Aug 2 (AD) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) has issued a clarification on the misrepresentations of facts circulated with regard to the Indian Rupee (INR). A media release issued by the CBSL emphasized that the authorization of the Indian Rupee as a designated currency does not make it a legal tender in SL for domestic payments/ settlements. “Any transaction executed between or among residents in SL shall be in LKR, more..

Aug 2 (EN) Shares close up on an 18th month high on Wednesday after buying interest was channeled on clarity the banking sector on debt restructuring and tourism as July produces favorable arrivals for July. ASPI was up 0.53% or 60.11 points to 11,446.83, this is the highest the market has been since Feb 28, while S&P SL20 was up 0.35 percent or 11.47 points to 3,321.06. “Buying interest was seen in blue chip counters and the banking sector, because concerns have been lifted more..

Aug 2 (CT) Cabinet has approved Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe’s proposals to streamline the role of the Coroner and make it more efficient. Coroners are appointed in Sri Lanka on the Korala basis, municipal division and hospital basis. The Govt is of the view that the public is inconvenienced and find it difficult to get the services of Coroners due to the inability to identify the boundaries of the relevant jurisdictions, Dept of Govt Information said in a statement. more..

Aug 2 (Island) Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, PC, on Monday dismissed a revision application filed on behalf of British passport holder Kayleigh Frazer, who has been faulted by the Supreme Court for suppressing information pertaining to a case filed, also on her behalf, last year. CJ Jayasuriya declared that there was no basis for re-hearing. The CJ was responding to a motion dated 24 July 2023 submitted by Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodituwakku, Counsel for Frazer. more..

Aug 2 (AD) Multiple casualties were reported this afternoon after a passenger bus collided with a truck in Thulhiriya area. The bus belonging to Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) had been travelling from Ambepussa to Alawwa when it collided head-on with a truck transporting a load of cement that came from the opposite direction. According to the police, one woman has died while 15 others sustained injuries. The wounded are receiving medical attention at the Warakapolice Base Hospital. more..

Aug 2 (Island) Land connectivity is essential for the growth of ties between India and its neighbouring country, SL high commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda has said in an interview with The Hindu, pitching for connectivity projects resembling the Channel tunnel from the U.K. to Europe as a possible future initiative if environmental concerns are cleared. Speaking about SL Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s visit to India more..

Aug 2 (Island) NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa has accused Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe of trying to make SL an Indian state economically by allowing the Indian rupee (INR) to be used as a currency for trade settlements between the two countries. If Indian and SL Customs sign an agreement in this regard, SL will become an Indian state, Weerawansa has warned. Following Wickremesinghe’s visit to New Delhi, the two countries declared the move had forged stronger and mutually-beneficial more..

Aug 2 (FT) Hiruras Power Ltd, Wind Power Project takes centre stage in Mannar wind belt marking a significant milestone in SL’s renewable energy journey. With WindForce holding a 100% stake and a combined capacity of 15 MW, this initiative further cements WindForce’s position as a leading player in the renewable energy sector, increasing their total installed capacity to an impressive 245.1 MW. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the COVID pandemic and economic crises, more..

Aug 2 (TM) Expressing their displeasure over the lifting of the ban imposed on five Islamic organisations following the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 2019, Catholic Church claimed that Govt’s decision in this regard was motivated by the upcoming elections. The ban on United Thowheeth Jama’ath (UTJ), Ceylon Thowheeth Jama’ath (CTJ), SL Thowheeth Jama’ath (SLTJ), All Ceylon Thowheeth Jama’ath (ACTJ), and more..

Aug 2 (PMD) The distribution of land deeds for 15,000 families in the Mahaweli region will commence from the second week of this month as per the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister Roshan Ranasinghe stated. He also mentioned that steps have been taken to provide land deeds to 20,000 families who do not possess land deeds in the Mahaweli region. He expressed these views today (02) during a press conference themed more..

Aug 2 (TM) The non-appointment of two members to vacancies in the Election Commission, (EC) which should have five members, has become a hindrance in the performance of some of its duties. On 29 June, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe appointed three members to the EC, namely R.M.A.L. Rathnayake (Chairman), M.A.P.C. Perera, and Ameer Mohamed Faiz, although two more members are yet to be appointed. Rathnayake said that although the EC is able to carry out its general duties with more..

Aug 2 (SCMP) SL and India have cemented their long-standing ties with a rush of energy and maritime deals amid a push by New Delhi for more strategic influence in the region to counter China’s rising clout – even as analysts warn Colombo against becoming overreliant on its larger neighbour. Both South Asian nations agreed to boost maritime, air, energy and power cooperation, among other areas, during SL Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi more..

Aug 2 (EN) SL plans to repeal the controversial National Medical Regulatory Authority (NMRA) law Minister Keheliya Rambukwelle has said in a twitter.com message. A SL Medical Council Law will also be repealed. “Had productive meeting [with Prez Wickremesinghe] on a few issues,” he wrote. “[First and most] important, NMRA & SLMC acts are to be completely repealed to allow a more open & fair market.” NMRA added additional regulatory burdens amid charges of corruption. more..

Aug 2 (Island) The TNA, clarifying its position on a political solution to the ethnic issue, says it has been its position that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution should be fully implemented. TNA MP M. A. Sumanthiran has, in a statement, said there has been absolutely no change in the position of the TNA that Provincial Council elections must be held without further delay and enhanced and meaningful devolution ensured. more..

Aug 2 (DM) Umariya Singhawansa, the sister of Umara Sinhawansa who made headlines for the distorted singing of the National Anthem at the LPL opening, said today that her sister does not deserve whatever that is happening at the moment as there are much bigger issues underlining this country. “While there are much bigger issues underlining this country, they will always find other irrelevant, trivial things to magnify and blow out of proportion," she posted on her facebook. more..

Aug 2 (AD) Popular SL singer Umara Sinhawansa has been summoned to the Ministry of Public Admin, Home Affairs, PCs and LG in order to obtain a statement about singing the national anthem in an alleged distorted manner during the opening ceremony of the 2023 LPL. Accordingly, the ministry has informed Sinhawansa to appear before the ministry today. With the controversial matter going viral on social media, PM Dinesh Gunawardena has called for a report from the Secretary of more..

Aug 2 (JN) Japan and China have locked horns over aid diplomacy to emerging and developing countries in key maritime locations. The Japanese govt has condemned China’s so-called debt trap financing in which developing countries are saddled with debts and China obtains the rights to use ports and other local infrastructure. Japanese govt aims to help such emerging and developing countries move away from their dependence on China. more..

Aug 2 (FT) Renovation efforts of the Supreme Court complex in Aluthkade, Colombo commenced on Monday with the participation of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justice, Minister Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and Chinese Ambassador to SL Qi Zhenhong. The Chinese Govt will provide ¥ 240 million in financial and technical support for the renovation. In a bid to enhance their diplomatic ties, China provided the Supreme Court complex to Sri Lanka as a Grant 30 years ago in 1988. more..

Aug 2 (DN) Closer collaboration with Indian investors and businesses would help SL recover faster from the economic crisis while ensuring shared prosperity, said Governor Northern Province, P.S.M. Charles. She made these observations when she met a Confederation of Indian Industries and Vivekananda Int'l Foundation (CII-VIF) delegation to discuss investment opportunities in a wide variety of sectors in the province. The meeting was organized by Consulate General of India in Jaffna. more..

Aug 3 (DM) In Sri Lanka, despite a multitude of problems, democracy still survives. Traditionally the norms of democracy are the Presidency, Parliament, the Judiciary and the Free Media. For democracy to thrive, the spirit of humanitarianism is also needed. This often comes out of spirituality that brings love, joy, peace patience and kindness, humility, meekness, faithfulness and kindness. To what extent humanitarian thrive in Sri Lanka cannot be calculated, more..

Aug 3 (DM) A Padayatra Malaiyaha Ezhuchchi Payanam commenced its journey on 28th July to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Tamils of Indian origin in SL. It was organized by the Maanbumigu Malaiyaha Makkal; a group of Civil Society Organizations and individuals associated with the Malaiyaha community. The legacy of Ceylon tea began in 1824 when the British introduced tea plants from China to Ceylon; eventually leading to commercial cultivation by James Taylor in more..

Aug 3 (DM) Having passed the SL Education Administrative Service Exam in 1988, Mr. R.M.M. Ratnayake had initially assumed duties as principal of a national school in the Kandy education zone. He then served as principal of Galagedara Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Katugastota Rahula Vidyalaya, Maliyadeva College Kurunegala, Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya, Homagama and D.S. Senanayake College in addition to serving more..

Aug 3 (CT) All crafty politicians believe they are the grandmasters of deceiving voters for ever, in the case of SL politicians, the proof is in the pudding as this abhorrent conviction can be proven beyond any doubt. Their accomplishments during last seven decades speak volumes – A failed bankrupt state, where sovereignty is threatened, national assets are sold to foreigners, state sponsored slave markets to cater to the foreign bidders, dysfunctional Education system, Healthcare system more..

Aug 3 (DM) The All-Party Conference on the 13th Amendment convened last week (26) ended in predictable discord, but that was not so much for the hypocrisy of the convener, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, as you might have already heard from a horde of lawmakers. Hypocrisy was pervasive on all sides, but probably more so on the opposition, even more on the Tamil political representatives, the latter having harped on the inadequacy of the 13th Amendment throughout its existence, more..

Aug 3 (GV) She stands tall at the heart of the British Museum’s South Asian exhibit. In all her gilded bronze glory, her eyes search passing spectators, although the jewels which once adorned them have now been ripped out. Her curving silhouette holds her history, her hands poised in a gesture known as varadamudra (granting a wish), although she is missing fingers. Tara, a Buddhist deity, bodhisattva (Mahayana Buddhism), female Buddha more..

Aug 3 (CT) Vocalist Umara Sinhawansa had a nosedive when attempting to do an experimental vibrato recital of the National Anthem at the LPL opening ceremony. The matter blew up on social media, with parties for and against the singer trading barbs. Umara was accused of distorting the lyrics of the SL National Anthem which she sang at the LPL opening ceremony on Sunday by singing Sri Lanka Mahatha instead of Sri Lanka Matha. Ministry of Public Admin, Home Affairs, PCs & more..

Aug 3 (TM) It was reported this week that the number of inmates detained in prisons throughout the island has exceeded capacity by over 100%. This congestion is a result of a rapid growth in the number of inmates who were sent to prison for various charges since January of this year (2023). It added that the number of inmates that can be detained in all the prisons is limited to 13,241, although at present, nearly 29,000 inmates, including around 19,000 suspects and more..

Aug 3 (DN) Pursuant to the demise of Founder and Chairman of MJF Holdings, Merrill J Fernando, his two sons, Malik J Fernando and Dilhan C Fernando wish to express their deep appreciation to the overwhelming number of people who joined them in their grief, and in laying their beloved father to rest. They reaffirm their commitment to building on the formidable legacy that Merrill J. Fernando built in tea and leisure with kindness to people and nature. MJF Holding is a conglomerate with more..

Aug 3 (Island) Khukri class Missile Corvette Khanjar entered Trincomalee harbour at 7.45 am on 29 July, the 36th anniversary of the Indian Army deployment in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The latest visit is in line with the much-touted India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine and Neighbourhood First policy. INS Khanjar followed Indian Naval Submarine Vagir visit to Colombo in the third week of June, this year. Indian High Commission, in Colombo, underscored more..

Aug 3 (ST) Imported eggs would be made available in supermarkets shortly, as eggs made available via Sathosa outlets have turned out to be a fast-moving item, but concerns remain over storage facilities. SL State Trading Corp Chairman Asiri Walisundara said that eggs could be stored in a refrigerator for 90 days, or consumed within three days of being removed from the refrigerator climate. Eggs are being distributed to the Sathosa more..

Aug 3 (Island) Italy-based sprinter Yopun Abeykoon will skip the forthcoming World Championships and will look forward to recovering to do well at the Asian Games. “I have decided to withdraw from the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. My concentration is to give my best for the Asian Games in September,” said Yupun in a statement issued. “Times have been tough during the past few months mentally and physically, as you know that I have been going through more..

Aug 3 (PMD) The second Coconut Triangle would be launched in the Northern Province this year consisting of the areas of Jaffna, Mannar and Mulaitvu Districts in conjunction with World Coconut Day on Sept 2, Minister Ramesh Pathirana stated. He expressed these views today (2) during a press conference themed One Year of Progress held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC). Additionally, according to Pathirana, 290 million kg of tea are planned to be exported this year. more..

Aug 3 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe led a follow-up meeting at the Presidential Secretariat to bolster the nation’s healthcare system. He directed the formulation of a new Medical Act within six months with the aim of addressing shortcomings in the present Medical Ordinance and thereby provide better healthcare and protect citizens' well-being. A high-level Committee, consisting of the Secretary of Health, Legal Draftsman, and President of the SLMC, was assigned to examine provisions more..

Aug 3 (FT) The UNP yesterday welcomed Ministers Harin Fernando and Manusha Nayayakkara back to its fold after the duo were expelled by the UNP breakaway group, SJB recently. The party lifted the suspension on the two Ministers at its working committee meeting held yesterday, chaired by UNP leader, Prez Wickremesinghe. UNP took an additional step and reinstated both ministers as active members of the working committee, granting them the opportunity to resume their roles more..

Aug 3 (Island) The last-minute attempts by the Sports Ministry and Sri Lanka Athletics to send the full track and field contingent for the Youth Commonwealth Games were found futile yesterday after US embassy rejected visas for the three officials including respected athletics coach Anura Bandara who famously guided the likes of Sugath Thilakaratne to stand head to head with world forces in athletics. more..