Aug 13 (DN) Three time Olympian Niluka Karunaratne made history by becoming the first SL athlete to be a candidate to the IOC Athletes’ Commission, which is empowered to represent all athletes by the International Olympic Committee. Ex-Olympic athletes were selected by the Athletes’ Commission, and SL badminton player Niluka Karunaratne was not elected, but received 308 votes. It was pointed out that Niluka Karunaratne’s participation in this vote was a great victory more..

Aug 13 (Island) Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday emphasised that empowering the estate sector will be a top priority of a future SJB govt. Premadasa said so after signing a MoU with several political parties representing the estate community. The event was attended by Democratic People’s Front (DPF) leader Mano Ganesan, National Union of Workers (NUW) leader Palani Thigambaram, and SJB MP M. Udayakumar. “This document, consisting of seven chapters and 48 clauses, more..

Aug 13 (DN) David Pieris Automobiles (DPA) has opened pre-bookings for NETA, electric and innovative vehicle for permit holders. This intelligent and affordable electric vehicle, backed by David Pieris Group, will soon make its debut on Sri Lankan roads in two models: NETA X (SUV) and the NETA Aya (Crossover). DPA recently entered into a strategic partnership with Hozon New Energy Automobile Co, Ltd. for the localised production and distribution of NETA electric vehicles in SL. more..

Aug 13 (NW) 17 schoolboys have been apprehended on charges of having allegedly sexually abused and gang-raped a Grade 11 schoolgirl in Thanamalvila over the course of the last one year, it was reported. A woman has also been arrested alongside the schoolboys in connection to the incident. Mother of the schoolgirl has also accused a doctor at the Hospital of having caused fear in the child, resulting in her attempting suicide. more..

Aug 13 (PTI) Cricketer M S Dhoni-backed drone technology firm Garuda Aerospace announced its entry in the SL market where it will primarily target agricultural sector to enhance farming practices, besides exploring opportunities in homeland security and industrial applications. As part of the company's global expansion plans, the foray into Sri Lanka will also support Garuda in capitalising on the country's strategic location and drone-friendly regulatory environment, Garuda Aerospace said. more..

Aug 13 (FT) The number of dengue cases reported in 2024 has exceeded 34,000, with 16 deaths attributed to the virus. As of 11 Aug, a total of 34,053 dengue cases have been recorded, with the Colombo district reporting the highest number of cases at 8,201. Western Province has seen the highest concentration of cases province-wise, with a total of 13,822 infections reported. The month of August alone has logged 1,308 new cases, highlighting ongoing public health challenge more..

Aug 13 (DM) Four main political candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Namal Rajapaksa will begin their campaign rallies soon after nominations end on Aug 15 with each party eyeing to complete 100 rallies each. With the main candidates still unable to secure even the 35% vote base, rallies this year will be cut throat competition with a large percentage of voters still undecided as to more..

Aug 13 (FT) Whither our quest for the long-awaited system change? Is metathesiophobia, the intense fear of change, blocking it? The clarion call for a system change which reverberated through the island in 2022 as the spirit of the Aragalaya permeated the fabric of SL society has subsided today to just a whimper. Although system change was not specifically defined, it was widely accepted as referring to a change in the system of national and public governance. more..

Aug 13 (FT) As SL emerges from an unprecedented economic crisis that has shaken the foundations of its society, the nation stands at a pivotal crossroads. The upcoming Prez election, presents an opportunity for transformative leadership capable of steering the country toward economic recovery, social equity, and sustainable development. The next president must possess not only a clear vision but also the pragmatic skills necessary to navigate the complex challenges ahead. more..

Aug 13 (AD) The leader of Mawbima Janatha Party (MJP), entrepreneur Dilith Jayaweera has placed deposits at the Election Commission this morning (13) to contest the upcoming Presidential Election. Secretary of the Sri Lanka Communist Party Dr. G. Weerasinghe has placed the deposit on behalf of Dilith Jayaweera to contest the presidential poll. He will contest the 2024 presidential election from the Sarvajana Balaya alliance under the symbol of the Star. more..

Aug 13 (EN) Sri Lanka will import 3,000 metric tonnes of raw ginger within three months to address the shortage of ginger in the local market, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. “This will be done in stages so that local growers are not negatively impacted and consumers don’t have to pay unfair prices,” Gunawardena said. State Trading (General) Corporation Ltd will import the ginger based on recommendations by a committee established to regulate ginger prices, he said. more..

Aug 13 (AD) Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of SL (TRCSL) has issued a Telecommunications Service Provider License to Elon Musk’s Starlink, the satellite unit of SpaceX, to provide satellite broadband services in Sri Lanka. This license authorizes the company to provide satellite broadband services in Sri Lanka from Aug 12, 2024. The TRCSL has issued a License under Section 17B of the Sri Lanka Telecommunications Act No. 25 of 1991 as amended, more..

Aug 13 (AD) The principal and three teachers, including two female teachers, at a school in Thanamalvila have been arrested by police for concealing the incident of a 16-year-old girl who was gang raped and abused for a year by students. They have been arrested today (13) by Thanamalvila Police and are accused of concealing the incident despite being aware of said information and not reporting it to the police. It was reported recently that some 17 schoolboys have been arrested more..

Aug 13 (DM) The Election Commission is striving to conduct the upcoming Presidential Election within the allocated budget of Rs 10 billion, despite the number of candidates having now reached 30, said Election Commission Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake. Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Ratnayake said, “It’s premature to predict whether the allocated funds will be exceeded. However, if the funds are not adequate, we will be compelled to request additional funds.” more..

Aug 13 (FT) Transparency International SL (TISL) has officially launched its 2024 Prez Election observation program, focusing on the critical issue of public resource misuse. TISL outlined the organisation’s extensive efforts to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, essential for maintaining democratic integrity. TISL said it has been at the forefront of election monitoring for over two decades, addressing the misuse of public resources — a persistent issue in SL elections. more..

Aug 13 (NW) Cabinet approval has been granted to implement the project to initiate the generation of electricity via rooftop solar panels at railway stations as a public-private partnership project. According to the govt, there are more than 300 stations owned by Sri Lanka Railways and it has been identified as appropriate to initiate the project for electricity generation via solar panels on the roofs of railway stations. As such, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by more..

Aug 13 (SLN) A special operation conducted by the SL Navy off the Kudiramalei Point of northwestern seas, south of Mannar on 12th Aug, led to the interception of an Indian dhow trespassing onto the SL waters, with 2689kg of Tendu leaves. The operation also resulted in the apprehension of 3 Indian nationals in connection to the incident. Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in the coastal areas of the island, with a view to prevent the influx of a wide range of illegal items into the island. more..

Aug 13 (AD) Leader of the National People’s Power (NPP) and MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake has met with Mr. Takafumi Kadono, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Country Director for Sri Lanka, at the JVP headquarters on Monday (12). In a post on ‘X’, Dissanayake stated, “We discussed the ongoing development activities being carried out by the Asian Development Bank in SL, and Mr. Kadono shared the organization’s continued readiness to provide aid to the country.” more..

Aug 13 (EN) Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved the leasing state land within the Colombo Port City to build a hospital, school and university, a govt statement said. Asiri Port City Hospital (Pvt) Ltd is expected to invest 100 million dollars. Gateway International University (Pvt) Ltd is to invest 25 million US dollars in a university and 25 million dollars in a school. Mayo Clinic of the US was expected to tie up with Asiri Hospitals group for the project. more..

Aug 13 (Island) Commissioner General of Excise M. J. Gunasiri has claimed that a directive issued by the Committee on Ways and Means (CWM) pertaining to the collection of unpaid duties for 2023 by 30 June, 2024, couldn’t be carried out for want of Finance Ministry approval. The Excise Chief said so at a CWM committee, chaired by MP Champika Ranawaka. He said the implementation of the parliamentary directive was subject to the Finance Ministry approval. more..

Aug 13 (Island) Ananda College Old Boys’ Association (ACOBA) has launched a fundraising campaign aimed at providing merit-based scholarships for students at Ananda College. This initiative highlights ACOBA’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and nurturing future leaders, by ensuring deserving scholars facing financial constraints receive the support they need. Karuna.lk, Sri Lanka’s first cause-verified crowdfunding platform, powered by Dialog Axiata, more..

Aug 13 (AD) The inaugural public rally in the election campaign of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe for the upcoming Prez Election will be held on August 17 at the Salgado Stadium in Anuradhapura. This rally will include representatives from various parties and groups supporting the President, including those who joined from the SLPP. Meanwhile, former Minister Vijith Vijayamuni Soysa has announced his support for Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election. more..

Aug 13 (CI) Ian Bell, the former England batter, has been appointed SL's batting coach for their upcoming tour of England. Sri Lanka are set to play three Tests starting Aug 21, and Bell will begin his role on Aug 16, which will last till the end of the series. "We appointed Ian to bring in a person with local knowledge to help the players with key insights on the conditions there. Ian has a lot of experience playing in England, and we believe his inputs more..

Aug 13 (FT) The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) recently held its New Member Ceremony 2024 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Colombo. The event celebrated the induction of 110 new members and 26 FCCA members present at the event, marking a significant milestone in the professional journeys of these finance professionals. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of ACCA, emphasising its longstanding commitment to fostering global finance talent. more..

Aug 13 (NW) A total of 36 candidates have made cash deposits for the upcoming Presidential election, according to the Elections Commission. This includes 19 candidates representing recognized political parties, one candidate from another political party, and 16 independent candidates who have been nominated by their respective representatives. Among the nominations handed over today is another candidate named Namal Rajapaksa from the Samabima party. more..

Aug 13 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) to reduce the water tariffs based on the tariff formula. Accordingly, the water tariff of domestic users is to be reduced by 7%, government hospitals by 4.5%, schools and religious places of worship by 6.3%. Cabinet Spokesman, Minister Bandula Gunawardana stated that the decision was taken according to the agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). more..

Aug 13 (NW) Sixteen (16) gold biscuits, worth around Rs. 43 million, which were smuggled into the country have been seized by Sri Lanka Customs officials at the Katunayake Airport. The gold was illegally brought into Sri Lanka by a businessman from Galle who had arrived at the Katunayake Airport from Dubai this morning. The suspect had packed the gold in two parcels containing 08 biscuits each and had concealed it in a side bag which he had placed under his luggage trolley. more..

Aug 13 (NW) NPP Leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the party will not work according to the agendas of certain media. Speaking to the media today, MP Dissanayake further said that these media institutions also cannot halt the party’s political campaign. He alleged that some media institutions were spreading misinformation by making false statements about the NPP and urging provincial reporters to raise such questions from party representatives. more..

Aug 13 (DM) Govt approval was granted to reconstruct 172 houses that had been affected by disasters, including floods and strong winds that occurred due to the activation of the south-west monsoon. Following the Cabinet meeting, it was announced that 120,215 families were affected on May 15 and about 172 houses were fully damaged while 20,075 houses were partly damaged. Accordingly, Cabinet approval was granted to reconstruct the 172 houses at the same location or any other secure place and more..

Aug 13 (CT) A strong start to SL’s tour of Ireland has helped Harshitha Samarawickrama reach new highs on the rankings. Harshitha has continued her impressive recent run of form by improving to a new career-high rating on the latest ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings. Samarawickrama played a major role in helping SL to the Women’s Asia Cup title last month and the 26-year-old made a flying start to her side’s tour of Ireland with an unbeaten 86* in the opening match of that series in Dublin. more..

Aug 13 (EN) Sri Lanka’s state-owned universities will sign a MoU with the world’s top universities to raise the ranking of local universities and develop higher education cooperation, the govt said. World ranking of SL universities has declined sharply in the past few decades with University of Colombo topping the latest world ranking list with a rank of 1591 followed by University of Peradeniya being ranked in 2017. more..

Aug 13 (CT) Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) questioned the Irrigation Dept on why the bid submitted by a contractor, for the Basnagoda Reservoir construction project, initially valued at Rs 2.09 billion, was increased by Rs 254 million, violating the approved payment procedure according to the Govt’s monetary regulations. This increase was made based on recommendations from the Technical Evaluation Committee and the COPA sought a clarification or justification for the additional costs. more..

Aug 13 (CT) Health authorities have raised concerns over the Health Ministry’s decision to grant two weeks’ leave, for the only 3 remaining Specialist Vitreo-retinal Surgeons in the Colombo District, to participate in a meeting held in Canada. They said that the trio were to fly to Canada tomorrow, accompanied by their families. Colombo District has three Vitreo-Retinal Surgeons of whom two were stationed at the National Eye Hospital and the third at Teaching Hospital Kalubowila. more..

Aug 14 (DM) On Aug 12 the Daily Mirror reported one the shocking story of a schoolgirl gang-raped by twenty-two fellow students! Worse the principal of the school attempted to cover up the story. One can scarcely imagine the mental and physical trauma the young girl child was put through. First raped by her fellow students. Subsequently blackmailed by her tortures and finally let down by the very people who are her peers, and mentors. To add insult to injury, the students filmed themselves more..

Aug 14 (CT) Since independence, Sri Lanka’s political landscape has been marred by a troubling pattern of denial and mismanagement. Successive governments have often refused to acknowledge the root causes of the country’s socioeconomic decline, with political rhetoric consistently avoiding accountability. One of the most glaring issues in Sri Lanka’s political narrative is the refusal to admit that bad governance has been a significant factor in the country’s decline. more..