Aug 29 (DM) Local students of the Open University of SL (OUSL) are up in arms against the Vice Chancellor’s unprecedented move to hold an alternative examination for those who could not sit for the final LLB degree. These alternative examinations are to be held in London and New York on the request of two SL diplomats. The dates are yet to be finalised for these exams. Unless due to any unavoidable circumstance, the OUSL has no provisions to conduct any alternative exams. more..

Aug 29 (CI) Is there a danger that a competitive Test series might break out in London over the coming fortnight? This is a city where SL, remarkably, have not lost a single Test in six visits since Aug 1991. Admittedly, five of those have been draws at Lord's, although next week's return to The Oval for the first time since Murali's match in 1998 will be a reminder that one of the more disparaged of touring teams have long had the ability to confound expectations on their infrequent England visits. more..

Aug 29 (TM) The GMOA urged all Prez candidates to develop a comprehensive health policy aimed at upgrading SL's healthcare sector, with a particular emphasis on addressing the critical issue of brain drain among medical professionals. Speaking to the media, following the submission of a 12-point proposal to all candidates contesting the 2024 Prez Election, GMOA Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe more..

Aug 29 (FT) Consolidating its reputation as a celebrated pioneer in sustainable textiles, Hayleys Fabric is now among an exclusive group of renowned global businesses featured as case studies on the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) website. This distinction marks Hayleys Fabric as the first and only SL company to be showcased on the prestigious global certification platform, following its recent triumph at the Int'l Quality Awards 2024, where it clinched more..

Aug 29 (FT) Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved signing a cooperation agreement between the Export Development Board (EDB) and the International Finance (IFC) aimed at transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with export potential into active exporters. The proposal presented by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Investment Promotion Minister received the necessary clearances from the Attorney General and the recommendations from more..

Aug 29 (FT) In a significant move towards boosting SL’s energy infrastructure, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the first phase of the Sobadhanavi Combined Cycle Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya. Designed by Lakdhanavi Ltd, this project marks a pivotal step in expanding the country’s electricity supply, a vital component for supporting long-term economic growth. The first phase of the Sobadhanavi Power Plant, more..

Aug 29 (FT) Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has responded to recent news reports suggesting that the Port of Colombo is losing business to Indian ports, asserting that such claims misrepresent the actual situation. In a statement issued by the SLPA, it noted that these reports fail to accurately capture the port’s operational status and the broader dynamics of the global shipping industry. “Seasonal changes and global economic conditions have caused a temporary drop in cargo handling, more..

Aug 29 (DM) Following the release of the NPP manifesto, I find many of the items in their manifesto to be aspirational, they resonate with me, but I would like to have more details about the specifics when it comes to implementation. I would categorize my comments into the good, the bad and the ugly. A vast majority of the items I would categorize in the good bucket. A few I would like to mention is that they are pro trade including new trade agreements, improving the doing business environment, more..

Aug 29 (DN) One of SL’s most prestigious Educational Exhibition and the Job Fairs, EDEX Expo 2024 will be held at BMICH on Sept 6, 7 and 8 and Canadian High Commissioner for SL Eric Walsh will participate as chief guest. The exhibition will commence from 10 am to 6 pm. Royal College Union (RCU) Skills Centre EDEX, Chairman Mahinda Galagedera highlighted that foreign educational institutions from countries including Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, more..

Aug 29 (CT) Ahan Wickramasinghe’s century went in vain as team Galle secured a 6-wicket win over team Kandy in the first game of the National Super League Limited Over Tournament worked off at RPS, Colombo on Tuesday (27). Asked to bat first, Kandy posted 259-9 in their allotted 50 overs thanks to a century by Ahan Wickramasinghe. In response, Galle successfully chased down the target in just 47.3 overs, bolstered by half-centuries from Yashoda Lanka and Raveen de Silva. more..

Aug 29 (FT) In a startling revelation, Prez hopeful and former PUCSL Chairman Janaka Ratnayake brought to light an alleged financial fraud involving the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO). He claimed that this is the largest fraud and corruption recorded by the Auditor General. Ratnayake said that during a COPE meeting, he disclosed a fraud amounting to a staggering Rs. 36 billion linked to importation more..

Aug 29 (DM) A future NPP govt will develop the Trincomalee oil tank farm as a joint venture with Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and a foreign investor, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said. He said a refinery would be constructed in Trincomalee and fuel would be exported through the Trincomalee harbour. "We have 99 oil storage tanks. We can store 10,000 metric tonnes in one tank and one million MTs in the entire tank farm. We have excessive storage capacity than our more..

Aug 29 (FT) The Cabinet at their meeting on Monday approved to transfer servitude and service rights over 60.5 perch land for the benefit buyers of condominium units of the John Keells Holdings (JKH) Waterfront Properties Ltd. The move aims to enhance the living conditions of residents in the luxury condominium complex developed by JKH. BOI has granted 3.03 acres of land on a 99-year long-term lease to JKH or its nominee for a mixed development project focused on tourism, more..

Aug 29 (FT) Govt has directed Heads of key State Depts to update its Information Technology (IT) system to boost efficiency and quality of public services. The move comes following a Cabinet decision on 5 August, which involves mandatory inclusion of National Identity Card (NIC) numbers, Passport numbers and Company Registration numbers in all relevant Govt IT systems. Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Ministry on Monday issued a circular, more..

Aug 29 (TM) Parliament, while clarifying that they had only forwarded the related notification from the Ministry of Defence to the MPs, stated that MPs should directly coordinate with the Ministry regarding the programme to provide them (MPs) with repeater guns. Ministry had informed the Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera recently that the MPs would be allowed to purchase two repeater shotguns, each from their personal funds, and retain them even after they are out of office. more..

Aug 29 (TM) The Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday welcomed the arrival of Indian and Chinese warships in a backdrop where India and China attempt to exert influence in the Indian Ocean Region. “The arrival of the warships is very good for Sri Lanka as a regional player,” Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M. Ali Sabry said. “The Americans are coming, the Indians are coming, and now the Chinese are coming. more..

Aug 29 (DM) The Govt is in the process of initiating a discussion with IMF to revise Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. " Govt has already submitted a proposal to revise PAYE tax to IMF. The IMF has also come up with a different proposal. We will go in for a dialogue with IMF in this regard and come into an agreement on the revisal. We will inform the people as to how PAYE tax will be reduced, " Wickremesinghe told a rally in Eheliyagoda. more..

Aug 29 (TM) A total of 15 out of the 38 Presidential candidates have confirmed their participation in the debate to be organised by the March 12 Movement, it is learnt. March 12 Movement extended an open invitation recently to all 38 Prez candidates to participate in a debate to discuss their policies. The debate, planned to be held in several stages, will be broadcast on television and social media platforms. 15 candidates have informed that they would attend the debate. more..

Aug 29 (TM) While the importation of medicines without conducting the necessary quality tests can result in national-level health concerns, when it comes to alleged plans to import medicines from India without adhering to the relevant local regulations, such acts can also interfere with SL’s political autonomy, according to the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP). FSP’s Education Secretary Pubudu Jayagoda expressed disapproval of more..

Aug 29 (FT) iPay, SL’s foremost mobile payment platform, has achieved an impressive milestone by processing transactions exceeding Rs. 300 billion. This achievement comes just six months after the platform surpassed the Rs. 200 billion mark. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the rapid growth, increasing consumer trust, and nationwide acceptance of the game-changing digital lifestyle app. iPay has been a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s digital payment revolution since its inception, more..

Aug 29 (FT) “The future has many names: for the weak it means the unattainable; for the fearful, it means the unknown; for the courageous, it means opportunity.” Victor Hugo the French writer provided this advice to France in the turbulent days of the end of the ancient régime and the birth of the new republic. Meaningful change occurs when a vision is combined with realism and pragmatism to turn it into something tangible, concrete. Clarity of ideas shape reality. more..

Aug 29 (DM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said he will appoint a committee to look into matters regarding the enactment of new laws against corruption. Speaking at the ceremony to launch his election manifesto, he said the committee will comprise members appointed by the Speaker, professional association, Bar Association of SL (BASL) and the Chamber of Commerce. Prez said some of the laws against corruption have already been enacted while some more are still to be enacted. more..

Aug 29 (FT) Prez Wickremesinghe’s case for being popularly elected for the first time, after two previous attempts, to the office he now holds by parliamentary selection, has 4 pillars: 1. There is no alternative to his economic policies, starting with his agreement with the IMF. 2. His IMF agreement cannot and should not be sought to be renegotiated. 3. There is nothing to be renegotiated as there is nothing amiss with his IMF agreement. 4. His continuity in office is thus the key to stability, more..

Aug 29 (NW) Opposition Leader and Presidential candidate of the Samagi Jana Sandhanaya MP Sajith Premadasa’s election manifesto was launched in Kandy today. MP Premadasa’s election manifesto, titled A win for all, was presented to the Chief Prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters. MP Premadasa’s election manifesto is expected to be released to the business community and the public on 4 Sept 2024. more..

Aug 29 (EN) Samagi Jana Balawegaya stands for a lower income tax rates for middle class wage earners but the top rate of 36% would stay, legislator Harsha de Silva said. The current threshold is 100,000 rupees a month or about 300 dollars after macroeconomists busted the currency from 200 to 300 to the US dollar after the last crisis triggered by inflationary rate cuts. “The tax free threshold will remain, however, from there to close to half a million rupees, you will pay at the maximum marg more..

Aug 29 (AD) A former Western Provincial Councillor has been arrested for allegedly aiding and providing lodging to the second gunman and the car driver involved in the killing of two persons including businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, also known as Club Wasantha. Meanwhile, the second gunman and the car driver wanted in connection with the recent killing of two persons including businessman Club Wasantha, were arrested yesterday by the Panadura Police more..

Aug 29 (TM) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is yet to finalise a permanent head coach for the national team with incumbent interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya due to end his temporary assignment at the conclusion of the ongoing three-match Test series against England. Sri Lanka currently trails England 1-0 heading to the second Test against the hosts starting today at Lord’s, following their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Old Trafford last week. more..

Aug 29 (DM) Sri Lanka have received a massive boost ahead of this year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a group of their best white-ball players achieving career-best ratings on the latest ICC Women's ODI Player Rankings. The rankings rise comes on the back of an emphatic performance by SL during the third match of their recent ODI series against Ireland, a contest that saw the island nation register a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph in Belfast. It was inspirational Skipper more..

Aug 29 (AD) The first payment towards implementation of Hybrid Power Projects in Three Islands off Jaffna has been handed over by the High Commission of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha to the Secretary of Minister of Power and Energy, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena and Chairman of Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Mr. Ranjith Sepala. The handing over of the funding was carried out at a ceremony held at the Indian High Commission in Colombo on 28 August 2024. more..

Aug 29 (NW) The NPP will introduce a new Constitution under its government that will protect the rights of all citizens, former MP Nalinda Jayatissa said. He stressed that the Constitution-making process will not be rushed. “We will bring a new Constitution that safeguards the rights of all citizens. While we won’t commit to a definitive timeline, we will ensure that it is formulated after thorough deliberations and discussions with the people of this country,” he said. more..

Aug 29 (Hindu) Indian National Security Advisor Ajit K. Doval arrived in Colombo on Thursday, to follow up on the ongoing Colombo Security Conclave initiative. He is also scheduled to meet with political leaders in Colombo. There is no official statement so far on Doval’s visit, taking place about three weeks before SL’s Prez elections scheduled on Sept 21. Colombo-based political sources, from different political parties, confirmed they were invited for meetings with the top Indian official. more..

Aug 29 (BN) A candidate with roots in Marxist socialist policy in SL is gaining momentum in next month’s presidential election with a strong message to combat corruption and scrutinize investment deals with China to avoid another debt trap. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, popularly known as AKD, leads the NPP, a coalition of leftist political parties and groups backed by protesters who ousted the powerful Rajapaksa govt in 2022. more..

Aug 29 (PL) In a meeting in Colombo with Dayani Mendis, director general of the UN and human rights of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of SL, González also highlighted that Sri Lanka is part of the group of 123 nations that signed a declaration before the UNHRC, demanding the exclusion of Caribbean Cuba from the list of State sponsors of terrorism created by Washington. González and Mendis also talked about reciprocal support in international forums and organizations of the UN. more..

Aug 29 (TM) SL’s banking sector outlook is stable as the prevention of repatriating dividends by the Central Bank helps the banking sector to come out of the crisis while Sri Lanka can expect a sovereign rating upgrade soon after the completion of debt restructuring, Fitch Ratings Lanka Ltd. CEO Maninda Wickramasinghe said. He said that they did put the entire banking sector on a negative outlook during the crisis period as a signal to the market that the entire sector was under stress. more..

Aug 29 (NW) A stock of 12 kilos of heroin worth Rs. 240 million that was kept in the case materials room at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, has been reported missing. The stock of heroin was kept at the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court’s case materials room concerning a case being deliberated at the Colombo High Court. It was found that an individual posing as a state intelligence service official had taken the stock of heroin more..