Jul 27 (FT) I had been at pains to point out to those overseas that if Gota resigned, and SL meticulously followed a Constitutional path to electing a Prez, then by definition, that was a full throttled achievement of the restoration of order everyone was clamouring for. And indeed, that came to pass, an election process quite distinct in the annals of democracy, peacefully administered. Our hearts sank though, when the very next day we were treated to headlines about a morning raid more..

Jul 27 (DM) A few ministers are likely to have a change of their portfolios when the next Cabinet is appointed with the accommodation of MPS who will join the govt from the opposition. Ports and Shipping, Environment and Power and Energy are reported to be among them. There are differences between Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and his other Cabinet colleagues on fuel distribution criterion. Now, two committees headed by PM Dinesh Gunawardane have been more..

Jul 27 (EN) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said it has appointed a panel to choose the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards for 2022. It will be headed by Ananda Mallawatantri, Sri Lanka Country Representative of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). Mallawantatri will lead the panel of evaluators to evaluate applications under three categories – Planet, People and Profit. Ravi De Silva & Sena Peiris will evaluate Planet section. more..

Jul 27 (AD) The proclamation on the state of emergency declared under the Public Security Ordinance has been passed in the Parliament of SL with a majority votes. A total of 120 members voted in favour of the proclamation while 63 voted against it, when the vote was taken this evening following the debate held since this morning. Accordingly, it was passed by a majority of 57 votes. Parliament was subsequently adjourned until Aug 9. more..

Jul 27 (DM) The status of SL’s fast-crumbling economy has been attributed to many factors, but the key reason for the downfall of the island nation is that it has been on a champagne diet with a kassipu income for a bit too long, according to a top economist in the country. Former Central Banker and economist Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaike did not mince her words when she deliberated on the crisis status of the economy last evening where she asserted need to rethink social safety nets more..

Jul 27 (AD) A suspect has been arrested in Athulkotte area with 05 tear gas canisters that were forcibly taken away by the protesters after they had been attacked by the security forces personnel at the Polduwa Junction on July 13. The police said that a group of protesters had stolen the tear gas canisters from a three-wheeler belonging to the Public Order Management Division during a protest held at Polduwa Junction on July 13. The suspect who was in possession of the tear gas more..

Jul 27 (CI) SL gained a virtually unassailable position in the second Test, as Dhananjaya de Silva hit a ninth Test century, and Dimuth Karunaratne and Ramesh Mendis joined him in substantial partnerships. But they were only able to take one Pakistan wicket before bad light set in, and 26 overs were lost to the day. Perhaps because Pakistan had chased down 342 in the first Test, SL had waited until their lead had stretched more..

Jul 27 (AD) SC has extended the travel ban imposed on former PM Rajapaksa and former minister Basil Rajapaksa until Aug 2, as they were named as respondents in a case filed over the economic crisis. A motion had been filed on July 13, seeking an order prohibiting former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former CB Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and several others from leaving the country. The motion was submitted in relation to a fundamental rights petition filed by more..

Jul 27 (FT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says a National People’s Council will be established for the purpose of taking the proposals put forward by the people to the Parliament and making an optimal effort to mediate on their behalf. “The reason for public pressure is that there is no way to implement a systematic program to implement participatory democracy.” Premadasa said adding that there should be a correct exchange of ideas between the people & leaders of the country. more..

Jul 27 (CI) In the Karachi Test in March earlier this year, Pakistan had been set a target of 506 for victory. Against an Australian attack featuring the likes of Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, Pakistan hadn't been too far from achieving that total, finishing with 443 for 7 on the final day as the game ended in a draw. Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam had put on a third-wicket partnership worth 228. Babar and Mohammad Rizwan then got involved in a century stand. more..

Jul 27 (EN) Stocks fell on Wednesday for the fourth session on weak sentiments amid concerns over economic and political crisis, however, the market has seen some buying coming in slowly, brokers said. However, foreign investors bought the island nation’s risky assets in large volume. They bought a net of 289 million rupees, the highest net foreign buying since March 30. The total foreign outflow so far this year is 696 million rupees. The ASPI edged down 0.05% or 3.48 points to 7,626.69. more..

Jul 27 (Reuters) Singapore has permitted former SL president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to stay in the island republic for an additional 14 days, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. A short-term visit pass issued when Rajapaksa arrived on a private visit two weeks ago has been extended, two separate sources in Colombo and Singapore, both with knowledge of the matter, told Reuters. more..

Jul 27 (FT) SL’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata (Dialog), is set to expand and improve broadband connectivity across the country with Int'l Finance Corporation’s (IFC) support. IFC’s loan of up to $ 150 million will help Dialog expand and improve its network capacity through the upgrading of existing sites and the construction of new 4G sites. Dialog also seeks to increase its fibre optic network footprint and implement upgrades to increase both capacities and efficiencies more..

Jul 27 (VT) London-based Holly Brown, a surgical nurse at London Vet Specialists (LVS) in Belsize Park, is leaving on 2 Aug and will be spending a month on the island working at an animal hospital for UK-based charity WECare Worldwide. Avid dog lover Miss Brown was attracted to the charity due to its incredible dedication to helping SL’s millions of street dogs. She said was excited by the challenge and is looking forward to making a meaningful contribution to a cause she has supported for more..

Jul 27 (AD) Ambassador of the US to SL, Julie Chung says she met with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe today to discuss how the island nation arrived at this point of economic and political crisis. The focus of the discussion also fell on how the two countries can work together to navigate towards a brighter future for all, the US envoy said further in a tweet. “Our countries and our people have been friends and partners for more than 70 years, relationships that will flourish in a SL more..

Jul 27 (AD) At least four persons including underworld figure Saman Perera alias Pas Podda have been injured following a shooting incident in front of the Gampaha Magistrate’s Court. The injured persons have been admitted to the Gampaha Hospital for treatment. However, one of the wounded persons is in critical condition, according to hospital sources. Police are yet to uncover any information regarding the suspects who carried out the shooting and ascertain their motive. more..

Jul 27 (EN) Health Ministry has extended the expiry date of the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccines already imported by three months on the recommendation of WHO. Ministry of Health said Director of Regulation and Prequalification Dept of WHO has communicated to the Director of the UNICEF Supply Division that the shelf life of the Pfizer BioNtech vaccine with unopened vials stored at temperatures between -90 to -60 degree more..

Jul 27 (AD) Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage has ordered to further remand the 04 suspects who had been arrested on suspicion over the incident of setting fire to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence, until the Aug 10. When the case was called before the Court today, the magistrate has also granted permission to name Ivon Perera, on whom a foreign travel ban has been imposed, as the fifth suspect in the incident after considering a request made by CID. more..

Jul 27 (DM) SJB will start up a program to force a general election shortly, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament. Mr. Kiriella who was speaking during the emergency debate in Parliament said people should be given the opportunity to elect the new govt of their choice as they want it. “Also the ruling party has lost its mandate as the Prez, PM and the cabinet had resigned. Those in the ruling party had appointed their own people to the govt. more..

Jul 27 (DW) As SL's political and economic crisis continues to spiral downward, trade with neighboring India is grinding to a halt. Many Indian exporters are keeping trade suspended over fears that payment from SL partners will not arrive as access to capital and loans dries up. India is SL's third-largest trade partner, and one of the largest contributors to foreign direct investment (FDI). Following months of mass demonstrations, more..

Jul 27 (AD) SL’s Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) added their support to national efforts aimed at enhancing food security, with the launch of a new campaign to boost cultivation on RPC lands, while providing crucial assistance to their employees in mitigating the impact of increasing food prices. In total, the 24 private sector-owned RPCs in the country have collectively either engaged in direct cultivation or provided assistance for the cultivation of short-term crops used for everyday more..

Jul 27 (DM) Claiming that the protesters who are engaged in the struggle are attempting to destroy the State tactfully with the backing of external forces, MP Wimal Weerawansa said such moves should be defeated. He told Parliament that they would vote in favour of the proclamation of emergency regulations, because they wanted to prevent the state being destroyed. Weerawansa said the people protested to evict former Prez Rajapaksa and that they could not approve of the moves to evict all rulers more..

Jul 27 (DM) SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka today said he and his party will join in the final battle to remove corrupt rulers from power on Aug 9, 2022. Speaking during the emergency debate in the House, Field Marshal Fonseka said incumbent PM Dinesh Gunawardene might have to become the Prez of this country after Aug 9, 2022. “If the current Prez thinks he can suppress any uprising the way they did in 1988/89, he is mistaken. The world and protesters are much more developed now. more..

Jul 27 (DM) SLT-Mobitel yesterday announced a national proposal to enhance critical services and sectors, and digitally empower citizens. The new system change proposed by SLT-Mobitel places digitally empowered citizens at its foundation, with digitalisation of identities and strong digital security and privacy. This will serve as the building block for new technological innovations that can strengthen digital commerce and e-governance in all aspects of operations critical to the county. more..

Jul 27 (ANI) USAID chief Samantha Power lauded India for reacting swiftly to help Sri Lanka by providing humanitarian assistance and added that China had offered opaque deals to the island nation. "Govt of India has reacted swiftly with an absolute critical set of measures. The govt of India has already supplied 16 million dollars in humanitarian aid to SL. It has exported a hundred thousand tonnes of organic fertiliser to help more..

Jul 27 (DM) Those in the opposition should join to form an all-party govt and support the incumbent Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, SJB MP Kumara Welgama told Parliament today. “I would like to tell those in the opposition that there is no point in us staying in the opposition. We should therefore become a part of an all-party govt. People will remove the incumbent President if he goes wrong and will be grateful to him if he does good,” MP Welgama told Parliament. more..

Jul 27 (CT) Three-wheeler owners and drivers are urged to register their vehicles with their respective Police Divisions and designate one fuel station before 31 July 2022, since three-wheelers will only be allowed to obtain fuel from the fuel station where they are registered beginning 1 Aug. Meanwhile, the CPC has revised the quantity of diesel and petrol to be issued per vehicle category per week. Accordingly, the weekly diesel quota for buses will be 40 litres, 4 litres for quadricycles, more..

Jul 27 (Reuters) The IMF said Sri Lanka should kick off debt restructuring talks with its bilateral lender China, while the island state’s government seeks a financing loan from the Washington-based fund. “China is a big creditor, and Sri Lanka has to engage proactively with it on a debt restructuring,” Krishna Srinivasan, director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Dept, said. The island of 22 million is currently engulfed by its most more..

Jul 27 (DM) Police released a set of photographs of a group of suspects wanted over the incident of setting fire to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence in Colombo on July 9. Police said the investigations into the arson attack on the Prez's private residence was being carried out by the CID. They said the investigators were looking to identify a group of persons identified as the main suspects involved in causing damage and setting fire to the house based on the CCTV footage and more..

Jul 27 (AD) Vajira Abeywardena was sworn in as the UNP’s National List parliament today. He took oaths before Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. A Gazette Extraordinary was issued on July 22, appointing Vajira Abeywardena to the UNP’s National List parliamentary seat left vacant after Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected to the office of Head of State. The gazette notification was published by the Election Commission pursuant to the powers conferred by Section 64(5) more..

Jul 28 (DM) Aragalaya. Translatable as revolt, uprising, protest, agitation, struggle or even insurrection. Aragalaya is singular, but considering statements and actions it was certainly not marked by concert, ideological agreement, unity of purpose etc. Eclecticism was the signature of the rumbling. There was mumbling, nothing more, about system-change, but a revolution it certainly was not. So, aragalaya: singular; aragala: plural. The latter is the better descriptive. more..

Jul 28 (DM) SL’s youth - female, male and young adults - play the powerful role in the spontaneous and historic public uprising which led to the seemingly strongman Prez Rajapaksa fleeing the country in an Air force flight to the Maldives. After he announced on July 9 that he would be resigning on July 13 from the Maldivian capital, Rajapaksa flew to Singapore from where he sent his letter of resignation to speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene. Speaker summoned an emergency meeting more..

Jul 28 (DM) For the first time in the history, Inter-university Student Federation (IUSF) appears in a different light in the eyes of most of the masses. The prime reason behind this is the contribution rendered by the IUSF to make the Aragalaya a success. Sri Lankans, irrespective of race, religion, or social class, collectively protested against the worst economic crisis exacerbated by the Rajapaksa regime. more..

Jul 28 (CT) Yesterday the Govt of SLPP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa and UNP Leader and President Ranil Wickremesinghe passed emergency laws as expected in Parliament. Such a bipartisan Govt is obnoxious because it came into being not through the mandate of the island’s 15 million + voters, but by the 225 MPs in Parliament, thereby going against the spirit of the law, though, constitutionally correct. SLPP commands 145 MPs in the 225-member House. more..

Jul 28 (TM) Lanka Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) announced this week that it is planning to start two dedicated bus services from 1 Aug for school children and people travelling to hospitals, taking into account transport-related difficulties caused by the prevailing fuel shortage. This initiative is to be launched with the support of Ministry of Education, SLTB, and CPC, and the relevant authorities have agreed to provide the necessary fuel for this service, according to the LPBOA. more..