Sep 14 (DM) SL appears to be turning down calls for an an internationally monitored investigation into Easter Sunday bombings since it rapped yesterday the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for trying to use incorrect and unsubstantiated information from biased sources in analysis in this regard. SL’s Permanent Representative to UN Geneva Himalee Arunatilaka made remarks to UNHRC more..

Sep 14 (ANI) Often hailed as the most successful spinner in the history of cricket, Muttiah Muralitharan recently reflected on the most controversial aspect of his career - his bowling technique. Former SL spinner, who has been credited with 800 Test wickets, faced substantial criticism and backlash regarding his bowling action throughout his career. While cricket legend Sir Don Bradman came to his defense, notable figures like Adam Gilchrist & Bishan Singh Bedi did not hold back more..

Sep 14 (EN) Chairman of parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) Harsha de Silva has urged the IMF to prioritise accountability and transparency as the international lender goes into its first review of its programme. “As the IMF evaluates our progress, we urge them to prioritize accountability and transparency. Confronting past mistakes is crucial for our nation’s recovery. Let’s work together to rebuild Sri Lanka on a foundation of truth and justice,” de Silva tweeted more..

Sep 15 (DM) Sri Lankans are quick to highlight problems associated with grieving or suffering communities by writing or talking about them in media outlets. But seldom do we see any follow-ups being made on these stories or posts to see if lives have changed and issues have been addressed. The same can be said about lawmakers who rarely acknowledge these grievances, but do virtually nothing about them. Tea estate workers last month had a series of events in month of Aug more..

Sep 15 (CT) Crisis-hit SL’s economy is undergoing its first economic diagnosis process as a mandatory requirement of the IMF EFF programme from 14 to 27 Sept. Visiting team will submit its report to the IMF Executive Board within 4 to 6 weeks, which will increase the possibility of unlocking the second tranche of USD 338 million. Nation is making steady progress in the IMF economic adjustment programme, meeting most preconditions or nearing expected targets under an extremely more..

Sep 15 (SO) Amidst the bustling streets of Colombo, where tradition meets modernity, stands the towering masterpiece known as the Colombo Lotus Tower. This iconic structure has not only redefined the city’s skyline but has also become a symbol of innovation, entertainment, and education in SL. In a candid conversation with Sunday Observer, the two key figures instrumental in the tower’s transformation, we delve into the journey more..

Sep 15 (CT) The system change the protest movement sought was focused on ending corruption seen as the main cause of the economic collapse that took place a year and a half ago. Those who joined the protest movement from all parts of the country and who came in improvised transport including tractor trailers and lorries used for the transport of agricultural produce came from a tradition in which the state was the benefactor of the people. What they were experiencing was more..

Sep 15 (GV) The issue of female labor force participation in SL has remained a subject of discussion for several decades yet tangible progress in improving it has been elusive. As the country grapples with its most severe economic crisis since gaining independence, it is important to take a hard look at the labor force to maximize its potential in overcoming the economic crisis. SL is approaching its last stages of its demographic dividend characterized by a significant proportion more..

Sep 15 (TM) In recent years, SL has witnessed a dramatic shift in the world of pet ownership. A decade ago, the island nation had a relatively small community of purebred animal enthusiasts. Breeding was a specialised endeavour, undertaken by a selected few with a genuine passion for these animals. Fast forward to today, and the landscape has transformed. Pets are now supplied on demand, and anyone, with little thought to more..

Sep 15 (TM) Ask anyone who has attempted to make change in SL, especially reforms and they would tell you that the SL bureaucracy excels in few areas, strangling ideas, shelving plans and burying forward momentum of reforms. Policy ideas and reforms are eaten up by the SL bureaucratic behemoth and then lost to the sands of time. One such reform or update of a key piece of sovereign regulations that has been lost in our bureaucratic jungle, is Standard Operational Procedure more..

Sep 15 (CT) Ironical but true. G.L. Peiris, who as Foreign Minister in the erstwhile Mahinda Rajapaksa Govt, had defended what the rest of them all called indefensible, now wants the IMF to rein in corruption. SJB Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, who had maintained Sphinx-like silence over the decade-long Tamil demand for an international probe into war crimes, is now demanding one on the more recent Channel 4 expose on the Easter blasts in 2019. more..

Sep 15 (Island) I have no doubt at all that the Chairperson of the BCIS, Board of Academic Affairs, the BCIS management, chapter contributors, and BCIS staff are delighted to see the two volumes of Democracy and Democratization in SL: Paths, Trends & imaginations in print. This, as far as I know, is the first major academic publication undertaken by the BCIS. It is Madam Chandrika Kumaratunga’s vision, initiative, guidance and unwavering support that has made this more..

Sep 15 (Island) Nobody dared trifle with Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence Secretary. It was jokingly said then that he exercised 50% of Prez Mahinda Rjapaksa’s executive powers! Many a true word is said to be spoken in jest. Even senior Cabinet ministers used to bow and scrape before him. Never did any of them utter a word against him even behind his back. In 2019, everyone in the SLPP hitched his or her wagon to him, and came in from the cold to savour power again. more..

Sep 15 (CI) In a game of multiple compelling storylines, it was Charith Asalanka who stood tall in the end as SL edged Pakistan out by two wickets in final-ball thriller in Colombo. With it, SL made it to their 11th Asia Cup final, where they will face India on Sunday. Asalanka remained unbeaten on 49 off 47 balls to see home a nervy chase, but it was a win built on Kusal Mendis' 91 from 87 and Sadeera Samarawickrama's 48 off 51. more..

Sep 15 (DN) The opening ceremony of the MCA cricket Academy was held on Wednesday at MCA premises. MCA President Nalin Wickramasinghe opened the indoor nets by bowling to immediate Past President of MCA Rohana Dissanayake at the indoor nets in the presence of SLC top officials and past President of MCA Chrishantha Obeyeseksra who was the man behind the MCA Academy in 2002. The past MCA Presidents Mahesh Wijewardena, Niran Mahawatte, Neil Perera, more..

Sep 15 (Island) Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Ayomal Akalanka improved the Under 18 boys’ 400 metres hurdles meet record for the second time as Ambagamuwa Central continued to dominate hurdles events on the second day of the Sir John Tarbat Senior Championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Thursday. National Youth record holder commenced the championships with a record-breaking performance in the heats (52.3 secs) on Wednesday and on Thursday more..

Sep 15 (CI) Ever ask yourself: What am I doing here? Cricket fans - at least those who take our privileged position of being able to watch the game regularly for granted - surely do. Especially sitting through interminable rain delays, mopping-up, pitch inspections… repeat. Then you witness another fairytale and realise, this is what I'm doing here. This time, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt's turn. Playing her 100th ODI and captaining the side after Heather Knight was forced to return to the team hotel more..

Sep 15 (FT) Singapore-based, Lankaisla, sees immense potential in SL’s tourism sector, and is set to expand its presence to Sigiriya and Colombo shortly, in what is billed to be a major acquisition. The company has invested over $8 million in SL over a year, and will hold as many as 1,000 rooms across the country by the year end, during its first-phase of expansion. Lankaisla Chairman Dakshitha Bogollagama said, SL holds many underutilised potential tourism hotspots, more..

Sep 15 (FT) Former UK PM David Cameron has come forward to promote the Colombo Port City, dubbed as SL’s game changer for the future. Cameron is slated to promote the Colombo Port City at a invitee-only separate top events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 26 Sept. He will be involved in a conversation on “Now is the time to invest in the Port City Colombo, SL.” The exclusive event will also focus on the role of SL more..

Sep 15 (DN) SL under 19 team led by Sineth Jayawardena turned in a fine team effort to record a seven wicket win over West Indies under 19 team in their second four day game to gain a 1-0 series win at Dambulla yesterday. SL youth team chasing a winning target of 79 runs reached their target with seven wickets in hand and celebrated a series win before lunch yesterday. It was great bowling by SL spinners led by off spinner Vihas Thewmika and leg spinner Malsha Tharupathi more..

Sep 15 (ST) In a display of exceptional skill and determination, Sri Lanka badminton players showcased their prowess at the Badminton Asia (South Asia) Regional Championships 2023 (Individual Event) held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The championship, organised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia Confederation, saw SL’s shuttlers dominate the competition across various categories. The championship, which unfolded against more..

Sep 15 (DM) Court of Appeal today was informed that there was no citizenship certificate issued to State Minister Diana Gamage by the Minister. Counsel Hafeel Farisz appearing for the petitioner who challenged Diana Gamage’s citizenship by way of a writ petition submitted to court, said that in her statement to the CID, Diana Gamage herself had admitted that she is a British citizen. He further said the Controller General of Emigration more..

Sep 15 (Island) Port City Colombo took center stage as the Gold Sponsor of i3 Summit by Khaleej Times in Dubai, which was held under the theme, Redefining Innovation, Inspiring Change, and Shaping the Future of Business. ‘This key sponsorship strategically captured the attention of the global investor community, while highlighting Port City Colombo’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering collaboration in the region. It firmly reinforces Port City more..

Sep 15 (ST) A special police operation was launched yesterday to crack down on underworld gangs. Involving more than 4,000 officers the operation will be conducted islandwide, with special focus on the Western and Southern provinces. Recently these two provinces have witnessed a spate of deadly shootings mainly related to underworld activity. STF, CID, SIS, PNB and other police units will be part of the operation, which will continue indefinitely until further notice. more..

Sep 15 (SLN) Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak arrived at the Trincomalee harbour on a formal visit this morning (14). Visiting ship was welcomed by the SL Navy in compliance with naval tradition. INS Nireekshak is a 70.5m long Diving Support Vessel manned by a crew of 137 and the ship is commanded by Commander Jeetu Singh Chauhan. Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of the ship called on Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva more..

Sep 15 (FT) A delegation from Mayo Clinic, a global icon in healthcare, education, and research, is currently in SL to discuss the progress of the Port City Colombo Hospital project. Partnering with Asiri Hospital, they seek to shape the future of healthcare for the region. Visiting team met the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman, Dinesh Weerakkody and officials. Asiri Hospitals Chairman, Ashok Pathirege and PwC SL Managing Partner, Sujeewa Mudalige also participated in more..

Sep 15 (DM) Monetary Board, as the custodian of the Employment Provident Fund (EPF), yesterday announced that it has considered the options available and has decided to opt for the Debt Exchange offer with a long-term view in the best interest of the members of the Fund. Accordingly, the EPF tendered Rs. 2,667,512,169,237 face value of Treasury Bonds for Debt Exchange, including an additional Rs. 149,890,740,000 in excess more..

Sep 15 (DM) Galoya Plantations (Pvt) Ltd (GOPL) has invested Rs. 12 billion in the construction of a new factory to increase sugarcane-crushing capacity and boost sugar production. “We will also utilize sugarcane waste to generate electricity, with the goal of adding 8.75 MW to the National Grid, of which 5 MW will power our operations,” said Danesh Abeyratne, Executive Director of the Galoya Plantation Company. The generation of 15MW of electricity by the Galoya Plantation more..

Sep 15 (EN) Central Bank has identified informal money remitters who transfer money through hawala and undiyal possessing high-risk in the island nation’s money laundering activity, while real estate agents, banking sector, and finance companies are identified as possessing medium high risk, a report showed. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) under the CB in its latest Sanitized Report of the Second National Risk Assessment (NRA) on Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) more..

Sep 15 (TM) Nearly 20 civil organisations launching a satyagraha protest campaign in front of the Ministry of Health condemning MPs who voted against a no-confidence motion (NCM) targeting Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and demanding solutions to issues in the health sector are to be supported by the SJB, and other Opposition groups. Representatives of several civil organisations, such as Electricity Consumers Association (ECA), Magen Ratata org, more..

Sep 15 (DN) Minister Bandula Gunawardhana said that he will lodge complaints with the CID and CIABOC against the false allegations made by Railway Locomotive unionist Indika Dodangoda. Dodangoda alleged that Minister has received Rs.50 Mn as a bribe from an Indian company and that he is one of the most corrupt Ministers in the country. Minister will send a Letter of Demand to Dodangoda claiming Rs.500 Mn as damages. Minister mentioned that Dodangoda is a person more..

Sep 15 (FT) State Minister Shehan Semasinghe reaffirmed the Govt’s unwavering dedication to establishing a sustainable economy at the inaugural meeting of the IMF first review of the EFF program at the Prez Secretariat yesterday. “We are collaborating closely with the IMF team throughout this process to overcome the challenges ahead of us,” he said via ‘X’ yesterday. State Minister also underscored the importance more..

Sep 15 (AD) Notorious underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka, alias Harak Kata, was reportedly admitted to the Colombo National Hospital this afternoon (14.) after suffering from a heart attack. Meanwhile, investigations into Harak Kata’s failed attempt to escape from the custody of the CID on Sunday (10) have revealed that no CCTV footage related to his escape was obtained, owing to the fact that the CID’s CCTV cameras have been inoperative for over one year. more..

Sep 15 (DM) With reference to the decision of the health Ministry to recall the retired medical specialists, medical specialists opined that it is neither a feasible nor a longstanding move to address the shortage of specialists. Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said, “I don’t know how feasible the decision would be given a spate of reasons. “There is no guarantee that every specialist who is recalled is willing to continue to work. Some may opt to come whereas some don’t," more..

Sep 15 (TM) Former Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and incumbent UNP Govt MP Wajira Abeywardana have been summoned before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) appointed to look into the causes of economic bankruptcy in the country today. In July 2023, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana appointed the said PSC to look into the causes of economic bankruptcy in SL more..