Jan 16 (AD) The collective of health sector trade unions have decided to continue with their strike action as discussions with the govt were unsuccessful. Representatives of health sector trade unions, engaged in a token strike since this morning, held a discussion with Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana regarding their demands. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the trade union representatives said that token strike more..

Jan 16 (Island) India’s Ministry of Human Resource Development has offered scholarships to SL nationals to study Hindi at the Kendriya Hindi Sansthan (Central Institute of Hindi), Agra, for the academic session 2024-2025, according to an Indian HC statement. The text of the statement: “The scheme is a fully funded scholarship wherein selected candidates will be provided return airfare, stipend, hostel accommodation and an annual book grant. All students in the age group of more..

Jan 16 (EN) The govt has allocated 14 billion rupees for people without homes in the plantations, Minister of Estate Infrastructure Development Jeevan Thondaman has said. “Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken steps to provide land and houses for the estate people,” Thondaman was quoted as having said in statement by the Govt Dept of Information. 10 billion rupees had been allocated for 89 DS Divisions to construct 10,000 houses, Thondaman said at an event held at Peradeniya University. more..

Jan 16 (FT) Minister Harin Fernando revealed that the highly anticipated super-luxury ITC Ratnadipa Colombo hotel is poised to open its doors next month. “This landmark hotel is their first project outside India,” he told journalists last week. The ITC Ratnadeepa Hotel project is a noteworthy venture as it signifies the maiden development in SL by WelcomHotels Lanka Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the prestigious ITC Ltd. The introduction of this super-luxury hotel more..

Jan 16 (CT) The IMF Senior Mission Chief for SL Peter Brueur, visiting Jaffna on 14 January emphasized that reversing the effects of the crisis is important for SL and noted that there was a slight positive economic growth in the second quarter of 2023. “In the second quarter of 2023 there was a little bit of positive economic growth and it’s still a long way from the deep-rooted growth that can benefit everybody,” he told the Governor of more..

Jan 16 (TM) The Dept of Agriculture stated that the mango harvest in Sri Lanka has indicated a record increase this year. According to the dept, the prolonged dry weather in 2023 and the subsequent rainy weather have caused the mango harvest to increase. The department also stated that thousands of acres of mangoes are cultivated islandwide, especially the TEJC mango variety, which is cultivated for export, and the production may be hampered due to the decrease in the price. more..

Jan 16 (TM) Govt has saved approximately US$ 350 million by not importing rice last year, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said, crediting the efforts of paddy farmers for saving forex that would have otherwise been spent to import rice. Amaraweera opined that there would be no requirement to import rice this year as well. Minister said that the Govt had to import 800,000 metric tonnes of rice at a cost of $ 300 million in 2022, but there was no need to import any amount of rice in 2023. more..

Jan 16 (AT) SL Ambassador to Kuwait Kandipan Bhalla praised the Kuwaiti-SL relations that began 53 years ago, describing such relationship as “exceptional and historic,” reports Al-Anba daily. Bhalla asserted that the bilateral relations between the two countries have developed significantly at all levels and in various areas of cooperation. He added the mutual visits between the two countries reflect the depth of bilateral relations with Kuwait, explaining that they have distinguished more..

Jan 16 (SLN) SL Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from SL waters on the evening of 14th Jan. The operation led to the seizure of 1 Indian trawler with 10 Indian fishermen poaching in SL waters north of Point Pedro, Jaffna. Navy conducts regular patrols and operations in SL waters to curb illegal fishing practices by foreign fishing trawlers, taking into account the consequences of these practices on the livelihood of local fishermen and more..

Jan 16 (AD) Nearly 6,000 dengue infections have been reported in SL thus far in the month of January this year, as per the latest statistics of the NDCU. Accordingly, 5,829 dengue cases have been reported across the island as of 15 Ja. The highest figures have been reported in the Western Province (33.6%), whilst 1,228 cases have been reported in the Colombo District alone. Total number of dengue patients reported in WP is 1,956. more..

Jan 16 (AD) Minister Manusha Nanayakkara says measures will be taken to introduce a new QR code system within a very short period of time, in consideration of the proposal to introduce a QR code in relation to the registration and preparation of a data system for all three-wheeler drivers. He expressed these views while attending the event for the establishment of the Interim Sectoral Steering Committee today as the first stage of the establishment of professional councils for more..

Jan 16 (DM) FIFA is planning to conduct the inaugural FIFA World Series, a four-nation football tournament from March 18 to 26 in Colombo. This was agreed in principle by the FIFA President with the Football Sri Lanka (FSL) delegation headed by President Umar Jaswar, Vice-Presidents Ranjith Rodrigo and Dr. Manil Fernando on the sideline of the recent AFC Asian Cup opening ceremony in Doha, Qatar. FIFA will provide the most needed boost to football in SL after FSL delegation more..

Jan 16 (EN) Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Center will be developed as a tourist zone with opportunities for adventure sports, State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne said. “We hope to bring fifteen percent of the tourists coming to SL to Ambuluwawa,” Jayaratne was quoted. Various adventure sports and recreational activities will be offered in an area spread over 8 acres of the 450-acre Biodiversity Center, he said at an event to promote more..

Jan 16 (CT) Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has requested a report, from the Dept of Agriculture, to determine whether mango cultivation in the country should be expanded, owing to the low-price levels. During a recent meeting between the Minister and dept officials, it was highlighted that extensive mango cultivation, particularly of the TEJC variety for export, covers thousands of acres across the island. However, there is a concern that the surplus production might lead to a decrease in prices. more..

Jan 16 (TM) SLPP claimed that it, as the ruling party, has exerted the maximum possible influence on Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to provide the necessary facilities for holding the LG polls. While the LG Elections, which were scheduled to be held, have been postponed indefinitely, there are now preparations to hold the Prez Election this year. SLPP General Secretary and Govt MP Sagara Kariyawasam said that they had continuously informed the Prez that the SLPP was against more..

Jan 17 (DM) Naval assets are tools through which a country’s geopolitical standing is constantly being tested – especially in contested waters. After Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, the US promptly dispatched two carrier battle groups to the Gulf and the Mediterranean. The purpose was to deter potential anti-Israeli elements rallying around to attack Israel. Global powers constantly use their naval prowess to showcase their intentions by deploying their naval assets more..

Jan 17 (DM) The last year 2023, was a difficult one for us Lankans. This year, with an additional VAT increase, it is surely going to be more challenging to us all, given that salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. The enlargement of the VAT net will surely push many from the middle class into poverty. The number of poor in Lanka has surged by 4 million to 7 million since 2019. World Bank statistics show poverty in our country increased from 25% in 2022 to 27.9% in 2023. more..

Jan 17 (TM) She is a multi-faceted sportsperson who has gone the extra mile in two completely different sporting principles. She had the rare privilege of captaining both hockey and karate at her alma mater. She is mostly known for her prowess as a top-notch goalkeeper in the island nation’s hockey arena. She is Dehara Senaratne, our protagonist this week on the Daily Morning Sports. A past pupil of Ladies’ College, more..

Jan 17 (FT) SL’s tea crop improved marginally in 2023, reflecting the struggle for recovery after detrimental policy decisions and climate change. Cumulative production for the year 2023 was 256.04 million kilos, registering an increase of 4.20 million kilos compared with 251.84 million kilos in 2022. Data analysed by Forbes and Walker said all elevations have shown positive variances in the year 2023 aside from the low-grown elevation in comparison with corresponding period of more..

Jan 17 (TM) Govt is gearing up election season and is deploying all the tools at their disposal to ensure that they return to power. To a keen observer of SL politics, the reason why the much criticised Online Safety Bill (OSB), is being pushed forward and will be taken up for debate and vote next week. SLPP and their MPs fear public dissent and worry that at the upcoming elections, their votes will erode. They have now recognised the power of free speech for dissent and the power of mass mobilisation more..

Jan 17 (CT) A public debate regarding the SL Transport Board (SLTB) season tickets has emerged due to the SLTB’s recent decision to suspend the issuing of student season tickets in January. SLTB claimed the decision was taken following a Gazette notification by the Ministry of Education granting holidays to Govt schools for the entire month of January. SLTB issues four types of season tickets for students, uni/technical college more..

Jan 17 (CT) The relentless surge in the cost of living in SL has reached new, distressing heights. News of essentials, like vegetables, reaching exorbitant prices has everyone’s jaw-dropping for the absurdity and devastating reality we have reached. Staggering price stamp of a kilogram of broccoli at Rs 7,000, a steep increase from Rs 750 per kg just two weeks ago, has become a symbol of the profound misery that many in the country are facing, calling for urgent dialogue & action on dire state of affairs. more..

Jan 17 (Island) Washington claims to have shot down a cruise missile fired by the Houthis at a US warship in the Red Sea. The US Central Command has said a US fighter jet destroyed the missile near the coast on Sunday. The Houthis are not likely to stop attacks. They know they will have to be lucky only once. The US will have to remain alert and spend billions of dollars to protect its vessels against missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea. What Sunday’s incident signifies is that more..

Jan 17 (ST) Perhaps, it’s the poverty, a pathological sense of utter despair prevailing in the land that has made countless Lankans renounce their ancestral faith and blindly follow a crop of religious fakirs, living Buddhas and miracle prophets that have suddenly mushroomed in the island. If that was not enough to cater to this exploitable lot’s demand, then the last gasp of the old year and the first fresh breath of the new, witnessed the advent of two more: One, a secret suicidal cult leader more..

Jan 17 (CI) Zimbabwe allrounder Luke Jongwe had Angelo Mathews wallpaper when he was younger (whether this was a physical poster or the background screen on a device wasn't clear). Mathews was also Jongwe's social media profile picture for a while. So what did Jongwe do to thank Mathews for the years of inspiration? He smashedat by that alone one might determine all the cases in social morality.” Govt is vindicating itself in terms of economic success, but not with the common good. IMF mission has commended the govt on its success in meeting its revenue more..

Jan 17 (CI) Zimbabwe allrounder Luke Jongwe had Angelo Mathews wallpaper when he was younger (whether this was a physical poster or the background screen on a device wasn't clear). Mathews was also Jongwe's social media profile picture for a while. So what did Jongwe do to thank Mathews for the years of inspiration? He smashed him for six, four, six in the deciding over of a T20I in Mathews' comeback series, of course. more..

Jan 17 (DM) Police have arrested a self-styled god-man, who claims to be Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, a Buddha in waiting, after the Buddhist clergy complained that his sermons had distorted Buddhism. Viral social media videos showed the man – who had recently arrived from Egypt where he was said to be a dog-walker – being worshipped by the devotees, including a Buddhist nun when he visited the Kelaniya temple. The suspect, identified as Mahinda Kodithuwakku, was arrested more..

Jan 17 (ST) In a bid to leave an indelible mark on the upcoming ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, head coach Jehan Mubarak has been diligently steering the squad toward success. Despite an early exit from the Asia Cup, Mubarak remains confident in the potential of his youthful squad, emphasising the need to work on handling pressure situations. Speaking ahead of their departure to South Africa, Mubarak acknowledged the team’s preparation, skill, and talent but more..

Jan 17 (ST) SL is currently experiencing a shortage in keeri samba a key rice variety as a result of low cultivation of the crop despite the increased demand for it at high prices in the local market. At present authorities are looking at importing at least 50,000 metric tonnes of rice of similar varieties from other countries in the region, Prof. Buddhi Marambe said. It is the lower extent of cultivation that has led to the shortage of this particularly high in demand variety of rice in the local market, he noted. more..

Jan 17 (FT) In a transformative collaboration dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) and Int'l College of Business and Technology (ICBT) proudly announce the formalisation of a historic MoU. This pivotal agreement, signed by ICBT Campus CEO and Executive Director/Executive Dean Dr. Sampath Kannangara and Lanka Impact Investing Network General Manager Vishwanath Gunawardena marks the commencement more..

Jan 17 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Monday wooed fresh global foreign investment into SL’s renewable energy given the future upside supported by progressive policies in place. He extended the invitation to participants at the Green Technology Forum organised by the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the BoI of SL on the side-lines of more..

Jan 17 (DN) Central Bank has once again warned the public about increasing number of financial scams, promising high returns based on crypto investments. The Bank insists that it has not granted licences or given authorization to people or business for activities such as cryptocurrency operations, Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), mining, exchanges, deposit-taking or custody services, or advisory services related to cryptocurrency. Bank while alerting the public on alarming rise more..

Jan 17 (DN) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila said that the process of insulting Buddhism in the country is a highly organized process and colossal amounts of money is received from foreign countries for this purpose. He further said: “Insulting Buddhism is happening today by various people. Bhikkhus who insult Buddhism receive massive sums of money from foreign countries to do so. Some pretend to be Buddhists and insult Buddhism. Meanwhile, even leaders and priests of other religions more..

Jan 17 (Island) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila, MP, insisted that health sector trade union coalition’s demand for Rs 35,000 allowance shouldn’t be granted under any circumstances. He said that those trade unions should realise that their demand for Rs 35,000 allowance because the Disturbance, Availability, and Transport (DAT) allowance given to doctors had been increased by that amount couldn’t be accepted. more..

Jan 17 (PMD) Addressing the Business Roundtable organized by BOI SL and the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce yesterday, during his official tour to Switzerland to attend the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted significant strides in SL’s economic recovery and outlined future growth prospects. Prez Wickremesinghe began by acknowledging the challenging times the nation faced, noting the adverse effects of the recent crisis on more..