Sri Lanka News : InfoLanka News Room

Feb 27 (TM) Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) said that they have noticed a significant drop in the illegal acquisition of lands in national parks for various purposes such as illicit cultivations. In the wake of various allegations being levelled regarding the lack of involvement of the relevant authorities to address the issues related to illicit activities carried out in national parks, DWC Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara said that the DWC is taking every possible measure more..

SriLankan, SLNSS issue contradictory statements

Feb 27 (CT) Confusion arose over contradictory statements, made by SriLankan Airlines and SriLankan Nidahas Sewaka Sangamaya (SLNSS), regarding the hours-long delays experienced by at least four flights yesterday morning (25) at BIA. Operations at BIA were delayed as ground staff from SriLankan Airlines refrained from fulfilling certain responsibilities. Flights bound for Chennai and Hyderabad in India, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Dhaka in B'desh were delayed as a result. more..

බැසිල් අයියා රනිල්ව හිරකරලා ඉවරයි

Accidental athlete turned National Champ

Feb 28 (TM) The decathlon (men) and heptathlon (women) are sporting events fought with a combination of running, jumping, and throwing events. The winners are crowned with the titles of the King of Athletes and the Queen of Athletes, respectively. Heptathlon is a seven-event athletic contest. A composite contest for female athletes that consists of the 100-metre hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-metre dash, long jump, the javelin throw, and the 800-metre run. more..

Risk of repeating the past continues

Feb 28 (CT) Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict appears stagnant though with a supportive international environment. The international community with the US, EU and India in the lead have been supporting Sri Lanka both economically and politically, especially with regard to seeking a just and mutually acceptable solution to the long protracted ethnic conflict. There are examples of other seemingly intractable conflicts suddenly going away. But these never went away on their own. more..

A tale of unformed committees, missing reports and lack of accountability

Feb 28 (CT) SL has been using chemical fertilisers in farming for many years. However, with immediate effect from 4 May 2021, the import of chemical fertilisers was banned by a special gazette issued by Ministry of Finance. The aim was to conserve foreign exchange, estimated at USD 221 million which was spent on importing chemical fertilisers in 2019. Additionally, the goal was to promote a healthier food pattern more..

When the National Carrier is entangled in a troubling rat affair

Feb 28 (CT) The recent debacle involving SL’s national airline and a rat in an airplane paints a picture of sheer incompetence and mismanagement that is not only embarrassing but, also deeply concerning for the country’s aviation industry. Blaming a rat, for grounding a plane for three days, is not just an excuse; it’s a testament to the sorry state of affairs within the cash-strapped carrier. To suggest that a single rodent could wreak such havoc on an aircraft, causing chaotic delays and more..

A story of Pitipana fishermen and the quest for fairness

Feb 28 (GV) In the bustling heart of Colombo amid the cacophony of urban life, a group of fishermen from Pitipana, Negombo, have taken a bold stand against what they perceive as injustice. Their protest, echoing through the streets and resonating within the halls of the Archdiocese of Colombo, speaks to a deeper narrative of conflict, resource management and the pursuit of fairness within the church community. At the center of their grievances lies the Pitipana Fisheries Market, more..

Petroleum sector: Focus on the slippery slope of CPC finances

Feb 28 (TM) The recent revelation by Minister Kanchana Wijesekera on the findings of the forensic audit conducted by KPMG, which exposed substantial losses attributed to alterations and deletions of SAP data related to stock holdings at the CPC and CPSTL, has raised many eyebrows. Minister revealed that the irregularities that had been identified in the forensic audit had resulted in a massive loss amounting to Rs. 28 billion. more..

Going once, going twice… sold to India—but not quite, it seems

Feb 28 (ST) This column should have appeared last Sunday. But my technological illiteracy, among other things, intervened while I was writing this. My initial foray into Minister Harin Fernando’s sudden and unexpected announcement that Serendipity had parted with part of its real estate and appeared to be conjoined to Modi-land came unstuck. My first reaction to hearing Minister Fernando utter these words was one of shock, or shokku, as the Japanese might say. more..

WCIC’s Empowering Women Leadership Forum 2024 on 14 March

Feb 28 (FT) Celebrating empowerment and leadership, the Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce SL (WCIC) is gearing to present its much-anticipated Women Leadership Forum 2024, themed #InspireInclusion - Count Her In. Scheduled on 14 March, at the Grand Ballroom - Galadari Hotel, Colombo, as a fully immersive one-day workshop for women in business. WCIC is honoured to announce the support of McKinsey and Company as the Knowledge Partner, more..

Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Cabinet nod to implement National Tourism Policy

Feb 28 (FT) After a prolonged period of four years, the Cabinet of Ministers approved implementation of the 10-year National Tourism Policy following a thorough review process and consultation with industry experts. On 4 Sept 2023, the Cabinet agreed that the draft National Tourism Policy required a comprehensive approach and should be further reviewed by a committee comprising of experts in the tourism industry. Subsequently, Prez’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake appointed more..

Editorial: Constitutional quandary

Feb 28 (Island) The SLPP-UNP govt and its legal pundits interpret the Constitution in such a way that we are reminded of a character in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass — Humpty Dumpty, who says, “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less.” The ruling party politicians and their legal advisors want the Constitution to mean what they want it to mean—neither more nor less. Acting police chief, Deshabandu Tennakoon, was appointed more..

Pathum Nissanka set to miss B'desh T20s

Feb 28 (Island) It’s been a brilliant start for Pathum Nissanka this year as the opening batter has put bowlers to the sword giving captains headaches and, in the process, breaking batting records. Nissanka in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s long-standing record for most runs in an ODI innings. That innings produced 210 runs not out, the first double hundred by a Sri Lankan in more..

CCC hosts high-level Vietnamese delegation to explore opportunities in agriculture

Feb 28 (FT) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam, engaged in a working visit to strengthen bilateral relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, in the fields of agricultural, forestry and fishery. Organised in association with the SL – Greater Mekong Business Council and the Embassy of Vietnam in SL, the delegation led by Vietnam’s Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Le Minh Hoan, more..

Shippers’ Council raises alarm over 300% rise in freight rates

Feb 28 (FT) Sri Lanka Shippers Council (SLSC) expressed concern over an alleged 300% increase in freight rates and warned of damaging ripple effects. “While welcoming the substantial uptick in container arrivals and movements at the Port of Colombo, SLSC is deeply concerned over the unprecedented 300% increase in freight rates imposed by shipping lines navigating the waters of the Cape of Good Hope en route to Europe and the US,” lobby group for exporters and importers more..

රනිල්ට ඇරිය සිද්ධාලේප බන්දු...!

Hannibal was brought in for Palliyaguruge due to fatigue

Feb 28 (Island) Umpire Lyndon Hannibal has become a marked man with plenty of criticism placed at his doorstep after he failed to detect a no ball in the tensed third T-20I between SL and Afghanistan on Wednesday at Dambulla. Hannibal was the on-field umpire in the third T-20I and he was at square leg when he failed to call a no ball for a waist high full toss. There was disappointment expressed by the Sri Lankan team, coaching staff and fans as the delivery to Kamindu Mendis more..

Cabinet approves Children of Gaza Fund to aid violence victims

Feb 28 (FT) Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to create a Children of Gaza Fund in aid of Gaza violence victims. PMD announced that all Ministries and Govt institutions are directed to forego Ifthar celebrations and to contribute to the said fund. It added that the public’s contributions are encouraged and to support the health needs of affected children, Govt’s donation of $ 1 million will be distributed through official UN agencies. more..

Millions chopped off national power grid over unbearable bills

Feb 28 (ST) Thousands of homes are being cut off from the national electricity grid in the wake of 18% tariff increase in October when the domestic category of up to 30 kilowatt hours was increased from Rs. 150 to Rs. 180. The latest figures from the CEB show that in Nov and Dec last year, some 145,000 homes have been disconnected from power supply. October increases came after the Govt imposed a 66% revision in Feb last yr more..

Prison laundry: The untold story

Feb 28 (ST) The laundry washing machines used in the British era between1943-1948 are still in use and functioning well at the Welikada prison. These machines imported during the British rule are functioning better than the modern ones as they are handled by prisoners and officers with their expertise. No one is called for any repairs because the prisoners themselves are able to attend to them. Eighty bed sheets could be washed at a time by these old washing machines made of more..

LankaPay launches JustPay Web and PayMe

Feb 28 (SO) LankaPay, SL’s national payment network launched JustPay Web and PayMe, adding two new products to its portfolio. The two solutions are expected to transform the way people transact, work and live, adding greater convenience to their day-today life. PayMe is an innovative and secure messaging service that generates universal payment links, permitting customers to make convenient and secure payments in real-time via any PayMe-enabled mobile or web applications. more..

Video: Amendment to Parate Law expected in future parliament session: Wijeyadasa

Feb 28 (AD) Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, on Tuesday (27) disclosed plans to introduce an amendment concerning the temporary suspension of Parate execution, indicating its imminent presentation to Parliament. This proposed legislative change signifies a proactive approach towards addressing legal matters crucial for the country’s governance and justice system, he added. Furthermore, Minister Rajapakshe more..

Sri Lanka launches ambitious Sports Tourism campaign

Feb 28 (DN) Sports and Tourism Minister, Harin Fernando, announced the initiation of comprehensive plans aimed at promoting sports tourism in the country. Minister Fernando highlighted the positive impact of these measures on both tourism and sports. In a bid to attract attention, the Minister mentioned roping in one of India’s biggest cricketers for their advertising campaign. “Then people will realise how it happens. Also, we take steps to promote golf tourism. more..

S. C. Mutukumarana to fill MP seat vacated by Premarathne

Feb 28 (AD) S. C. Mutukumarana is tipped to fill the vacancy in parliament created after the resignation of MP Uddika Premarathne. The Anuradhapura District MP stepped down from his post for reasons yet to be made public. Premarathne has thus submitted his letter of resignation to the Deputy General Secretary of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne. Accordingly, in compliance with Section 64(1) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, Secretary General of the Parliament more..

සටන: වත්මන් දේශපාලන තත්ත්වය

Schools Cricket in full swing

Feb 28 (TM) Royal College Colombo hosted their traditional rivals from the hill capital, Trinity College Kandy in their annual 1st XI Cricket Encounter at Reid Avenue recently. This encounter which dates back to the 19th-Century is the third oldest continuing Inter-Collegiate Cricket match in SL after the oldest being the Royal-Thomian and Royal-Wesley the second oldest encounter which all started in the latter part of the 1800s. The hosts were bowled out for 234 with Malith Rathnayake more..

Delegation from Saudi Fund arrives in SL

Feb 28 (DM) Saudi Arabian ambassador Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Kahtani received a delegation from the Development Evaluation Dept of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) today, a statement from the embassy said. The visit aims to conduct a post-implementation evaluation of the Epilepsy Hospital and Health Centres project in SL, which was implemented by Ministry of Health at a cost of USD 75 million, with a contribution from the Saudi Fund for Development amounting to USD 32 m. more..

City hotels enjoy good Dec. quarter aided by tourist influx, minimum room rate

Feb 28 (FT) City hotels have enjoyed a good quarter ending on 31 Dec 2023 aided by influx of tourists as well as the introduction of minimum room rate from October. A review of interim results released by listed city hotel companies reveal not only healthy top line growth but improvement in operating profit and to some better bottom line. Several also reported reduced losses due to the improved operating environment though more..

More opposition parties to support NCM against Speaker

Feb 28 (FT) More political parties in the opposition have expressed their support for the no-confidence motion brought forward by the SJB against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Accordingly, the NPP party, Supreme Lanka Coalition (SLC) and Freedom People’s Congress (FPC) yesterday expressed their support for the no-confidence motion. MP Udaya Gammanpila confirmed the SLC’s support for the move, while MP Dullas Alahapperuma, the party leader, announced the FPC’s decision. more..

Nations Trust Bank demonstrates steady performance in 2023

Feb 28 (Island) Nations Trust Bank reported strong performance to close the financial year ending 31 Dec 2023, demonstrating steady growth amidst prevailing macroeconomic conditions. Bank’s ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining a strategic focus highlights its commitment to delivering value to all stakeholders. Director and CEO of Nations Trust Bank, Hemantha Gunetilleke, said, “We are pleased to announce strong results for the financial year ending 31 Dec 2023, more..

හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

Nearly 200 micro-credit complaints in 2023

Feb 28 (TM) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) has received close to 200 microfinance complaints in 2023 mainly related to higher interest rates and unethical loan recovery practices. In response to an email query, Financial Consumer Relations Department (FCRD) of CBSL said they have received 51 complaints on microfinance loans provided by licensed microfinance companies or finance companies while receiving another 148 complaints on microfinance loans by more..

Ronnie de Mel no more

Feb 28 (DM) Ronnie de Mel who was instrumental in introducing the open economy in Sri Lanka in 1978, passed away at the age of 99 today. He introduced the open economy in SL after becoming the Finance Minister of late President J.R. Jayewardene’s Cabinet in 1977. Late Mr. de Mel is the longest serving Finance Minister in the country and one who has presented the most number of budgets from 1977 to 1987. He began politics joining the SLFP and later crossed over to the UNP. more..

Appointment of Deshabandu as IGP illegal: SJB

Feb 28 (FT) FPC MP Prof. G.L. Peiris alleged that the appointment of Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennekoon to the post of IGP has occurred in an illegal manner. Peiris said while the Prez can only appoint an IGP with the approval of the Constitutional Council (CC), due approval from the Council had not been obtained for the appointment. He said therefore the appointment of Tennekoon as IGP is unlawful. more..

PHIs in shock over gunning down of colleague inside his residence

Feb 28 (Island) President of the PHI’s Union Upul Rohana said that members of his union had been shocked by the brutal killing of their Treasurer and Karandeniya PHI Roshan Kumara on Monday. “Our members have complained that they are now not in a position to carry out their duties. We have lost one of the best officers we ever had. He is a man who discharged his duties without fear or favour. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough probe and trace his killers. more..

AG says will not represent former President Gotabaya

Feb 28 (CT) Attorney General informed the Supreme Court on Monday (26) that he would not represent former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa in three Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the legality of the proclamation declaring a State of Emergency issued by him. Senior State Counsel Shavendra Wickrama told the Supreme Court Bench comprising Justice P. Padman Surasena, Justice Gamini Amarasekara and Justice Shiran Gooneratne that AG would not represent former Prez. more..

TUs affiliated to UNP, SLPP, JVP endorsed CBSL pay hikes

Feb 28 (Island) The controversial salary hike granted to the employees of the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) had been endorsed by three trade unions affiliated to JVP, UNP & SLPP, informed sources said. Of the other trade unions at the CBSL, two independent groups represent executive officers. The scheme under which the latest collective agreement on salaries was extended for a three-year period was based on a formula more..

SLPP MP accused of land grab in Kalpitiya

Feb 28 (DM) Puttalam District SLPP MP Chinthaka Mayadunna is accused of being involved in land grabbing in Kalpitiya to distribute amongst the Muslim and Tamil communities, eyeing their votes at the upcoming elections. Mayadunna and his Secretary Mendis have instigated the Muslim and Tamil communities in the area to trespass private lands promising them ownership to these lands. Meanwhile, Acting Divisional Secretary (ADS) Kalpitiya, S. Nandasena too has come under more..