Jan 18 (EN) Sri Lanka is working with authorities in Italy to repatriate the remains of veteran Sri Lanka singer Neela Wickramasinghe, the foreign ministry said. She was serving as Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Milan. “The remains of the late Consul General Wickramasinghe is currently at the San Raffaele hospital in Milan and will be repatriated to Sri Lanka upon completion of relevant formalities, in coordination with the authorities in Italy and Sri Lanka,” the foreign ministry said. more..

Jan 18 (TM) Responding to allegations that the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) is servicing its maturing International Sovereign Bond (ISB) with a payment of $ 500 million today (18) despite facing a crippling foreign exchange shortage only because the investors of this particular bond are connected to CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and the Rajapaksa family, Cabraal said that a country does not need enemies when more..

Jan 18 (DM) A large number of SJB MPs were not in the Parliament chamber when President Gotabaya Rajapaksa addressed Parliament today. Those who were absent were Harin Fernando, Manusha Nanayakkara, Harsha de Silva, P. Digambaram, Thalatha Athukorala, Rajitha Senaratne, Patali Champika Ranwaka, J. C. Alawathura, Kavinda Jayawardene and a few others. Dr. de Silva when inquired said he could not attend as his mother-in-law passed away during the weekend. more..

Jan 18 (TM) Association of National Organisations Representative Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa Thera said that Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith must encourage the Govt and support its actions to stop Islamist extremism, whilst adding that certain individuals must stop politicising the Easter Sunday terror attacks. “The Archbishop has many ideas and opinions these days. We would like to request him to co-operate with the Govt and to encourage the Govt more..

Jan 19 (DM) A few days ago, Christians were shocked to hear an arm of the security forces claim, they had discovered a bomb/grenade at All Saints’ Church in Borella. According to the police, the bomb was discovered on a tip-off from an anonymous public source. The police also took into custody the Sacristan (caretaker) of the church and a 13-year-old boy. What was and continues to be sad however, is the fact that hardly anyone gives credence to the police claim. more..

Jan 19 (DM) The Politicians of SL have uttered some historically memorable words in their tenure. For example, it was Minister Bandula Goonewardena who said some years ago that an ordinary family could sustain themselves by Rs.2,500 for a month. Wimal Weerawansa, once invited Sri Lankans citizens to boycott Coca Cola, email, google and youtube. But that was some time ago. Now we have Sarath Weerasekera. Earlier in these columns too, we have expressed more..

Jan 19 (DM) Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila takes questions from DailyMiror regarding SL’s agreement with India to develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm and the foreign exchange crisis affecting the fuel supply. Q: You have signed an agreement to develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm jointly with India. India is a country which has geopolitical interests in SL. Don’t you think that this agreement will leave room for India to more..

Jan 19 (CT) The media has reported that Prez Rajapaksa will be announcing a new policy on national reconciliation in his address to parliament at the inaugural session following prorogation last month. Apart from bringing peace of mind and comfort to those bereaved by the 3 decades long war, the central issue of national reconciliation is to find an equitable solution to the ethnic and religious conflicts that have plagued the country since dawn of independence more than 7 decades ago. more..

Jan 19 (CT) SL’s economic value in GDP terms according to the World Bank (WB) was US$ 80,676.68 million ($80.68 billion) in 2020 as per its recent findings. Among 213 economies captured by the WB in this regard, Sri Lanka was ranked 67th, with the USA being the largest economy with a GDP value of $ 20,893,746 million ($ 20.89 trillion). In a marine disaster caused by a British Petroleum (BP) oil rig, operating off the shores of the USA, in U.S. territory, exploding in 2010, more..

Jan 19 (CT) Dairy farmers in SL have been suffering immensely since their longstanding issues had not been addressed by the authorities concerned. The farmers of Katupathwewa said, they have no systematic way of selling their dairy products. However, now they were happy to note that Department of Samurdhi Development has initiated a programme known as Saubagya production village to resolve their issues. more..

Jan 19 (Island) Protests were expected at the inauguration of the current session of Parliament yesterday, but the Opposition behaved; it only boycotted Prez Rajapaksa’s tea party. The Prez also struck a conciliatory note in his speech, calling for everyone’s support. Prez Rajapaksa never misses an opportunity to make a public display of his long suit—protecting national security. He declared that key issue facing the people when he became Prez in 2019 had been threats to national security. more..

Jan 19 (TM) Talks between CPC and CEB regarding the provision of fuel to the CEB for power generation purposes have now come to a standstill, after the CPC demanded that advance notice be given by the CEB to obtain fuel and that payments for fuel be paid in US dollars. While the two ministers in charge of the two institutions, i.e. Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila & Power Minister Gamini Lokuge, have disagreed on the terms and conditions of the agreements 2 institutions have entered into, more..

Jan 19 (ST) It is difficult to figure out whether the crisis in governance in the country is the result of rank incompetence or simply unwise decisions taken without adequate thought. In the past, SL govts have made errors in judgement when taking important decisions. In the future too, govts are likely to make mistakes as all human institutions are prone to error. However when it comes to taking wrong decisions this Govt must take the cake. Practically every decision it takes is clouded in confusion more..

Jan 19 (Island) I have known about the Transparency International SL as the watchdog for ensuring transparency, accountability, integrity, dignity and honesty of the public service. I have heard them resorting to seeking legal remedies when these qualities have been found to be wanting in various matters of public importance. The current sorry state of the nation on the verge of bankruptcy is due in large part to the lack of these essential qualities, resulting in corruption among more..

Jan 19 (CI) Regis Chakabva provided the innings' early impetus, Craig Ervine hit 91 and put on 106 with Sean Williams, and Sikandar Raza struck a half-century late in the piece to get Zimbabwe to 302 for 7. But the visiting bowlers had to hold their nerve too. In the face of a Dasun Shanaka hundred, which threatened to turn the game after SL's terrible start, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava bowled exceptional more..

Jan 19 (FT) SL’s COVID-19 case count rose to 597,707 with the detection of 672 COVID-19 positive persons yesterday. The patients detected yesterday include 667 persons from the New Year cluster and five overseas arrivals. The previous day, 681 persons from the New Year cluster and seven SL overseas arrivals tested positive for COVID-19. 6,618 PCR tests and 2,842 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Monday. In total, 492,737 persons from the New Year cluster, 82,785 persons more..

Jan 19 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 12,632 persons on Monday, including 10,101 persons who received the booster dose. 4,754,141 persons have received the booster dose in the country, which is 32.5% of the population over 20 years. A total of 16,208,326 persons have received the first vaccine dose and 13,873,905 persons have received the second dose. 75.39% has received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 64.53% has received second dose as well. more..

Jan 19 (EN) Sri Lanka has spent US$ 664 million in providing reserves for imports in Nov and Dec 2021, as the central bank tried to implement a 200 to the US dollar peg while printing money to sterilize the same dollar sales at fixed interest rate of 6%. The central bank bought US$ 61.7 million from forex markets where compulsory surrender rules have been imposed, creating money, and spent US$ 372.35 million for imports in November. more..

Jan 19 (ST) The newly-dawned New Year will be of new experience for Sri Lanka Squash (SLS) as the body is set to host the International Professional Squash Association’s (PSA) tournament with the country set to stage for the first time. The tournament, to see a maximum of 32 of the world’s best players participating, is to be worked off in May, and will be a highlight in SLS’s calendar of 2022, where other local and international action is also aimed to keep its players packed. more..

Jan 19 (Island) Moose Clothing Company, SL’s ever versatile and youthful clothing brand is ready to partner with SLC as the Official Overseas Team Sponsor of Sri Lanka cricket for multiple series throughout the year starting with the SL vs Zimbabwe tour 2022. As an ardent supporter of sports in SL, Moose Clothing Company have stepped up on previous occasions to support the much-loved local sport of cricket when they signed up for the England Tour of Sri Lanka 2021 more..

Jan 19 (TM) SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has taken a decision to cancel the licence of tourist establishments that follow the discriminatory policy of foreigners only, thereby not allowing local tourists into such establishments. The SLTDA said: “Should there be a formal complaint and found to have been discriminatory, we would not hesitate to suspend or cancel licence, including informing travellers more..

Jan 19 (EN) State Minister Channa Jayasumana has ruled out the need for a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, pointing to early though as yet unconfirmed indications that the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is coming to a halt with the Omicron variant. “We don’t think we have to talk about a fourth dose just yet, so we are not buying vaccines for that purpose at the moment. However, if an unexpected situation does occur where a fourth dose is necessary, we have plans in place, and we are ready to more..

Jan 19 (ST) Agriculture authorities have stated that the rules for a new Chinese organic fertiliser shipment will still apply and that they should supply in line with the SL requirements subjected to tests at local laboratories. While there has been no communication from the Chinese fertiliser company Qingdao Seawin Biotech Company, the Agriculture Department Director General Dr. Ajantha De Silva said the payment (for the failed shipment) has gone through and if SL is to purchase from more..

Jan 19 (FT) CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal called on the banking sector to be agile in order to stay the course and fuel confidence and economic stability to steer through the challenging times. Emphasising that agility is a key ingredient in times of turmoil, he outlined six focus areas that the banking sector should ponder on to overcome the headwinds. These include thinking out of the box, taking bold decisions, erring on the side of more..

Jan 19 (Island) A buoyant CSE in 2021 saw capital- raising increasing to a record Rs. 124 billion. The previous highest, in a 10-year time span was in 2018, amounting to Rs. 105 billion, CSE chairman Dumith Fernando said. “Last year, of the capital raised, a record Rs. 84.4 billion was via debt and Rs. 39.4 billion in equity. CSE also saw 28 new listings, including 14 debt IPOs and 13 equity IPOs, Fernando told the media while announcing the CSE’s achievements in 2021 and more..

Jan 19 (DN) Daraz, South Asia’s leading e-commerce platform, unveiled its new brand look today – building on a successful 2021 of significant progress for the company. Bjarke Mikkelsen, CEO of Daraz Group, said the launch marks an exciting step forward for the business. “Daraz has grown so much over the past seven years, and as we move into the next chapter of our journey, now is the right time for us to evolve the brand to showcase how we are shifting gears as a business to drive more..

Jan 19 (Island) Emirates has announced it will add five more flights to SL, offering customers 26 weekly flights to Colombo, including a daily service from Male to Colombo. Starting from 10 Feb, the added services will offer customers more travel choices and flexibility to SL’s commercial capital. The added services will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Emirates flight EK654 will depart Dubai at 10:35hrs and arrive in Colombo at 16:25hrs, local time. more..

Jan 19 (ST) Ministry of Economic Policies and Plan Implementation has called for details regarding the utilisation of lands by all state departments in order to ensure the proper management of non-financial assets of the govt. Issuing a circular last week to all Ministries, State-owned Enterprises, Corporations & Depts, Comptroller General’s Office of the Ministry requested all Heads of govt institutions to submit updated information on lands under the custody of respective state entities before April 30. more..

Jan 19 (ST) The forex crisis and an inability to open Letters of Credit (LCs) are just the tip of the iceberg affecting the supply of medicines to SL. Stakeholders noted that market deficits will only get worse as the economic crisis hits an already mismanaged medicine procurement system. Consumers said that access to daily medical requirements was becoming increasingly problematic due to unavailability and more..

Jan 19 (Island) PM Rajapaksa, on Sunday, declared open the Tomlin Park and the Municipal Car Park built for the convenience of pilgrims visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The Tomlin Park, with state-of-the-art resting places have been built by the Strategic Cities Development Programme and the Siyak Nagara Development Project of the Govt, under the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing. After the opening, the Premier visited the Park and was briefed by Principal Adviser, more..

Jan 19 (CT) Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a brilliant knock of 86 to guide Sri Lanka to a 109 runs win over Scotland in the first match of the Commonwealth Games Women’s Cricket Competition Qualifier at Kinrara Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. Batting first, SL posted a mammoth 182 runs in their allotted 20 overs thanks to a mesmerizing innings from skipper Chamari Athapaththu. She would have been eyeing her 2nd T20I century, but unfortunately fell just short, more..

Jan 19 (FT) The country’s manufacturing and services sector expanded in December as per the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) compiled by the Central Bank. CBSL said the manufacturing PMI indicates that manufacturing activities sustained the expansion on a month-on-month basis in Dec 2021, recording an index value of 58.1 mainly due to the expansion in New Orders and Production. more..

Jan 19 (FT) An awareness meeting on the proposed Pooneryn Wind Solar Energy Park project was held at the Conference Hall of the District Secretariat office, Jaffna last week. Northern Province Governor Jeevan Thyagaraja was the Chief Guest at the event which also saw the participation of SL Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Eng. Ranjith Sepala, District Secretary Jaffna K. Mahesan, Additional District Secretary Jaffna M. Piratheepan, SL Sustainable Energy Authority Director more..

Jan 19 (FT) Boat and ship building industry has recorded a 90% increase in its export earnings to $ 82.64 million last year, despite COVID-pandemic challenges. “With the limited support the State extended, the boat and ship industry has shown its knowledge, expertise, competitiveness, and resilience last year. We are ambitious to reach a $ 100 million export target for this year,” State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera said. He said boat and ship building could become a strong export more..

Jan 19 (Island) Colombo District SLPP lawmaker Madura Vithanage yesterday denied making an attempt to help fugitive Jayalath Krishan Peiris leave the BIA, recently, having arrived from Dubai. MP Vithanage said that Peiris was on the same Emirates flight 652 with him though they weren’t together. “Yes, I knew him though didn’t in any way try to take him out through the VIP section,” lawmaker Vithanage said. more..

Jan 19 (CT) TNA criticised the SLPP Govt’s Policy Statement which was delivered by Prez Rajapaksa yesterday, during the ceremonial opening of the Second Session of the 9th Parliament. MP M.A. Sumanthiran charged the policy statement of the Govt, delivered to the Legislature, by the Prez, had not contained any meaningful statement with regard to the resolving of the vexed national issue. Hence, he said the request made to the people of the North and East to support the Govt in its efforts more..

Jan 19 (FT) Former IGP Pujitha Jayasundera had made prior warning about the Easter Sunday attack on Catholic churches to four of the top Police officers including DIG Western Police and to the DIG in charge of the STF, said Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon yesterday before the trial-at-bar at the Colombo High Court. DIG Tennakoon made this assertion before the three judges of Trial-at-Bar, giving evidence led by Deputy Solicitor General Deleepa Pieris. more..