Aug 8 (DN) Aruna Darshana injured his hand and started bleeding about a minute before the start of the 400m race at the Paris State de France track. A nail from his shoe hit a finger on his left hand and the wound healed and blood was seen on the track. It was an ominous omen for Aruna Darshana, who was removed from the Olympic competition on the grounds of violating the lane rule. After the race, Aruna Darshana said that he injured his finger before the start of the race. more..

Aug 8 (CI) 13 Consecutive series without a defeat for India against SL in men's ODIs before their latest 2-0 defeat in Colombo. SL's last series win against India in this format came back in 1997 at home, which they won by a 3-0 margin. India's streak of 13 ODI series without a defeat against SL is the joint-second longest unbeaten run for any team against an opponent in this format. Pakistan did not lose in 14 ODI series against Zimbabwe, while India have won each of their last 13 series against WI. more..

Aug 8 (CI) Avishka Fernando struck 96 - the highest individual score this series - and Dunith Wellalage picked up a five-for as SL secured a first ODI bilateral series win against India in 27 years, with a dominant 110-run win in the third and final ODI in Colombo. For India, it was a culmination of their travails against spin over the past week, losing 9 wickets to spinners for the third game straight - 27 in total their most over a 3-match series. more..

Aug 8 (FT) The agonising run at the Colombo stock market persisted yesterday with turnover slumping to Rs. 320 million, lowest since COVID-hit May 2020. Just 13.4 million shares traded whilst indices closed flat. Setback was amidst Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe expressing confidence of his victory at next month’s election and former Prez’s son and SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa joining the race yesterday. Asia Securities said the indices turned rangebound in a subdued session on Wednesday. more..

Aug 8 (FT) Prime Group this week unveiled its biggest and most luxurious first modern home apartment city project, titled YOLO in Kiribathgoda, heralding yet another innovation which it is famous in the industry. With an investment of Rs. 15 billion and featuring many firsts, the 13-acre project YOLO (You Only Live Once) will have 476 exquisite residences, and Prime Group has made the offering attractive with unique payment plans. Facilities include a stunning infinity pool, more..

Aug 8 (FT) The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released an updated travel advisory for travellers over Sri Lanka’s visa application process. In the latest advisory dated 6 August, the FCOD informed UK nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka that the country has temporarily suspended the online visa (eVisa) application system on 2 Aug 2024. However, it also informed travellers that all visas received before this date retain their validity. more..

Aug 8 (DM) The number of new private company registrations in the country has shown a significant year-on-year (YoY) increase since the economic crisis in 2022, official data showed. 12,651 new businesses were registered between Jan 1 and June 30, 2024, marking a 20.2% rise from the 10,520 companies incorporated during the same period in 2023. This upward trend signals the growing confidence among the entrepreneurs as the economy continues to recover, analysts said. more..

Aug 8 (CT) JVP Politburo member K.D. Lalkantha responded to MP Udaya Gammanpila yesterday, challenging the latter to stop hiding behind parliamentary privileges and making sinister statements. Lalkantha urged Gammanpila to lodge a complaint with the Police if he genuinely believes there are grounds for arrest. Gammanpila had earlier challenged authorities to arrest Lalkantha, alleging that there might be hidden deals between more..

Aug 8 (TM) Sri Lanka state revenue has increased by 41% year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first six months of 2024 to Rs. 1,860 billion, as the Treasury has collected 52% of the estimated revenue for the year, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He said that the govt revenue in the first half of 2024 has increased to Rs. 1,860 billion, a 41% increase y-o-y compared to the same period in 2023. He said that the govt has managed to bring down the portion of indirect taxes to 70% of overall tax collection more..

Aug 8 (DN) Anunayake of the Malwatte Chapter Ven. Dimbulkumbure Wimaladhamma Thera said that 18 including people who are not known to anyone in the country, have made the ballot paper unnecessarily long by depositing money for the Prez Election. The Thera said that this will also increase printing costs. “This will result in much inconvenience to the people when voting for their preferences. The Thera was in a quandary as to why those who will be unable to obtain at least 1,000 votes more..

Aug 8 (FT) Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MPs who recently pledged their support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe have reaffirmed their decision to oppose the SLPP’s choice of candidate. The group convened with Minister Harin Fernando at a meeting in Battaramulla yesterday to deliberate on their next steps. After the meeting, Chief Govt Whip Prasanna Ranatunge told the media that until late Tuesday, Dhammika Perera was expected to be announced as the party’s candidate. more..

Aug 8 (AD) The COPA has expressed its displeasure over the performance of the Buildings Dept and Ayurveda Dept, when the committee met in Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of the State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna. Committee Chair has pointed out during the meeting that COPA maintains a data system regarding the performance of govt institutions under its purview the Building Dept and Ayurveda Dept have been identified as the two institutions with the lowest performance. more..

Aug 8 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed confidence in his victory in next month’s election, saying the choice before the people was proven experience to take them and the country forward versus other candidates’ future. “I do not influence the voting process; it is the people’s right to exercise their franchise. I am confident the majority (of the people) will come along. The key question for voters is whether they want a leader more..

Aug 8 (DM) The Ministerial portfolios of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms have been brought under the purview of the Prez through a Gazette Extraordinary issued by the Prez. Gazette Notification issued by the Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake by order of the President stated that it was issued after having consulted with the Prime Minister under Article 44 (3) of the Constitution. Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe resigned from his porfolio more..

Aug 8 (DM) Four more candidates placed their cash deposits today (7) for the upcoming Prez election, taking the total number of candidates to 22. The candidates who placed deposits today are Pani Wijesiriwardena from the Socialist Equality Party, Anthony Victor Perera, Muhammad Ilyas and Pemasiri Manage as independent candidates. Accordingly, other candidates are Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, former MP Sarath Keerthirathne and K.K. Piyadasa, former Justice Minister more..

Aug 8 (DN) SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva told Parliament yesterday that conditions imposed by the IMF will be changed by them. A structural change should be made in the agreements signed with the IMF. It can be done and we do it under our govt. Measures will be taken to encourage our local entrepreneurs. Relief is provided by reducing the tax burden of the people. We agree with the core of the Economic Transformation Act. more..

Aug 8 (FT) My salute to the people of Bangladesh led by their student youth, who have overthrown an autocrat in an unarmed uprising, sacrificing over 300 lives. We can also be proud of ourselves as Sri Lankans, since the autocrat mentioned our Aragalaya as an inspiration for the Bangladeshi youth. So much for so-called anti-imperialists who revile it and are suspicious of People’s Power revolts. In SL’s election season, wannabe tyrants should tremble, and be deterred from more..

Aug 8 (FT) Prez elections fixed for 21 Sept, with nominations on 15 Aug, by now have received deposits from 14 prez aspirants, including Prez Wickremesinghe as an independent and Sajith P from the SJB. Even after his deposit was paid and as the first to do so, Colombo is not certain, Wickremesinghe would contest. Some think he would strike a deal with Basil Rajapaksa even in the final hour, to have SLPP supporting him. There are also forecasts about him not handing more..

Aug 8 (EN) SL’s Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs said it is supporting green entrepreneurship linked to mangrove restoration as the island was selected as one of seven nations to be included in a UN flagship project. Green Entrepreneurship for Mangroves initiative aims to bring together local communities, businesses, and research institutions to coordinate mangrove restoration efforts. COYLE said it will join the effort by establishing a new Entrepreneur more..

Aug 8 (AD) Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and 03 other suspects implicated in the alleged importation of substandard immunoglobulin vials have been further remanded until August 22. The order was issued after the defendants were produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court today. Meanwhile, former Health Secretary Janaka Chandraguptha and former Additional Health Secretary, who were also in remand custody, have been granted bail more..

Aug 8 (CI) Mohammed Siraj is fired up. Halfway through his seventh over, the 39th of the innings, he strides down the pitch and sprays a few angry words at Kusal Mendis, who responds in kind. In his next over, Siraj bowls a ball to Janith Liyanage that the batter drives back at him. Siraj picks the ball up in his follow through, and flings it at the stumps, and misses. The batter would have been back safely in any case. more..

Aug 8 (DM) Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi today said that she will support Prez Ranil Wickremesinge at the upcoming Prez election. She said in a statement that most of the SLPP party members in Ratnapura district had informed her to support Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming Prez election. “When making crucial political decisions, I have always followed the policy of listening to the people and party members of the Ratnapura district who work with me,” she said. more..

Aug 8 (AD) The Tamil National Common Structure, an alliance of Tamil political parties, has announced its decision to nominate former MP P. Ariyanenthiran as their common candidate for the upcoming Prez Election. Several Tamil political parties and a group of civil society representatives had reached an agreement to nominate a common candidate for the forthcoming Prez Election. Accordingly, 7 Tamil political parties including the Tamil People’s Alliance and seven civil society representatives more..

Aug 8 (CI) SL left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been charged by the ICC for breaching three counts of the anti-corruption code relating to corrupt approaches in int'l matches and the LPL. Jayawickrama, 25, was charged under articles 2.4.4 and 2.4.7 of the code as follows: Failing to report to the Anti-Corruption Unit, without unnecessary delay, details of an approach he received to carry out fixing in future int'l more..

Aug 8 (DM) Some 52 essential drugs are still in short supply in the country whereas there is no shortage of life saving drugs, Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana said. He said that substitutes are available for the essential drugs that are in short supply. Minister said orders have already been placed to procure the drugs in short supply and that the situation will come to normal soon. He said there was a shortage of 250 essential drugs last year and that it has now decreased to 52. more..

Aug 8 (EN) SL’s should teach Information Technology (IT) to school children of all ages, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has said. “I fervently believe that ICT should be taught from Grade 1 to 13. And we will make it a compulsory subject and we will ensure that teaching takes place in the English language,” Premadasa told a forum at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute. Premadasa advocated teaching IT for school children of all ages and promoted an educational foster parent more..

Aug 8 (EN) SL Police Colombo Crime Division (CCD) has raided several shops and seized stocks of fake Casio watches, Japan-based company’s regional representatives said. “Such actions underscore our unwavering commitment towards consumer interests and brand integrity,” Gurmeet Singh, Head of Legal, Casio India, said. “We will continue to work closely with the authorities to safeguard our brand and our customers.” Casio Group’s IP Enforcement Policy has sought to more..

Aug 8 (LP) With forested mountains, sand-dusted beaches and a rich history spanning centuries of maritime trade, SL offers travelers a wondrous mix of experiences. Even on a short trip, you can fit in days of beach basking, spectacular surfing, close encounters with elephants and leopards, tea plantation tours, and trips to some of Asia's most remarkable shrines and ancient ruins, alongside meals to remember. Measuring just 240km across at its widest point, SL fits a lot into a small more..

Aug 8 (DM) Supreme Court 5-judge bench today decided to dismiss the appeal petitions filed by former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers who challenged the Colombo High Court's judgment to impose the death sentence and convict them of committing the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam. SC's 5-judge bench comprised Justices Vijith Malalgoda, more..

Aug 8 (NW) SL’s Interim Coach Sanath Jayasuriya expressed his gratitude to former cricket legends Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga following SL’s historic ODI series win against India, their first in 27 years. Jayasuriya posted on X, “Special thank you to Sanga and Lasith for the support and for motivating the team and support staff. Your contribution was invaluable to us.” Malinga reportedly played a crucial role by regularly engaging with SL’s bowlers via Zoom, more..

Aug 8 (PMD) An additional sum of US$ 590,000 has been received by the Children of Gaza Fund, which was established by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide for the basic needs of children displaced due to the current military situation in the Gaza Strip. The official handover to the Palestinian govt took place yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe. The official documents were presented by President Wickremesinghe more..

Aug 8 (CI) SL men's team has raised concerns about the security situation in England in light of the anti-immigrant riots that have erupted in various cities. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has responded by reassuring Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and the team about the security arrangements in place. Players already in England for the pre-series training have also expressed anxiety about the unrest, particularly as more..

Aug 8 (DM) President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday expressed his willingness to work with all parties if he wins the Sept 21 Prez election and extended an open invitation to SJB leader Sajith Premadasa, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the newly elected SLPP presidential candidate Namal Rajapaksa to form a national govt. He made this statement to a question raised by the Daily Mirror during the official meeting held with the media institutional heads more..

Aug 8 (N18) Indian High Commissioner in Colombo on Thursday, met with former SL Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss political developments in the country ahead of next month’s presidential election. The meeting came as the September election is seen as crucial to the island nation’s efforts to finalize a critical debt restructuring program and complete the financial reforms agreed to under an IMF bailout program. Nominations for polling will be accepted on August 15. more..

Aug 8 (AD) A total of 24 candidates have so far placed cash deposits for the upcoming Prez Election. This includes 11 candidates representing recognised political parties, 12 Independent candidates whose names have been nominated by a voter and one candidate from other political parties. Bonds were placed on behalf of two candidates today and this includes former MP D.M. Bandara and former MP Anura Jayarathne, who are both contesting as independent candidates. more..