Jun 1 (AD) SLPP MP Johnston Fernando, Municipal Councillor Mahinda Kahandagama and two others have been named as suspects in the case filed over the incidents of violence on May 9 in Galle Face and Kollupitiya. They have been named as suspects in the case by the CID, which is handing the investigations into the attacks on protesters at GotaGoGama in Galle Face and MinaGoGama near Temple Trees by a group of SLPP supporters. Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena, more..

Jun 1 (EN) Stocks slipped 0.54% on Wednesday for the seventh straight session as on week sentiments. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) closed 43.40 points down at 8,064.69 on Wednesday. “The market is moving on the same sentiment, they didn’t react much today for tax hike because they are waiting for the rest of the taxes,” a top market analyst said. The analyst previously said there’s a lot of uncertainty in the market stemming from the questions on the 21st amendment. more..

Jun 1 (AD) Former MP Duminda Silva has been arrested by the CID, in the wake of the Supreme Court suspending the presidential pardon granted to him. He has been arrested while receiving treatment at the Sri J'pura Hospital, SSP Nihal Thalduwa said. Supreme Court yesterday issued an interim order suspending the special presidential pardon granted to the former MP while he was serving a death sentence. more..

Jun 1 (EN) Central Bank Governors have to be legally restrained from injecting liquidity using the absolute discretion available through flexible inflation targeting cum output gap targeting and not given more room to print money through central bank independence. Multiple central bank governors especially after 2015 printed money using flexible inflation targeting and output gap targeting (stimulus) to create monetary mayhem, borrow dollars excessively in the forex shortages more..

Jun 1 (Island) JVP trade union wing leader and former MP K. D. Lalkantha on Monday said that the day to end people’s struggle, demanding change, will soon be announced. Lalkantha said that his party had been in discussion with many other parties, trade unions, religious and civil society leaders, artistes, intellectuals and lawyers to decide on the next phase of the struggle. “That date will soon be announced. It will be the date that ends the ongoing people’s struggle. more..

Jun 1 (AD) The govt has relaxed the restrictions imposed on 369 items through a Gazette Extraordinary published on the 09th of March, 2022. This was announced in a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies today. The communiqué notes that the relevant items can now be imported without an Import Control Licence effective from the 01st of June, subject to applicable rules and more..

Jun 1 (DM) Due to adequate diesel for the private buses, the Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) has decided to stop operating from Monday (6). LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said they had to take the decision as soon as the ordinary level examination is over. He said the bus owners have to stand in queues for days to refuel their buses. Although it was stated that fuel would be issued from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depots, no formal programme was in place. more..

Jun 1 (DM) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken steps to provide relief to those who have been affected by the floods and spoke to the treasury to provide funds for relief, PM’s office said today. Accordingly, a preliminary discussion was held between the PM's Secretary Saman Ekanayake and the District Secretaries of Kalutara, Gampaha and Galle. During the discussions with the Ratnapura District Secretaries, PM said the Treasury's Operations Dept has allocated funds to more..

Jun 1 (FT) The first Annual General Meeting of the Harvard Club of SL was held virtually, electing the first President and Board of Directors for next three years 2022/2024. Harvard Alumni Association (HAA) of Harvard University had approved the establishment of Harvard Club of SL in 2021 – the official alumni organisation and the representative group for all Harvard Uni alumni as well as faculty, fellows, researchers, and all other affiliates of Harvard Uni residing in SL. more..

Jun 1 (TM) The NBRO has extended the landslide early warnings issued to Kegalle, Matara and Ratnapura districts. Level 3 (Red) warning is issued to Ratnapura, Kalawana, Elapatha, Kuruwita and Eheliyagoda divisional secretariat divisions in Ratnapura District for a period of 24 hours until 4.30 p.m. tomorrow (1). Since the rainfall within the past 24 hours has exceeded 150 mm, people living in the aforementioned areas have been urged to evacuate to safe locations to avoid risk of landslides, more..

Jun 1 (FT) SL: 2019, a lower middle income country; 2020, a bankrupted, beggared land, dependent on international charity for survival. “Poor politics has shattered my life and this is my only hope to put food on the table for my children.” The speaker is a 33-year-old SL woman who was forced by the unravelling economy to become a sex worker (Telegraph – 28.5.2022). Poor politics resulting in bad economics – more..

Jun 1 (Island) The incumbent govt was a lottery win for Ranil Wickremesinghe and a breathing space for the Rajapaksas, SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella said. Kiriella said that the makeshift govt would not be able to solve the problems the people were faced with. “This govt is without any legitimacy. It has MPs who have been bought off. It does not represent people’s wishes. As long as this govt is in existence, the international community will not consider extending any meaningful assistance more..

Jun 1 (CT) The Customs media spokesman Sudatta Silva stated yesterday (31) that Gold biscuits weighing 1.912 kg and worth Rs 43 million, were confiscated by the SL Customs sub prevention office in Kankesanthurai on 28 May. The gold biscuits were taken into custody following a tip-off where a team of sailors from the North Central Naval Headquarters in Thammenna Base in Thalaimannar swung into action and seized the contraband. “The raid was conducted around 1.2 nautical miles more..

Jun 1 (AD) SL Muslims have decided not to take part in Hajj pilgrimage this year, after taking into account the ongoing economic crisis in the country. Saudi Arabia had approved a quota of 1,585 Hajj pilgrims from Sri Lanka for the year 2022, out of the 1 million foreign and domestic Muslims allowed to travel the holy city of Makkah in the pilgrimage season. However, it was decided not to any devotees on Hajj pilgrims this time more..

Jun 1 (CI) Half-centuries from Sidra Ameen and Bismah Maroof helped Pakistan seal a crushing eight-wicket win over SL in the first of three ODIs at Karachi. After SL were bowled out for 169, thanks to a sensational spell from Ghulam Fatima, who took four wickets for 21, the batters made light work of the chase, getting to the target with 8.1 overs to spare. It included a 143-run stand between Ameen and Maroof, with Ameen dismissed for 76 just two runs from victory, while Maroof finished more..

Jun 1 (AD) IGP C.D. Wickramaratne has arrived at the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court for the case pertaining to the attacks on GotaGoGama and MinaGoGama protests sites in Colombo and the unrest on the 09th of May. The case was taken up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage, today. Additional Solicitor General Ayesha Jinasena, who appeared on behalf of the CID when the case was taken up recently, told the court that the AG had recommended to the IGP that more..

Jun 1 (DM) The govt should intervene with the regulation of passenger transportation services for three-wheelers by implementing a law to display the TAXI sign board, displaying the revised taxi fares which everyone can see clearly and to encourage the process of manufacturing and assembling solar powered electric three-wheelers locally are to be made mandatory, All-Island Three-Wheeler Drivers' Union President Lalith Dharmasekera said. He said there was no methodology to control more..

Jun 1 (MFA) The Japan Deputy Head of Mission Katsuki Kotaro met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris on 27 May, 2022 to discuss matters pertaining to bilateral engagements, domestic developments and assistance from the international community in overcoming the current economic challenges encountered by SL. Whilst appreciating the generous assistance and support extended by the Govt of Japan particularly during the peak of the COVID 19 global pandemic, more..

Jun 1 (Island) Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) has written to PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, expressing its grave concern over recent media reports of intended administrative restructuring of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) for establishing a system to import medicine, bypassing the NMRA. These attempts are being pushed by unscrupulous elements with vested interests trying to blame the NMRA for more..

Jun 1 (DM) More than 12,000 people in 2,632 families have been affected due to floods following heavy rains experienced in the past few days. As per their report, 12,172 people in Sabaragamuwa, Central and Western Provinces have been mentioned as affected. So far, no deaths, injuries, or missing have been reported. 104 people from 28 families were affected in Sabaragamuwa province; 50 individuals from 12 families were affected in Central Province; and 591 persons from more..

Jun 1 (DM) A speeding car skidded off the road and overturned near Visakha Vidyalaya on Vajira Road in Colombo last evening causing damages to more than 12 vehicles including 9 cars and two three wheelers. Police said a cab was also damaged in the accident. They said the vehicles were parked near the school as the O\L exam was underway. The accident took place as the driver had lost control of the vehicle. Police also ruled out rumors that the driver was under the influence of alcohol more..

Jun 1 (FT) Department of Immigration and Emigration has begun promoting the issuance of long-term residence visa issuance mechanism online in a bid to attract foreign inflows. The long-term resident visa program titled Golden Paradise Visa enables the issuance of residence visas for 10 years for foreigners who deposit a minimum of $ 100,000 in a commercial bank recognised by the Central Bank of SL. more..

Jun 1 (TM) Outgoing Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva, during his address to the troops upon relinquishment of his office yesterday (31) to assume duties as the new Chief of Defence Staff, said that there were ill-wishers who expected the Army and himself to fail, besides the well-wishers who expected their success. “There have been a large number of well-wishers around us who have been very supportive of us in the past and understood the work we are doing. more..

Jun 1 (EN) SLFP has removed Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva from all positions in the party. The party said in a statement on Wednesday that it only professed to express support to the govt in parliament with regard to decisions favourable to the public. “The unanimous decision of the party’s central committee is that any MP who goes against this decision and takes up a portfolio must be removed from more..

Jun 1 (TM) Petroleum Trade Unions’ Confederation (PTUC) has charged that even the limited amount of fuel received by SL has not been distributed properly – leading to shortages and queues – as a result of fuel filling station owners having to pay bribes to obtain fuel for their filling stations. PTUC Convener Ananda Palitha claimed: “The fuel distribution process has become extremely corrupt. At present, filling station owners claim that more..

Jun 1 (NR) Liquor manufacturers have decided to increase alcohol prices with effect from today. Media Spokesman of the Excise Department attributed the decision to the increase in ethanol prices and the hike in the VAT. He said VAT was increased from 8 to 12% and costs incurred increased significantly as the VAT is charged from manufacturers. He said manufacturers can either include the VAT in prices, charge a particular sum, or refrain from charging the VAT from consumers entirely. more..

Jun 1 (TM) The demand for bakery products has decreased due to the recent price hike, stated the All-Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association. Association Chairman N.K. Jayawardena said that the island’s mobile bread vendors have also disappeared due to the decrease in bakery products. “People cannot afford to buy bakery products due to the price increase. As the Association, we have no option but to increase the price when fuel, gas, flour, margarine, and egg prices increase. more..

Jun 1 (Reuters) Sri Lanka is in talks with the IMF to borrow at least $3 billion via the lender's extended fund facility (EFF), sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The island state's govt expects another round of technical talks with the IMF in early June and hopes to reach to a staff-level agreement as soon as the end of this month, two of the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. more..

Jun 1 (EN) Bangladesh gifted US$ 2.2 million worth of medical supplies to Sri Lanka on Monday (03), SL’s govt information department said. The donation was handed over by Bangladesh High Commissioner Tareq Md Ariful Islam to SL Minister of Health Keheliya Rambukwella. Due to forex shortages and the collapse of the rupee, Sri Lanka is currently facing a severe drug shortage in the country with 76 essential medicines still being out of stock to distribute within the health industry. more..

Jun 1 (CT) Due to the forex crisis, Sri Lanka is unable to purchase jet fuel from Oman and Malaysia, despite the fact that tenders were called and orders placed for USD 49 million and USD 53 million respectively. Local aviation is making colossal loses as refuelling airplanes that arrive in the Island have been halted due to the massive energy and dollar crisis. Ministry of Energy said that they have no US Dollars to import aviation fuel despite tenders been called from Oman and Malaysia. more..

Jun 2 (DM) We begin this column with an excerpt from a statement made by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to India’s NDTV at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “It is breaking my heart to watch the pictures of what is happening in SL that was once quite prosperous. It is a result of mismanagement, and therefore the most important thing to be done is to put the country back on a sound micro-economic footing,” she said. Her statement should definitely prompt more..

Jun 2 (CT) The stock market wracked by sustained uncertainty, made worse by Tuesday’s tax increases, fell for seven consecutive market days to yesterday, last seen two years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc, shrinking the economy by a record 3.6 per cent in 2020. Consequently, shareholder wealth wipe-out increased to Rs 146 billion in the seven market days to yesterday. Tuesday’s tax increases not only impacted the stock market, but also the suffering masses, more..

Jun 2 (DM) At a time when Sri Lanka’s biodiversity has been challenged by various anthropogenic factors, environmentalists continue to work in their element, doing their best to conserve the environment. Having focused extensively on taxonomy, evolution and biogeography, leading naturalist Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda was recently conferred with the coveted Linnean Medal for Zoology. more..

Jun 2 (CT) When Mahinda Rajapaksa’s plot to end aragalaya with mob violence misfired and ended in his own resignation, Prez Rajapaksa (GR) was left alone to face the mounting anger against the troubled regime. The beleaguered president looked for an escape route to deflect this anger away from him and picked Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW), at least to share that anger, and appointed him as replacement premier. RW had his own credentials to that position, not from his past career but more..

Jun 2 (Island) Ubiquitous queues have apparently come to stay. Long lines of people are seen near filling stations and cooking gas sales points; tempers flare at the drop of a hat, and fights break out. But the current fuel shortage is likely to be the least of people’s problems if what agricultural experts warn of comes to pass; there will be a severe food shortage come August. This is a frightening proposition. One can only hope that what is feared will not happen. more..

Jun 2 (DM) On April 21 SJB presented the draft 21st Constitutional Amendment Bill and one of its main proposals includes the abolishing of the Executive Presidential system. Subsequently a month later, draft Amendment was presented to the Cabinet for approval. However, several factions have expressed concerns over the draft as having excluded vital provisions including the Prez’s power to prorogue or dissolve Parliament and more..

Jun 2 (GV) Last week’s COPE inquiry into Central Bank (CB) and the economic situation revealed some rather distressing, but not surprising, revelations. The complete politicization of the CB is no surprise to any Sri Lankan; after all it is not always one leaves their ministry portfolio and is rewarded with the governorship of the CB to tweet angrily at ratings agencies. In Dec 2019, Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy resigned from his role as Governor of CB and Prof. W.D. Lakshman was more..