Jul 31 (SO) It was an inauspicious day for Sri Lanka tennis as the team lost an important tie against Malaysia 1-2 at the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group-3 tie played at the SLTA Courts in Green Path, Colombo yesterday. With this loss Sri Lanka will now be demoted to group IV next year. Sri Lanka started their campaign to avoid relegation by winning the first singles match against Malaysia. Thehan Wijemanne came out for the first singles match and won in straight sets 6/3, 6/3. more..

Jul 31 (DN) SL’s Colombo Rowing Club (CRC) showcased their dominance in the waters yet again as their men’s team clinched a remarkable back-to-back victory at the Deepam Trophy during the 82nd Madras-Colombo Regatta. The annual event, held in the scenic waters of Chennai’s Madras Boat Club in India, concluded on Saturday at Boat Club Road in Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai. In a display of exceptional rowing prowess, the CRC oarsmen competed fiercely in eight races for more..

Jul 31 (TM) Several members of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) have called for an internal audit to be carried out regarding expenditure on legal proceedings. Sources close to the matter said that, concerns have been raised regarding the manner in which the SLMC handles complaints and grievances of medical students, particularly those graduated from foreign universities. Concerns were raised by some members of the Council, more..

Jul 31 (EN) SL’s destabilizing central bank has for many years set its own inflation target at around 4 to 6%, printed money to meet the loose anchor, triggered forex shortages, currency crises and excessive foreign borrowings in their wake, which ended in default in 2022. This was not the case before 1920 when inflation was not permanent, there were no balance of payments troubles and sovereign default was almost unheard of, and the concept of gilt-edge was the fiscal standard. more..

Jul 31 (PMD) Chairman of the Select Committee of Parliament to study the practical problems and difficulties that have arisen in relation to enhancing the rank in the Ease of Doing Business Index in Sri Lanka and make its proposals and recommendations stated that Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has provided guidance and support for the implementation of numerous programs aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment in the country. more..

Jul 31 (PMD) Director of Sri J'pura General Hospital Dr. Ratnasiri Hevage, emphasized that safeguarding SL’s free health sector, renowned for having one of the best health systems globally, is not solely the responsibility of the govt. It also falls upon the healthcare staff, the public, and the mass media to play their part effectively. Dr. Hevage stated that the reputation of the health sector relies on preserving its excellence, which demands a responsible approach from health administrators. more..

Jul 31 (FT) Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has recently noted that a significant number of fuel station dealers have failed to maintain the required 50% stock capacity ahead of an anticipated fuel price revision in August. Taking to Twitter the Minister noted that 101 fuel station dealers for 92 Petrol and 61 dealers for Lanka Auto diesel were found to be in non-compliance with the stock requirements. more..

Jul 31 (TM) Emphasising on the importance of a programme to rehabilitate those linked to the extremist ideology which lead to the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 2019, Prof. Rohan Gunaratne, an int'l terrorism expert, warned that the lack of such a specialised programme would risk proliferation of such extremist beliefs. He made these remarks during the launch of a new book last week, and blamed consecutive Govts for more..

Jul 31 (Island) World-renowned animal rights activist and environmentalist, Maneka Gandhi, has appealed to the govt of SL not to pass a supposed Animal Welfare Bill, which, she says, is in reality a pro-butcher, anti-animal bill. “I can understand this happening in any other country but SL, which is gentle and so close to nature?” she has said. Maneka, who is also a member of the Indian Parliament says, “This Bill should be one of the finest in the world because more..

Jul 31 (DM) Saying that they had immediately intervened in the incident of Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara being beaten and arrested by police, Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) said they will summon everyone linked to the case for inquiry. HRCSL said that shortly after Uduwaragedara was arrested and brought to the Borella Police Station, their Rapid Response Team visited the station and inquired about his condition. Issuing a communiqué they said more..

Jul 31 (DN) SL men’s 4x 400 relay team put up a good show in the last event of the 101st Senior Athletic Championship which concluded at Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. SL team finished second while Indian A team comprising top athletes won the event. This 4x 400 m men’s relay was the main attraction of the meet with both SL and India teams heading for the forthcoming world championship in Hungary. Kalinga Kumarage who set up a 400m event new meet record more..

Jul 31 (CT) The funds allocated for the State health sector by the Treasury are insufficient at present and the Prez has agreed to allocate an additional Rs 13 billion to resolve several issues in the sector, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Saman Rathnayake said. He said in a bid to ensure the quality and authenticity of medical supplies, Ministry has decided to procure medicines and accessories exclusively from registered suppliers of the NMRA. more..

Jul 31 (Island) Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) called on the govt to ensure that any far-reaching changes in education policy should only be initiated after obtaining a clear mandate from the people of the country. A FUTA statement signed by its General Secretary said: The FUTA strongly condemns the recent actions of the Govt; measures to undermine labour rights, cuts to retirement funds and privatization. more..

Jul 31 (DM) The Govt Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) urged the health authorities to immediately conduct an impartial investigation into the death of a three-year-old boy, who died following a kidney operation at the Lady Ridgeway Children’s Hospital (LRH). GMOA Media Spokesman Dr Chamil Wijesinghe told Daily Mirror, “It's unfair for both parties namely victims and medical officers to draw early conclusions on the incident without a comprehensive analysis.” more..

Jul 31 (FT) State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya ruled out concerns about the recent depreciation of the rupee, assuring the public that it is a temporary situation driven by fluctuations in supply and demand. He stated that the Govt has allowed the value of the US dollar and the rupee to be determined based on market dynamics. Explaining the situation, Minister Siyambalapitiya highlighted there were around $ 750 million in SL’s Development Bonds (SLDBs) and more..

Jul 31 (TM) Ministry of Health remains steadfast regarding the circular issued prohibiting health workers from making statements to the media without the Ministry’s approval. This is amidst the health trade unions stating that they have organised a token strike on Thursday (3) in response to the failure of the Ministry to withdraw the circular. Association of Health Professionals’ President Ravi Kumudesh expressed that more..

Jul 31 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe outlined a few points of the economic policy strategy which he will be adopting to deliver his goal of making SL a rich country by 2048 in a nationwide address in June 2023. One of the four pillars of his economic strategy is the investment promotion. Investments are needed to convert human efforts to tangible goods and services that will serve several purposes: generating new incomes and employment, making available a bigger quantum of goods more..

Jul 31 (DM) During the visit to the Kidney Transplant Unit of Kandy National Hospital, this writer learned that out of approximately 200 patients who underwent Peritoneal Dialysis (CPDP), around ten had passed away. During the last two months around 10 patients died due to a fungal allergy, according to the doctor in charge of the unit handling kidney patients at the Kandy National Hospital. Reportedly, the lives of other patients are also at risk. Among the deceased, more..

Jul 31 (OI) In another cross-border story, a 25-year-old Sri Lankan woman has traveled to India to marry a man from Andhra Pradesh whom she met on Facebook six years ago. Arriving in India on a tourist visa, Vigneshwari tied the knot with Laxman, a 28-year-old resident of Andhra Pradesh. However, she has been informed that she must depart the country once her visa expires on August 15, unless she seeks an extension of her stay, as reported by The Times of India. more..

Jul 31 (AD) Colombo High Court has ordered the case against former Minister Champika Ranawaka over the hit-and-run incident which took place in the year 2016, in which the vehicle the former Minister was travelling in had collided with a motorcycle in Rajagiriya, to be adjourned until November 23. This order was issued by the Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle, when the case was taken up before the court this morning. Appearing for the defendant, Attorney-at-Law Amarasiri Panditha more..

Jul 31 (DM) Referring to the brouhaha over the video circulating on social media in which a popular singer Umara Sinhawansa was mispronouncing a key lyric whilst performing the National Anthem at the 2023 LPL opening ceremony, Minister Vidura Wickramanayake warned legal action against the incident. He said, “No one can distort the National Anthem of any country as it represents the county’s identity and culture. more..

Jul 31 (EN) Shares were up at close on Monday after buying interest was channeled on clarity on debt restructuring, freight and global oil market. ASPI was up 0.66% or 74.53 points to 11,386.72, this is the highest the market has been since March 02, while S&P SL20 was up 0.98% or 32.06 points to 3,309.60. “Buying interest was seen in blue chip counters and the banking sector, because concerns have been lifted with regard to debt optimization and macroeconomic factors,” more..

Jul 31 (DM) The Norwegian Embassy in Colombo permanently closed down today as part of Norway's decision to make structural changes in its network of diplomatic missions abroad. Embassy announced earlier that from August 1, the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi will be responsible for Norway's bilateral relationships with Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The embassy said in a Facebook post on Monday July 24 that the mission’s Facebook page will also be closed on July 31. more..

Jul 31 (TM) In a bid to increase revenue and cover losses, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) is expected to increase water tariffs by as much as 130% from next month, The Sunday Morning learns. “The water tariff increment percentages will be determined according to the consumption, so it will range from a 50% increase to 130% depending on the volume of water consumed,” NWSDB General Manager more..

Jul 31 (FT) On occasion of the visit by Japan Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa to SL, Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki and Treasury Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardana, Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies on Saturday signed the Exchange of Notes for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) project in the presence of PM Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister Hayashi. Through the Exchange of Notes, Govt of Japan more..

Jul 31 (DM) The SJB today hinted at bringing in a resolution to dissolve Parliament and hold a snap general election and urged other parties to support this. SJB MP S.M. Marikkar said that all parties in the House including the SLPP and others should be ready to sign a resolution calling for the dissolution of Parliament and hold a general election. “SLPP MP Johnston Fernando had said the SLPP will emerge victorious in future elections. Therefore we challenge him and the SLPP to support more..

Jul 31 (CT) Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has expressed concern over the possibility of a food shortage in the country if the upcoming season is affected by the ongoing drought. He expressed his concern while participating in a gardening programme held in Angunukolapalassa. Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring food security for the people. He pointed out that the Govt currently lacks a rice reserve and is facing financial constraints, making it challenging to maintain more..

Jul 31 (Island) Controversy surrounds the delay on the part of the Constitutional Council to decide on the second extension of service granted to IGP C.D. Wickramaratne. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe recently granted the second extension to Wickramaratne, subject to approval by the Constitutional Council. The CC consists of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Premier Dinesh Gunawardena, Opp. Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, Kabir Hashim, Sagara Kariyawasam, more..

Jul 31 (TM) The Govt Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) and President Ranil Wickremasinghe met last week and discussed a range of issues pertaining to the health sector, including that relate to brain drain and pay. GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge claimed that after handing over their documented proposal to the Prez Wickremasinghe, he promised to provide some solutions to those problems in the upcoming budget. more..

Jul 31 (FT) Colombo Dockyard PLC made history on 28 July, by delivering the first-ever Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (CLRV) to the European market from Sri Lanka. Its client Orange Marine, a prominent French company, is a specialist in submarine telecommunications. They excel in every aspect of this field, including initial design, engineering, installation of intercontinental and regional links, as well as the maintenance of existing cables. Their fleet is widely recognised for more..

Jul 31 (FT) Expolanka Holdings, said it remained steadfast in consolidating performance and pursuing its long-term strategy in the first quarter of FY24. During the quarter Expolanka Holdings in a statement said it demonstrated incredible resilience, with a revenue of Rs. 55.5 billion and a Gross Profit of Rs. 11.2 billion, despite persisting challenges posed by market disruptions, volatility, and uncertainty. The large foreign earnings portfolio and foreign asset base of the group more..

Jul 31 (EN) Sri Lanka’s imports grew 11.6% from a year ago to US$ 1,369 million in June 2023, even as exports fell 19.5% to US$ 1,005 million, data showed, as recipients spent foreign incomes from remittances and tourism. Remittances brought US$ 476 million in June to spend on imports and tourism receipts brought another US$ 123 million to sped on imports. As a result, the trade deficit was US$ 364 million. more..

Jul 31 (AD) President Ranil Wickremesinghe has granted approval for importing chicken for food industrial purposes, says Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando. The minister expressed that the decision was reached during a special discussion chaired by the Prez regarding the cost of living. Commenting further regarding the matter, the minister said that the govt has taken this decision in order to reduce the suffering of the people due to the high prices of chicken in the market. more..

Jul 31 (EN) Sri Lanka’s consumer price inflation fell to 6.3% in 12-months to July 2023, with food prices deflating 1.4% over the year, data from the state statistics office showed. The widely watched Colombo Consumer Price Index fell 1.1% over the month of July. Central Bank has generated only 0.47% inflation in since September 2022, when deflationary open market operations began to show up in the balance of payments as a surplus. The central bank from March also allowed more..

Jul 31 (AD) National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) states that the number of dengue cases reported in the country has exceeded 56,000 so far this year. Further, the Director of the NDCU Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne emphasized that 50% of the dengue figures reported so far, were recorded from the Western Province and that a significant number of dengue cases have also been reported from the Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Puttalam Districts. In addition, Dr. Ariyaratne pointed out more..