Jul 29 (FT) Pioneering business magazine LMD reported, in its July edition, that businesspeople are seemingly hopeful of a turnaround in economic fortunes. NielsenIQ’s Director – Consumer Insights Therica Miyanadeniya rued the fact that despite a drop in inflation, there’s been little if any bearing on the price of goods and services. She noted in the magazine: “Even though there is a hint of improvement, its effects are still not felt by businesses – or the population, more..

Jul 29 (ST) The saga around the Nil manel and its imposter is set to end soon, giving SL’s National Flower its rightful name. To right the wrong done to Nil manel, the Environment Ministry will be submitting a Cabinet paper on July 31, to reinstate its name, confirmed ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe. The battle to make things right for Nil manel has been going on for a long time. First it was the picture that accompanied the National more..

Jul 29 (Island) Thilini Kahandawaarachchi, on behalf of the Norwegian Embassy, on July 6, 2023, reminded the media of the closing down of the mission on July 31, 2023. In her capacity as the Senior Political Advisor at the mission, Kahandawaarachchi, stated that with effect from Aug 1, 2023, Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi would be responsible for both SL and the Maldives. The last email from the mission in Colombo was aptly titled Goodbye from Norwegian Emb in Colombo. more..

Jul 29 (FT) Colombo stock market ended the week with 2% gain whilst yesterday turnover rose to Rs. 7.7 billion on a related party transaction on Agalawatte Plantations. ASPI saw a 1.9% gain and the active S&P SL20 by 1.4%. Yesterday they rose by 0.5% and 0.1% respectively. Friday’s turnover was boosted by Agalawatte Plantations PLC, 73% controlling stake (114.1 million shares) of which was bought by Damro Holdings Ltd., from D.R. Investments at Rs. 39.90 per share. more..

Jul 29 (ST) An increase of about 50% in the water supply rates has been proposed by NWSD, General Manager Wasantha Illangasinghe said. She said the increase would be implemented with minimal impact on low-income groups, those covered by social security benefits, educational and religious institutions and public water supplies. The additional cost incurred by the Board including high electricity charges has been attributed to the proposed increase. more..

Jul 29 (CI) Admit it. You sniggered a little when Pakistan unveiled a playing style this May. A new kit, a new player, a new mega-bucks commercial deal, yes. But unveiling a new playing style? Perhaps you're older and were downright sceptical. Pakistan, playing in a consistent and identifiable and consistently identifiable way? Tell them you can't ascribe pattern to chaos or package and sell bottles of rainbow. Some of you may have appreciated the fact that Pakistan were, for once, more..

Jul 29 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism has welcomed the highest tourist arrivals for a single month since the pandemic’s onset, surpassing the total tourist arrivals of the entire year 2022 in just seven months. During the first 27 days of the month, SL welcomed an impressive 123,503 visitors, propelling the cumulative tourist arrivals to an impressive 748,377 so far. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando elated by the achievement more..

Jul 29 (DN) In a thrilling four-day spectacle of golf, professional golfer K. Prabagaran emerged as the champion, while amateur golfer Haroon Aslam astonished spectators by claiming the third-place title in the prestigious SL Golf Ranking Tournament. Tournament concluded at the scenic Victoria Golf Resort in Digana on Thursday. Competing at the challenging Victoria Golf Club, players faced a par score of 73. K. Prabagaran showcased remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, more..

Jul 29 (FT) Technology Professionals of SL (TPSL) came out in support of SLT-Mobitel’s former Chairman Rohan Fernando saying the successor had omitted some important facts in his recent communique to the staff. Taking to Facebook the TPSL said the new Chairman hadn’t revealed that Fernando worked without a salary during his entire tenure. They explained that the vehicle provided to Fernando followed the correct procurement process and received Board approval. more..

Jul 29 (Island) Stage is set for a blockbuster men’s 400 metres final today after the four leading sprinters secured final berths with noteworthy semi-final performances on day one of the 101st National Athletics Championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Friday. On a day where the Indian thrower Kishore Kumar Jena rose above the rest to produce a new SL All Comers record and a new championship mark, the men’s 400 metres more..

Jul 29 (Island) Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne has received appointment as SL’s High Commissioner to Islamabad. The former Navy Commander is the only Sri Lankan awarded the Nishan-e-Imitiyaz medal by Pakistan. One-time Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) succeeded Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema. At the time Wijegunaratne received the top diplomatic appointment, he served as Managing Director, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). The govt has named a decorated Special Forces officer more..

Jul 29 (DN) Sri Lanka suffered their third successive defeat as they were handed a 0-3 drubbing by Iran in the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group-3 tie played at the SLTA Courts in Green Path, Colombo yesterday. The home side finished last in Pool ‘A’ having earlier lost to Saudi Arabia (0-2) and Vietnam (0-2) and now they face relegation to the Group-4 of next year’s competition. Sri Lanka started their campaign for a consolation win with Apna Perera, but their hopes soon disappeared as more..

Jul 29 (Island) Litro Gas Lanka Ltd., recently made an impressive contribution of Rs. 1.5 billion (1,500mn) to the SL govt treasury as dividends through its primary shareholder, SL Insurance Corporation. As one of the few profitable SOEs, Litro’s success is a testament to its strategic management, efficiency, and dedication to serving the public’s needs. LPG provider’s prudent financial practices have allowed it to contribute significantly to the govt treasury, providing more..

Jul 29 (CT) Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was disappointed with his team’s batting performance as they lost their home Test series against Pakistan 2-0 after being bundled out for 188 in the second innings. Pakistan had declared their first innings at 576/5. In response, Sri Lanka were all-out at 166 & 188 in the first and second innings respectively, and hence beaten by innings and 222 runs in Colombo on Thursday. In the post-match presentation, Karunaratne said more..

Jul 29 (FT) FPC leader MP Dullas Alahapperuma accused Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe of attempting to gain the opposition’s seal of approval for his political plans in the guise of discussing the 13th amendment to the constitution. MP said that this endeavour, unfortunately, resulted in a complete failure. “Prez displayed before the entire world exactly how not to hold an all-party meeting,” Alahapperuma said. more..

Jul 29 (FT) Dialog Enterprise has announced its collaboration with Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), to embark on a transformative digital journey. Through the implementation of Dialog Edumix, an innovative Learning Management System (LMS), KDU aims to provide its students with a world-class education empowered by cutting-edge technology. “We are well-aligned with distinguished global academic institutions in providing the latest technology to our students and lecturers more..

Jul 29 (FT) SJB Deputy General Secretary Mujibur Rahman accused the Govt of suppressing the media following the arrest of a journalist at a protest held in Colombo yesterday. The police arrested journalist and activist Tharindu Uduwaragedara over charges of being a member of an illegal assembly and criminal coercion of a Govt official during a protest held by the Joint Development Officers’ Union and other trade unions in the Borella Sahaspura area yesterday. more..

Jul 29 (CT) Three time Champions Thisara Perera’s Jaffna Kings will commence their title defence against new look Colombo Strikers in the opening game of the fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League today at RPS, Colombo. Jaffna Kings is the most successful team being crowned champions in all three editions so far. A lot would be expected from them and they are among one of the strongest contenders in this edition. The batting line-up, consisting of the likes of David Miller, more..

Jul 29 (PO) Shane Warne’s brother Jason Warne attended the roadshow in Melbourne, Australia last week. This was revealed by Chalaka Gajabahu, the chairman of the SLTPB. Minister Harin Fernando and a few delegates returned on Sunday from Australia, where the roadshow was conducted in a few cities there. Jason Warne, brother of Late Shane, said, “It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to attend the SL tourism event in Melbourne and say a few words about the wonderful more..

Jul 29 (FT) The 1990 Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service on 28 July 2023 commemorated its seventh anniversary. Its pioneer Dr. Harsha de Silva said the momentous occasion celebrates the unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the people of SL and reaffirms the dedication to providing unparalleled support to maintain this indispensable service, regardless of any challenges that may arise. more..

Jul 29 (FT) Indian Naval Ship Khanjar, an indigenously built missile corvette of Khukri-class, is scheduled to visit Trincomalee from 29 to 31 July. Commanding Officer of the Indian Naval Ship, Commander NVS Phani Kumar will be calling on Commander Eastern Naval Area. Further, various professional interactions will be conducted on VBSS, Gunnery and Missile Operations. A reception is planned to be hosted onboard for senior officials from Military and Civil administration. more..

Jul 29 (DM) TPA Leader Mano Ganesan proposed setting up a community police service and vesting it with the provincial councils. “Setting up of a community police service under provincial councils is one way of resolving one of the main issues arisen with regard to implementation of the 13th Amendment,” MP Ganesan said. “Many have expressed fears about devolving police powers to the provincial councils. This is because of the role which the police had to play during the war. more..

Jul 29 (CT) The completed Kottawa-Matara stretch of the Southern Expressway (E01), is reportedly set to be managed by an Indian company, including toll collection, which currently generates a revenue around Rs 3 million per day for the State. TSouthern Expressway is one of the busiest in the country. Despite the Expressway being constructed using land acquired by the RDA, it has not been officially transferred to RDA, more..

Jul 30 (SO) The past two weeks saw a flurry of diplomatic activity centred on SL, which is following a strict neutral foreign policy, without getting involved in the affairs of global and regional superpowers. Although Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has lost much of its lustre following its glory days in the 1960s and 1970s, principles that it espoused are still valid. Small countries must not hitch their fortunes to those of more powerful countries, as there could be negative repercussions. more..

Jul 30 (CT) The historical memories of 1915, 1958, 1977, 1981 and 1983 have far outlived their experiences and their victims. 1983, with its pre-meditated rehearsal in 1981, was different from its predecessors in many different ways. The extent of its horror was unprecedented and was only matched by the helplessness of its victims and the unhelpfulness of those who had the power and the responsibility not only to stop the catastrophe but also to protect the victims. more..

Jul 30 (ST) On July 14, Hafiz Zia Ahmed, Afghanistan’s Taliban administration’s Assistant Public Relations Director in its Foreign Affairs Ministry tweeted about meetings held between visiting Afghan delegates and Bangladeshi, Singaporean and Sri Lankan diplomats at Jakarta in Indonesia. Accompanying the tweet were photographs, and one of them showed SL’s Ambassador in Jakarta, more..

Jul 30 (CT) The recent incident at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Angoda, where a patient’s death followed an alleged assault by certain health staff, is a tragic reminder of the urgent need to address the state of mental health care in SL. 45-year-old patient from Watareka, who was allegedly suffering from bipolar disorder, had been admitted to Ward 08 of the NIMH on 20 July, under the BHT 3245/2023. However, earlier this week he had allegedly succumbed to injuries more..

Jul 30 (TM) Having arbitrarily shelved the conducting of LG Elections on the pretext of a lack of funds, a MP of the ruling party, obviously acting on the diktats of his bosses, recently presented a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament, of all things, to reconvene the dissolved Local Councils – a concept that has no parallels in the democratic world. If withholding elections and running the administration through Executive diktat was even remotely feasible, it would understandably be quite fad by now. more..

Jul 30 (TM) “The country is moving in the right direction, it is going to get there, and that’s why we believe in SL. I don’t see any signs where things could get any worse. The worst, I believe, is behind us,” asserted CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Group Managing Director and CEO Rahul Chaudhary, in an interview during a brief visit to SL. The group, which has been present in SL for some 25 ys, is now looking to expand its footprint more..

Jul 30 (ST) My dear Shammi, I am writing to you this week because everyone is talking about you – or rather, what you are alleged to have done – during the T20 WC in Australia last year. You say you did nothing wrong, but that hasn’t stopped so many questions being asked about how cricket is being run in Paradise. When you first started out at the Cricket Board, you were only a puppet for the Dark Horse who dominated the Cricket Board, where he had been the boss a record number of times. more..

Jul 30 (ST) The emphasis on the outcome of the Prez’s overnight visit to New Delhi last week as outlined by the Foreign Minister at his media briefing last weekend appears to be India’s insistence on the full implementation of the 13th Amendment (13A), but whether this was mere camouflage to India’s bigger picture; that of greater connectivity with SL, remains open for debate. An all-party meeting was quickly summoned in Colombo to discuss 13A, with special attention to granting more..

Jul 30 (Island) 40th anniversary of Black July which fell last week (23) was marked by some articles, telecasts etc. but relatively few reported commemorative events. This issue of the Sunday Island carries two very insightful articles by two regular correspondents, Rajan Philips domiciled in Canada and Uditha Devapriya in Colombo of what was the worst ever holocaust unleashed by Sinhala mobs. The J.R. Jayewardene govt of the day chose to turn a blind eye to the horrors perpetrated more..

Jul 30 (SO) Sajeev de Silva, a former rower from S Thomas’ College, will represent Sri Lanka as the sole participant at the esteemed Berlin 2023 Hyundai World Archery Championships scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 6 where 80 participants from around the world will compete. De Silva’s journey from rowing to archery has been an inspiring one. Having represented Sri Lanka in rowing at the 2010 China Asian Games in the Doubles Skull event with Anandian more..

Jul 30 (SO) Amidst the prevailing global and local economic crisis, the European Union has taken a significant step to aid SL by granting GSP+ tariff relief until 31 Dec 2027. This decision holds paramount importance for the country, as it provides crucial access to the European market through tax concessions. By complying with 27 international conventions, SL ensures the promotion of sustainable development and supports more..

Jul 30 (Island) The national selection panel may have not addressed a single media briefing during their two-year stint so far but through handpicked social media platforms like YouTube channels they are quick to boast of their achievements. But their blunders are rarely discussed. Pramodya Wickramasinghe’s cockeyed policies have taken SL cricket from pillar to post. Under his watch, Sri Lanka have played three World Cup Qualifying rounds, the first time ever since 1979. more..

Jul 30 (ST) Sprinter Kalinga Kumarage clocked the fourth fastest time in Sri Lankan 400m history as he blazed his way to win the title in a new championship record of 45.07secs on day two of the 101st National Senior Athletics Championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. It is also the best-ever time to run in Sri Lanka by an athlete, local or foreign. Al Shammari Fawzi of Kuwait held the record for 21 years, having clocked 45.21secs at the 2002 Asian Championships in Colombo. more..