Jul 8 (DM) The SL Govt is to raise concerns with the United States over an updated travel advise which maintains that there is a threat of terrorist attacks in SL. Foreign Ministry sources told Daily Mirror the concerns will be raised with the US Embassy in SL and with the State Department through the SL mission in Washington. Sri Lanka is concerned that the updated travel advise issued on Tuesday (6) continues to maintain that terrorists may attack with little or no warning in Sri Lanka. more..

Jul 8 (DM) The second edition of the Lanka Premier (LPL) is set to be rescheduled to November, it is reliably learnt. According to highly placed sources at SLC, the decision was taken after the organisers had a meeting with Minister Namal Rajapaksa on Thursday morning. The main reason for rescheduling the tournament, which otherwise was to be held from the end of this month, is due to the non-availability of the few foreign players because of the other leagues to be played elsewhere. more..

Jul 8 (CI) SL batting coach Grant Flower tested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday, three days after the squad returned from their tour of England. For now, it is not clear what impact this news will have on the home series against India, which is due to start on Tuesday. With Flower being the only member of the squad testing positive so far, SL's medical staff are hopeful the assignment against India will not be impacted, particularly as more..

Jul 8 (DM) A cabinet Memorandum was presented last week in view give priority to import electric vehicles to reduce air pollution in the country, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. He said the decisions were taken considering the economic, environmental and health issues caused by air pollution. "The health sector has to spend about eight percent of the GDP on preventing diseases caused by air pollution. The main cause of air pollution is the release of toxic gases more..

Jul 8 (TM) The rubber gloves industry in SL meets over 5% of the global demand for a variety of gloves, from disposable and reusable household gloves to industrial and surgical gloves with various specifications, according to the Export Development Board (EDB). Manufactured mainly with natural rubber latex made in SL, and imported synthetic rubber, rubber gloves from SL are used primarily in the medical, dental, industrial, pharmaceutical, and food handling sectors, with global health more..

Jul 9 (GV) Over a month after a fire broke out onboard the MV X-Press Pearl that brought about the worst ecological disaster, Sri Lanka is still far from recovery. The inferno of the chemical-laden cargo ship that was anchored about 9.5 nautical miles northwest of Colombo turned our picturesque beaches that were once teeming with life into pellet-filled wastelands. The ship carried about 1,486 containers, with 81 one them containing dangerous goods. more..

Jul 9 (CT) On one hand, terrorism can be defined as the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. On the other hand, it is a violent operation that is being well organized consciously, willingly, and voluntarily. Wherefore, terrorism must not be a part of any human behavior for any reason for it harms and injures humanity in every field. However, terrorism as a term cannot be restricted to merely armed struggles. more..

Jul 9 (DM) SL physicist and economist Prof. Mohan Munasinghe recently received the prestigious Blue Planet award from Japan’s Asahi Glass Foundation -- an international award considered equivalent to an Environmental Nobel Prize. Prof. Munasinghe has developed innovative concepts such as the integrative, trans-disciplinary Sustainomics framework, Balanced Inclusive Green Growth more..

Jul 9 (CT) US military left Bagram Airfield - its key base in Afghanistan - in the early hours of 2 June, without notifying the Afghans, the base’s new Commander General Asadullah Kohistani said. The US announced that it had vacated Bagram, effectively completing its military campaign in Afghanistan ahead of the official end date of 11 September, announced by President Joe Biden earlier this year. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan is more than 90% completed, more..

Jul 9 (TM) Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!. These are the famous words uttered by awed onlookers when the most iconic superhero of all time, Superman, flies above them. An observer of SL’s political landscape and its election trends could very well apply this quote to the average SL citizen and voter. All too often it seems like Sri Lankans as a population are waiting for a miracle worker, a magician, or a superhero to come along and cure the nation of all its ills more..

Jul 9 (SO) Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said that the ongoing dialog among the constituent parties in the Govt is good. If the Opposition sees this as a crisis within the Govt, the people will finally get the best result out of it. Minister said that he is hundred percent sure that all coalition parties of the Govt would extend their support to defeat the main Opposition, SJB sponsored No Confidence Motion more..

Jul 9 (TM) Intimate-partner violence (IPV) is one of the many unfortunate subjects that has captured the limelight during this pandemic. What was often documented as an act particularly targeting women, it is now being reported as being experienced by men having experienced the exact same thing. The only difference is less exposure due to gender stereotypes, which is ironic, considering that men themselves are considered as the wrongdoers. However, this article is not intended to more..

Jul 9 (ST) It was one of those weeks where rapid developments meant a change in focus and strategy. I had in mind the topic that I was about to focus on in this week’s column but a call on Thursday morning by my jolly-mood economist friend, Sammiya (short for Samson) set me thinking afresh. “Hello machan, how are you,” asked Sammiya. “Fine, fine,” I replied, hoping this would be a short conversation so that I could go back to my planned topic-of-the-day column. more..

Jul 9 (CT) The govt has announced that it is taking steps to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a law that is more in conformity with international standards. The Foreign Ministry reported it had informed the EU of action underway to revisit provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act with the study of existing legislation, past practice, and int'l best practices. The EU was informed of the decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers to appoint a Cabinet Sub-committee more..

Jul 9 (SO) Police officer Ranjan Jayatilaka could have spent his retirement singing to his heart’s content but his hidden potential as an athlete has come to the fore as he engages in his newest passion. He has confounded even Masters as veterans in any sport, bagging 25 medals within a span of just one and half years. In fact, he proudly claims to be the first singer to represent SL in the World Masters Athletics C'ship. Since the age of four he has been acclaimed for his singing talents more..

Jul 9 (CT) Nine athletes, nine dreams, a lifetime in the making. This may sound like a cliched hyperbole, but for Team Sri Lanka, and indeed their contemporaries the world over, the reality is likely far more surreal. For an athlete there is no greater feeling than representing your nation and the Olympic Games embodies the pinnacle of that achievement. An event that allows you to showcase your talents to the world, more..

Jul 9 (TM) SL Retailers’ Association (SLRA), apex body of SL’s Organised Retail Sector (ORS) consisting of last-mile retailers, met PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on 30 June to address the issues and difficulties they are faced with due to Covid pressures in the country. Representatives of SLRA also requested the PM to institute relief measures through the Ministry of Finance for their sector’s smooth functioning in the Covid environment. During this meeting, which was also attended by more..

Jul 9 (FT) Ceylon Graphite Corp. (Ceylon) has announced the execution of a MoU with two subsidiaries of Lanka ORIX Leasing Company Group (LOLC) to explore new opportunities and products. Pursuant to the MoU, Ceylon, through its subsidiary Plumbago Refining Corp B.V. (Plumbago), and LOLC, through its subsidiaries LOLC GEO Technologies Ltd. (LOLCGT) and LOLC Advanced Technologies Ltd. (LOLCAT), will work together to develop new graphite mines more..

Jul 9 (TM) Following the sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl via a website for a period of three months, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of SL (TRCSL) pointed out the need for updated legislation and stricter actions when these websites are brought to the attention of the authorities. TRCSL Director General (DG) Oshada Senanayake said that the TRCSL cannot block websites at its own discretion, more..

Jul 9 (Island) Our honourable representatives are a bunch of shape-shifters capable of assuming various forms including those of knights-errant ever ready to fight for the members of the Fourth Estate in distress. Their transmogrification into the saviours of journalists occurs when they are in the political wilderness, and they never miss an opportunity to make a public display of what they claim to be their love for the media. Alas, these saviours change into werewolves the moment they savour power, more..

Jul 9 (CT) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has terminated the contract of one more franchise of the Lanka Premier League (LPL). As Ceylon Today learns the defending champion, Jaffna Stallions. Jaffna franchise, owned by a group of investors of Indian and SL origins from different parts of the world, including from Australia, Canada, France, UK, and USA. The Jaffna franchise becomes the third team to have faced termination from the league following joint action by SLC and league rights holders more..

Jul 9 (ENS) Sri Lanka cricket is currently undergoing a difficult phase with problems both on and off the field. If one looks at their recent performances, it has been poor. It is not only about their recently concluded tour against England, where they failed to win a single match. In the last 10 T20I series, they have won just one. The scene does not look any better in the 50-over format, winning just three of the last ten ODI series. more..

Jul 9 (FT) JAT Holdings, SL’s premier finishing, living and furnishing business, yesterday formally announced its Rs. 2.23 billion Initial Public Offering (IPO) scheduled for 20 July issuing 82.9 million voting shares at Rs. 27 each. Cash positive JAT Holdings will utilise the capital to strengthen its expansion into South Asia and Africa, whilst the company has already established itself in Bangladesh as market leader in wood coatings and finishing products, transforming more..

Jul 9 (DN) Former SL Olympian and Asian Championship Medallist Damayanthi Darsha, was appointed to the Women’s Affairs Committee of Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA). Executive Committee of SLA appointed the heads of 11 sub-committees, which would look into the development of activities for the period from 2021 to 2025. Darsha, who is also the Vice-President of SLA, is the youngest SL athlete to take part in Olympics where she ran in 200 metres event at 1992 Games in Barcelona, more..

Jul 9 (TM) A foolproof liquor labelling system proposed by the authorities a couple of years ago that was finally set to come into effect this month has again been postponed further. Speaking to us, Excise Department Deputy Commissioner for Supply Chain Regulation and IT R.M. Rathnayake stated that the implementation of a sticker system for local liquor products has been postponed until August, despite the previously decided date more..

Jul 9 (FT) SL’s flag carrier SriLankan Airlines (UL) suffered a shortage of fuel while on the return leg heading to Colombo from London Heathrow Airport, according to an Airways Magazine report. SriLankan flight had to make an emergency landing in the south Indian city of Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) after being denied by Muscat, the capital of Oman, according to the report. On 6 July, SriLankan flight UL-504 operated by an Airbus A330-300 (4R-ALR) departed London Heathrow for Colombo, more..

Jul 9 (FT) Cinemas and theatres are to reopen while adhering to strict health and safety guidelines from next week. “Prez Rajapaksa has given the green light to reopen cinemas, subject to strict health guidelines,” a top official confirmed to the Daily FT. Exact date of reopening will be decided by the COVID Task Force. On Sunday (4), the Govt announced the revised health guidelines, providing some breathing space with a conditional resumption of business, except for the film industry. more..

Jul 9 (TM) A number of arrests were made yesterday (7) after the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Asela Gunawardena banned protests on Tuesday (6), citing a threat to public health owing to the potential for the spread of Covid-19. Former JVP Provincial Councillor Samantha Vidyaratna, All-Ceylon Farmers Federation (ACFF) National Organiser Namal Karunaratne, Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) Politburo Member, more..

Jul 9 (FT) The UNP yesterday called on the Govt to withdraw the controversial Kotelawala National Defence University Bill, condemning the decision to move ahead without adequate public consultation. The UNP questioned the decision of the Government to rush the Kotelawala National Defence University Bill through Parliament without adequate public consultation. The party urged the Govt to resubmit the bill with amendments following a period of public consultation on the matter. more..

Jul 9 (Island) A politician from the East was trying to become the leader of the TNA by creating issues among its MPs, former TNA MP, Mavai Senathirajah told the media on Wednesday. Addressing the media in Jaffna, Senathirajah said that he had informed the TNA MPs of the situation and had held discussions with several party seniors on the matter. “This politician has been telling MPs that the current leader of the TNA, R. Sampanthan is too old and on good terms with the govt. more..

Jul 9 (Island) Sakunthala Kadiragamar representing the Civil Society Collective for Covid19 Response called upon the govt to be more systematic and transparent in carrying out the vaccination drive. Kadiragamar said that there were numerous allegations of irregularities and political interference in the vaccination process in the past but admitted that it had been carried out more systematically during the past 2 weeks or so. more..

Jul 9 (DN) A friendly meeting between the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to SL Tareq Md Ariful Islam and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Capt. Nihal Keppetipola was held yesterday at the Chairman’s office of the SLPA and exchanged views with the Ambassador on the current state of the shipping industry in SL. He emphasized the importance of the Govt of SL, Govt of Bangladesh, Port of Colombo, Port of Chittagong of Bangladesh and other regional ports more..

Jul 9 (Island) National chess champion Ranindu Liyanage was schedule to leave for Russia for the FIDE Chess World Cup 2021 today. The Ananda College player has become the first SL male player in history to participate in such an event. Sachini Ranasinghe participated in the Women’s World Cup in 2012. The top 206 players in the world participate in this championship which is played on a knockout basis. It is played during a period of one and half months to find the best in the world. more..

Jul 9 (FT) SL’s COVID-19 detections rose to 269,946 with 1,270 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Among the patients detected yesterday were 1,223 persons from the New Year cluster. This brings the cumulative patient count of the Divulapitiya, Peliyagoda, Prisons and New Year clusters to 262,121. The cumulative patient count includes 167,846 persons from the New Year cluster, 82,785 persons from more..

Jul 9 (Island) A tense situation arose near the Colombo Magistrate’s Court complex when police yesterday tried to take 33 people, including Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin and the Convener of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), Ven. Rathkarakawwe Jinarathana thera, for violating quarantine laws, to a quarantine centre. They were protesting opposite the Parliament Roundabout against the Kotalawala Defence Uni (KDU) bill at the time. more..

Jul 9 (DM) While refusing claims that police were suppressing protests, Public Security Minister Sarath Weerasekara said protesters were arrested following health guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services and therefore, the blame should go to the Health DG not to the police. He told parliament that the arrests were made based on the health requirements and that it was not a political decision. He said the Health DG was issuing quarantine rules and regulations from more..

Jul 9 (CT) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday took oaths as the Minister of Economic Policies and Plan Implementation, a brand new portfolio established through an Extraordinary Gazette. PM previously held the all-powerful Finance Ministry but opted to take charge of the new Ministry paving the way for Basil Rajapaksa to be sworn in as the country’s new Finance Minister. It was speculated for a while that more..

Jul 9 (TM) Contrary to expectations, investors appeared unimpressed by the emphatic return of Basil Rajapaksa with the key Finance Ministry portfolio assigned as the Colombo stock market remained lacklustre. The All Share Price Index closed just up by only two points, sliding from its early gain whilst the S&P SL20 improved by only 23 points, or 0.8%. Turnover was below average, hitting a new low of Rs. 1.2 billion with 48.7 million shares traded. more..