Jun 19 (TM) Govt’s proposed 21st Amendment, which has been delayed from being taken up at the Cabinet for approval, is to be presented to Cabinet tomorrow for approval after reaching a consensus with Prez Rajapaksa and the ruling SLPP, it is learnt. Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that the draft 21st Amendment would be taken up for approval at the Cabinet meeting on Monday since a consensus more..

Jun 19 (TM) The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) yesterday rejected allegations that operations at the Port of Colombo had been affected due to the ongoing shortage in fuel. Responding to a question from The Sunday Morning, SLPA Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna said that operations at the Colombo Port had not been affected by the shortage of fuel as the SLPA was receiving adequate fuel at present, and was maintaining a buffer stock as well. “There has been no impact on operations. more..

Jun 19 (ST) With existing fuel stocks almost exhausted, the Government yesterday imposed an information blackout on fuel distribution by removing distribution lists published by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and shutting down the newly launched online platform providing information on fuel availability. The fuel distribution lists that had been published by the CPC for yesterday (18) were removed first from the corporation’s websites and social media accounts. more..

Jun 19 (ST) Sharp divisions within the Gotabaya-Ranil govt threaten to derail the passage in Parliament of the 21st Amendment. There is growing disapproval within the majority partner of the ruling disposition, SLPP. A sizeable number argue that the overriding need now is to alleviate the worsening hardships faced by the people due to shortages of essentials. When 21A reaches Parliament for approval, after a month, more..

Jun 20 (DM) On Sunday last, we were told how senior journalist Jamila Hussein was allegedly prevented carrying out her duties by a section of the protestors outside the home of business tycoon Dhammika Perera. What was worse, was that females were among the mob which blocked Hussein. Later Hussein was able to escape to her vehicle and flee the area. On May 9, after pro-govt mobs streamed out of Temple Trees and started attacking unarmed, peaceful demonstrators more..

Jun 20 (DM) All eyes are on the CEB. But why now and what is at stake for the working people? I address below the dangers of privatising CEB, the IMF’s push for market pricing electricity and the problematic Adani-deal. For over a decade the privatisation push that came along with the second wave of neoliberal policies characterised by financialisation, urbanisation and infrastructure build out had put reform of CEB on the agenda. Reform in this context is a euphemism for privatisation more..

Jun 20 (DM) The protest at Galle Face is continuing despite Prez Rajapaksa refusing to step down. Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris is a key figure in the struggle at Galle Face and he is confident that the main objective of the protest will be met. In an interview, Rev. Fr. Jeewantha Peiris responded to criticism with regards to the protest at Galle Face, claims of a division among the demonstrators and the future of GotaGoGama. more..

Jun 20 (ST) From Mullaitivu to Kurunegala to Athurigiriya, fury erupts among snaking lines of Sri Lankans hopelessly waiting for days on end for fuel. Finally, unity binds the Sinhalese, the Tamils and the Muslims in their collectively deep anger against a Govt that has forsaken public trust. But is this too late as the country heads into dangerously uncharted waters of non-governance with dollar and rupee reserves reduced to zero due to a cabal of thieving and incompetent political leaders more..

Jun 20 (CT) Amidst SL’s fuel crisis, fuelled by a US dollar shortage to make imports, a foreign news agency yesterday quoting officials said the military opened fire to contain rioting at a fuel station. It said, “Troops fired in Visuvamadu, Mullaitivu, 365km north of Colombo on Saturday night as their guard point was pelted with stones”, Army spokesman Nilantha Premaratne said. Police said, four civilians and three soldiers were wounded when the Army opened fire for the first time to quell unrest more..

Jun 20 (GV) The socio-economic edifice that is SL’s informal sector is collapsing. According to 2020 Labour Force Survey, informal sector accounts for 58.1% of the total employed. That is 4.65 million people (62.1% male). Most have little formal education (nearly one million studied only up to grade 5 or less; 2.6 million between grades 6 to 10). Almost 2 million are in elementary occupations, gruelling work with no job security, more..

Jun 20 (CT) It started with Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR), the strong man president who like a wizard promised vistas of prosperity and splendour through an undefined alternate development path. In the end, that path turned out to be a highway to economic disaster. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa (MR) who was also the Minister of Finance took up the task of financing GR’s highway. Eventually, it became too hot to handle and soon imported his other sibling Basil Rajapaksa (BR) from US more..

Jun 20 (TM) One man’s vainglory has become a nation’s death throes. In Belgian cartoonist Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin comics, the diva Bianca Castafiore is heard to trill the following libretto from an aria misattributed to French composer Charles Gounod’s opera Faust in her shrill soprano timbre: “Ah, my beauty past compare; these jewels bright I wear.” This ghastly scenario of a grande dame admiring the decrepitude of grandeur can well apply to SL, that one-time pearl of Indian Ocean; more..

Jun 20 (ST) Cabinet Minister Prasanna Ranatunge sits comfortably in the House when, had it not been for a judge’s leniency, he should be doing hard labour at another Govt institution: the Welikada Prison. He sits not merely unfazed in Parliament as Govt Chief Whip but occupies, unperturbed, a seat in the Cabinet as SL’s Minister of Urban Development and Housing. Not even two weeks ago he had been found guilty of demanding 64 million bucks, with the threat of violence, more..

Jun 20 (DM) A general election could be held if that is the only option available to bring political stability, SJB MP Harsha De Silva said. Dr. De Silva came out with this idea at a press conference in response to a questioned raised by journalists on holding a general election in March next year. "We are not insisting that an election should be held but it should be considered if that is the only option available," he said. "Some people hold a wrong idea about finding funds for a general election. more..

Jun 20 (CI) A magnificent maiden ODI century from Pathum Nissanka and a well-paced innings from Kusal Mendis, that was only ended by what appeared to be cramp, headlined a record Sri Lanka chase against Australia to earn them a 2-1 series lead with two games remaining. Nissanka and Mendis added 170 for the second wicket before Mendis, who was barely able to walk, had to leave the crease having received treatment over more..

Jun 20 (Island) JVP has made a volte-face, and its ranting is trailing off as the seriousness of the prevailing crisis sinks in. It used to have the public believe that it could resolve the economic crisis single-handed, provided it was allowed to take up the reins of govt. But today it is offering to join others in making a concerted effort to enable the country to manoeuvre out of the present crisis. It says it is willing to be part of an all-party govt to be set up for a specific period––albeit conditionally. more..

Jun 20 (ST) Five of the six simmers expected to compete at the ongoing FINA World Swimming Championships had a heartbreak as their travel to Hungary was denied due to a visa issuance stoppage affecting the country as a whole. This year’s Long Course World C'ships, which started only yesterday, is being held at Budapest, Hungary. However, SL-born Aniqah Gaffoor, living in Thanyapura, Thailand, is the only Lankan to compete this time since she is a FINA more..

Jun 20 (ST) With the longest queues on record, Sri Lanka’s worst-ever fuel crisis has now reached a critical point, bringing misery to millions as vital sectors teeter on the brink of collapse. As the last vessel carrying a stock of 40,000 metric tonnes (MT) of diesel imported under the USD 500 million Indian credit line reached the country on Thursday (16), Govt admitted it did not know when the next fuel shipment would arrive. more..

Jun 20 (AD) Veteran actress Liyoni Kothalawala has passed away at the age of 78, family sources confirmed today. A well known name in Sri Lankan cinema and tv industry, she had starred in a number of popular films, teledramas as well as stage dramas. Kothalawala was the recipient of several national awards for her acting and contributions to the field. Her remains will be placed at a private funeral home in Colombo from Tuesday and the final rites will take place at the Borella Public more..

Jun 20 (FT) Consulate General of SL in Melbourne has implemented a digital Consular Counter Management System to provide efficient consular services to the large number of Sri Lankans in the Australian states of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. This App was launched to reduce the operational expenses of the Consulate General, falling in line with the Govt policy to reduce expenses, while delivering a better service. Consulate General in Melbourne receives more..

Jun 20 (Island) Former Test captain Arjuna Ranatunga’s hopes of contesting for the post of Secretary at the upcoming AGM of SSC have been squashed. The club had informed the World Cup winning captain that he’s ineligible to contest due to the fact that he is an Honorary Life member of the county’s leading club. Ranatunga will be now contesting for a post in the SSC ExCo. AGM will take place on Friday (24). Arjuna has been a member of SSC for more than 40 years. more..

Jun 20 (EN) SL’s Ceylon tea exports dropped by 17% to 19.72 million kilograms in May 2022 from a year ago and dollar earnings were down 14% to US$ 93.7 million, industry data shows as the country grapples with the effects of a fertilizer ban and forex shortages. In rupee terms export in May were up 54% to 33 billion rupees, SL Tea Board data showed. The average free onboard price for a kilogram of Ceylon Tea had risen to US$ 4.75 US in May 2022 from 4.59 a year ago. more..

Jun 20 (MFA) Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Secretary General of Int'l Federation of the Red Cross and Permanent Representatives of China, European Union, Australia, Republic of Korea, Germany, Netherlands and Jordan in Geneva on the sidelines of the 50th session of the UNHRC. At the meeting with Michelle Bachelet, HC for Human Rights, more..

Jun 20 (AD) SL Army (SLA) issued a statement clarifying information regarding the tense situation reported near an army checkpoint in Vishwamadu last night (19), which had led to soldiers firing into the air in order to control the situation. “An orchestrated attempt by an unruly mob, most of who were confirmed drunk, to provoke Army personnel manning a guard point in Vishwamadu area in Mullaittivu was thwarted by firing several warning shots to the air after those drunkards began more..

Jun 20 (ST) The amendment to the SL Electricity Act has been welcomed by those in the power sector and already some are canvassing for power plants, renewable industry officials say. Despite the power sector unions and opposition parties opposing the amendment saying it removes competitive bidding for new power projects, more and more businessmen are coming forward with new power project plans, officials said. Unions have claimed that amendment was made to rush through more..

Jun 20 (Island) Dudley Sirisena, who owns one of the biggest rice mills in the country, alleged that the govt lacked the will to implement price control on selected varieties of rice. He said, as it seemed indifferent to the growing crisis, he felt the need to take a stand. But, the govt was yet to support his initiative, he added. President of Rice Millers’ Association and Chairman of Araliya Group, Sirisena, one of those widely accused of more..

Jun 20 (DM) Claiming that some scammers were defrauding money from people promising them foreign employments, SLBFE warned people seeking foreign employments to be cautious of such scams. SLBFE said in a statement that the rackteers had published in various media that they had recieved foreign employments specially in countries such as Japan, Romania, South Korea and Israel. Several incidents where people had got caught to such scams were reported in various parts more..

Jun 20 (FT) Multi-billionaire Ishara Nanayakkara is confirming he is bullish on the banking sector despite its challenges by expanding his footprint with a strategic entry into the DFCC, SL’s pioneering development finance institution-turned commercial bank. Already the biggest financial services provider via LOLC Group and Browns Investments (BIL), Ishara has acquired 10% stake for Rs. 2.2 billion. This investment comes hot on the heels of over Rs. 5 billion investment last year in HNB, more..

Jun 20 (TM) Petroleum Trade Unions’ Confederation (PTUC) has claimed that the amount of fuel produced at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery has dropped significantly due to the low quality of crude oil imported to SL, as well as the inability to carry out refining operations at full capacity due to insufficient stocks of crude oil. PTUC Convener Ananda Palitha said: “The refinery needs about 5,500 metric tonnes (MT) of crude oil to operate at full capacity. However, as there is no definite date for the arrival of more..

Jun 20 (FT) Korean SPA Packaging (KSPA) has recently signed an agreement with the BOI with respect to the resumption of the operation at the defunct Embilipitiya Paper Mill, which had discontinued its production since 2012. The project, which is a $ 16 million-investment in its first phase, aims at manufacturing industrial grade papers for the direct and indirect export market by upgrading machinery and infrastructure. KSPA is 100% SL owned, BOI accredited portfolio company of more..

Jun 20 (Island) Archbishop of Colombo Rt. Rev. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has issued an ominous warning that the country struggling to cope up with extreme economic difficulties would be ruined unless the political party system and the people readily accepted the urgent need for a total transformation of the current utterly corrupt way of life. The Cardinal declared that the situation was so bad with large-scale exodus now threatening more..

Jun 20 (DM) Govt officials said that no curfew or lockdown had been planned for the coming days, but schools would switch to an online learning method and govt employees would begin a work-from-home policy for two weeks. A message circulating widely on social media said that "Public administration and defence discussed a lockdown and no date had been given yet. Get all your essentials, not sure. They know there's going to be mayhem within the next three weeks. more..

Jun 20 (TM) Both the SLPP and the PM’s Office have denied reports that Prez Rajapaksa has informed a group of SLPP MPs to nominate an SLPP MP who can win the confidence of a majority in Parliament for the post of Premier, following a possible removal of incumbent Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe from office. When contacted by The Morning to confirm this, SLPP General Secretary, MP Sagara Kariyawasam said: “I do not know whether some SLPP MPs have been more..

Jun 20 (EN) Protestors banded together in a human chain from Temple Trees, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s official residence to the iconic Gota go Gama in front of Prez Rajapaksa’s office asking the two to step down as a currency crisis worsened. Protests which reduced after Wickremesinghe was appointed are starting to gather pace as shortages continue with the central bank unable to restore monetary stability. more..

Jun 20 (DM) LITRO Gas Lanka Ltd has issued a statement clarifying the truth behind the Freight Costs pertaining to the 280,000 MT International LPG Tender for the period 2022-23. The statement said that LITRO Gas Lanka Ltd had recieved three tenders from Siam Gas Trading, OQ Trading and BB Energy (Asia) Ltd. "Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC) decided to award the tender to Siam Gas Trading. However, govt was not in a position to fulfill the condition to more..

Jun 20 (AD) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) says that there will be no power cuts between 7 a.m. and 12 noon for two weeks from tomorrow (20). This decision was taken following a request from the Ministry of Education in order to facilitate online education. PUCSL chairman Janaka Ratnayake said that accordingly power cuts of 2 hours and 30 minutes will be imposed between 12 noon and 10.30 p.m. during this period. Ministry of Education announced that all schools within more..

Jun 20 (FT) Govt’s struggle to deal with growing fuel shortage and queues continued as public outcry worsened with fears over minimal supply in the next few days. In response Minister Kanchana Wijesekera appealed to the public not to queue up for next three days saying proper distribution will only be restored by Thursday. Separately the Govt is also mulling a new scheme to supply fuel to three-wheelers & motorcycles. more..