Jun 16 (DN) Sri Lanka Netball President Victoria Lakshmi was elected President of the Asian Netball Confederation yesterday at the AGM held in South Korea. In fact this is the second time she became the Asian Federation head. Victoria Lakshmi, a product of Maliyadeva Balika Kurunegala later played for National team and later became Netball Federation official and did excellent duty in her capacity of Vice President and President of the Netball Federation of SL (NFSL). more..

Jun 16 (Island) This last week has seen two very white, very important politicians having to slide down the pallang, certainly not to obscurity but to real shame and huge setbacks. Yes, they are the yellow haired charlatan reprobates who think they know it all from the US of America and the UK. Ex-President Donald Trump has been forced to face 37 charges relating to retention of classified documents including highly sensitive reports on nuclear warfare, etc. They were secreted away when more..

Jun 16 (ST) A spate of deadly shootings over the past few months has claimed 19 lives and injured at least 10 people, triggering renewed calls for authorities to do more to combat such violence. On the morning of May 24, Lakshitha Kumara, 37, was on his way home with his wife after dropping their children at school. As the trishaw Kumara was driving turned onto Heenatigala Road on the way to their residence in Thalpe, Habaraduwa, more..

Jun 16 (Island) Never a dull moment in Sri Lankan politics, which is full of plot twists straight from South Indian action flicks, where the heroes mercilessly beaten and left for dead make dramatic comebacks; the stunts of some mega stars even defy laws of physics! UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara has bragged that his party’s revival after its ignominious trouncing at the 2020 general election, where it was reduced to a single seat, is nothing short of miraculous. more..

Jun 16 (ST) Russia has accumulated billions of Indian rupees last year and now doesn’t know what to do with that. Last week it was reported that the Indian rupees that Russia has amassed through its bilateral trade with India is equal to US$147 billion by the end of 2022. It was also reported that India’s attempt to convince Russia to keep the money as foreign assets in Russian coffers has failed too. And finally, the inconclusive bilateral talks between the 2 countries on the issue also came to a halt. more..

Jun 16 (FT) Young business leader of electronic media fame Rayynor Silva showed his bullishness on Sampath Bank picking up around 27 million shares for Rs. 1.4 billion. With yesterday’s purchase via his firm Phantom Investments Ltd, Rayynor is estimated to be holding 8.5% stake in Sampath Bank, the third largest private sector commercial bank. Sampath generated the biggest turnover of Rs. 1.6 billion or 56% of the total yesterday involving 29.45 million shares. more..

Jun 16 (FT) Blue Diamonds Jewellery Worldwide (BDJW), has successfully lifted its trading suspension after displaying positive revenue growth and reducing losses for the nine-month period ending on 31 Dec 2022. BDJW has accomplished a significant strategic move by raising an impressive Rs. 129.5 million through the allotment of both Voting and Non-Voting Shares through a successful rights issue, at a subscription of nearly 40%. With over a hundred enthusiastic shareholders more..

Jun 16 (TM) The CEB stated that the existing electricity tariffs will have to be continued if the proposed tariff revision is not approved by the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) within due course. As the position of its Chairperson is still vacant, the PUCSL recently stated that it is not able to make a decision regarding the public consultation on the electricity tariff revision proposed by the CEB to be implemented from 1 July onwards. more..

Jun 16 (FT) A delegation from the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) led by President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne recently called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on measures to revive the construction sector. CIOB presented a Road Map for Construction Industry 2023/2024 to the President and thanked Wickremesinghe for taking steps for the rapid recovery of the country and the construction industry. He further mentioned that the majority of contractor dues had been paid, more..

Jun 16 (FT) SL Export Development Board (EDB) yesterday successfully organised the inaugural Open Day program, aimed at providing guidance to innovative entrepreneurs and encouraging their participation in the export sector. The event garnered a tremendous response with over a thousand budding entrepreneurs from across the island in attendance. Notably, the program witnessed a significant participation of young individuals who were passionate in exploring opportunities more..

Jun 16 (Island) National Record holder in the women’s steeplechase, Nilani Ratnayake denied knowingly taking performance-enhancing drugs and alleged that the positive drug result could have been a result of someone with vested interests tampering with her food or drinks to tarnish her image. “I was shocked when I learnt the result of the positive test. This has come at a time when I can’t even afford for necessary vitamins,” more..

Jun 16 (DN) We fought back to defeat strong South Africa ‘A’ team in the first four day game which is a boost for us before the second four day game said SL ‘A’ skipper Nipun Dhananjaya after the first game victory at Pallekele. This is good team work and our team spirit is very high and that is the success of the story .We planned well and our support istaff headed by head coach Avishka Gunawardena, Assistant coach Thilina Kandamby, spin coach Sajeewa Weerakoon, Fielding coach Upul Chandana. more..

Jun 16 (Island) The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art SL (MMCA SL) is an education-led initiative that aims to establish a public museum dedicated to the display, research, collection, and conservation of modern and contemporary art for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, schools, and tourists. As a space that facilitates learning experiences for all audiences, the MMCA SL just bid farewell to the third batch of students from the Uni of Jaffna to have completed more..

Jun 16 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism will unveil a new brand identity next month, to mark a fresh approach to destination marketing after five years. “The current brand identity, So Sri Lanka will be changed and the teaser of the new campaign will be unveiled in July. Work is underway for the digital marketing strategy and we hope that the main campaign will be launched towards the end of the year,” Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said. Following a competitive bidding process where more..

Jun 16 (TM) Commissioner of Prisons & Departmental Spokesman claimed that since the Govt does not currently possess the funds to construct new prisons, a system involving house arrest is to be implemented soon. Although people unable to pay fines are released under special amnesty on special occasions like on Poya Days, it has become an issue that they are imprisoned again as criminals within a short period of time. It was also revealed that the number of drug-related more..

Jun 16 (Island) Being proactive to make an impact on Environmental and Social Goals (ESG) and strategising for consolidating its market leadership in the rapidly changing mobility landscape, David Pieris Motor Company Pvt Ltd (DPMC) yesterday launched E-drive, a model electric three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) taxi service for passenger transportation. Kicking off with the deployment of 20 Bajaj three-wheelers more..

Jun 16 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has assured his commitment towards upholding the right to freedom of expression. Speaking at an event held at the Homagama DS this morning (15), Head of State assured that he would always uphold the right to freedom of expression, and ensure that it remains intact. Prez further emphasised that after making SL the first country in the region to successfully repeal the Criminal Defamation Law, he is committed to ensuring that one’s right to the freedom more..

Jun 16 (Stuff) A Sri Lankan man convicted of sexual assault and counterfeiting currency has been denied refugee status in New Zealand. The man – who comes from a wealthy family – is afraid he will be labelled as a criminal sex offender if he returns to SL. He initially claimed he was bisexual, but when the man was questioned by the Refugee Status Unit he retracted that statement. Immigration and Protection Tribunal found the man’s belief that he would be persecuted was not well founded more..

Jun 16 (DM) Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis hit centuries as Sri Lanka warmed up for their Cricket World Cup Qualifier campaign-opener on Monday with a massive 198-run win over the UA in their warmup match in Bulawayo today. SL piled on 392 for 5 in 50 overs, with Dasun Shanaka and Charith Asalanka also contributing with unbeaten half-centuries. USA got off to a bad start in the run chase, losing their openers with 10 runs on the board, both falling victim to Kasun Rajitha, more..

Jun 16 (CT) SL’s foreign reserves haemorrhaged for the second consecutive market day to Wednesday, this time by USD 33.24 million (Rs 9,848 m), thereby increasing such net outflows in the two market days to Wednesday to USD 91.75 million (Rs 27,004 m). This bleeding of the country’s foreign reserves in the two market days to Wednesday was due to the settlement of foreign debt servicing commitments to multilateral donor agencies. Conversions are based on Friday’s (9) and Monday’s (12) more..

Jun 16 (EN) SL Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries have called for a more transparent drug pricing mechanism to set with wider consultations, which can be extended to all drugs. SL now controls the price of around 61 drugs, after the parliament set up the NMRA. At the time analysts advised to control money printing powers of the central bank to stabilize the currency, instead of trying to controlling drug prices. more..

Jun 16 (DM) Four police officers of the Police Sports Division who went to the UK to participate in an int'l conference and did not report back to work have been considered as having abandoned their service. It was reported that six officers had left for the UK to participate in the 65th Int'l Police Conference held last month. They were supposed to report back to work on the 4th of June. However, two police sergeants and two constables had not reported for duty after attending the conference. more..

Jun 16 (FT) SJB Colombo Mayoral Candidate Mujibur Rahman filed a Right to Information request with the Presidential Secretariat to obtain information on state-sponsored benefits accorded to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “We are all aware that Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down from his post prior to the end of his term. But the current Govt is now maintaining a person who left his post. They are spending a significant amount of people’s tax monies to maintain him,” he said. more..

Jun 16 (DM) In what appeared to be a clash of narratives among the Canadian Leaders, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Ministry had informed the SL govt that Canada had not made any finding that genocide had taken place in SL. Canada’s official position contradicts the allegations made by some of its leaders, including Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Canadian Foreign Ministry had responded to the SL authorities on concerns raised on more..

Jun 16 (FT) Deputy Managing Director, IMF, Kenji Okamura, having monitored the level of financial stability and economic progress that Sri Lanka has made since it started implementing the IMF’s rescue package, which has resulted in a reduction of CBSL’s cash rate by 250 basis points for the first time, has drawn attention to the issues of governance and debt restructuring (DR), so that the country could reap the full benefit of the IMF strategy. more..

Jun 16 (FT) There has been a falling of darkness across the publicly-orientated shrine-rooms of Sri Lanka’s sundry faiths of late. On one hand, a clutch of false prophets has brought a guest religion to its knees before angry hosts. On the other, secular critics of a philosophy camouflaged as a religious sensibility have been put behind bars for daring to hold up venerable icons for scrutiny and scorn. In the matter of identity, we remain as deeply insular as ever. more..

Jun 16 (AD) A tense situation was reported after a mother and daughter were killed in an accident in the Kannatti area on the Vavuniya – Mannar main road. Accordingly, a mother, 36, and daughter, six, were reported dead after a tipper knocked them down while they were reportedly waiting for a bus. Police further revealed that a tense situation has emerged as the angered residents in the area captured the two individuals who were inside the tipper and handed them over to the police. more..

Jun 16 (PMD) During a progress review discussion at the Presidential Secretariat this morning, President Ranil Wickremesinghe directed the relevant departments to expedite the repair work on the Orugudawatta – Ambatale road section, also known as the Low-Level Road, and complete it within three months. Prez emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the issues causing delays in the project and urged the authorities to promptly address these problems. more..

Jun 16 (DM) Import of vehicles cannot be allowed at this moment under the prevailing economic situation, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He said the govt is managing the economy under strict conditions by restricting the import of about 900 items. He said said that a decision on the import of vehicles should be taken only after studying the current situation in the country. "Even after US$ 80 million were set aside for more..

Jun 16 (TM) The bus driver involved in a reckless incident reminiscent of a tragic Yangalmodara accident in 2005 was arrested by the Polgahawela Police. On 13 June 2023, the driver of a private passenger bus crossed the closed Yangalmodara railway gate while warning signals were on, narrowly averting a devastating accident that could have resulted in multiple fatalities. The bus, which was en route from Galnewa to Colombo, disregarded the closure of the railway gate at Yangalmodara. more..

Jun 16 (AD) Govt is reportedly mulling over whether the success of a student should be determined at the GCE O/L exam, or if the examination in question must be conducted in a different manner. Speaking at teacher appointment ceremony held at Temple Trees this morning, Prez Wickremesinghe revealed that the matter is currently being considered. A total of 7,342 teachers from across the island were present at the occasion, during which 1,729 teachers were appointed to govt schools more..

Jun 16 (TM) Activist Oshala Herath is preparing to file contempt of court charges against State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage over a statement she had allegedly made in relation to a case filed against her under charges of purportedly violating the Immigrants and Emigrants Act. Gamage, during a TV programme, had made remarks regarding an incident involving Herath posting matters pertaining to relevant case more..

Jun 16 (TM) Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, whilst claiming that farmers had not received fertilisers on time as a result of the carelessness of certain officials, stated that disciplinary action has already been taken against the relevant officials in that regard. He also expressed that he will not hesitate to take action regardless of the rank of officials who will not work to serve farmers appropriately in the future. Meanwhile, he said that steps are to be taken to provide a bundle of urea fertiliser more..

Jun 16 (EN) Sri Lanka Telecom, Hatton National Bank and Hemas Holdings has been added to the S&P SL 20 index the CSE said. Browns and co, Teejay Lanka and Watawala Plantation had been dropped. The S& P SL 20 index includes the 20 largest companies, by total market capitalization, listed on the CSE that meet minimum size, liquidity and financial viability thresholds. To be eligible for inclusion, a stock must have a minimum float-adjusted market capitalization of more..

Jun 16 (EN) Shares lowered at close on Friday on profit taking as the market saw constant gains over the past few sessions on cut down policy rates and falling inflation, an analyst said. The main All Share Price Index was down 0.33% or 30.72 points to 9,248.56, while the most liquid index S&P SL20 was down 0.14% or 3.60 points to 2,638.82. The market gained over the past five sessions on lowered policy rates and low inflation stimulating buying interest and driving the sentiment up. more..