lives were lost was such a moment. To me, looking at it from afar, it provided that moment where I could see the integral role social media plays in Sri Lanka right now. I have written and spoken at length on the impact of social media in electoral process. more..

Sep 24 (TM) The proposed draft of the 20th Amendment will be presented at Parliament for debate on 22 Sept and the Govt and Opposition allies are now noticing the pros and cons of the draft, with mixed views being aired at party meetings and media briefings. Below are excerpts of interviews with party representatives who have formed alliances with the Govt as well as the Opposition on proposed 20th Amendment. more..

Sep 24 (CT) Sunday’s multi-storey building collapse in Kandy and its resulting tragedy has become a hot button issue in SL, oftentimes eclipsing the usual banter about politics and policy. Incident struck a very emotional blow to the public when the identity of the victims was revealed soon after the disaster. A young family crushed under tonnes of rubble died in the cruelest way possible. But before the dust could settle, the questions started popping up: Was the structure built according to regulations? more..

Sep 24 (ST) It came to pass earlier this month that the 20th Amendment has run into some political road works. There it was, all signed, sealed and gazetted and ready to be dropped on the collective head of a bemused public who suddenly found many existing institutions were to lose the independence they have exercised. That is not all. The legislature was also to lose some of the powers that had been bestowed on it since 2015 and even earlier. It was to be neutered instead of being strengthened, more..

Sep 24 (TM) Prez Rajapaksa has been different in his approach towards governance as the Head of State from the first day in office. However, his difference from his predecessors seems to be clearer with the proposed 20th Amendment entering the political fray. Rajapaksa has stood firm on his stances, something that had been lacking in most of his predecessors. He says it without any sugar coating and makes sure that it is implemented regardless of the various objections raised. more..

Sep 24 (CT) The rapid erosion of that historic image of SL, as peaceful, beautiful, resourceful and tolerant multiethnic and multicultural island may said to have reached its nadir when thugs in saffron robes are allowed to roam around the country as Buddhist priests slapping priests from other faiths and beating and locking up govt officers, while law enforcers, perhaps afraid of reprimand from the Sangha and or the President, were they to arrest such thugs, remain just onlookers. more..

Sep 24 (ST) Former Trinity College and SL Under 19 skipper Sachith Pathirana was one of the youngsters addicted by cricket fever inspired by SL’s first World Cup victory under Arjuna Ranatunga in 1996. Whereas many were not able to realise their aspirations, Pathirana nurtured himself to become a wholesome cricketer using his talent to win his national cap in 2015. “The 1996 World Cup victory was my main source of motivation to more..

Sep 24 (CT) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has signed a 3-year agreement with Namal Balachandra Pvt Ltd (NBPL) as the Official Formal Clothing Sponsor of National Teams. The agreement was signed and exchanged between the two parties at SLC Hq. Mohan De Silva, Honorary Secretary, SLC and Namal Balachandra, Chairman of NBPL signed on behalf of the respective entities. Under the agreement, NBPL, a renowned apparel and costume designer in SL, will provide formal clothing to more..

Sep 24 (PTI) Bangladesh fast bowler Abu Jayed has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their tour of SL. “Pace bowler Abu Jayed Chowdhury Rahi has reported positive for COVID-19. He will receive treatment in isolation for COVID as per guidelines and will undergo further tests in due course,” BCB physician Debashis Chowdhury said in a statement. The Board said Jayed is the only one to have returned positive out of the 27 cricketers who were tested for the contagious disease. more..