Jun 11 (AD) During the meeting of the CoPF, it was disclosed that even though it is clearly stated by law that online casino operations cannot be carried out in the country, online casinos operate in the open depriving the state of the revenue due without any implications. Chair of the committee Dr. Harsha de Silva directed that a letter be sent to the Minister of Finance requesting for his immediate attention regarding the matter. more..

Jun 11 (CI) So, you're saying there's a chance? That will be the essence of Sri Lanka's thinking from here on as they seek to keep alive their dwindling hopes of Super Eight qualification in the T20 World Cup 2024. After two defeats in two - to South Africa and Bangladesh - the former world champions are now firmly in must-win territory. As things stand, nothing but outright victories against Nepal and Netherlands will suffice, and even then, SL will need at least one (ideally both) of those sides more..

Jun 11 (PMD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed a specialist committee to address salary anomalies in the govt service. This committee, chaired by a former presidential secretary Mr. Udaya Seneviratne, comprises various distinguished members including Director General of the National Budget Department S.D.J. Nilukshan, Director General of the Management Services Department Hiransa Kaluthantri, Director General of Combined Services S. Aloka Bandara, more..

Jun 11 (FT) Sports Minister Harin Fernando is in a mighty rush to clean up or rather fix issues in several sports associations across SL. His zealous efforts, fuelled by advice that could easily be nicknamed after a beast with hooves, are starting to make him look like a bull in a china shop. Currently, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), Netball Federation, Cycling Federation, and SL Automobile Sports are suspended & have been brought more..

Jun 11 (Island) JVP-led NPP lawyers’ group said Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s term shouldn’t be extended under any circumstances. Upul Kumarapperuma, PC, on behalf of the JJB lawyers’ group, said that they were totally against Prez Wickremesinghe’s move to grant Rajaratnam an extension in service. Kumarapperuma warned that in case an extension was granted with the intention of elevating the incumbent AG to the post of Chief Justice in Dec this year it would more..

Jun 11 (MFA) Foreign Minister Ali Sabry who is currently in Russia to participate in the BRICS 2024 Foreign Ministerial Session with developing countries had a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yesterday. During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to further enhance bilateral ties, including in the spheres of tourism, higher education and economic cooperation. Minister Sabry, during the meeting, brought to the attention of more..

Jun 12 (TM) As Sri Lanka moves towards a recovery path, it cannot afford to sustain past practices of poor-governance and impunity which acted as enablers to push the island nation towards the slippery slope of economic doom. Despite much chest-pumping by lawmakers on both sides of the political divide, many seem hell-bent on sustaining the old practices which have proven to weaken Sri Lanka’s democracy and governance. 2024, is not the time to repeat such errors. more..

Jun 12 (CT) SL walking the earth with eyes focused skywards! We are living in an era under a High Level focus by UN authorities on the creation of a global level road map, with an open data platform, to commit all nations towards a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This concept emerged with the Heads of State and High Representatives of Govts meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York from 25-27 Sept 2015 to celebrate its 17th anniversary, deciding on a new action more..

Jun 12 (SO) Denary Odyssey, an evocative visual art exhibition that brings together the distinct and powerful voices of ten contemporary artists will be held at the Harold Peiries Gallery and Lionel Wendt Art Centre, Colombo 7 from June 28 to 30. The opening ceremony will be held on June 28 at 6 pm. Denary Odyssey encapsulates the fusion of ten diverse artistic expressions showcasing a collective endeavor of ten contemporary more..

Jun 12 (DM) The historic amalgam of People’s uprising through the Peaceful new generation Aragalaya-2022 and the Country’s declared Bankruptcy has provided overwhelming and glaring evidence that cannot be matched by any measure of research, regarding the weaknesses in our Electoral system which has over the last several decades allowed power-hungry, mediocre and nepotic politicians to rule the roost in our Parliament. Thus, the following urgent System changes more..

Jun 12 (ST) Can economic targets be mandated by law? While there may be provision to do this, it is morally and ethically wrong to do so since voters change govts entrusting new regimes with a fresh start and a re-look at the economy. This was also the dilemma facing my friend Pedris Appo – short for Appuhamy – a retired agriculture expert who does farming, when we chatted during a Thursday morning call. “How can they bring laws to enforce economic targets? That is so unfair when more..

Jun 12 (TM) Following UNP General Secretary Palitha Range bandara’s suggestion to extend the Prez’s term for two years without elections, constitutional and legal experts have voiced strident criticism, pointing out the undemocratic aspects of such a measure. Range bandara recently presented a proposal, which came under fire from all quarters, to postpone both the Prez and General Elections by a span of two years, emphasising that more..

Jun 12 (DM) When 16-year-old Jude Kumar Ishalini from Dayagama succumbed to severe burn injuries while being employed at a former Minister’s residence, it exposed the harrowing consequences of child labour. Subsequent arrests and two postmortems revealed that Ishalini was subjected to long-term sexual abuse, sparking islandwide protests by estate workers and human rights activists, demanding justice for the deceased. In the wake of this incident, SL govt made more..

Jun 12 (TM) The majority of janitorial staff have several dependents in their families and draw a low salary. These findings were made in an updated review article on ‘An assessment of the job satisfaction of janitorial staff in two tertiary care hospitals in the Kandy District’ which was authored by R.P. Weliwita and S.S. Dolamulla (both attached to the Health Ministry) and published in the Sri Lankan Journal of Medical Administration's 24th Volume's Second Issue, last month. more..

Jun 12 (Island) The petrol and gas queues are gone, but economic statistics paint a grim picture. SL’s int'l debt continues to mount inexorably as it did before the economic crash. Two years ago when the economic crisis hit, it was in the region of USD 80 billion. According to news reports, SL’s debt has now increased to over USD 100 billion amid marginal improvement in some macroeconomic measures (such as inflation), while unpaid principal and interest on selected debt exceed US$ 6.4 b. more..

Jun 12 (TM) Govt of SL took time to complete its external debt restructuring as it tried to avoid any complications such as which Zambia went through, State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said. He said that Zambia debt restructuring saw complications even after the creditors agreed on signing MOUs, which delayed SL’s debt talks since advisors and authorities wanted to avoid such complications. “In our discussions, we constantly ensured that what happened in Zambia won’t happen to SL,” more..

Jun 12 (FT) Despite the Govt’s threats to take over estates managed by Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) that do not comply with the mandated wage increase to Rs. 1,700, it has been revealed that State-owned Janatha Estate Development Board (JEDB) and SL State Plantation Corporation (SLSPC) have not adhered to this directive. Sources within the JEDB and SLSPC, confirmed that they have not paid their more..

Jun 12 (ST) SL’s public procurement framework based on guidelines issued in 2006/7 is undergoing a major transformation with further upgrading of e-procurement system currently in operation since 2019. Although the e- govt procurement system is being operated, it has not yet fully digitised the current process and vulnerable to malpractices because it is very difficult to monitor transactions, an official of the Finance Ministry said. A 7-member official team visited Bangladesh this week more..

Jun 12 (Island) Sri Lanka’s bankruptcy is not solely economic or financial; it is multisectoral as evident from the steep decline in standards, inefficiency, corruption and even dysfunctionality affecting other spheres. It has not even spared men’s cricket, which is fast losing its status as the de facto national sport owing to the players’ consistently poor performance and public resentment towards the cricket administration, which has become a metaphor for corruption. more..

Jun 12 (FT) Board of Directors at the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), the licensed operator of the stock market in Fiji has announced the appointment of Sri Lankan Sheraj Obeyesekere as its Chief Executive Officer with effect from June. The appointment places the new CEO of SPX (34) among the youngest Chief Executives in the Stock Exchange industry. Sheraj holds 12 years of experience in the corporate sector, having worked across multiple industries including roles more..

Jun 12 (FT) BoardPAC, the leading provider of board governance solutions, is excited to rekindle discussions with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), marking a significant stride toward enhancing board governance standards in South Africa. This renewed engagement echoes its commitment to forging strategic alliances, building upon its previous collaboration efforts, and advancing governance practices. In a recent meeting between Team BoardPAC & key stakeholders from JSE, more..

Jun 12 (TM) A civil society organisation (CSO) is planning to lodge a complaint with the CIABOC in connection with the alleged duty fraud involving 1,728 BMW vehicles, and is seeking the higher authorities’ intervention, including those of the Prez’s and the PM’s, against the SL Customs administration for its lethargy in investigating the matter. The complaint to the CIABOC will specifically seek legal action to obtain a Court order more..

Jun 12 (DN) After two back to back defeats by South Africa and Bangladesh, SL team is ready to come up with a winning mentality at the T-20 World Cup when they will meet inexperienced Nepal today at Lauderhill Florida commencing at 5am SL time. This is SL’s must win game to have some hope for the Super eight round. SL have to win both Nepal and Netherlands matches to keep alive the super eight chance. In addition SL will need at least one (ideally both) of those sides to beat Bangladesh. more..

Jun 12 (Island) This year, Sri Lanka recorded series wins over both Bangladesh and Afghanistan in T-20 cricket. Yet, it is those two teams that are sitting pretty in the World Cup here in US. While Afghanistan stunned New Zealand, Bangladesh overcame Sri Lanka and nearly pulled off an upset win over formidable South Africa. Such is the brutality of the T-20 format. A few errors could cost you dearly and suddenly you are under the pump facing elimination from the competition. more..

Jun 12 (DN) The Minister of Sport cannot and had not extended term of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as erroneously stated in the media said Sports Minister Harin Fernando. Any Federation must have an election in terms of the provisions of its constitution in electing office bearers. Minister further said there is a cabinet appointed committee to draft a new constitution for SLC headed by K.T Chitrasiri retired judge of the Supreme Court. more..

Jun 12 (TM) Various health issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and high blood sugar levels are common among bus drivers, and therefore, the services available to address such issues need to be expanded and should look into the multifaceted nature of the causes of these health-related concerns. Noting this, private bus owners explained that that is a necessity that calls for immediate attention as operating buses involves the lives of passengers. more..

Jun 12 (Hindu) Madras High Court has directed the Indian Home Ministry to process an application filed by a SL refugee, who has been reportedly residing in India since 1990, for Indian citizenship and pass a speaking order, either accepting or rejecting his plea. Justice Anita Sumanth made it clear that a reasoned order must be passed on the citizenship application filed by Gajendiran, within 12 weeks, after seeking all necessary clarifications from the applicant and by following the applicable rules & regulations. more..

Jun 12 (Island) Country’s top javelin throwers including national record holders Sumeda Ranasinghe and Dilhani Lekamge were scheduled to leave for South Korea yesterday to compete in the Asian Throwing Championships which will be held on June 14 and 15 in Mokpo. Championship will be crucial for Lekamge who is the leading contender in the women’s category to earn an Olympic berth. Currently she is ranked 30th in the Road to Paris 2024 rankings. more..

Jun 12 (DN) Over 20, 000 athletes from nearly 1000 schools are expected to take part in Sir John Tarbet Athletic Championship while first stage of the event will be from June 13-14 at Duraiyappa Stadium, Jaffna for Northern Province and Anuradhapura District school athletes. CBL Foods International came forward to sponsor this event for the 12th consecutive year while their aim is to develop school athletes to the National level through the Sir John Tarbet Athletic Championship said more..

Jun 12 (FT) In a significant move, Bishop of the Diocese of Mannar Rev. Emmanuel Fernando and three prominent environmentalists filed a fundamental rights petition in Supreme Court yesterday against the proposed 250 MW Mannar Wind Power Project by Adani Green Energy. The petition, lodged by environmentalists Rohan Pethiyagoda, Prof. Nimal Gunatilleke, Prof. Sarath Kotagama, and Bishop Rev. Fr. Fernando, more..

Jun 12 (DM) NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake met people's representatives of the North including TNA MP M.A Sumanthiran and Mavai Senadirajah at the ITAK office in Jaffna. He also met former TNA MP Dharmalingam Siddarthan during his visit to Jaffna. They discussed at length the current political atmosphere in the country, issues faced by the people and the need to create national harmony. NPP National Executive Committee member Bimal Rathnayake more..

Jun 12 (DM) The atmosphere for the operation of the NGOs (non-governmental organizations) has improved in SL in 2024 compared to the previous years, a report says. According to the Doing Good Index used for the assessment of the social services delivery sector, SL has been categorized as Doing Okay and its promotion reflects a gradually improving economic situation and the clarification of the regulations by the govt. 2022 Index placed Sri Lanka in the Not Doing Enough category. more..

Jun 12 (DN) There is a renewed enthusiasm in the renewable energy industry in SL and companies are satisfied as the CEB has paid back their long-standing dues amounting to around Rs 40 billion. In addition to clearing their long standing debt, Solar power generating companies are also paid monthly charges on time which makes it a pleasant environment to work. This was opined by Founder CEO Vidullanka, Riyaz Sangani at the ceremony where they received ISO 9001:2015 more..

Jun 12 (DM) An investigation has been launched by A'pura Wildlife Assistant Director regarding a video circulating on social media showing a youth touching a wild elephant while it was asleep. This video was recorded in the Ranajayapura forest area of A'pura. The video clearly shows one of the three youths carefully approaching the sleeping elephant, touching it and then gradually retreating. They recorded the video as an adventure activity, claiming they did not zoom in to make it appear fake. more..

Jun 12 (EN) The NPP is concerned not with the past but the future, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said following a discussion with representatives of the ITAK in Jaffna. Dissanayake told reporters that the NPP in their manifesto for the 2019 prez election had recognised the need for Sri Lanka’s provincial council system to continue. “We must also have a dialogue on moving forward. There is a need for constitutional changes. more..