Dec 11 (EN) In what LBGTQI activists in SL are calling a welcome win in a country where harassment of the community at the hands of law enforcement is not uncommon, the Court of Appeal on Wednesday (8) granted leave to proceed for a writ petition filed against the police over a widely condemned homophobic training session. The petition was filed by Equal Ground, a nonprofit organisation promoting LGBTQI rights in SL, more..

Dec 11 (ST) A migratory gull’s return to SL from northern Russia has been charted in a milestone joint project in which researchers used a global positioning system transponder fixed to the bird. The team tracked a Heuglin’s Gull which flew to the edge of the Arctic in northern Russia from Mannar. It was tagged on April 4 this year, but had flown from SL after 20 days. The gull they named Menike, had flown a total of 19,360 km. It flew 7,880km over 35 days to reach its breeding grounds in more..

Dec 11 (TM) Ceylon Teachers Union has expressed that the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Education are facing the threat of militarisation. Referring to the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) Bill, General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin said that there were massive protests in the country based on the fact that education in the country will be privatised and militarised. “Against such a backdrop, the Prez goes to Kotelawala Defence Uni more..

Dec 11 (Island) Petitioner Nagananda Kodituwakku yesterday told the Court of Appeal that the duty and responsibility of the Attorney General was to defend the people. Referring to recent Supreme Court stricture of the Attorney General in the ruling in respect of fundamental rights application filed as regards Taking a policy decision in respect of tamed elephants where judicial proceedings and investigations are being more..

Dec 11 (ST) A key access road to the Outer Circular Highway at Kerwalapitiya in Wattala is in a state of neglect and, according to road users, rolls out as a symbol of disconnected road development. From the Kerawalapitiya Junction near the Wattala PS to the Kerawalapitiya highway entrance, the road has been poorly maintained over the past few yeas. As a result, potholes that were small a few years ago have now become larger and deeper, causing problems to residents, pedestrians, motorists. more..

Dec 11 (NR) Minister Bandula Gunawardana says Lanka Sathosa will provide 50 items below the market price during the festive season. Accordingly, Minister said arrangements have been made to provide relief to consumers through Sathosa outlets focused on the upcoming festive season and the New Year. Minister added although restrictions have been imposed recently on the issuance of quantities of goods such as rice, such restrictions will be relaxed during the festive season. more..

Dec 11 (EN) SL is targeting to send 300,000 workers abroad who are expected to remit US$ 8 billion Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said as foreign reserves continued to fall as interventions were sterilized with printed money to maintain a fixed interest rate. About 230,000 expat workers used to go abroad each year but in 2020 only 53,000 went abroad, Finance Minister Rajapaksa told parliament. more..

Dec 11 (CT) Amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) will be presented in Parliament beginning next year, Justice Minister Ali Sabry said yesterday (9). Delivering the reply speech of Third Reading of Justice Ministry Expenditure Head, Ali Sabry said he has already received the report by the committee tasked with amending the act. “The recommendations of the committee will be further discussed and the relevant amended Act will be made public in 2022. more..

Dec 11 (CT) The second in the series of discussions, organised by the leaders of the Govt’s constituent parties, is scheduled to be held at Suwinra Hotel in Eheliyagoda at 3 p.m. on 14 Dec. Sources close to the party leaders of the SLPP coalition Govt stated that issues such as Yugadanavi Power Plant deal, the escalating cost of living and transparency within the Govt will be discussed at length during the discourse with the public. The first such meeting of the series of discussions more..

Dec 11 (FT) Malik, who received the letter of appreciation from PM Imran Khan last Tuesday, in an exclusive interview with Daily FT from Sialkot, said he had mixed emotions – happy as he saved Pakistan’s image of humanity as a true Muslim and still sad as all his efforts failed to protect Priyantha’s life. The 40-year-old Malik is still in shock and grieves over Priyantha’s brutal murder by the factory workers of Rajco Industries in Sialkot. more..

Dec 11 (CT) The Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar announced on Friday (10), that the verdict of the 2012 Welikada Prison riot case will be delivered on 6 January next year. The defendants in this case are former Inspector of Police Neomal Rangajeewa of Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and former Prisons Commissioner Emil Ranjan Lamahewa. The Trial went on for nearly three years before High Court Judges Gihan Kulathunga, Pradeep Hettiarachchi and Manjula Thilakaratne. more..

Dec 11 (CT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on last Friday made financial donations of Rs 1 million each towards the education of the children of late Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana, who was killed in Sialkot, Pakistan. Premadasa said everyone in society should support Diiyawadana’s family. “We, as the SJB will do our part for that cause,” he added. “All religions preach humanity, reconciliation, respect and love for each other. We have to strongly condemn the atrocities committed by more..

Dec 12 (Island) The SJB rally was memorable. Police obstructions at roads leading to Colombo was a favour done to the Opposition. The govt in desperation and confusion is kicking into its own goal. Obviously, this is a failed govt in spite of 6.9 million people supporting it. They reversed practically every gazette they issued. Every deal the govt has put through, Kerawalapitiya, Nano nitrogen, Chinese fertiliser, sugar, garlic and rice are scams. They are not lawmakers; they are daylight more..

Dec 12 (Island) The gas explosions continue unabated with the promise investigation/inquiry report not out as this is being written. The Chinese ship carrying suspect organic fertilizer has ultimately left SL’s territorial waters but the country is facing a massive arbitration claims in Singapore. All this is adding to the massive cost and misery created by the ill-thought and hurriedly implemented ban on the import of chemical fertilizers. Farmers have been promised compensation for crop losses more..

Dec 12 (SO) Minister Udaya Gammanpila said that there is no truth whatsoever in the allegation levelled on the delay to bring the masterminds of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks to book. He said the efficiency of Sri Lanka’s investigations should only be assessed in comparison with other countries. He said five suspects of the Sept 11, 2001 USA suicide terrorist attacks were prosecuted only on Feb 11, 2008, while more..

Dec 12 (SO) Third Reading of Budget 2022 was passed by an overwhelming majority of 93 votes in Parliament on Friday (10), showing the stability of the SLPP-led Govt again. Opposition called for a vote and 157 votes were cast in favour of the Budget while only 64 votes were cast against it. Budget 2022 was presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Nov 12. It is the second Budget of the Govt and the first to be presented by Minister Rajapaksa after his appointment more..

Dec 12 (SO) The cold-blooded mob lynching of SL factory manager Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana in Sialkot, Pakistan, has sent shockwaves around the world. As explained lucidly by veteran Pakistani journalist Zahid Hussain in an article published in our sister paper the Daily News yesterday, this horrific killing is the result of the growing threat of religious extremism that has engulfed Pakistan in recent years. Hate based on religious extremism knows no bounds & usually results in tragedy. more..

Dec 12 (TM) Darkness and light, a constant ongoing battle in the fantasy genre, is fast becoming a reality for those of us in SL, as the island was plunged into darkness with an unexpected power outage on 3 Dec. Reports suggested that most of SL faced over five hours of an islandwide power outage on top of persistent fears of a fuel crisis and the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. more..

Dec 12 (ST) As irony would have it, while Prez Rajapaksa was preparing to leave for a seminar on the security of the Indian Ocean in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, where thousands of Sri Lankan and Pakistani nationals work shoulder-to-shoulder in great amity, out in the Punjab province of Pakistan, a most barbaric murder of a SL factory manager was to take place. The reasons for this cold-blooded murder seem clearer now that the worker who tried to save the Lankan has spoken. more..

Dec 12 (ST) My dear Imran, I thought I must write to you at this time when both our countries are in a state of shock and disbelief at what happened in Sialkot last week, when Priyantha, a SL manager at a garment factory, was brutally beaten to death and his body set on fire, apparently for the crime of removing a poster. To say the least, Imran, this incident came as a complete surprise to all of us because we viewed Pakistan as a friendly nation which was a friend in need, especially when more..

Dec 12 (CT) Rev. Gnanasara Thero and his Hindu counterpart Maruwanpulavu Sachithananthan allege unethical conversions by Christians. As a Christian, knowing many converts to Christianity as sincere and genuine, I have always been dismissive of such claims and still am. Recent events however make me think that there is another dimension of their accusations that we need to give heed to. It is unethical leadership among large and respected Christian Agencies that run the new churches more..

Dec 12 (CT) Since 1948, we have enacted a black comedy in this country, a senseless drama by over-blown mediocrities. By inclination, the show is melodramatic; ‘B’ grade actors in a gaudy play. The drama lacks merit, receiving poor ratings in every aspect. There are several elements providing the tragedy; poverty, corruption, dilapidation, debt, a large and ineffective public sector, overall low productivity; it seems every negativity of the third world is present in this small crisis-ridden more..

Dec 12 (ST) These days, it is evident the Govt is using available avenues at its disposal and diplomatic channels to attract foreign direct investment or currency swaps as the country’s economy has plunged into the worst crisis since Independence. The latest attempt in this regard was made by Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris who hosted a working dinner for the Heads of Missions of Muslim countries in Colombo last Tuesday. PM Rajapaksa also took part more..

Dec 12 (ST) Dambulla Giants recorded their third win of the Lanka Premier League with a thrilling one-run win over Colombo Stars, who crashed to their third defeat in the match played at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Despite a quick-fire knock by Dinesh Chandimal, Colombo Stars fell short of two runs behind their target, ending at 137-8, chasing a target of 139 runs. Colombo Stars needed 13 runs of the final over, but Chandimal played a lone battle despite hitting the first ball to a four, more..

Dec 12 (Island) A gazette notification for ordering gems up to $ 3,000 received the approval of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Industries at a committee meeting held in Parliament, last week. It was discussed that these steps have been taken to promote the gem and jewellery industry as tourism has been subjected to restrictions given the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic situation. The gazette notification has also reduced the 0.5% fee, charged by the Gem and Jewellery Authority to 0.25%. more..

Dec 12 (Island) Minister Bandula Gunawaradene once said that Rs. 2500 is sufficient for a person to live a month. The argument did not go down well with the public. This is what happens when successful tuition masters try their hand in guiding the national economy. On the same note, it is a tricky subject for not so successful cricket writers to give suggestions on how the national cricket team should function. more..

Dec 12 (ST) Ravi Bopara’s undefeated 34 and Kamindu Mendis’s three wickets finally helped Kandy Warriors draw first blood as they convincingly beat Galle Gladiators by 5 wickets in the first of the LPL double header yesterday at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Kandy Warriors were never troubled in their chase though they sporadically lost wickets. But British player Bopara had the final say scoring the winning runs off a boundary with little more than an over to spare. more..

Dec 12 (ST) Badminton Nationals, the 69th edition, will commence at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium from tomorrow and go on till next Sunday, with a turnout of over 1000 entries, including para athletes for the first time. Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) is taking all health protocols into account to ensure the safety of all participants and officials with medical personnel in attendance to ensure no undue lapses occur. Stringent inspections will prevail with social distancing and face masks mandatory. more..

Dec 12 (SO) Athletes who have a burning desire and potential to succeed in the international arena are treated like heroes and their talents nurtured with utmost care as they are the pride of the nation. In fact, the very existence of many a high-riding sports official depends on the performance of these athletes. Any national sports federation would welcome with open arms when they see a dedicated athlete with proven ability and a hunger for success. Although there have been many instances more..

Dec 12 (ST) The fit and proper criteria for publicly listed company director appointments will be included in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) Listing Rules after the capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approves them, officials said. These rules will broadly be based on the honesty and integrity of an individual & his/her competence to be appointed as a director of a listed company, Renuke Wijayawardhane, Chief Regulatory Officer more..

Dec 12 (TM) Ministry of Tourism and the Airport and Aviation Services (SL) Ltd. (AASL) is looking to reschedule one of the loans obtained by the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for the Package A-related terminal building and associated work at BIA, Katunayake. Accordingly, the JICA loan worth Rs. 36 billion, which the AASL obtained through a loan agreement in 2012, for phase two of BIA development project, has a grace period more..

Dec 12 (ST) The dejected tourism industry is currently studying the new draft Tourism Act which has not included any of their previous proposals and is hoping the health regulations will not change since they are still cashing in on the tourism industry’s revival this Christmas. SL Association of Inbound Tour Operators past President & Andrews Travels CEO Mahen Kariyawasam said that they hope to engage the industry on submitting their proposals to authorities for the new Tourism Act by Jan 15. more..

Dec 12 (ST) Maj. Gen. (retd) Palitha Fernando is to contest for the Presidency of National Olympic Committee of SL (NOCSL), after Rohan Fernando, who was beaten to the post last time by the incumbent president Suresh Subramaniam, pulled out of the race. This means Maj. Gen. Fernando, who already wears many hats, including that of Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, is also pitted against Subramaniam–a former tennis player and sports administrator, more..

Dec 12 (ST) A new plan to hand over the passport printing contract to the Dept of Govt Printing has raised technical feasibility issues owing to its lack of resources specially machinery despite the directive issued by Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. He has directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media to take over the printing and issuance of passports through the Govt Printer. Presently this printing is handled by more..

Dec 12 (ST) Two state entities, Colombo Commercial Fertilizers Ltd and Ceylon Fertilizers Company Ltd will be merged as the National Organic Fertiliser and Distribution Company to facilitate and increase solid and liquid organic fertiliser production, according to an Agriculture Ministry memorandum. Ceylon Fertiliser Company currently imports chemical fertiliser, producing quality fertiliser mixture and marketing, distributing through an island-wide network of more..

Dec 12 (Island) Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has entered into a sublease agreement with the Industrial Development Board (IDB), to establish a smart Facilitation Centre at the Hambantota Maritime Center (HMC). The new center will smoothen the path for foreign investors focused on establishing projects in the Southern Province. “The agreement was signed on Dec. 3 by Johnson Liu, CEO, HIPG and Upasena Dissanayake, IDB Chairman in the presence more..

Dec 12 (Island) JVP has decided to mobilize people, members of clergy, trade unions and civil society organisations to defeat a govt move to give away land in Talaimannar to Indian conglomerate Adani Group to develop a one GW wind power project with an investment of more than $1bn. Former JVP MP, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said that action has been planned to stand up against the govt’s move to give away national assets more..