Aug 11 (FT) “I found the crown in the gutter, I picked it up with the sword and the people put it on my head,” said Napoleon. Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) found the Presidency discredited and the seat vacated. He entered through a backdoor, occupied it and now expects the people to legitimise his occupation. Will he enable them with a chance to express their verdict? To strengthen his claim, he has called in IMF to speed up assistance to repair the devastated economy, and more..

Aug 11 (DM) The number of children who are currently receiving treatment for dengue virus and also for COVID-19 at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH) in Colombo is increasing, Dr. Deepal Perera said. He said that they found 25 dengue-positive cases - 18 with normal dengue fever, and another eight with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) are being treated at the hospital. Meanwhile, he stated that 9 normal COVID-19-positive children are being treated at the COVID wards, and more..

Aug 11 (ANI) Thailand has allowed former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa temporary stay in Thailand to look for permanent asylum in another country on the condition that he does not cause problems for the country. "Former SL president Gotabaya Rajapaksa will temporarily stay in Thailand to look for permanent asylum in another country," Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha said. "This is a humanitarian issue. We have made a promise that more..

Aug 11 (AD) Nihal Wedaarachchi, the brother of MP Dilip Wedaarachchi was arrested by the police today (11). According to the police spokesman, he was taken into custody in connection with the violent incidents that took place on the 09th of May. The arrestee will be produced before the magistrate’s court later today. Tangalle Police is conducting further investigations into the incident. Nihal Wedaarachchi is reportedly a former member of the Southern Provincial Council. more..

Aug 11 (CT) STF seized nearly 19,000 litres of diesel that was to be smuggled out of the Hambantota Fisheries Harbour yesterday, the largest fuel stock seized so far. STF said they seized two lorries and arrested four suspects. It is reported that this stock was to be transported to Ampara. Based on information received by the STF, the suspects were arrested in a special operation last night. A total of 1,321 suspects have been arrested in 1,387 raids conducted islandwide, more..

Aug 11 (DM) Claiming that it was pointless being party to the govt which was formed with Rajapaksas, JVP said today they were ready to react positively if a program was presented with a certain time frame to resolve the burning issues faced by the people. JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake in a reply letter to Prez Wickremesinghe's request to join an all-party-govt said all-party or multi-party govt formed by more..

Aug 11 (EN) Parliament has appointed members to its Committee on Public Finance, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said. According to his announcement made in parliament, in terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 121 of Parliament, MPs Bandula Gunawardana, Vidura Wickramanayaka, Nalin Fernando, Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Vijitha Herath, Duminda Dissanayake, Shehan Semasinghe, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and Harsha de Silva more..

Aug 11 (AD) Ambassador of the UAE, Khaled Nasser Al-Ameri called on SL’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (10). Minister Sabry briefed the UAE envoy on the current economic situation in Sri Lanka and the tangible action taken so far by the govt to increase the resilience of the Sri Lankan economy. The foreign minister also invited the UAE to engage in broader cooperation with Sri Lanka in the field of agriculture, trade and investment. more..

Aug 11 (SLN) SL Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian trawlers poaching in island’s waters today (10). The operation led to the seizure of an Indian trawler with 09 Indian fishermen, while poaching in SL’s waters off Mullaitivu, via the IMBL. The Navy continues to carry out regular patrols in island’s waters to prevent illegal fishing practices by foreign fishermen, with a view to protect the fishery resources of the country and livelihood of local fishermen. more..

Aug 11 (AD) The Ministry of Transport says that a luxury train will be operated between Colombo and Badulla starting from this weekend. The new train, which launched operations following the instructions of the Minister of Transport, has been named Ella Odyssey. The train is scheduled to operate every Saturday, departing Colombo Fort at 05.30 a.m. and arriving at Badulla at 3.55 p.m. It will depart Badulla every Sunday at 09.50 a.m. and reach Colombo Fort at 07.20 p.m. more..

Aug 11 (ANI) Australia men's cricket team have donated their prize money from their recent tour of Sri Lanka for purpose of supporting children and families which have been affected by the nation's worst economic crisis in decades. Led by Pat Cummins, a UNICEF Australia ambassador, the team will donate $45,000 to the organisation's SL appeal. Australia cricketers had witnessed the crisis first-hand during their all-format tour to more..

Aug 11 (EN) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has announced names of members that have been nominated by the Committee of Selection to serve in the Committee on Parliamentary Business. In terms of the provisions of the Standing Order 115 of Parliament and the motion agreed to by Parliament on Aug 10, the following members have been nominated with the Speaker as the Chair, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chairperson of Committees, Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition, more..

Aug 11 (AD) Protection of civil and human rights, freedom of expression and the right to dissent are of utmost importance, a group of ambassadors of the European Union countries have stressed during a meeting with SL President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (10). At this discussion, the envoys reiterated that the European Union will be a partner of Sri Lanka during challenging times. They also noted that bringing Sri Lanka back on track requires joint and inclusive action now. more..

Aug 11 (EN) Department of Immigration and Emigration has cancelled the visa of Kayleigh Fraser, a Scotswoman who had been documenting the country’s anti-govt protests on social media. Immigration officers had approached Fraser at her home on August 02 and confiscated her passport. “This is what will happen if you raise your voice against state violence in SL,” Fraser wrote on Wednesday (10), more..

Aug 11 (TM) Although a proposal to provide for the political recall of MPs was suggested to the relevant Parliament Select Committee (PSC) by Election Commission, among various other proposals for the reform of election laws and the electoral system, PSC in question has not recommended the proposal, citing uncertainty in its implementation, including issues of a practical nature. Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake said that perceiving the need for the power of recall more..

Aug 11 (EN) SL to receive a cargo of 35,000 metric tonns of petrol on Thursday August 11 with unloading scheduled for Friday, Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said. The ship will arrive at the Colombo port Thursday night, and that the payment for the cargo had been completed with the support of the Central Bank by Wednesday. Minister had said earlier on Wednesday that a separate cargo of crude oil is also expected on Saturday August 13, and from Aug 19 onwards, locally produced fuel more..

Aug 11 (TM) Parties involved in debt restructuring might bring in various proposals based on what happened in other countries, but SL should stand firm and not consider restructuring domestic debt, stressed Opposition MP Eran Wickramaratne. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, he said that SL has thus far only faced a fiscal crisis and a dollar crisis, not a banking crisis. Therefore, he said, SL should engage in debt restructuring and rebuilding the economy in a manner that will protect more..

Aug 11 (TM) Protestors of the aragalaya (struggle) attached to the RanilGoGama, formerly GotaGoGama, at the Galle Face – whose protest site at the Galle Face Green was vandalised on multiple occasions, and whose activism led to the resignation of former Prez Rajapaksa and former PM Rajapaksa – have vacated the site which was in operation since early April. Speaking at a recent press conference, a key and active member of the aragayala, Koswatte Mahanama Thera, said more..

Aug 11 (TM) In the wake of the increase in the electricity tariffs, members of the Opposition voiced their concerns on the impact of the price hike on the public amidst an economic crisis, and therefore urged the authorities to reconsider the decision. JVP Member Sunil Handunnetti said that the Govt gave the public some relief in terms of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and fuel, before placing an even bigger burden on their more..

Aug 11 (ANI) Signifying the eternal bond between India and SL, Brahmakumaris on Thursday tied the sacred Rakhi thread on the wrist of Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Gopal Baglay and other officials of the mission. "Brahmakumaris tied #Rakhi to High Commissioner and other officials of the High Commission, signifying the eternal bond between #India and #SriLanka," High Commission of India in Colombo tweeted. India is becoming a stronger and more mutually beneficial partner to Sri Lanka. more..

Aug 11 (Island) Former Minister Sarath Weerasekera, has taken exception to the withdrawal of permission granted to Chinese research vessel Yuang Wang 5 to visit Hambantota port for refueling. SL, in 2017, leased Hambantota harbour to China for 99 years. The ex-Navy Chief of Staff has raised the issue at hand at the govt group meeting, chaired by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, on Monday at the Presidential Secretariat. Among those present at the group meeting were PM Dinesh more..

Aug 11 (TM) The incidence of a racket involving persons travelling on three-wheelers and falsely claiming to have suffered accidents and injuries, using such to extort money from innocent drivers by creating a commotion and furore in public places, has been reported from various parts of the Colombo District. According to an investigation by The Morning, it was revealed that several persons who had been travelling more..

Aug 11 (TM) The prices of refrigerated products, including dairy products and meat, will be increased due to the new electricity tariff rates, warned consumer rights activist Asela Sampath. He claimed that around 6.7 million people are facing starvation at the moment, as it is almost impossible for them to purchase essential food items amidst the current economic crisis. PUCSL has granted approval to the CEB to increase the electricity bill on average by 75% for all categories. more..

Aug 11 (EN) Sri Lanka food prices have started to come down after open account imports were allowed, while more money has been allocated from a Indian credit line, Minister Nalin Fernando has said. “We decided in cabinet due to the breakdown of import activities due to forex shortages to permit open account imports,” Minister Fernando told parliament. “We have had good results over the past month. This week we have seen a fall in the price of many essential items.” more..

Aug 12 (DM) The youth of this country are set to get a golden opportunity to try their hand at being employed; even if they are students. According to a new ideology that’s being discussed at the ministry level the govt believes it’s wise to allow children between the ages of 16-20 to find employment. The time of being engaged in a job, while pursuing an education, has been decided and is placed at 20 hours per month. Thinking of this proposal we come to know that the Ministry of Labour more..

Aug 12 (ST) As I woke up this Thursday morning, I heard a catchy tune from a radio blaring in the neighbourhood. Walking into the kitchen, I asked Kussi Amma Sera whether she knew that song. “Ow Sir. Eh Polime sinduwane (Why Sir, that is the Polime song),” she replied. I quickly googled the song which is doing the rounds on social media, and listened to it. It’s a new song titled ‘Polime (Queue) by Chithral Somapala and Piyal Perera and the Gypsies, both coming from generations that more..

Aug 12 (DM) The tourism industry was one of the biggest foreign exchange earners in Sri Lanka. However, since the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 and later COVID, the political crisis and the protests, SL saw a drastic drop in tourism in SL. Daily Mirror spoke to veteran tourism industry expert and member of the recently appointed Tourist Advisory Committee, Hiran Cooray about the state of the tourism industry & the way forward. more..

Aug 12 (CT) Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), the State-owned bus operator, increased its operational loss to Rs 3.4 billion last year (2021) compared to an operational loss of Rs 2.2 billion recorded in the previous year 2020, Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 2021 Annual Report said. During the year, the subsidy provided by the Govt to undertake operations on uneconomical routes and to facilitate subsidised season tickets amounted to Rs.12.2 billion, it further said. more..

Aug 12 (GV) July 9, 2022 should resonate as a historic moment in SL’s political history – its Bastille Day. After months of public protests demanding that Prez and PM resign amidst a deepening political and economic crisis, crowds stormed into the Prez Secretariat, prez’s official residence and the official residence of the PM, dismantling every barrier that stood in their way. In the wake of this significant event, Prez Rajapaksa fled the country, and PM Wickremesinghe was elected as interim Prez. more..

Aug 12 (Roar) At the height of their power, few in SL dared to challenge the Rajapaksa family. For years the political family enjoyed the support of the masses; not only was the opposition decimated, but also had to face the wrath of the adoring masses. But when her husband, Prageeth Ekneligoda, a cartoonist and journalist went missing on 24 Jan 2010, Sandya Ekneligoda openly accused the Rajapaksas, naming them as those more..

Aug 12 (TM) During a discussion on the privileges applicable to MPs on Wednesday (10), Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena asserted that all MPs are subject to the country’s criminal law as every other citizen. This discussion commenced with regard to a recent statement made by Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, to the effect that incidents involving property damage occurring within Parliament cannot be dealt with under the ordinary laws of the country. more..

Aug 12 (CT) SL has become a bankrupt state. SL has stated that it is impossible to repay the foreign debts obtained and therefore suspended the repayments. There is a shortage of essential services and goods such as electricity, gas and fuel. There were spontaneous protests by the people throughout the island without any political leadership. These protests were peaceful and nonviolent. The main protest site Gota Go Gama at Galle Face Green was attacked on May 9th more..

Aug 12 (Island) The goal of the Galle Face protest or the Aragalaya was to send the Rajapaksas home. On 09 May, PM Rajapaksa went home. On 09 June, Basil Rajapaksa went home, and on 09 July Prez Rajapaksa agreed to go home. On 09 August, the Aragalaya went home, as cynics say! The incumbent govt, which is a Rajapaksa regime in all but name, is cock-a-hoop, thinking that its strongarm tactics have helped bring public protests under control; it is now reverting to old ways. more..

Aug 12 (TD) China has never been Sri Lanka’s biggest lender. Nevertheless, as Sri Lanka has fallen into economic woes, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, blame has turned to China. However, SL officials have repeatedly expressed the view that China is not the source of the country’s economic woes. So what’s the real story? China has certainly featured more in Sri Lanka’s economy over the last few years. Back in the early 1970s, SL borrowed around 4% of its loans from China, more..

Aug 12 (TM) The RanilGoGama (formerly GotaGoGama) protest site at the Galle Face Green, which was the face of the overall anti-Govt and anti-Prez public movement called the aragalaya (struggle), has come to an end, after achieving the maximum extent of results ever achieved by a protest in SL’s recent history. As it demanded, former Prez Rajapaksa and former PM Rajapaksa, and also the Govt led by the duo, resigned, more..