Sep 21 (DM) The Colombo District Court today issued an enjoining order preventing the operation of an explanation letter sent by SLFP Chairman Maithripala Sirisena to former SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara. Colombo District Court Judge Sandun Vithana made this order taking into consideration a plaint filed by Dayasiri Jayasekara who was recently ousted from his role as the General Secretary of the SLFP. This enjoining order will be effective till Oct 5. more..

Sep 22 (TM) In a landmark decision, Supreme Court recently ordered the CEB to pay a compensation of Rs. one million to the Vavuniya Solar Power (Pvt) Ltd Co. following the hearing of a Fundamental Rights petition filed by the latter regarding failure to provide a licence to establish a renewable energy plant over several years. The SC also found fault with the State-owned renewable energy regulator, SL Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), for failing in their duty, and ordered more..

Sep 22 (CT) Sri Lanka is nearing another election year amidst the prevailing economic crises. In relation to this growing election atmosphere, uncertainties have begun to emerge again. Some people fear that it might cause a reversal of the IMF programme. Therefore, they predict that Sri Lanka may succeed in its initial IMF reviews in Sept 2023 and March 2024, but election-related possible economic easing processes could hinder the third review in Sept 2024. more..

Sep 22 (TM) In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the role of academic institutions and learning resources is continually adapting to meet the dynamic needs of students and learners worldwide. At the forefront of this transformation stands Arun Rajamani, Managing Director at Cambridge Uni Press and Assessment South Asia. With a distinguished career spanning over 28 years in the education sector, more..

Sep 22 (DM) The Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority (SNSCA) alleges that Royal Turf Club (RTC) is yet to pay a sum of Rs. 40 million as maintenance dues over the past few years. The 82-acre expanse of land- located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya- is one of the city’s main attractions. However, since 2012, this land came under the purview of the Sugathadasa National Sports Complex Authority where the latter was responsible for its maintenance. But in addition to the failure of more..

Sep 22 (DM) This is pearl of a nation which looks up to heroes rather than working professionals. We saw the Mahinda Rajapaksa era when people looked up to the former president as a hero and said that they’d survive on one meal a day and not complain if funds can be used to finish off the war against terrorism. After the war concluded, that prez used his office, the funds available and loans taken, during his next term, to invest on projects that didn’t promise a worthy return. more..

Sep 22 (CT) The Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC), set up with funding of Rs 400 million from Port City Developers, is facing scrutiny over food stalls leased to private parties. It has been reported that these stalls will be removed by March 2027. This comes in the wake of the Dept of Immigration & Emigration’s preparations to implement the special three visa categories for the Port City in the coming two weeks. more..

Sep 22 (Island) In order to assuage the apprehensions of India regarding the intended arrival of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yang 6 to SL, an informed source of the National Aquatic Resources Research Agency (NARA) is reported to have said a team of officials from the NARA would board Shi Yang 6 to observe research activities. This act is “widely seen by SL interlocutors as an attempt by the Govt to signal to the countries which are at loggerheads with China that more..

Sep 22 (Island) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday created quite a stir in Parliament by demanding to know why Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe had taken some SLPP MPs to New York. Premadasa said those who were responsible for bankrupting the country must not be allowed to junket at the expense of taxpayers. He must have struck a responsive chord with the irate public, but going by his line of reasoning, the question is whether any member of current Parliament more..

Sep 22 (TM) The inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral collaboration of geriatrics and gerontology is important for Sri Lanka as it can help address the multi-faceted health-care related needs and social needs of an ageing population since it will facilitate the provision of specialised care for older adults, optimise the use of the limited health-care resources, and provide disability-free, high quality of life while ensuring income security in the twilight days of life. more..

Sep 22 (ST) Why do some people pay so much to spend a day at your hotel?” I asked one day from the manager of a luxury hotel. He said: “They are excited about different experiences of living and over-consumption of luxuries for which they pay. And after all, they can also get away leaving the mess behind for which also, we charge.” Although he said it as a joke, as for the rapidly growing global tourism industry, it gives a crucial message: The degree of sustainability! more..

Sep 22 (ST) With the Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) undecided about approving the rearing and captive breeding of several endemic species of fish, the illegal business of selling protected species of fish at aquariums and via social media is thriving. Most monster fish (large fish) keepers as well as hobbyists who are interested in collecting endemic and rare species of fish continue to snatch fish from rivers, ponds and pools. more..

Sep 22 (FT) The 26th of Sept has become an important day in SL ever since the then PM SWRD Bandaranaike was assassinated in 1959. Bandaranaike who was shot by Talduwa Somarama Thera on 25 Sept, succumbed to his injuries the following day. Sept 26th however is of particular significance to a substantial number of SL Tamils also. For it was on this day in 1987 that a senior member of the LTTE Thileepan died in Nallu after undertaking a fast unto death. more..

Sep 22 (FT) Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the Govt has earmarked Rs. 12 billion to facilitate farmers in procuring fertilisers for the upcoming cultivation season. This initiative aims to bolster agricultural productivity and support the country’s vital farming sector. The farmers will receive Rs. 15,000 per hectare, allowing them the flexibility to choose between organic or chemical fertilisers based on their specific agricultural needs. Amaraweera said that this decision more..

Sep 22 (ST) The painting in a studio away from the main house is large and only half finished. Sanath Herath has just a few days left to get it done, framed, and up at the Barefoot Gallery in time for his first exhibition which opens on Sept 21. The artist though is not fazed. He likes challenges and the more intricate and complex, the more he is absorbed. This work needs patience and precision, again qualities he has ample reserves of. The painting once completed, will have all endemic butterflies more..

Sep 22 (FT) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar addressing the Parliament yesterday assured that a prospective Government led by SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa would initiate an investigation and apprehend the individuals responsible for orchestrating the 2019 Easter Sunday attack. “If the current Government does not carry out a thorough investigation to identify and bring to justice the masterminds behind the Easter Sunday attack, a future SJB Govt will take the required actions,” he pledged. more..

Sep 20 (TM) Police stated that the measures taken to suppress crimes such as murders and drug trafficking are being implemented continuously, but that certain crimes being led by individuals residing in foreign countries raises practical problems in terms of the implementation of the law. With the country seeing a considerable increase in crimes including shootings linked to drug trafficking in the recent past, many parties have urged more..

Sep 22 (FT) Over 70% of public authorities have disclosed online less than 40% of the information they were required to by the Right to Information Act (RTI Act), according to a recent study conducted by Verité Research. Ministries of Agriculture and Public Administration disclosed just over half the information they are required to disclose and ranked highest in the assessment. Offices of the Prez and PM had disclosed less than 20% of required information & ranked among least compliant more..

Sep 22 (FT) Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki, on Tuesday conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays on Sunil Gamini Wijesinha, former Prez of Japan-SL Technical & Cultural Association, JASTECA, in recognition of his distinguished contribution to strengthening economic relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and SL, by disseminating the Japanese management styles in SL. Wijesinha has played a pivotal role in promoting more..

Sep 22 (TM) In the wake of the Supreme Court (SC) ordering the CEB to pay a compensation sum of Rs. one million to the Vavuniya Solar Power (Pvt) Ltd ollowing the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by the latter, the Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) emphasised that the said sum should be collected from the relevant officials who have neglected their duties and responsibilities. more..

Sep 22 (FT) Three employees of Verité Research, namely Deputy Director – Media and Politics Deepanjalie Abeywardana, Research Manager – VR Media and Team Leader – Parliamentary Research Rochel Canagasabey, and Lead Researcher – Economics Sumini Siyambalapitiya were awarded Chevening and Erasmus Mundus scholarships for 2023/24 recently. Abeywardana, who will pursue an MSc in Media, Communications and International Journalism at the Uni of Glasgow more..

Sep 22 (FT) IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has announced the introduction of new direct flights between Hyderabad and Colombo from 2 November. IndiGo is also the first Indian carrier to provide direct connectivity between the two cities, reinforcing trade, economic, and cultural ties. This is part of IndiGo’s strategic expansion in international markets, providing customers with seamless and efficient connectivity. IndiGo Head of Global Sales Vinay Malhotra said: more..

Sep 22 (DM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Minister of Finance, is likely to reconstitute the Monetary Board of the Central Bank. SL recently passed a new Central Bank Act, which was drafted with the support of the IMF, ensuring more independence to the country’s monetary authority. Prez Wickremesinghe is expected to reconstitute the Monetary Board under the new Central Bank Act. The present Monetary Board has five members, including the Treasury Secretary. more..

Sep 22 (TM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has been formally invited by the King of Malaysia to undertake a state visit to the country. The SL leader has graciously accepted this invitation and has expressed his intent to schedule the visit in the early months of 2024, specifically in either January or February. The King’s invitation was personally conveyed by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim during bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York on Wednesday (20). more..

Sep 22 (DM) After temporarily suspending all vehicle imports, the Cabinet is now contemplating granting permission to a specific party to import electric vehicles (EVs) with 500 kW, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PEHV), and electric two-wheelers in a semi-knockdown (SKD) form for local assembly, with zero tariff, Vehicle Importers Association of SL (VIASL) claimed. VIASL secretary Arosha Rodrigo said a Cabinet Paper under more..

Sep 22 (DN) Gayanthika Abeyratne the SL middle distance medal hope and women’s captain of the Asian Games left for China yesterday (21) to take part in the Asian Games which will commence on Sept 23. Gayanthika from SL Navy coached by Sajith Jayalal is expected to run both 1500m and 800m events and her key event, 800m is more competitive this time. The 20 year old Tharushi Karunaratne who will leave on the 26th for the games will also compete in the 800m event more..

Sep 22 (DN) Asian Games is the biggest sporting event in Asian region and this is a good opportunity for SL athletes said SL Olympic silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe’ before the departure of SL women’s cricket team. Susanthika Jayasinghe’ who is the women’s cricket Consultant of SLC further said this is like our mini Olympic Games while it’s value is very high. Our SL women’s cricket team led by Chamari Athapaththu is very strong and their performance has been very good recently more..

Sep 20 (FT) Families of the Disappeared submitted a letter to the UN Office and several diplomatic missions in Colombo yesterday highlighting the failure of the authorities to deliver justice to the families of the victims of 11 youths allegedly abducted by a Navy abduction for ransom gang between 2008 and 2009. In the petition, the organisation requested the agencies and missions to demonstrate to the Govt that the international community is actively monitoring more..

Sep 20 (Island) Civil society activist Oshala Herath yesterday said that he had launched a special website (www.dianagamage.info) to inform the public of his case against State Minister Diana Gamage over the citizenship issue. One-time head of New Media an outfit established by yahapalana President Maithripala Sirisena emphasized the importance of winning public support to pressure the powers that be to take corrective measures. The Court of Appeal will deliver its verdict on Oct. 18 more..

Sep 20 (TM) The SJB claimed that there is enough evidence to suspect that the military intelligence services were involved in the Easter Sunday attacks that took place in 2019. Speaking in the Parliament during the two-day adjournment debate on the Easter Sunday attacks and national security, which commenced yesterday, SJB MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha claimed that the SJB would raise its concerns over more..

Sep 20 (Island) The US on Wednesday announced a USD 19.23 mn (Rs 6.2 bn) grant to support economic growth and democratic governance activities. It was made during an event held at the Finance Ministry. The US embassy stated: “The U.S. $19.23 million (Rs 6.2 billion) is obligated through the Development Objective Grant Agreement between the USAID and the govt of SL. This development assistance will support economic growth and democratic governance activities more..

Sep 20 (Island) Amidst allegations that the abolition of the time-tested Exchange Control Act of 1953 contributed to the country’s bankruptcy and foreign exchange crisis, The Island, in terms of the Right to Information Act No 12 of 2016 requested from the Office of Secretary General of Parliament, the names of the MPs who had voted for the new law (Foreign Exchange Act No 12 of 2017) and those who opposed it. According to parliamentary records, 94 voted for the Bill more..

Sep 22 (FT) In a startling revelation, an audit report on the fuel price data submitted by PUCSL former Chairman Janaka Ratnayake has uncovered significant discrepancies in the pricing calculations presented to the COPE Committee on 7 July 2022. Overall loss is estimated at over Rs. 40 billion in 2022. The report, presented by the COPE committee on 6 Sept 2023, highlighted various irregularities in the fuel procurement process more..

Sep 22 (FT) Article 14(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees us the freedom of speech and expression including publication in any medium, subject to such restrictions as may be prescribed by law in the interests of racial and religious harmony or in relation to parliamentary privilege, contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence. Yet, the Cabinet has approved a bill that grievously limits online speech, expression and related actions. more..

Sep 22 (FT) Bank consolidation is internationally accepted as a means to achieve economies of scale and thereby ensure sector stability whilst providing needed financial support to aid economic growth. Better ratings, lower funding costs, the capability to introduce technology-based products that require heavy set-up costs, the ability to lower cost-income ratios, and the benefits of advanced risk management systems are some of the advantages larger surviving entities would enjoy after consolidation. more..