Apr 8 (DM) Fundamental Rights petition filed by the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) seeking an order directing the Minister of Energy to forthwith continue to supply fuel to the CEB was today dismissed by Supreme Court. SC three-judge-bench comprising Justice Gamini Amarasekara, Justice A.H.M.D. Nawaz and Justice Mahinda Samayawardena refused to issue notices on the respondents and dismissed the petition in line. In its petition, the PUCSL is also seeking an order more..

Apr 8 (AD) Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, who tendered his resignation as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has decided to remain in his position until the end of April. He conveyed the decision while delivering a special statement in the House today. Siyambalapitiya also noted that he would not be using the privileges entitled to the post of Deputy Speaker effective from April 05, the date of submission of his resignation. After the SLFP’s parliamentary group decided earlier this week more..

Apr 8 (DM) Chants of slogans demanding the incumbent Prez and his family relations to step down are being echoed from all corners of the island on a daily basis. The spate of public protests gained momentum following the public uprising on March 31, near Prez’s private residence in Mirihana. At present both the young and the old, irrespective of religion, caste or differences, continue to take to streets demanding rulers to end corruption more..

Apr 8 (EN) Central Bank under its newly appointed CB Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe has raised its policy rate at which money is printed by 700 basis points to 14.5% to slow the economy, reduce imports and stabilize the currency. SL had low interest rates, including rates below the the interbank dollar yield as shown by swap discounts. The higher rates will encourage the sale of dollars. Hike is the highest since a 300 basis point increase by then-Governor A S Jayewardene on 18.01.2001 before a float more..

Apr 8 (DM) Attorney General's Department has categorically denied withdrawing any indictment pertaining to politically exposed persons during the tenure of the present Attorney General and rejects all reports to the contrary. The statement has been issued following a decision taken at a meeting conducted with the Senior Officers of the Attorney General's Department to address the matters raised by a group of Attorneys at Law and clarify the factual position pertaining to the matter. more..

Apr 8 (DM) There is more than a 25% shortage of essential medicinal drugs and equipment in the country due to the devaluation of the rupee against US dollar, and it will turn into a massive life threatening, even larger than the loss of lives die to Tsunami and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, All-Island Private Pharmacy Owners' Association (ACPPOA) President Chandika Gankanda said. He said that they had requested former more..

Apr 8 (CT) Govt should guarantee that a parliamentary election will be held in the next three months, and an Interim Govt with an acting President who can lead the country should be formed during that time, Leader of the TNPF, MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam said. He said that the current parliament should be dissolved and a People’s Parliament formed to benefit the citizens of the country. Meanwhile, an interim govt should be formed with public input more..

Apr 8 (EN) There is an extreme urgency for Sri Lanka to begin in-depth talks with the IMF, the European Delegation to Colombo said as the island’s soft-pegged nation printed unusual volumes of money and is unable to import fuel and medicine. “We stress the extreme urgency of the situation, which requires the authorities to start in-depth discussions with the IMF on the reforms needed to bring the SL economy back to a sustainable path,” statement said. SL has been wracked by more..

Apr 8 (DM) Transport Ministry said that special transport arrangements have been made to facilitate the commuters who will be travelling during the New Year season conveniently from Colombo and suburbs to their distant home towns, Transport Ministry said. They said the transport services are scheduled with the support of the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), the National Transport Commission (NTC) and Railway Dept. As such, trains will run until April 14 from Colombo more..

Apr 8 (NR) MP Bandula Gunawardana says they have taken two important decisions to resolve the problems in SL’s Balance of Payment, foreign exchange, depletion of reserves, repayment of loans and other long term economic issues that were ignored. Speaking in Parliament today the MP said the govt plans to join hands with international financial bodies such as the IMF which Sri Lanka is a member, in order to obtain technical assistance to resolve the economic crisis. more..

Apr 8 (PTI) Chief Minister M K Stalin apprised the Centre that Tamil Nadu is ready to ship essential commodities like rice and life saving drugs to SL, considering the welfare of Tamils and sought permission for its distribution there through the Indian HC. Stalin spoke over phone to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and expressed his deep concern over the plight of Tamils in Lanka, who have been hit hard by the never seen before more..

Apr 8 (CT) Govt of SL’s (GoSL) face value money printing (FVMP) debt decreased by 4.36% (Rs 116,838 million) to Rs 2,564,268.97 million (Rs 2.5643 trillion) yesterday aided by transactions between the GoSL and the Central Bank of SL (CBSL). Nonetheless, GoSL’s FVMP debt has been over Rs 2 trillion for a record consecutive 54 market days to yesterday due to a lack of revenue. GoSL’s highest to the 148th highest FVMP debt has been registered in 148 consecutive market days more..

Apr 8 (EN) SL rupee traded around 326 to the US dollar during the day on Friday, dealers said, while the secondary market awaits the monetary policy review today evening. At the policy meeting later in the day, the central bank has tightened the policy by increasing the rates by 700 basis points. The Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 700 basis points to 13.5% and 14.5%. “The Board, having noted inflationary pressures more..

Apr 8 (TM) Subsequent to recent news reports that have appeared on media outlets regarding several controversial figures leaving the country through the BIA, Airport and Aviation Services (SL) (Pvt) Ltd. (AASL) said that any Sri Lankan who is legally entitled to travel overseas will be able to avail of such facilities at the BIA in Katunayake while if a court order has been issued to prevent a passenger from leaving the country, more..

Apr 8 (DM) The representatives of the SLFP, SLPP and 11 affiliated parties of the Govt have informed the Prez in writing about the measures that need to be taken to address the present crisis in Sri Lanka. The proposals have been submitted in a joint letter to Prez Rajapaksa. In the letter, the representatives have articulated the importance of forming an interim all-party govt. Besides, it has also been proposed to appoint a National Executive Council which will thereby provide necessary instructions more..

Apr 8 (SLN) SL Navy nabbed 02 suspects with about 956g of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and a dinghy, during a patrol in seas north of Talaimannar this morning. SL Navy has been conducting regular patrols in waters around the island to prevent smuggling of drugs and other forms of illegal activities. During a similar patrol, an Inshore Patrol Craft attached to the North Central Naval Command detected a suspicious dinghy in seas north of Talaimannar on the morning of 08th April and more..

Apr 9 (DM) The country’s Rajapaksa dynasty is facing its toughest challenge yet as protesters demand that the president step down amid a devastating economic crisis. “The current situation is a complete repudiation of the Rajapaksas. The people have no other call than to ask them all to go, to leave politics, because they have been greedy, incompetent and they cannot govern,” said Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, Executive Director of Center for Policy Alternatives. more..

Apr 9 (DM) I am glad that our country has finally woken up and taken its destiny in its hands. Citizens have taken the responsibility for themselves and their future. It took a long time but at last it has happened. We shall not give up this struggle for a new country and a clean system. Let us never think of giving it up. We shall overcome. We are going through the labour pains of birthing a new nation. We will have to go through some rough times. We will learn to be patient, hardworking, more..

Apr 9 (DM) Go Home Gota and/or Gota Go Home is the resounding clarion call that is currently motivating and mobilizing a number of protest demonstrations throughout SL. The underlying thread is that SL’s Prez Gotabaya (Gota) Rajapaksa should resign and quit. The social media too is replete with demands of a similar nature. Even the Boney M Group’s 1979 Album Oceans of Fantasy lead single Gotta Go Home more..

Apr 9 (DM) With the ruthless war criminal Vladimir Putin unleashing Russian troops to attack thousands of civilians including children, women and men in neighbouring Ukraine, the world is witnessing one of the biggest battles between democracy and dictatorship. Traditionally democracy is built on four pillars—the executive, the legislature, the judiciary and the free media. All four need to play a responsible role, so that the sovereignty and the economic needs of the people are met, more..

Apr 9 (Island) A massive public riot, at the approach to Prez Rajapaksa’s private residence at Pangiriwatte Road, Mirihana, could have been avoided if the top ruling SLPP leadership swiftly responded to the growing public disenchantment with the govt, though it was by then almost an impossibility due to the bankrupt situation the country was facing, foreign exchange wise. Last Thursday’s (March 31) protest and subsequent clashes therein sent shock waves through more..

Apr 9 (CT) The power dynamics in Parliament has undergone a complete transformation or a sea change. Though the control of the Govt has not been taken away from the ruling coalition, their power has diminished significantly. Currently, the Govt has only 117 MPs at its disposal. Due to 42 SLPP MPs deciding to remain independent, Opposition has been able to increase its seats to 108. It is too early to state whether the MPs more..

Apr 9 (GV) Sri Lankans living in the country or abroad  feel more than a tinge of pride at how people are standing up against the corrupt govt. They are protesting against all odds as basic needs  such as  gas, electricity, medicine and food  are in short supply or simply not available. Our patience has finally run out. SL is no stranger to corruption, nepotism, racism, police brutality and censorship. At this historic moment, one can’t help but wonder why we did not protest when more..

Apr 9 (CT) Several years ago, when the current Prez came forward with his Viyathmaga proposal and wanted to lead this nation, the Friday Forum warned of the inherent risks for our country, in a statement with the above title. Today we are living this reality. People from all walks of life are on the streets, despite a curfew, protesting their refusal to tolerate any longer the socio-economic crisis that the country is facing, because of incompetent, corrupt and irresponsible governance & abuse of power. more..

Apr 9 (CT) As of now, protests have become a facet of life in Sri Lanka as voices grow for the ouster of the President and the ruling Rajapaksa dynasty. SL Rupee is officially the worse performing currency in the world, trailing even the Russian Rouble, according to the Financial Times. Queues keep growing longer and longer for fuel, there is a critical dearth of essential goods including medicine and constant power cuts disrupt the daily life in the island teetering on economic meltdown. more..

Apr 9 (Island) The incumbent govt has failed miserably, and the people have a legitimate right to demand its ouster, and hold protests to achieve their goal. Perhaps, they would not have had to take to the streets in this manner, asking Prez Rajapaksa, PM Rajapaksa and others to go home, if the LG elections had been held on schedule; they would have been able to give vent to their pent-up anger through the ballot, and thereby belie the got’s claim that the majority of voters are still with it. more..

Apr 9 (CT) This year, the Sinhala and Tamil Avurudu, Easter and Ramazan, three main festivals celebrated by Sri Lankans coincide in the same month. Yet, Pettah’s streets that usually overflow with people during the festive season still look like an ordinary Sunday. Ceylon Today wandered through the streets of Pettah to find what kept the public away from getting ready for three main festive celebrations. more..

Apr 9 (ST) Whether SL should seek IMF assistance or not! This has been a major question which has baffled the govt within as well as outside. It has been a temporary question anyway, because the time is coming for keeping all disputes aside, no matter how painful it would be particularly for those with vested interests. However, it is not the main question that SL must worry about right now. Before we turn to the main question at hand, let me elaborate the background, which is interesting. more..

Apr 9 (FT) Japan assisted Nipuna Saviya – Sewing and Training Centre located in Beruwala Divisional Secretariat, Kalutara District was declared open with the representatives of the Embassy of Japan in SL, Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotions and Market Diversification, Int'l Organization for Migration (IOM) and International Labour Organization (ILO) recently. Nipuna Saviya – Sewing and Training Centre was funded by the Govt of Japan with approximately $ 1.7 million more..

Apr 9 (Island) Opposition trade union activist Ananda Palitha says large stocks of both diesel and petrol are available at the Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela storage tanks, but they are not efficiently delivered to filling stations. The retired CPC employee said that the govt should inquire into the continuing chaotic situation. Kolonnawa and Muthurajawela are the main distribution points whereas sufficient storage facilities more..

Apr 9 (Island) Esports was recognised as an official sport by the Ministry of Youth & Sports in 2019 and has seen rapid growth thanks to the sustained efforts of the Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA) – the official governing body for Esports in Sri Lanka. With many international Esports events on the horizon, SLESA will launch the Sri Lanka Esports Nationals 2022, the national team selection trials, to choose Esports athletes to represent Sri Lanka at international Esports events. more..

Apr 9 (CT) Oshada Fernando (109) and Kamindu Mendis (87) helped Kandy continue their dominance against Jaffna on day two of the final of the National Super League 4-Day Tournament being played at Galle International Cricket Stadium. Adding another 156 runs to their overnight score of 288/2, Kandy posted a mammoth 444 runs after being put in to bat. Kandy resumed day two with Oshada Fernando and Kamindu Mendis at the crease. The duo added 188 run partnership for the third wicket before more..

Apr 9 (CT) Middle distance runner Gayanthika Abeyrathne once again came up with an impressive performance clocking 4 minutes 12.41 seconds in the 1500m in a rain hampered first day of the 100th National Athletics Championship which commenced at Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama on Friday. 35-year-old who trains under Sajith Jayalal, set a SL record clocking 4:09.12 last year to achieve qualification standards (4:12.00) for both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, more..

Apr 9 (FT) Daily COVID-19 detections remained below 100 for the second day in a row with 80 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday. The previous day, 83 COVID-19 patients were detected. 2,468 PCR tests and 1,920 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Thursday. SL’s total COVID-19 patient count currently stands at 662,505. This includes 74,853 detections this year, as well as 483,090 patients from the New Year cluster, 82,785 patients from the Peliyagoda cluster, more..

Apr 9 (FT) The current political crisis could cause $ 50 million loss per day or rising, private sector revealed yesterday, whilst fearing a drop of around 30% from the export revenue from this month onwards. A total of 23 major associations, representing key industries of the economy in one voice called on the MPs of all political parties to come up with a viable long-term proposal to urgently start negotiations with the IMF along with more..

Apr 9 (FT) World Health Day (WHD) is held each year to commemorate the establishment of the WHO as a specialised agency in the UN system. Proposed by the first World Health Assembly of Member States in 1947, 7 April has marked WHD since 1950 as an opportunity to draw global attention to critical public health issues. WHO is issuing an urgent call for accelerated action by leaders and all people to preserve and protect health and mitigate the climate crisis under the WHD 2022 theme of more..