Jan 11 (AD) Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday for a two-day official visit, the Govt Information Department said. Upon his arrival, Minister Suzuki was accorded a warm welcome at the BIA. During the visit, Japanese Finance Minister is scheduled to have official discussions with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. Minister Suzuki and the delegation will visit Parliament, Jayawardena Centre, more..

Jan 11 (AD) Supreme Court has fixed for consideration a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed by notorious underworld figure, Nadun Chinthaka alias Harak Kata, seeking a writ order invalidating the detention order issued to keep him in the custody of the CID, on July 11, 2024. The petition filed by the infamous criminal figure, who is currently detained in the custody of the CID, was taken up today (11), before a 3-member SC judge bench chaired by Justice Preethi Padman more..

Jan 11 (DM) SL Army deployed their troops at the govt hospitals affected by the islandwide strike of minor staff trade unions in the health sector, to ensure the smooth run of the essential health services in the country. SL Army said troops were deployed in response to the request by Ministry of Health to Army Commander Lt Gen Vikum Liyanage. Troops have been deployed at the National Hospital in Colombo, Kandy General Hospital, Kalubowila Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya Teaching more..

Jan 11 (DM) The elder brother of Dharmasiri Perera alias Dharmasiri, a major drug trafficker operating abroad, who was arrested at the BIA over the alleged murder of a woman near the Kahathuduwa interchange of the Southern Expressway, had been detained. 47-year-old Dunston Prasad Perera, the paramour of the victim, was arrested at the BIA as he attempted to flee the country on Tuesday night. more..

Jan 11 (TM) PM Dinesh Gunawardena said that steps will be taken to resolve land ownership related issues of all people residing in the North within the next two months. He said this while replying to the issue raised in the Parliament yesterday (10) by Parliamentarian Charles Nirmalanathan. The latter queried as to whether necessary steps can be taken to provide deeds of lands and Govt welfare schemes to permanent residents under the middle class land programme. more..

Jan 11 (AD) In a diplomatic milestone, President Ranil Wickremesinghe convened a significant meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), engaging with Ambassadors from ten Middle Eastern nations. Throughout the discussions, the President reemphasized Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution in Palestine. President Wickremesinghe underscored the necessity for authorities to take decisive steps in removing settlers from the West Bank while more..

JJan 11 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed his commitment to propel significant advancements in SL’s gem industry within the next two years. To achieve this goal, he intends to implement a new program. Emphasizing the program’s positive impact on both the national economy and industry stakeholders, Prez highlighted plans for extensive modernization within the gem and jewellery sector. more..

Jan 11 (AD) The name of SJB’s member Nayana Wasalathilake has been gazetted to fill the parliamentary seat which remained vacant since the resignation of Chaminda Wijesiri from parliament as Badulla District MP earlier this week. Extraordinary Gazette announcing the appointment of Wasalathilake was issued by the Election Commission on Thursday. Wasalathilake, who had secured 31,307 votes in the 2020 General Election from the Badulla District, was tipped to fill more..

Jan 11 (CT) “We are a Nation of Hypocrites as we never address a problem as a problem but become too diplomatic to say that yes it looks like a problem. This way, we acknowledge but never name it. It goes the same way when we try to look for answers. Take all the people we know especially the politicians and those who call themselves Advisors but are incapable of directing their masters in the right direction. Especially at a time when we do not have honest and sensible politicians and more..

Jan 12 (DM) SL can be promoted as a tourists’ paradise or be highlighted as a nation where there is food insecurity and a very unstable economy. Still the majority in this country who has decided to remain here will want the outside world to know of the good things that are happening here in the island when an opportunity arises to play the role of patriot. A'pura, being a great tourist attraction and producing several kings, also boasts of having one of the island’s massive tanks; the Nuwara Wewa. more..

Jan 12 (DM) SL, whose economic independence has been severely undermined due to its economic bankruptcy, has little freedom or external sovereignty to take a principled stance concerning the Palestinian cause. States are expected to be law-abiding and uphold global justice. They must desist from committing crimes against humanity or being complicit in crimes against humanity. But in practice, most states act like ruffians, showing scant respect for laws of warfare & int'l humanitarian laws. more..

Jan 12 (DM) New Zealand High Commissioner, Michael Appleton, upon completion of his stint in Sri Lanka as the first ever envoy of his country, takes questions from Daily Mirror the on the elevation of his bilateral ties and what holds for the future. Q: As the first NZ High Commissioner to SL, you served in SL for three years. It’s the first time that NZ set up a mission in SL. In what ways have bilateral relations more..

Jan 12 (GV) Given the wars and conflicts that engulfed the world at the end of 2023, peace and conflict studies have become even more important as we welcome 2024. This article is based on the experience of Sri Lanka. Using the example of SL, its aim is to show the importance of taking into account the politics of capitalist transition when studying conflicts. But getting into this specific discussion, it is necessary to explain the foundational concepts underlining this note. more..

Jan 12 (DM) Hope springs eternal in the human breast is axiomatic, but these days the spring is getting very weak indeed. The trumpet blasting schemes being advocated at the moment seem to be regarded by optimistic Parliamentarians as if Angel Gabriel himself was blowing his horn. We are on the brink of electing a new government (we hope) and this is hardly the time for new committees, new appointments, new education schemes, new ANYTHING to be proposed and begun. more..

Jan 12 (TM) Despite every stratum of society being in economic distress, there is no painless way out of the crisis, asserted IPS Research Fellow Dr. Asanka Wijesinghe. “Before the current IMF EFF, SL tried to maintain a low-interest regime, coupled with low taxes and artificially-low exchange rates. Outcome was total economic collapse,” he noted, emphasising that for a bankrupt country, a slow growth recovery more..

Jan 12 (CT) SL is a country where democracy reigns we say, nevertheless, we are often confronted with incidents and situations that do not look democratic in the least. This contrast sometimes makes us wonder whether democracy works to different degrees for different individuals, especially for those more affluent and powerful. However, Parliament, being the so-called epitome of democracy, must stick to principles of democracy i.e. accountability, transparency, equality and so on. more..

Jan 12 (TM) A bunch of MPs from the SLPP including the former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa are in hot water again for what is suspected to be the return of extravagant parties, which were a hallmark of the Rajapaksa era. This time allegations are galore about the alleged party cruise, aboard two vessels which are registered to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Govt and SLPA have denied the allegation. But the fact that a group of politicians, in a country which has declared bankruptcy, more..

Jan 12 (Island) Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice and former Speaker, Karu Jayasuriya, has called for reopening the Lasantha Wickrematunge murder probe. Lasantha was the editor of The Sunday Leader, when he was assassinated on 08 Jan 2009. Jayasuriya has flayed successive govts for doing precious little to bring the killers of Lasantha to justice. One cannot but agree with him and endorse his call for justice; no crime must go unpunished. more..

Jan 12 (Island) Serendipitously, I tuned into YouTube and there appeared an interview with a British Buddhist monk who spoke excellent Sinhala with only a trace of an accent. I did not catch his name clearly since it was mentioned in passing but I feel it was Brithaniye Kassyapa now changed to Sri Lankave Kassyapa. He was interested in Buddhism from his early childhood and was ordained in Britain when 14. He was now in his 50s, he said. He had been in this country many times and more..

Jan 12 (CI) Wanindu Hasaranga wrecked the Zimbabwe batting order with 7 for 19 in his first international in 7 months, his googly causing devastation on a major scale, his slider and legbreak not far behind. Through the course of an innings that was twice shortened by rain, Zimbabwe could muster only 96, succumbing after just 22.5 overs, when 27 were on offer. A target of 97 was unlikely to test SL, and Kusal Mendis ensured it didn't, more..

Jan 12 (FT) Marking yet another milestone in its unwavering commitment towards providing trusted, hygienic, fresh, and quality chicken famous for its green label, New Anthoney’s Farms became the first poultry producer in SL to obtain the prestigious internationally recognised FSSC 22000 certification. This achievement reflects well on how New Anthoney’s Farms strives to not just uphold but go beyond the norm to ensure that consumers enjoy the safest chicken available in the market. more..

Jan 12 (FT) Renowned for bringing top-tier leadership programs to the country, the business school of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL (CA Sri Lanka) has announced the introduction of yet another pioneering international leadership program from the United States aimed at cultivating adept business leaders celebrated for their transformative, adaptable, and collaborative qualities. The Leadership Code-Based Leadership Academy, developed in collaboration with more..

Jan 12 (ST) The Colombo High Court has issued an arrest warrant for the prosecution’s main witness in a case filed against former Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and former SPC Chairman Rumy Mohamed. The case had been filed against the accused over a controversial claim made at a 2019 pre-election media conference to the effect that the then-presidential candidate, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, fed people who were abducted in white vans to crocodiles. more..

Jan 12 (ST) Leading trade unions have made an appeal to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe against going ahead with the proposed labour reforms as approved by the Cabinet. A number of trade unions that are part of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) on Friday handed over a letter to the President’s Office stating that they have not agreed to the proposed labour reforms as put forward by Minister Manusha Nanayakkara. The letter dated Jan 4, 2024 stated that the Cabinet more..

Jan 12 (FT) Minister Harin Fernando assured that the Govt will negotiate with the IMF team currently in town to address practical issues surrounding the implementation of VAT and its impact on the forex-generating tourism industry. Highlighting the unique challenges faced by the tourism sector, Minister pointed out that while the VAT for other industries increased from 15% to 18%, the impact on the tourism industry, more..

Jan 12 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday inaugurated the first-ever Gem Sri Lanka the three-day trade fair organised by the Chinafort Gem and Jewellery Traders Association (CGJTA) at Cinnamon Bentota Beach. Running till Saturday, the Gem Sri Lanka trade fair is showcasing the authenticity and value of Sri Lanka’s gemstones to the world. The event serves as a unique platform for emerging talent in the gemstone industry to exhibit their creations on an international scale. more..

Jan 12 (FT) Business tycoon Harry Jayawardena-controlled Distilleries Company of SL (DCSL) has acquired the local operations of global beer giant Heineken for Euro 12 million or over Rs. 4.2 billion. DCSL said it acquired 99.4% of the issued capital of Heineken Lanka Ltd., from Heineken Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (Heineken) for a total consideration of Euro 12 million. With this acquisition, Heineken Lanka Ltd., will change its name to DCSL Breweries Lanka Ltd. to reflect the new ownership. more..

Jan 12 (CI) ICC CEO Geoff Allardice has met with Sri Lanka's new sports minister, as well as the country's Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, during a brief visit undertaken to gain a better understanding of the political situation in the country as it relates to cricket administration. In November, the ICC imposed a suspension on Sri Lanka Cricket's membership, and subesequently stripped the country of its hosting rights of the Men's Under-19 World Cup. more..

Jan 12 (Island) Govt hospitals were crippled yesterday due to a strike by health sector trade unions. In addition to the ten unions that commenced a strike on Wednesday, hospital administrators, management assistants and attendants too commenced a 24-hour strike from 6 am yesterday. They are also demanding the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance of Rs 35,000, which the Cabinet has approved for doctors.Deputy Secretary of more..

Jan 12 (EN) Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) plans to unroll a card or QR code enabled payment system for state-run buses to mitigate some 10 million rupees in losses per day, an official said. Transport Minister Bandula Gunaardena told parliament that some bus drivers or conductors do not return the day’s total earnings to their respective depot, resulting in a loss of around 100,000 rupees a day per depot. “That’s about 10 million rupees in total losses a day,” said Gunawardena. more..

Jan 12 (DN) SL under-19 team led by Sineth Jayawardena left for South Africa to take part in the ICC U-19 World Cup. Head coach Jehan Mubarak the former SL cricketer said we were not up to expectations during last Asia Cup and even we lost to UAE and Bangladesh which is a good eye opener for SL U-19 team. I think our players have good potential and skills. But the way we lost to teams like UAE and Bangladesh at Asia Cup we realized to have a good mind set before the World Cup. more..

Jan 12 (FT) In a significant move aimed at addressing the longstanding employment challenges in SL, the Dhammika and Priscilla Perera Foundation inaugurated the first Information Technology (IT) Job Zone on Wednesday in Tissamaharama. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Uddhakandara Rajamaha Vihara, marking the establishment of the DP Silicon Valley IT Office. Perera, the Founder and Co-Chairman of DP Education, officially opened DP Silicon Valley more..

Jan 12 (HRW) Regressive govt policies and inadequate social protection left many Sri Lankans at risk from the worst effects of the country’s economic crisis, Human Rights Watch said in its World Report 2024. Govt of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe continued to repress freedoms of expression and association, and pursue policies that discriminate against minority communities. “Millions of Sri Lankans are struggling to survive more..

Jan 12 (DN) Two leading Buddhist schools Ananda and Nalanda Colleges will meet in their 94th annual Battle of the Maroons cricket encounter which scheduled to be held on March 2-3 at SSC grounds. Battle of the Maroons joint organising committee headed by co chairman former SLC chairman Upali Dharmadasa (Ananda) and Former Air Force Commander Gagan Bulathsinghala (Nalanda) once again expected to organise this encounter in a big way with the presence of both old boys and more..

Jan 12 (DN) One of the World’s Largest Travel Sites, Tripadvisor has ranked Colombo as the world’s seventh best cultural destination for tourism. This was based on reader’s votes received in 2022 over a 12-month period. “Congrats to all of the 2024 winners and a big thanks to the travelers who made it possible,” Trip Advisor said. From museums and historic sites to local flavors and traditions, the experiences in these 25 spots in the world are truly one-of-a-kind.” more..