Oct 15 (ST) Despite strict regulations being issued to publish procurement notices on a digital portal if the cost exceeds Rs 200 million in keeping with the IMF guidelines, most of the state agencies have failed to publish them on the digital platform, the Treasury said. According to a circular issued by the Treasury’s Public Finance Department, the measure was taken to ensure transparency and accountability under the e-Govt Procurement (e-GP) digital platform, where procurement activities, procurement of goods, more..

Oct 15 (ST) The Election Commission, in a fresh effort to revive the conduct of the local council elections, has sent a revised schedule to the Treasury requesting money for the polls. According to the revised schedule, the Commission has said that for the conduct of the polls, it will need only Rs 2.2 billion initially, and the rest could be released within three months. Election Commissioner R.M.A.L. Ratnayake said that the fresh initiative had been taken as another effort to ensure that more..

Oct 15 (ST) Is the talk about abolishing the executive presidency, gaining momentum, a trial balloon floated by an influential section of the govt? So, it seems to be the likely answer. The apparent rationale behind the move is to obviate the need for a prez poll. It is proposed to be carried out through a national referendum. That is to pave the way for a general election and a return to parliamentary democracy. more..

Oct 16 (CT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe invited the IMF to fund and facilitate the reparation of a bankrupt economy. IMF agreed under certain conditions, extended a loan of $2.9 billion to be released in eight instalments, and provided a roadmap for recovery expecting RW and his govt to adopt. The first instalment was received roughly 12 months ago, an auditing was carried out and a diagnostic report was produced wherein IMF drew attention to a number of issues that are more..

Oct 16 (CT) The often repeated plitical reality of the island nation is that while the policy makers eventually ensure their survival, regardless the political colour they represent, it is always the citizens who are dealt the short end of the stick. Time and again, this very oppressor and oppressed reality is manipulated by the politicians to secure votes. The ones who stand with the people as the oppressed soon change colours and become the oppressor following a political victory. more..

Oct 16 (TM) The often repeated plitical reality of the island nation is that while the policy makers eventually ensure their survival, regardless the political colour they represent, it is always the citizens who are dealt the short end of the stick. Time and again, this very oppressor and oppressed reality is manipulated by the politicians to secure votes. Ones who stand with the people as the oppressed soon change colours and become the oppressor more..

Oct 16 (TM) The Sunday Morning yesterday reported that the Govt had allocated $ 10,000 to assist an estimated 8000 Sri Lankans trapped in the conflict zones of Israel, facing an onslaught of violence. Yes, you heard that right. $ 10,000 to assist nearly 8,000 SL nationals, many of whom work and send their hard-earned remittances back to bail us out from the bankruptcy, we Sri Lankans have voted ourselves into. That is on average $ 1.25 per Sri Lankan who is trapped in a conflict zone, more..

Oct 16 (TM) In the Middle East earth-shaking events are unfolding. Israel seems bent on getting rid of the Palestinians. In the early 20th century a little man with a small moustache – Adolf Hitler - made every effort to kill off Europe’s Jews. We know how he implemented a genocidal plan to exterminate the Jewish race. He blamed them for the ills Germany was facing. In today’s context,government of the Jewish people - the then victims - are today committing mass murder of Palestinians more..

Oct 16 (TM) SL needs a change in policymaking culture to incorporate strategic thinking, if the island nation is to better navigate the dynamic geopolitical environment of the Indian Ocean and beyond, KDU Centre for Strategic Assessment Director and Dept of Strategic Studies Head Dr. Harinda Vidanage said. Vidanage, an academic and strategist, points to failures of past govts to assess the strategic environment SL more..

Oct 16 (ST) Not so long ago, on the cusp of some general election or the other, there was a pithily phrased segment in one of Sri Lanka’s electronic media channels titled Kawde Pannin Ne? (in other words, who will jump next?) That was a must watch commentary on behind-the-scenes happenings in the run-up to the elections with wild speculations by news anchors as to who had been paid how much to ‘jump’ from one party to the other. That is all well and good if the jumping concerned had been more..

Oct 16 (DM) The notion that the recent ruling by the Supreme Court that upheld the expulsion of former Minister Nazeer Ahmad Zainulabdeen from the SLMC has set a new precedent is a misconception. Reports about political parties planning after this ruling to take legal action against their members who have defected to other parties are based on this misconception. Another misconception is that former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva legitimised defection by MPs from political parties more..

Oct 16 (Island) Laws, passed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka during the past several years, contain flaws, which have even impeded the implementation of some of them, according to media reports. The defects have been attributed to lapses on the part of the public officials who drafted the laws at issue. There has been no official denial of the media reports in question, and supposing they are accurate, then drastic action has to be taken to straighten up the flawed laws. more..

Oct 16 (Island) According to an article in The Diplomat (2nd Oct), SL govt has committed to supplying 70% of its domestic electricity, with renewable energy sources, by 2030, with the longer-term goal of achieving a fully renewable electricity supply by 2050. The govt is incentivised by debt-for-renewables swap, which enables heavily indebted countries to restructure a portion of their external debt on to more favourable terms in exchange for environmental commitments. more..

Oct 16 (ST) SL’s Consultant Coach, Mahela Jayawardena says that bowling forms the foundation to win championships and the absence of country’s premier strike bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera has come to haunt them during the ongoing World Cup in India. Jayawardena, a SL great who led Sri Lanka to the 2007 50-over World Cup finals, shared these thoughts ahead of SL’s third game more..

Oct 16 (CI) Afghanistan claimed the most famous scalp of their international history, and in the process provided the first big shock of the 2023 World Cup, by routing England's world champions by 69 runs in a spin-and-seam masterclass under the Delhi floodlights. Their dominance was set in motion by a fearless display of power-hitting from the 21-year-old Rahmanullah Gurbaz, whose 80 from 57 had promised so much more until a run-out sawed him off in his prime. more..

Oct 16 (DN) SL won the second Central Asian Men’s Volleybal Challenge Cup beating Usbekistan 3-0 (25-14, 25 18, 25 22) in the final worked off at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday. Sri Lankans played well to compete the first set in just 20 minutes. Lankans before entering the second set were in fine form and went on to win the same 25-18. The second set was completely dominated by the Lankan spikers to take a firm lead 2-0. Third set saw Uzbekistan taking an early lead of more..

Oct 16 (FT) Small and medium sector of the tourism industry is demanding a fresh and longer term moratorium insisting that proper recovery remains elusive, hence debt burden crippling its survival. Following triple blows starting from the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, COVID -19 pandemic and political-economic crisis, the tourism industry was given a 4 year moratorium for debt repayment. However, tourism sector SMEs complain that the accumulated capital and interest payable, more..

Oct 16 (DN) SL having new look side led by Kusal Mendis for the first time in world cup when they will meet Australia in their match at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow today. SL team continued their injury issue with regular skipper Dasun Shanaka and young paceman Matheesha Pathirana both out for this game and inform batter wicket keeper Kusal Mendis will lead the team while bowling all rounder Chamika Karunaratne who was travelling as reserve player will play his first more..

Oct 16 (CI) Between June 4 and Sept 12 this year (both days inclusive) Sri Lanka played 14 ODIs, and bowled the opposition out in each one. The previous world record for bowling oppositions out in consecutive matches was 10, by the Australia side of the late aughts. If you are unaware of the caveats that attach themselves to this extraordinary wicket-taking run, here they are: Eight of these matches came in the World Cup Qualifier, and more..

Oct 16 (CI) Even in a tournament with nine group-stage matches which allows room for a slip up or two, you don't want to be 0-3 early in the competition. But that's exactly the situation which will confront one of Australia and SL after they face off in Lucknow in what already shapes as a contest to retain realistic semi-final hopes. It has been a tough start for both sides, but two points in this fixture will revive belief that they can still challenge for the top four. more..

Oct 16 (Island) Tharushi Karunaratne’s historic achievement at the Asian Games has powered her to the top of the Asian Rankings in the 800 metres. The teenager trained by Susantha Fernando has secured the top spot in the Asian Rankings according to the latest rankings published by World Athletics. Ratnayake Central, Walala prodigy was the fastest in the two-lap race in the Asian region from the time she earned qualifying standards for the three Asian events early this year. more..

Oct 16 (TM) The stage is set for SL to meet their old nemesis Australia today in the Cricket World Cup 2023 at the picturesque Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, India. Couple of forced changes were confirmed over the weekend with young slinger Matheesha Pathirana and skipper Dasun Shanaka. It is yet to be known who will replace both players. With Chamika Karunaratne announced as the like-for-like squad replacement for skipper more..

Oct 16 (CT) Nearly 800 persons residing near the former landslide site in Meeriyabedda, Koslanda in Haldummulla and its vicinity, were evacuated due to the imminent risk of landslides following heavy rains since Saturday (14) night, Haldummulla Divisional Secretary K.A.J. Priyangika said. According to the Divisional Secretary, this step was taken on the recommendations of the National Building Research Organisasion (NBRO). Some 778 people were evacuated amidst heavy rains. more..

Oct 16 (TM) SL Federation of the Visually Handicapped (SLFVH), together with the United Republic Front (URF) led by Opposition PM Patali Champika Ranawaka, had organised a signature campaign yesterday to demand the Govt to legalise the White Cane in SL. In view of the World White Cane Safety Day which was commemorated yesterday, SLFVH and URF had organised the campaign, and they charged that despite more than 50 years having passed since the declaration more..

Oct 16 (Hindu) Santhan alias Suthenthiraraja, one of the seven life convicts granted premature release in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has requested the Sri Lankan President to help him return to the island nation and live there with his aged mother. In a petition sent to the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, Santhan said he was now lodged in the Tiruchi special camp where foreign nationals facing criminal charges or having no valid documents are kept. more..

Oct 16 (ST) The continued delay in appointing a permanent Commissioner General (CG) has become a huge obstacle for the Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) to achieve its tax revenue targets, officials have warned the govt. IRD has functioned under an acting Commissioner General for the past one and a half months since the retirement of D.R.S. Hapuarachchi on Aug 27. IRD officials say that this has paralysed much of the department’s functions, given that a permanent CG is required by more..

Oct 16 (Island) Catholic Church yesterday rejected the government move to appoint a Special Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to inquire into the allegations made in the Channel 4 documentary as regards the complicity of some sections of the govt in the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage. Top spokesperson for the Catholic Church Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando questioned the purpose in appointing a Special PSC as the issues more..

Oct 16 (AD) A suspect who was under police custody in relation to the drive-by shooting in Thalduwa, Avissawella in which two people were killed last month, has died allegedly during an attempt to escape. Hambantota Police had arrested the suspect and handed him over to the Avissawella Police, and he was detained under 03-day detention orders for further interrogations. However, when the police officers went to the Avissawella area today (15) along with the suspect in search of more..

Oct 16 (EN) Sri Lanka’s tax revenues grew 43 percent to 1,376.9 billion rupees in July 2023 from a year ago, but the overall deficit was also up mostly due to rising interest costs. Non-tax revenues were up 3% to 136 billion rupees. An IMF program projected revenues of 3,268 billion rupees for 2023. Sri Lanka senior mission chief Peter Breuer said revenues would be about 15% below target. It works out to about 2,778 billion rupees, compared to the original IMF projection. more..

Oct 16 (DM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for China tonight (15) to attend the 3rd Belt & Road Forum for International Cooperation held in China. Prez will engage on a four-day official visit to China from October 16 to 20. During his absence, the responsibilities of the ministries under his purview have been temporarily entrusted to the respective State Ministers and a Cabinet Minister. Accordingly, State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon will serve as the Acting Minister of Defence, more..

Oct 16 (ST) SL’s six state-owned banks are set to undergo urgent reforms due to current pressure exerted on its capital positions from massive amounts of bad loans and urgent funding as well as liquidity constraints, informed official sources said. These local banks need Rs. 1.4 trillion capital injection after bad loans increased to alarming proportions in economic crisis and debt moratoriums as well as debt restructuring hit their balance sheets, a recent analysis by the IMF revealed. more..

Oct 16 (ST) The Health Ministry had ordered two more medications from the same company that had supplied its Medical Supplies Division (MSD) with counterfeit human immunoglobulin which triggered adverse patient reactions in three major hospitals, it has been revealed. The local company, Isolez Biotech Pharma AG, had secured these tenders—as it did with human immunoglobulin—by purportedly using fake waivers of registration more..

Oct 16 (Island) Sri Lanka wants China to share with other creditors the terms of its recent $4.2 billion bilateral debt deal, a step needed to help the country speed up the process of restoring its finances over a year after it defaulted. Sharing the information would ensure transparency and assure other bilateral creditors that they’re getting a comparable deal, news agencies have quoted Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, as sayng at a panel discussion on Friday. more..

Oct 16 (DM) A 36-year-old couple, husband and wife, have been arrested by the Kandana Police after a video showing a woman being assaulted in a private institution has gone viral on social media. Police said the incident took place in a private institution at Aniyakanda Road, Nagoda in Kandana on Oct 3. The police launched investigations on the basis of information received on the police emergency number 118. Accordingly, these suspects were arrested at Lipton Road, Nagoda more..

Oct 16 (EN) SL’s police chief has got this third service extension, but the move by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to retain Chandana Wickramaratne also underscores the serious leadership crisis in the 157-year-old organization. Granting another extension to IGP Wickramaratne appears to be an affront to those appalled by the crime wave gripping the country, but not many know that the police chief has absolutely no disciplinary more..

Oct 16 (FT) Diplomat turned Novelist Edmond Jayasinghe has released his third creative work under the title Api or We. The previous two works were a novel under the title Piyavi Esa or The Naked Eye and a collection of poems under the title Shades. The Naked Eye which appeared at the height of the Youth Agitation or Aragalaya of 2022 brought out a story of a young intellectual who formed an unarmed radical movement to change the country’s decadent society more..