Jun 14 (DN) The first ever Ratnapura Int'l Gem and Jewellery Exhibition 2024organised and presented by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), will be held from June 29 to July 1, at the Grand Silver Ray Hotel in Pelmadulla. This year’s exhibition is set to play a crucial role in achieving SL’s target of US$2 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2025, cementing Ratnapura’s status as a premier sourcing city for high-quality gems, said CEO of NGJA Viraj De Silva. more..

Jun 14 (DM) SL skipper Chamari Athapaththu has been named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2024, narrowly beating strong contenders, Scotland’s skipper Kathryn Bryce and ICC’s top-ranked white-ball bowler Sophie Ecclestone. Athapaththu’s stellar performance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier earned her this prestigious award. Athapaththu, who previously won the accolade in September, secured it again after leading her team to victory in more..

Jun 14 (Island) Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, announced the launch of the Smart Vehicle Tracker, an innovative, cost-effective smart vehicle tracking solution that utilises 4G LTE technology for worry-free vehicle and fleet monitoring across Sri Lanka. The device utilises the TeDi fleet management app, powered by Dialog, launched in collaboration with The Connection Workshop Pvt Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of South Asian Technologies. more..

Jun 14 (TM) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) persons in the hill country-based Malaiyaga community of Tamils of Indian origin do not have adequate access to support mechanisms in cases of harassment based on their gender identity and expression and also sexual orientation. Stressing that this is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed, activists in the area claimed that in addition, these persons face various other more..

Jun 14 (FT) Verité Research revealed that Budget 2023 proposals to the value of Rs. 43.8 billion or 89% of the funds allocated, the Govt was not able to provide information on progress. As per the annual evaluation done by Verité Research, 25 highest-value expenditure proposals in the Budget speech for 2023 had a total allocation of Rs. 49.3 billion. It recalled that in 2022, progress was not known on proposals that had 93% of allocated funds. more..

Jun 14 (Island) To mark World Oceans Day, British Council (BC) demonstrated its commitment to empower and support the country’s youth to address climate change and to share their experience of action taken to protect the oceans. In the first Interactive session at the BC, youth were given the opportunity to explore, engage and be empowered to protect the ocean for climate resilience through a knowledge- sharing and networking session with representatives from two national agencies, more..

Jun 14 (EN) The IMF has said a suspension on parate execution, or halting foreclosure decisions taken by banks in SL on bad loans, should be ended as soon as possible. SL bank non-performing loans went up as much as 13 percent, with a combined hit from a currency crisis which came on top of the Coronavirus pandemic triggering a slew of auctions of collateral of distressed businesses. “The suspension of banks’ repossession of collateral (Parate executions) 22 will hinder more..

Jun 14 (Island) SL yesterday received military equipment worth USD 3 mn from the US. The announcement of the transfer was made at the Katunayake airbase. A statement issued by SLAF quoted Defence Attaché at the US Embassy in SL, Lt Colonel Anthony Nelson as having said: “Today’s USD 3 million equipment transfer marks another important milestone in our long-standing partnership with SL. Enhancing SL’s security contributes to regional stability/peace, benefiting everyone. more..

Jun 14 (Island) Journalist Tharindu Uduvaragedara has filed a fundamental rights petition against the police against forcibly arresting, assaulting and detaining him in a police cell. Uduvaragedara alleged that he was arrested as he was returning home after covering a protest. Uduvaragedara, who is currently working as the National Organiser of Federation of Media Workers’ Unions as well as the editor of the Whatnews website, filed the fundamental rights petition on June 12th. more..

Jun 14 (FT) IMF on Wednesday said Sri Lanka’s economy is still vulnerable and the path to debt sustainability remains knife-edged hence the country need to sustain the reform momentum. It made this observation following the successful conclusion of the second review under the $ 3 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program with SL. This saw the release of SDR 254 million or $ 336 million to support SL’s economic policies and reforms. more..

Jun 14 (FT) National People’s Power (NPP) party Executive Council member Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday cautioned the public to remain vigilant against the election-related uncertainties being propagated by both Government and Opposition members, advising them not to fall prey to such tactics. Addressing a public event, Jayatissa asserted that statements suggesting the possible postponement of elections are intentionally made to mislead the public and are untrue. more..

Jun 14 (DM) The incident involving the shooting of actor-turned-politician Uddika Premaratne's vehicle near his residence in Anuradhapura was allegedly orchestrated by the actor himself and an Assistant Superintendent of Police, DIG Nihal Talduwa revealed today. According to the initial investigation the said the actor had planned this incident together with the ASP, spokesman said. The shooting attack on MP Uddika Premaratne's vehicle took place on Sept 17, 2023. more..

Jun 14 (Island) Catholic Church reiterated its longstanding demand that the recommendations made by the PCoI into 2019 Easter Sunday attacks be implemented. Rev. Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said so when The Island sought the Catholic Church’s reaction to the appointment by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe a new committee of inquiry to investigate the actions and responses of the country’s intelligence & security more..

Jun 14 (FT) I have not met Deshamanya Dr. Nissanka Wijeyeratne, known to everyone as Nissanka, in person. I have watched him performing as a civil servant and minister, listened to his speeches, and spoken to his friends to know enough about him to pen this appreciation on his 100th birth anniversary falling on 14 June. I will focus on two matters. One is his success as the lay custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha known as Diyawadana Nilame in Sinhala more..

Jun 14 (FT) For years now, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been a buzzword among both development and private sectors. It is easily one of the most misinterpreted concepts – its essence diluted when communicated and implemented within the corporate world. Businesses often misunderstand and misapply the concept of CSR: rather than integrating CSR into core business practices, the trend is a stronger focus on charitable initiatives. more..

Jun 14 (DM) The alleged fisticuffs between MPs Mahindananda Aluthgamage and Gunathilaka Rajapaksha is being converted into a legal battle with the former slated to file a defamation case against his colleague. MP Aluthgamage has instructed his lawyers to send a letter of demand to MP Rajapaksasha whom he said had made a false allegation of assault against him. “Eyewitnesses have said have not witnessed any fisticuffs at the Presidential Secretariat. more..

Jun 14 (AD) The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has ordered for five luxury vehicles, seized by the Bribery Commission after it was found that they had been imported by submitting false information to the Dept of Motor Traffic, to be handed over to SL Customs. Investigations by the Bribery Commission have revealed that the govt lost approximately Rs. 300 million in tax revenue due to the illegal importation of these vehicles, which are estimated to be worth around Rs. 600 million. more..

Jun 14 (AD) The IMF says that there is sufficient progress for SL’s Debt Restructuring process to move forward. However, the IMF further said Sri Lanka’s economy is still vulnerable and the path to debt sustainability remains knife- edged hence the country need to sustain the reform momentum. Meanwhile, joining the IMF press briefing on SL’s second review of EFF program held virtually this morning, IMF Senior Mission more..

Jun 14 (EN) US has welcomed the IMF’s approval of the second review of SL’s IMF programme which allows for the disbursement of US$ 330 million. US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung tweeted that her govt encourages SL’s leaders to stay committed to measures needed to foster growth. “Recognising that reforms can be challenging, the US continues to encourage SL’s leaders to stay committed to take needed measures that ensure accountability, transparency, and representative governance, more..

Jun 14 (FT) US Green Building Council recently conferred the LEED Gold Certification for Mireka Tower and Havelock City Mall reflecting its commitment to energy efficiency and occupant well-being. The achievement of the Gold certification under the LEED 2009 Core and Shell Development rating system identifies Mireka Tower and Havelock City Mall as a showcase example of sustainability and demonstrates the group’s leadership in transforming the building industry in SL. more..

Jun 14 (TM) Sri Lanka has become the third team after Oman and Namibia to be officially knocked out of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and US. Following defeats in each of their first two games and a washout in their third encounter against Nepal in Florida, SL needed a washout between Bangladesh and Netherlands in St. Vincent to stay alive in the tournament. A washout would have left both Bangladesh more..

Jun 14 (CT) Minister Susil Premajayantha announced that 2,500 new teacher appointments, for national schools, are scheduled for 3 July. He revealed this during a discussion held with the Governors, chaired by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday. Premjayantha affirmed the govt’s commitment to addressing the shortage of teachers, at the provincial level, as soon as possible. Arrangements have been made to recruit 2,100 teachers for subjects including more..

Jun 14 (AD) Colombo High Court has sentenced seven Pakistani and Iranian nationals to life in prison after they were convicted of possession and trafficking heroin. This verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige when the relevant case was taken up before the court this morning. During an operation carried out by the SL Navy in the 2022, the convicted Pakistani and Iranian nationals were apprehended while transporting 123 kg of heroin within SL’s more..

Jun 14 (PMD) State Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Ashoka Priyantha, announced that the Grama Niladhari Service Constitution has been approved by the Public Service Commission following the approval of the Cabinet Ministers. He also mentioned that the new constitution allows for necessary amendments. State Minister Ashoka Priyantha disclosed these details today (13) during a press briefing titled Collective Path to a Stable Country at the Presidential Media Centre. more..

Jun 14 (EN) SL will charge taxes on owner occupied and vacant residential houses on imputed or imaginary rents from April 2025, under an IMF deal after aggressive macroeconomic policy pushed the country into sovereign default. The imputed rents will be calculated based on a property price register. However there will be an exemption threshold. A nationwide digital Sales Price and Rents Register (SPRR) is to be set up by March 2025, and accessible to the Dept of Inland Revenue. more..

Jun 14 (DM) Several countries are currently working together to file cases in the relevant countries and international courts under the universal jurisdiction against the military leaders of SL who were found to have committed war crimes, a Parliamentary Committee has revealed. Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security which met in Parliament recently revealed that although this external mechanism has been rejected by more..

Jun 14 (EN) SL has launched Public Learn, a platform which offers free courses from top universities, to provide those of all ages access to further education. Operated by Regent Global, Public Learn is been funded by the SL diaspora in the UK. “This aims to transform SL’s education and economy which aligns with #Digiecon2030 Mandate of the Ministry of Technology,” minister Kanaka Herath said. “Whatever the faults of edu system, there are many, but we have still delivered. more..

Jun 14 (AD) The former SL Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka says that Sri Lanka could have struck a better deal with the IMF, if the island nation went to the international lender as a bipartite team consisting of both government and opposition parties. While joining Ada Derana’s current Affairs Programme, Dr. Jayatilleka alleged that the govt is not handling the external debt restructuring process in the best way possible. more..

Jun 14 (TM) Several retired senior Police officers, including former IGP Chandra Fernando, expressed concerns about the potential for future political violence in SL, noting the persistent nature of political groups that have resorted to violence in the past and the likelihood that these groups are unlikely to abandon such tactics. A press conference was held yesterday, following several retired Police officers including CID former more..

Jun 14 (Island) Everystory Sri Lanka- a collective of young feminists is hosting a Public Teach-Out event on the 15th of June, from 2 PM to 5 PM at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium on the topic Women’s Movements of SL. The key figures, organizations, and contributions of women who have shaped SL are often left out of history books and forgotten in mainstream narratives. This event will feature trilingual interactive discussions, delving into the rich history of women’s movements in SL. more..

Jun 14 (EN) Annual bilateral political consultation meeting between top officials of Sri Lanka and China will be held in Beijing next week with the review of some bilateral policies, SL’s Foreign Ministry said. “Secretary, Foreign Affairs, Aruni Wijewardana will lead SL’s delegation to the 13th round of Diplomatic Consultations with the People’s Republic of China to be held on 17 June 2024 in Beijing,” the Foreign Ministry said. She will co-chair the Consultations with Sun Weidong, more..

Jun 14 (CT) Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles announced that batta allowance paid to Police officers will be abolished starting January next year and they will be provided food and accommodation allowance similar to the Tri-forces. He said steps will be taken to increase the salaries of Police officers, to match those of the Tri-Forces, by next year. He emphasised that by then, a Police officer’s salary will be equivalent to that of a military officer. Minister Alles noted that currently, more..

Jun 14 (AD) SL’s year-on-year GDP growth rate for the first quarter of 2024 has been estimated as 5.3% of positive growth rate. Dept of Census and Statistics (DCS), has released the estimated GDP at current price and at constant (2015) price in Production approach and the other macroeconomic indicators for the first quarter of 2024. GDP for the first quarter of 2024 at constant price (2015) has increased up to Rs. 3,329,583 million from Rs. 3,161,963 m which recorded in 1Q of 2023. more..

Jun 14 (FT) SJB MP Mujibur Rahman claimed that Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is opposed to revealing those responsible for orchestrating the devastating Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Mujibur commenting on the Prez’s recent move to appoint a Committee of Inquiry to investigate the actions taken by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), and other relevant more..

Jun 14 (CT) The prevailing intermittent showers have contributed to the increase in dengue cases in the country. By mid-night on 12 June, the number of recorded cases had topped 26,000, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said. Issuing surveillance statistics yesterday NDCU’s Surveillance NaDSys noted that the total number of dengue cases in the country had reached 26,084 with a death toll of nine. 1164 of dengue cases have been recorded from 1 June to 12 June 2024. more..