Sri Lanka News : InfoLanka News Room

Aug 28 (DM) Our country is heading to the polls. On 21 Sept all of us eligible voters will be making a choice for one of the thirty-eight candidates whose name and symbol adorn the ballot papers. Some of these candidates will canvass only in particular districts reducing the electoral process to a farce. Very soon the supporters of candidates will be physically clashing with each other. It will not be the first occasion this has happened in our country. Many are the times when more..

How Sajith Premadasa’s gamble plays out against him, his party and the country

Aug 28 (DM) A rhetorical question: What difference would it have made if Sajith Premadasa delivered the speech Thalatha Athukorala did last week? First and foremost, the difference would have been between a mature democracy and one driven by petty personal greed; the latter is a hallmark of politics in this part of the world. Take for instance, France, where political parties of the Centre and Left regularly join ranks to stop the far-right from taking power, notwithstanding the major policy more..

Crisis-hit SL’s grey economy: No economic recovery without informal sector

Aug 28 (TM) There are no more queues, power cuts, and goods shortages, and according to the Govt, this is a sign that the country’s economy is recovering. Statistics claim that the impacts of inflation are alleviating, while the overall economy and economic activities have achieved considerable stability. However, the economic downturn did not affect all segments of the population alike. Many are still struggling more..

Presidential Elections Realistic approaches matter more than ever

Aug 28 (DM) Political campaigns by the respective presidential candidates are gathering momentum in the run up to the prez polls, scheduled for Sept 21. As usual what is again being heard from the election stage are promises aimed at giving concessions for people who endure hardships due to the high cost of living and lack of income generation opportunities. Right from the beginning, Sri Lankan voters have been duped into believing in populist policies. They have been voting for more..

Click to Give: The future of digital fundraising in Sri Lanka

Aug 28 (IPS) The Suwaseriya Foundation, which hosts the 1990 free emergency ambulance service, recently raised LKR 1.2 million in donations through Karuna.lk, Sri Lanka’s first online fundraising platform. This milestone reflects the growing trend of online fundraising and digital rallying for social welfare delivery in Sri Lanka. Much of these fundraising efforts occur through social media rather than standardised fundraising platforms. But with increased exposure to digital space more..

Call for closure on USD 6.4 billion compensation claim

Aug 28 (CT) The X-Press Pearl, which was on fire for several days and sank off Sri Lanka in May 2021, was seen globally with disgust. However, the process of securing the assessed USD 6.4 billion in compensation, through the legal process and resolving the aftermath has been slow, while Captain Vitaly Tyutkalo, the vessel’s Master, remains in Sri Lanka awaiting trial and is unable to leave the country. more..

Three weeks to go & one man to be elected; Would Ranil outperform Sajith?

Aug 28 (CT) It is absolutely meaningless to even discuss the credentials, validity and legitimacy of the gang that surrounds Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe today. His entourage consists of some of the most notorious political rogues and fraudsters that SL has produced over the last couple decades. As a result of this short-lived honeymoon that Ranil is enjoying with these political crooks, the people would eventually choose to look the other way when Ranil Wickremesinghe as an Independent more..

Abolishing executive presidency: Will people believe in the promise any longer?

Aug 28 (TM) There was a period when the abolition of the executive presidential system was a key issue at Prez Elections. However, such a situation cannot be expected to arise again. The politicians who promised to abolish the executive presidency have not only failed to do so after winning the election and assuming office as president, but have also taken action to increase their powers. Therefore, the reality is that people are not going to trust politicians who make such promises again. more..

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Editorial: Queues, crooks and public

Aug 28 (Island) Politicians are usually held solely responsible for the unholy mess Sri Lanka finds itself in. Perhaps, it is not fair to single them out for reproof and condemnation; some public officials are equally blameworthy for the present shambles. The plight of those who apply for passports is a case in point. The govt seems to have taken the long lines of people near the Dept of Immigration and Emigration for granted. Otherwise, it cannot be explained why no action has so far more..

Of stability, resilience & food security

Aug 28 (TM) While Sri Lanka is now fully committed to the election frenzy, as the Prez Election nears, and the prospects of a General Election seems around the bend, the Prez candidates and their supporters seem to have forgotten the painful journey the island has endured over the last few years. From 2019, Sri Lanka has had to navigate one of its biggest security failures, with the Easter Sunday attacks, followed by a global pandemic and resultant shocks to health, trade & economy more..

Presidential aspirants in debt

Aug 28 (FT) The asset and liabilities declarations of Prez candidates released by the CIABOC have also given the public an insight into the debt profiles of each candidate. Recent disclosures reveal significant personal debts held by some of the leading contenders and may raise questions about their financial management. Businessman Dilith Jayaweera, who is contesting under the Communist Party of SL ticket, has declared a significant more..

To re-democratize Sri Lanka, abolish Executive Presidency

Aug 28 (DM) As a voter and a stakeholder in the country’s governance and electoral system /process, the writer was enlivened by a clarion call in the press by a group of lawyers, academics and civil rights activists to abolish the Executive Presidency. To my knowledge, this was a specific demand by a political party as far back as in 1994 to support a major party which was heading towards victory in the General Election of 1994. This popular promise was quickly picked up by all political parties in the fray more..

Sri Lanka-Malaysia Business Council marks 30 years of excellence in bilateral relations

Aug 28 (FT) Sri Lanka – Malaysia Business Council (SLMBC) successfully concluded its 30th AGM on 22 Aug, at the Union Ballroom, Hilton Colombo Residences. The event was a significant milestone for the council, celebrating three decades of fostering bilateral trade and investment between Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The outgoing President, Spillburg Holdings Managing Director M.H.K.M Hameez in his farewell speech, reflected on the council’s achievements during 2023/24. more..

වීරකැටිය මැදමුලන රාජධානිය

Govt announces major support package for paddy farmers and mill owners

Aug 28 (FT) Ahead of the upcoming Prez election, the Govt announced a series of measures yesterday to support paddy farmers and small and medium scale mill owners. This support package approved by the Cabinet during their meeting on Monday include; allocation of Rs. 500 million for Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) for purchasing and further increasing fertiliser subsidy from Rs. 15,000 per hectare to Rs. 25,000. “It was approved to allocate Rs. 500 million to the PMB to actively engage more..

SJB ready for IMF discussions, says Madduma Bandara

Aug 28 (FT) SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara has announced that the SJB is prepared to participate in any discussions with the IMF. This statement issued yesterday comes in response to President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent remarks at the United National Party Conference, where he expressed his willingness to hold video discussions with the IMF regarding the agreement and related issues, inviting the SJB and others to join and share their views. more..

Economy, inflation and unemployment most pressing national issues: Survey

Aug 28 (FT) Sri Lankans overwhelmingly cite the economy and inflation as their biggest concerns going into the September Prez Election in the latest IHP SL Opinion Tracker Survey (SLOTS) polling during April to July 2024. However, concerns about unemployment have been rising since the start of the year, whilst the numbers of Sri Lankans citing corruption and drugs as top national problems have been declining. more..

Cabinet nod to obtain $ 200 m funding support from World Bank

Aug 28 (FT) Cabinet on Monday approved entering into an agreement with the Int'l Development Corporation of the World Bank to obtain a grant of $ 200 million. “The World Bank is providing support for the comprehensive reform agenda in SL through the development policy financing program in line with the comprehensive funding facility of the IMF,” Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. He said the program is a biennial program, and stage one was successfully completed during the year 2023. more..

In the election circus, parties pull rabbits out of the hat

Aug 28 (ST) Manifestos of the leading presidential candidates will be rolled out from tomorrow (26), starting with the National People’s Power. NPP presidential candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake will launch the party manifesto at a hotel event in Thalawathugoda, under the theme Pohosath Ratak, Lassana Jeewithayak (A rich country and a good life) and will focus on 39 points. Independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe is to launch his manifesto at the end of the month. more..

NPP unveils National Tourism Policy to revive economy

Aug 28 (FT) NPP on Monday unveiled its National Tourism Policy, highlighting the vital role of tourism in economic recovery. Addressing the summit NPP Prez hopeful Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed the necessity of a comprehensive long term economic strategy, with tourism at its core, for generating much needed foreign exchange and improving livelihoods. “Tourism is the main short-term solution to more..

Dream come true for Kamindu to play at Lord’s

Aug 28 (Island) Having made a sensational hundred in his first Test match in England, young batting sensation Kamindu Mendis says he is looking forward for the experience of playing at Lord’s. The Home of Cricket will host the second Test of the three-match series. This is Sri Lanka’s first Test at Lord’s in six years. “It was a dream to play at Lord’s. When I was a schoolboy, I always dreamt of playing a Test match at Lord’s. Now that dream has come true. I am really excited. more..

Sri Lanka sends 20 school boxers for ASBC meet in UAE

Aug 28 (DN) Sri Lanka will be represented by a 20-member squad at the Asian Junior and School Boys and Girls Boxing Championship to be held in the United Arab Emirates from Aug 27 to Sept. This is the largest ever boxing team to represent Sri Lanka at any international competition. They were selected after a selection meet held in July. This tournament organised by the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) will be held in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi in the capital of the UAE. more..

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SL divers off to Singapore with high hopes

Aug 28 (DN) The 28-member SL Diving Team, captained by Kisara Ranawaka of St. Bridget’s Convent, has departed for the 14th Singapore National Diving Championship. The event, which will be held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre in Singapore from Aug 30 to Sept 1, features divers from six countries. Both the senior and junior teams from slare targeting more than 10 medals during the three-day competition. Head Coach and Team Manager Chanaka Wickramasinghe more..

Train teachers from the estate community

Aug 28 (TM) Plantation sector trade unions suggested that teachers for estate sector schools should be recruited from among the estate community itself amidst promises from the Education Ministry to hire graduate teachers, and an India funded teacher training programme. “People from the estate sector or Malayaga Tamils should be trained after their GCE A/L Exam and they should start teaching after they complete a teaching exam,” Voice of the Plantation People more..

Repeater guns to MPs: No guns for us says NPP

Aug 28 (TM) Likening the Ministry of Defence's decision to allow MPs to purchase two repeater shotguns and retain them even after their term of office is over to a form of bribery during the election period, NPP MP Vijitha Herath said that no MP representing the NPP would accept the offer. Ministry had informed the Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera recently that MPs would be allowed to purchase more..

Indian national sentenced for match-fixing in 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy

Aug 28 (DM) Kandy High Court sentenced Indian national Akash Pachlodia to two 2-year terms of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years, over allegations of match-fixing during the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy in SL. The High Court also imposed a fine of Rs. 11 million after Pachlodia pleaded guilty to attempted match-fixing during the tournament. Pachlodia served as the Team Manager for Punjab Royals in the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy, which took place in Pallekele in March 2024. more..

Report on gender pay gap presented to Speaker

Aug 28 (FT) The research report on the gender pay gap was presented to Speaker of the House Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, recently by Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus Chairperson Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle. This report was prepared by a group of researchers including the Women and Media Collective under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus. CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva, Women Parliamentarians’ more..

හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

Teachers, principals to receive pay hike from 24% to 35% by January 2025

Aug 28 (DM) Govt employees, including teachers and principals, will receive a salary increase of 24% to 35% by January 1, 2025, along with the rectification of salary anomalies, Minister Susil Premajayantha said. At an event, the Minister said that all necessary calculations and measures to secure funds for the salary increments have been included in the 2025 budget proposals. With this increment, the minimum salary for a govt worker will rise to Rs. 55,000 by next year, he said. more..

Poll-related complaints: Majority on public appointments & transfers

Aug 28 (TM) Election Commission (EC) stated that the majority of complaints received in relation to the election concern appointments and transfers within the public service, and that appropriate actions are taken immediately upon receiving them. Nearly 1,000 complaints pertaining to the Prez Election scheduled for 21 Sept have been received thus far by the EC. Chairperson of the EC R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that there is a team of about 20 to go through election-related complaints and more..

Vital to adhere to agreement with IMF: Ranil

Aug 28 (DM) As Sri Lanka will see some major changes in about three weeks time with the upcoming Prez election, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe asserted that to sustain economic growth, it’s vital to adhere to the agreement with the IMF. Noting it wasn’t easy to secure, Wickremesinghe reiterated that the govt negotiated with numerous parties, including the IMF, WB,, ADB and a diverse group of creditors. more..

GNs to re-agitate demands post-Prez Poll

Aug 28 (TM) Grama Niladhari (GN) officers’ unions assert that the union action initiated by GN officers island-wide over salary and allowance-related demands will resume upon the conclusion of the Prez Election. They claimed that their union action, which was launched several months ago and which continued until early this month, mainly in the form of protests and a work-to-rule action, have only been provisionally suspended. All-Island Freedom GN Union’s Secretary and the GN Trade Union more..

Harin, Manusha in hot water if entitled vehicles used for election campaign

Aug 28 (DM) In the wake of controversies surrounding the recent appointment of Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara as Presidential Advisors by Prez Wickremesinghe, Election Commission stated it is carefully monitoring whether the duo is abusing their privileges for election purposes. Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that they had received multiple complaints with regard to the recent appointments made by the Prez. Nevertheless, Rathnayake clarified that Prez, more..

TISL flags election law violations over Govt’s pre-poll announcements of subsidies and...

Aug 28 (FT) Transparency International SL (TISL), in its role as an election watchdog that scrutinises the misuse of public resources for election propaganda during the Prez election, highlights that the Govt’s recent pre-poll announcements on providing various subsidies and salary increments are a blatant and intentional violation of election laws. TISL strongly urges the Election Commission to take swift and more..

Time to shut down algorithms

Aug 28 (FT) Information is how we form views and opinions which lead to knowledge and wisdom. So how we get information and what information we receive matters as that defines who we are. For thousands of years information was hard to come by. The first revolution of course was the printing press. Long form content in the form of books took off with that. Time sensitive content delivered in the form of newspapers helped keep us informed. (If you’re old enough you will remember the Newsreel more..

Whom should I vote for this Prez election?

Aug 28 (FT) This Prez election 2024 is wholly absent of candidates with a clear program of national development of the most essential services and sectors now in tatters like education, health and public commuting that leaves out the most important reason to vote. The vote at a prez election is meant to elect a person with a clear world vision for the country, that requires candidates to spell their own vision in detail. On common acceptance, this country went bankrupt post ‘77 due to inefficient and more..

ජනාධිපති අපේක්ෂක පානි...

Petition challenging RW’s eligibility for Presidential poll rejected

Aug 28 (AD) Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s eligibility to run in the presidential election, which was based on claims of failure to appoint the Acting IGP and judges to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Meanwhile, the court has also ordered the petitioner to pay Rs. 50,000 as legal costs. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, argued that the petition contained false information more..