Jul 22 (EN) Nation-wide inflation rose 58.9% in the 12-months to June 2022 the worst so far in the history of the island’s Latin America style central bank, with unrestrained monetary policy slamming into a non-credible soft-peg now called a flexible exchange rate. SL began printing money despite having a peg around Aug 2019 under flexible inflation targeting with stimulus (output gap targeting) and sharply ratcheted up more..

Jul 22 (Island) Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the Prez yesterday. Amidst a host of paeans to him, we believe that a word about the unsuccessful candidates in Wednesday’s contest in Parliament is in order. Dissident SLPP MP Dullas Alahapperuma, who was expected to be a dark horse, lost Wednesday’s vote in the House, but he certainly won the hearts of all Sri Lankans who desire an early end to the corrupt Rajapaksa rule, which has become a curse to all citizens save those more..

Jul 22 (AD) A Gazette Extraordinary has been issued by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe calling in the tri-forces to maintain public order island-wide. The communiqué was published yesterday in terms of Section 12 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40). Meanwhile, the military, the police and the STF had raided the protest site at Galle Face Green last night, clearing the Presidential Secretariat’s entrance of protesters. A tense situation ensued as the troops stormed the premises more..

Jul 22 (DN) SL 800m champion Gayanthika Abeyratne will compete in the 800m race today at the World Athletic Championship in USA at 5.40 a.m SLT). The 35-year-old experienced athlete is confident that she might qualify for the second round said SL team coach Sajith Jayalal said. Gayanthika and Nilani Ratnayake (3000m Steeple Chase athlete) are in USA for this meet and both of them are training with Sajith Jayalal. “Actually here in USA as a coach I have a big responsibility more..

Jul 22 (DM) The number of COVID cases is on the rise these days, and the current batch of Pfizer vaccines will soon expire, the Colombo Regional Epidemiologist said. Therefore, she requested people who are over 20 years old and their elderly relatives to get the jabs against COVID-19 virus from the CMC Vaccination Centres tomorrow. She said people who are eligible to get the vaccine should be over 20 years of age and should have completed three months since their last COVID jab. more..

Jul 22 (TM) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) urges the appointment of a strong multi-party administration that will be acceptable to all sections of the public, including those who have been demanding a system change. Chamber expects that once a new administration is formed under the leadership of newly elected Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, it will focus on resuming discussions with the IMF urgently to reach more..

Jul 22 (ANI) As Sri Lanka continues to suffer the blow of a poor economy and political turmoil, India's High Commissioner to SL, Gopal Baglay said that India will continue to assist the people of the island nation and contribute to the country through investments. "The type of assistance and support India has rendered to Sri Lanka, it hasn't rendered to any other country ever to the best of my understanding. We'll continue to be supportive of the requirements of the people of SL," he said. more..

Jul 22 (AD) Sidelining of JR Jayawardena within the UNP came to a peak in early 1970s by the Senanayake camp. Many expected him to cross over to the SLFP which was running the country but JR never gave up (Ref memories of late ACS Hameed). In 1973 JR became the leader of the opposition then Prime Minister IN 1977 and later President in 1978. He took oaths at the Galle face green under the sun on an open daise. JR once said that he worked hard to climb the spiral stairs more..

Jul 22 (Island) The SLPP MPs who, until a few months ago, had branded Ranil Wickremesinghe a traitor had now rallied behind him, Omalpe Sobitha Thera said. This shows that these MPs will do anything to retain power and has little regard for the aspirations of the people, the Thera said. “All SLPP member from Mahinda Rajapaksa to backbenchers have accused Wickremesinghe of treachery. Now they are ready to take a bullet for him. So maybe, their accusations against Wickremesinghe more..

Jul 22 (AD) In its commitment to ensure the responsible disposal of plastic waste, Hemas Consumer Brands, a leader in SL’s FMCG sector, signed a MoU with Cleantech Pvt. Ltd. As part of the project, plastic litter left behind at public events and public spaces will be collected and recycled as the partners work together to conserve the environment. The Hemas Group has pledged to raise awareness, champion advocacy through partnerships and rally people into action to safeguard environment more..

Jul 22 (TM) Although two SJB National List Opposition MPs had expressed their desire to resign from their positions as MPs to enable former Speaker of Parliament and incumbent NMSJ Chairman Karu Jayasuriya the opportunity to enter Parliament, SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa had allegedly vetoed the move. Sources close to Premadasa claimed that in the early days of the talks regarding the formation of an interim more..

Jul 22 (Island) Bank of Ceylon, SL’s No. 1 banking brand was once again listed among the world’s top 1,000 banks listing, with a ranking of 800, up 53 places from the previous year, making BOC the highest ranked Sri Lankan bank in the listing’s history. ‘Highlighting the Bank’s capital health, the inclusion in the ranking by The Banker Magazine UK once again reaffirms Bank of Ceylon’s robust Tier 1 capital adequacy and asset base, further cementing the Bank’s standing as the No. 1 bank in SL more..

Jul 22 (FT) Consequent to the request of the Embassy of SL in Washington, D.C., and under the guidance of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, Heart to Heart International, a renowned global humanitarian organisation in the United States made a generous in-kind donation of urgent medicinal supplies worth $ 908,547 (i.e., Rs. 326,077,518.30) to the people of SL. In coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in SL, this first consignment of medicinal supplies, more..

Jul 22 (TM) The SJB claimed yesterday (21) that not a single MP from the SJB voted for the UNP Leader and Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday and that no one from the party will join the governing side under him. SJB General Secretary and MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara assured that despite rumours that 20 SJB MPs will crossover, not even one MP from the SJB will crossover to be a part of the new Cabinet of Ministers or the Govt to be formed by Wickremesinghe. more..

Jul 22 (AD) Bar Association of SL (BASL) has strongly and unreservedly condemned the use of force and violence last night by the authorities in attacking protestors at Galle Face in the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat. The remarks came after the Army, Police and STF stormed the Galle Face protest site last night without prior notice to clear the protesters of the Presidential Secretariat premises. It is apparent that hundreds of military personnel and police had blocked the access roads more..

Jul 22 (Hindu) Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was sworn in as President of SL on Thursday, is expected to appoint long-time Rajapaksa loyalist and senior politician Dinesh Gunawardena as PM, a source close to the President’s office said. Further, Mr. Wickremesinghe will continue with the last-appointed Cabinet until Opposition parties are ready to cooperate in an all-party govt, the source said, requesting anonymity. more..

Jul 22 (Island) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will felicitate Angelo Mathews on the morning of the second Test against Pakistan in Galle on Sunday for reaching 100 Test matches. former captain will become the sixth Sri Lankan to feature in 100 Test matches joining an exclusive club of legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Chaminda Vaas. SLC officials said that Mathews’ family will be invited for the occasion. more..

Jul 22 (ANI) US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Chun expressed deep concerns about the actions taken by SL authorities against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. Taking to Twitter, Chun asked for restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured. "Deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. We urge restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured," more..

Jul 22 (Reuters) SL security forces raided a protest camp occupying govt grounds in the main city of Colombo early on Friday and cleared out a section of it, a sign that the country's new president was cracking down a day after his swearing-in. Media footage showed soldiers in riot gear and armed with assault rifles tearing down the camp, set up in April by protesters enraged with the country's economic collapse that has caused more..

Jul 22 (FT) For the past two years I have been advancing the notion that Sri Lanka has ended one era of its civilisation and was moving towards a new one, for better or for worse. It implies that the old system has become so irresistibly corrupt that it can no longer sustain itself; it also implies that a profound transformation of the socio-political system and economy is indispensable for the country to move forward. The two public insurrections in the past could be considered as instances where more..

Jul 22 (FT) Ranil Wickremesinghe who took oaths as the eighth President faces the daunting task of leading the country out of its economic collapse and restoring order after three months of mass protests. He overwhelmingly defeated his main rival for the job, Dullas Alahapperuma, with 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary secret vote. Violent protesters last week burnt down his private home and also stormed his prime ministerial office in Colombo in demonstrations against his leadership. more..

Jul 22 (DM) As the locomotive operator was not woken up by anyone from deep slumber, many trains on the Kelani Valley (KV) Railway line have been delayed this morning, Railway sources said. They said the train was about to leave the Waga Railway station to Fort at 6.20 am, eventually left at 7.06 am after a delay of 46 minutes. "Train No. 9261 was the first train on line in the evening yesterday on the KV line, began its journey from Fort Railway Station at 4 pm & reached Waga at 5.45 pm. more..

Jul 22 (DM) While condemning the attack on Galle Face protesters, NMSJ Chairman Karu Jayasuriya said the right to dissent and to express one's opinions as well as to protest peacefully must be protected. He said that the attack by security forces targeting the citizen’s struggle at the Galle Face Green which has been capable of bridging forward SL’s politics to a critical turning point, must be strongly condemned by all parties who appreciates & aspires to maintain democracy in SL. more..

Jul 22 (AD) MP Dinesh Gunawardena has taken oaths as the new PM. He took oaths before Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning. Gunawardena embarked on active politics in late 1970s and entered the parliament in 1983 representing the Maharagama electoral district. He has held cabinet ministerial portfolios under various govts. Gunawardena has also served as the chairperson of 3 P'ment Select Committees more..

Jul 22 (AD) General Kamal Gunaratne has been re-appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe. Gunaratne, a decorated veteran of the SL Army, was first appointed to the post by former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa in November 2019. He is the former Commander Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 53 Division, Colonel of the Regiment, Mechanized Infantry Regiment (MIR) & Master General Ordnance more..

Jul 22 (EN) Lankan waters harbour four especially charismatic whales and dolphins: sperm whale, blue whale, orca and bottlenose dolphin. Scientists now know unmistakably that all four, along with other cetaceans, maintain and rely on cultures—behaviours socially learned within communities—in order to thrive. Hallmarks of social learning include imitation and teaching. Socially learned behaviour, neither genetically wired nor acquired through individual experience alone, more..

Jul 22 (AD) The swearing-in of the new Cabinet of the interim govt under Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe took place at the Temple Trees. The ceremony was held after MP Dinesh Gunawardena took oaths as the new PM this morning. Prez Wickremesinghe has decided to continue the interim govt with the cabinet ministers of his predecessor who stepped down last week. Accordingly, the ministers have been assigned the portfolios more..

Jul 22 (FT) CWC Leader Jeevan Thondaman yesterday defended his and the party’s decision to back the successful prez candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe. “For all those who had something to say about the CWC’s decision to support @RW_UNP, I would like to say that with my leadership of the organisation, I have been as transparent and open with, not just my constituents but also to others,” Thondaman said via a tweet. “In the event of a secret ballot, more..

Jul 22 (TM) Suwaseriya ambulance services turned down calls for ambulance services from the injured within Gotagogama as they were unable to breakthrough barricades set up by the military, says Suwaseriya Chairman. “We received the first call and an ambulance was dispatched to pick up an injured person. That individual was a journalist and we ensured the patient was taken to the hospital. That individual was a journalist and we ensured the patient was taken to the hospital. more..

Jul 22 (TM) SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF) has strongly condemned the incident against the attacks and arrests of journalists and activists of SL, a statement by the SJF has revealed. “We come to know video journalists Chathuranga and Kasun Kumarage of SL Press Institute has been arrested by the SL Army just before. They were reporting the tense situation at the Presidential Secretariat of SL. Likewise, Ex-reporter of Ravaya Rasika Gunawardana has been assaulted by Army,” more..

Jul 22 (ANI) As Dinesh Gunawardena took oath as SL's 15th prime minister, its local media highlighted the background of his father Don Philip Rupasinghe Gunawardena who was at the centre of the anti-imperialist and anti-colonial campaign and had played a role in India's freedom struggle. During the senior leader's education abroad, his cosmopolitan political involvement pioneering as the most outstanding rebel among the international students came to peak with his moving to UK. more..

Jul 22 (Island) Electricity Users’ Association (EUA) asked Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) two more weeks for public consultations on raising electricity tariffs. EUA Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika said that the time for public consultations ended on 18 July. “However, this was a bad time for public consultation. There was no fuel and people can’t travel around. Postal Dept was hardly operational. more..

Jul 22 (TM) SL does not need to wait for a programme by the IMF to implement essential fiscal reforms, said former CB Director Dr. Roshan Perera. She said that unless SL puts the appropriate fiscal policies in place, achieving macro stabilisation will be a far-off dream, as monetary policy has done its part through the increase of interest rates. She noted that fiscal policy has to kick in at this point to reign in demand, which is necessary to achieve macroeconomic stability, more..

Jul 22 (CT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, following the swearing-in ceremony held at Parliament, arrived at the Defence Ministry, situated at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri J'pura, Kotte yesterday. General Kamal Gunaratne, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, welcomed the Prez upon his arrival at the Ministry. During his maiden visit to a State establishment, after swearing in as the Prez last morning, Prez met the country’s defence top brass for a brief discussion. more..

Jul 22 (CT) Nationwide inflation continued to scale new highs, accelerating to 58.9% last month (June). Consequently, an ordinary family’s living expenses (monthly budget), year on year (YoY) to last month; increased by Rs 27,588.01, CSD data further showed. Inflation has been hitting record highs since April 2022, by accelerating to 33.8% that month (April), 45.3% in May and now (June 2022) 58.9%. more..