Feb 4 (DN) The National Netball Pool was pruned to 40 players after the completion of the Selection Trials which were held at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday. President of the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL), Lakshmi Victoria said they will focus mainly on the 2023 World Cup. The National Team is also mainly focused on this year’s Asian Indoor Games in Thailand. National Coach, Somitha de Alwis & Assistant Coach P.D.N. Prasadi were also present on this occasion. more..

Feb 4 (Island) Last Sunday, Colombo Flying Club was revived by a group of like-minded aviation enthusiasts in collaboration with Airports & Aviation SL (AASL), SL Air Force (SLAF) and Civil Aviation Authority SL (CAASL). Originally, the Colombo Flying Club was established by local Ceylonese as an alternative to the exclusive Aero Club of Ceylon whose membership consisted of Colonial British gentry such as Tea, Rubber and Coconut planters & foreign company executives. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Parliamentary Council approved new members to the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL), regulatory body for the electricity and power sector, naming Janaka Ratnayake as Chairman. Its other members are Chathurika Wijesinghe, Mohan Samaranayake, Udeni Wickramasinghe and Prof. Janaka Ekanayake. A majority of the members on the 5-member Council approved the name but more..

Feb 4 (CT) At least 150 children and 100 parents who had accompanied their children to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) have been diagnosed with COVID-19 during a period of 11 months. Director of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Dr. Wijesuriya said that from March 2020 till early February 2021 at least one of the two parents who had brought their child to the LRH had tested COVID-19 positive. Situation had been similar with the 16-month baby that had died on Monday. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Health authorities yesterday confirmed four COVID-19 deaths, bringing the country’s COVID-19 death toll to 332. Two deaths confirmed on 1 February were repeated in the COVID-19 deaths confirmed the next day, dropping the death toll by two. An 89-year-old individual from Walgammulla died of a lung infection associated with COVID-19 at her place of residence on 2 Feb. The same day, a 66-year-old individual from Negombo died of trauma of blood poisoning more..

Feb 4 (AP) Japanese Embassy said Wednesday it regrets a decision by SL’s govt to scrap a deal to develop a port terminal with Japan and India after weeks of protests by trade unions and opposition parties. An embassy official said on condition of anonymity that it is unfortunate that the govt unilaterally announced that development and operation of Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal will be carried out solely by Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 4 (UN) The new Permanent Representative of SL to UN, Mohan Pieris, paid a courtesy call on UN Secretary-General António Guterres today. He earlier presented his credentials to the Secretariat on 13 Jan. Before his latest appointment, Mr. Pieris had an active legal practice in SL and worked as a professor and lecturer at various universities since 2015, including the National Law Uni of Delhi, Rajiv Gandhi National Law Uni in Patiala and the National Law Uni of Advanced Legal Studies of Kochi. more..

Feb 4 (DN) Appeal petitions filed by MP Premalal Jayasekera and two others challenging Ratnapura High Court’s judgement to convict them over the murder of an individual in a shooting that took place in 2015 were fixed for argument by Court of Appeal yesterday. CA 2-judge-bench comprising Justices Nissanka Karunaratne and R. Gurusinghe fixed the appeal petitions for argument on June 16. Accused-appellants were directed to file their written submissions on or before Mar 22, more..

Feb 4 (Island) The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) yesterday alleged that the govts of the so-called progressive political forces had been responsible for the biggest sale of national assets to foreigners and local companies. SJB General Secretary MP Ranjith Maddumabadara said that govts of SLFP, PA, UPFA and SLPP had sold off the highest number of public enterprises to the private sector or to foreign investors. more..

Feb 4 (NR) 146 prison inmates will receive Presidential Pardon in view of the 73rd Independence Day Celebrations. Inmates are released under several criterions. Accordingly, some inmates will be released on the basis that they have less than one year to serve in prisons, those who are above the age of 65 and served half of their prison sentence, those who are above 50 years of age and severed 25 years in jail and youth offenders who have severed at least half of their more..

Feb 4 (NR) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa says Sri Lankans should work collectively to protect the freedom the country won, not once but twice. Issuing a message to mark the Independence Day, PM Rajapaksa said today is an an opportunity to remind ourselves of the unfaltering spirit and commitment of our people in the fight for freedom. Full statement: It is with immense pride that we celebrate our 73rd Independence Day today. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the unfaltering spirit and more..

Feb 4 (Island) Nearly 20 leading environmental/wildlife organisations have teamed up to make an appeal to Prez Rajapaksa to ensure the environmental security and rights of future generations of SL by immediately putting an end to the ongoing forest destruction in the Dahaiyagala sanctuary. Environmental Scientist Hemantha Withanage said environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts countrywide urged govt to end more..

Feb 4 (Island) SL, which is having talks with the People’s Bank of China, Reserve Bank of India and China Development Bank, is likely to receive good news from at least two of the institutions this month, Dr. Chandranath Amarasekara, Director of Economic Research of the Central Bank says. SL had to meet debt repayments of US$ 4.3 billion in 2021 and its foreign reserve levels stood at US$ 5.7 billion as at Dec 2020. “We are confident that we can meet our external debt obligations in 2021”, more..

Feb 4 (FT) The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) yesterday sent a purchase order for 18 million doses of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine from India as part of Govt arrangements to immunise persons between the ages 30 and 60, top officials said. State Minister Prof. Channa Jayasumana said the purchase order was sent by the SPC. These vaccines are expected to immunise persons between ages 30 and 60 alongside the vaccination of persons over the age of 60. more..

Feb 4 (FT) Key SLPP coalition party leaders defended their stance regarding East Container Terminal (ECT), insisting it was an effort to protect the mandate that swept the Govt into power earlier this year. NFF Leader and Minister Wimal Weerawansa told reporters at a press conference, the Cabinet decision to retain control of the ECT, effectively pulling out of a tripartite MoU between India and Japan, was done to protect more..

Feb 4 (FT) Sri Lanka was born free – of blood and bigotry – but everywhere is in chains. We found ourselves liberated from the shackles of colonialism some 73 years ago. It is a liberty we have squandered through licence to war on our fellow citizens, growing lawlessness amidst lip service being paid to discipline and virtue, and little if any care for posterity. If we can’t see through the smokescreens of racism to perilous straits for reserves and paltry revenues to invest in more..

Feb 4 (FT) We see very often managers get promoted to higher positions because they have been excellent performers, and then they begin to fail, especially when they reach higher positions in the organisation. For instance, we have seen very good general managers or even chief operations officers fail when they become CEOs. I think this is because more of their inability to take the transition from the previous job rather than not having the required competencies for the new job. more..

Feb 4 (FT) The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Santhush Woonjin Jeong congratulated Sri Lanka on the occasion of Sri Lanka’s 73rd Independence Day. Following is his official statement. “Ayubowan, Vanakkam, Annyonghasimnikka! I am the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka, Santhush Woonjin Jeong. “Congratulations on SL’s Independence Day! As Ambassador of Korea to Sri Lanka, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on more..

Feb 4 (FT) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in his Independence Day message called on all Sri Lankans to unite in order to take the country to prosperity amidst the challenges faced by COVID-19. “The unity and solidarity of all nationalities in this country was our undefeatable strength in winning independence from the colonial rulers on 4 Feb 1948. The expression of freedom in the hearts and minds of the people of SL at that time was so strong that it could not be shattered by factors more..

Feb 4 (AD) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that he has advised the Attorney General to take necessary action on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and the CB Bond Scam. Prez mentioned this during his address at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations currently ongoing at Independence Square under the theme A prosperous tomorrow - A prosperous motherland. In his address, the Prez stated that more..

Feb 4 (DN) It was revealed at a recent Galle District Local Production Industry Development Committee meeting that CCTV cameras are to be installed at fisheries harbours island-wide. Fish & Prawn Farming State Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the project would be carried out by the Navy and the Ministry of Defence. He added that the project was proposed by the latter. Minister Ramesh Pathirana, as well as MPs Shan Wijelal de Silva, Isuru Dodangoda, and Sampath Athukorala more..

Feb 4 (DM) There is no need to amend the national flag which we inherited together with our Independence, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said today. “The govt has appointed a committee to see how the national flag can be changed. Why should one change the national flag which we inherited together with our independence?” Mr. Wijewardene asked during a ceremony held at UNP hq to mark the 73rd anniversary of SL’s Independence today. more..

Feb 4 (AD) Interpol has issued Red Notices on 129 wanted SL criminals who have escaped to foreign countries, DIG Ajith Rohana says. He added that 40 of these fugitives are linked to financial crimes and frauds in SL. Interpol meanwhile issued Blue Notices to 87 other individuals who are wanted for other crimes in the country, DIG Rohana continued. He said measures are underway to get notorious SL underworld more..

Feb 4 (FT) Reaffirming the cordial relationship that has always existed between Egypt and Sri Lanka, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi has extended his heartfelt best wishes and greetings to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of SL’s 73rd Independence Anniversary. The full text of the message of greetings reads as follows: “H.E. Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prez of SL; On the occasion of celebrating the Independence Day of your more..

Feb 4 (MoD) In keeping with the 73rd National Independence Day, a total of 337 Officers and 8,226 Other Ranks of the SL Army have been promoted to their respective next ranks. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces promoted them on the recommendation of the Defence Ministry and Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army . Accordingly, 14 Brigadiers to the rank of Major General, 23 Colonels to the rank of Brigadier, 35 Lieutenant Colonels to more..

Feb 4 (FT) SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar has written to Prez Rajapaksa on the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of independence as someone who has more than five decades of experience in politics, about the present and the future of country. Interestingly, Markar says he was writing not just as a politician or a civil society activist, but as a fellow Anandian and a father who wishes a better future for SL’s children. more..

Feb 4 (CT) Attorney General Dappula de Livera has forwarded the indictment against the ex-Directors of Swarnamahal Jewellers Pvt. Ltd., for running a financial business without a valid licence. Coordinating Officer of the AG, State Counsel Nishara Jayaratne said, the indictment was forwarded to the Colombo High Court under the Finance Business Act. She added AG de Livera had indicted Jeewaka Hemal Edirisinghe, Nalaka Edirisinghe, Deepa Edirisinghe and more..

Feb 4 (TM) Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said today that the politicians who have been in power after the Independence were responsible for creating divisions among the people and making the country a debt laden one. He pointed out that all parties in the country should work together to solve the problems in the country. The Cardinal expressed these views at the Catholic service for the 73rd Independence Day held at the All Saints Church in Borella. more..

Feb 4 (EN) So it is SL’s 73rd Independence Day and what have got eleven years after the separatist war ended but continuing contestations between communities although the guns are now silent. The major issues that caused the devastating 30-year civil war remain to be resolved and the current govt’s policies, pandering to its Sinhala Buddhist majority base is eroding even the tentative steps towards reconciliation that the last govt took. more..

Feb 4 (DM) The election of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) office bearers for 2021-2013 will be conducted on May 20. Nominations for the respective posts will be accepted on feb 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Incumbent President of SLC Shammi Silva is expected to seek re-election, with former Vice President K. Mathivanan expected to challenge him. Along with the President, SLC membership will elect two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer & Assistant Treasurer. more..

Feb 4 (FNA) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated Sri Lanka on the national independence day, voicing Tehran's willingness to further expand ties with the Asian country. Prez Rouhani in a message on Thursday congratulated SL Independence Day to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the people of the country. He further expressed the hope that both sides would expand bilateral relations in various fields. Rouhani also wished his counterpart health and success more..

Feb 4 (AD) Dr. Neville Fernando who was receiving treatment for coronavirus infection has passed away this evening, the Ministry of Health confirmed. He had been receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda. Upon testing positive for the COVID-19 virus, he had been under medical care at the ICU of Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital before being transferred to the IDH. more..

Feb 4 (CT) SJB has received a favourable responses from at least 90 per cent of UNP members on the request extended to join them, SJB General Secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara said during a Media briefing on Tuesday. He said, “The SJB had called for a unification with the UNP on several occasions and we are now getting a positive response from UNP members. We have also managed to attract the majority of voters who had previously favoured the UNP as well.” more..

Feb 4 (CT) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Govt and international and local NGOs on Tuesday (2) to carry out demining activities. MoU was signed at the State Ministry of Rural Housing and Construction and Building Materials Industries Promotion. The Govt expects to complete demining projects that commenced in 2002 by 2022. In 2010, the National Mine Action Centre was established for coordination between demining agencies with support of SL Army. more..

Feb 4 (TM) Breaking its prolonged silence, the Mahapola Trust Fund (MTF) last week urged the Prez Secretariat to take immediate legal action against SL Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), based on the final report of the inquiry conducted by the Prez Commission into allegations of fraudulent transactions several years ago. Even though the probe was conducted in 2018 by the Prez Commission on Corruption, more..

Feb 4 (FT) The Cabinet has approved a resolution by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to make preparations to host the 55th Annual Conference of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Colombo. According to Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella, the Governing Board of the ADB has approved plans to hold the 55th annual summit of the organisation in Colombo in May 2021. Sri Lanka is to enter into a MOU with ADB on various aspects of the conference, including its theme. more..

Feb 4 (DM) While providing national security and being alert to any threats or disasters or any other challenges whatsoever, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said it is mandatory for the Army to be in a state of all time preparedness. He said the Army was able to provide invaluable services and commitment to fight against COVID-19 pandemic and protect public in a convincing and confident manner. In his Independence Day message, the Commander said as members of the Army, more..

Feb 4 (Island) Tamil Progressive Alliance leader SJB MP Mano Ganesan recently said that people who had voted for the SLPP expecting true leaders to develop the country had instead got a bunch of dealers. Addressing the media in Colombo, MP Ganesan said that prior to the presidential and general elections a political campaign led by Gotabaya Rajapaksa the people had been promised that the country would more..

Feb 4 (CT) Two unidentified persons entered a house occupied by an elderly woman and had chopped off one of her fingers to rob a gold ring she was wearing, Balangoda Police said. The 83-year-old woman, a resident of Ellepola area in Balangoda, was admitted to the Balangoda Base Hospital following the incident. Police inquiries revealed the woman was alone in her house at the time the robbers entered her house and chopped off her finger before fleeing with her gold ring. more..