Jun 23 (DM) Sri Lanka has once again declined to accept the external evidence-gathering mechanism established by UNHRC resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, emphasizing significant legal and political implications for all nations involved. “It is unhelpful and only serves to divide and further polarize communities in SL, with no tangible benefits. It also prejudges the commitment of domestic legal processes. It is a drain on scarce resources of member states,” Permanent Representative more..

Jun 23 (CT) The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) highlighted that a staggering percentage of allocated funds for the development of a digital data bank that will allow institutions such as the Dept of Labour and the Central Bank to jointly access information on EPF and ETF payments, remained unutilised over the past three years. Over 84% of the funds allocated in 2021, 53% allocated in 2022 and 91% allocated in 2023 for the development of a digital data bank weren’t utilised, more..

Jun 23 (CT) The lawyers representing the National People’s Power (NPP) are considering the possibility of filing a Contempt of Court case against Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe over his recent statement regarding the Supreme Court verdict on the Gender Equality Bill. Attorney Sunil Watagala stated that in addition to the President’s attempt to criticise the SC’s decision in Parliament under the cover of parliamentary privilege, he expressed similar sentiments at an external event. more..

Jun 23 (SO) Sri Lanka has initiated the process of entering into a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UK, High Commissioner of SL to the UK Rohitha Bogollagama said on the sidelines of the Sourced – Sri Lanka apparel roadshow at the Royal Horticulture Hall, London on Wednesday. He said that this will be similar to the UK trade agreement with Kenya. The UK is the first country outside of Africa to enter into a trade agreement with Kenya, more..

Jun 23 (ST) UK Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission on Friday rejected an appeal by the TGTE (Transitional Govt of Tamil Eelam) to lift the proscription on the LTTE in Britain as a terrorist organisation. Commission gave its ruling on Friday in an appeal by Arumugam and Others vs. the Secretary of State for the Home Department. TGTE argued it is not proscribed in the UK as it seeks to pursue its political and more..

Jun 23 (ST) Any person found guilty of having engaged in human smuggling faces prison terms ranging from five to ten years and a fine of up to two million rupees under a new Immigration Bill gazetted by the govt. The bill imposes tough penalties for those smuggling people, both into and from Sri Lanka. Penalties apply to those who smuggle non-citizens into SL for financial or material gain, those who knowingly harbour, conceal, or transport any person who has been brought to SL illegally, more..

Jun 23 (ST) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has refused approval to award procurement of the 484 MW wind power plant in Mannar and Pooneryn to Adani Green Energy SL (AGESL), saying the information submitted to it by the CEB was not adequate to assess least cost and technical compatibility. A letter from the power sector regulator to the CEB’s Acting General Manager, shows that even basic information—such as the full draft power purchase agreement (PPA) more..

Jun 23 (ST) The SLPP wants to expel Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe from party membership. The move will see him lose his parliamentary seat. However, it is the Prez who will have to determine whether he can remain a cabinet minister. Here again, to continue as one, being a MP, either elected or appointed, is a requirement. The matter will come up for discussion when the SLPP’s All Island Working Committee meets tomorrow. more..

Jun 24 (CT) Thanks to the Aragalaya youth, their demand for system change has grown beyond its sloganeering stage and has become the single most important yet a controversial issue dominating political dialogue in this country. Although that dialogue is current within the erudite and politically awakened circles, it could spread widely across the nation as the election approaches and may even enter the political vocabulary of ordinary voters in its vernacular equivalent. more..

Jun 24 (DM) The Indian cricket team, led by Ajit Wadekar, returned home after a disastrous tour of England in 1974. This tour included the infamous Summer of 42 second Test match at Lord’s, where India was bowled out for just 42 runs on 24th June in their second innings. India lost both the test and ODI series leading to a humiliating tour. This tragic performance was extremely disappointing for the fans back home. Indian cricketers, captained by Ajit Wadekar included some of the era’s best more..

Jun 24 (CT) There is a Sinhalese idiom that says that a person who has been battered by a torch of fire would even be afraid of a firefly. True! Recollecting the Covid trauma, there is no doubt that those who lived through the pandemic could recall the ordeal and anguish that the disease drove home. Covid instilled fear in people! The health or military personnel or the public at large would be able to speak volumes about the impact virus had more..

Jun 24 (DM) On May 25, most countries in the world celebrate Mother’s Day, while on June 16 we celebrated Father’s Day. The origin of both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are concepts that began in the West. Today however the days are celebrated worldwide. For instance Mother’s Day was created in the 1900s by Ann Jarvis’s daughter, Anna Jarvis. Following the death of her mother in 1905, Anna sought to formalise a day honouring the sacrifices that mothers had made for their children. more..

Jun 24 (TM) As the Presidential Election nears, the age-old practice of primate politics in Sri Lanka will begin to unravel in the coming weeks. Given that many politicians from across the political divide in the Legislature are not happy where they are, this week will likely kick off the swing-vine-crossover frenzy, which will see principals thrown out, loyalties shattered, voters forgotten and self-preservation reign supreme. Alas, this is the true face of Sri Lankan politics. more..

Jun 24 (GV) Had writer V.V. Ganeshananthan lived in Jaffna instead of New York, she would have been summoned by SL's Counter Terrorism Investigative Division (CTID) and grilled for a couple of hours over her second book, Brotherless Night, as the Vavuniya CTID did with Pradeepan Deepachelvan. a young Tamil writer, over his first book, Nadugal (translated into Sinhala). He was questioned for over two hours more..

Jun 24 (ST) Lanka Premier League organisers, who recently re-admitted B-Love Kandy after initially ending the partnership, have now decided to sever ties as the franchise has violated contractual obligations for the second consecutive time. With the tournament just nine days away, the organisers are currently seeking a new owner to manage the franchise for the fifth edition of the event. If a new owner is not found, the organisers will take charge of the team themselves. more..

Jun 24 (CT) Have you ever wondered what the most frequently used topic for election campaigns in SL has been over the last three decades? It’s not difficult to guess. 13th Constitutional Amendment has been the theme that our voters are made to worry about in the run-up to every election. 13th Amendment and the power devolution mechanism it promotes have become points of intense debate among the ruling party, the Opposition and other commentators as each election approaches. more..

Jun 24 (ST) The Women’s Empowerment Bill, a key legislation announced by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to safeguard the rights of women, was passed in Parliament on Thursday with amendments. The bill makes provisions for a national commission for women. It also paves the way for the drafting and implementation of a national policy on women’s welfare and empowerment, establishment of mechanisms to protect women’s rights and the ability to take legal action more..

Jun 24 (TM) Former Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe says that despite the threat of SL being suspended by the ICC again, whoever forms the next Govt will need to dissolve Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) with immediate effect, if the sport is to be rid of its deep rooted malaise – the corrupt-ridden Ex-Co. The now sacked Ex-Minister said that the next Govt that is formed has no other alternative but to dissolve the Maitland-Place-situated body, despite the probable danger of its membership more..

Jun 24 (DM) State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya recently stated that 44,430 vehicles had entered the market during the ban on vehicle imports to SL. This information was disclosed following a discussion with representatives of several local vehicle assembly companies. Among these vehicles, 38,144 are motorcycles and 6,286 are motorcars. A vehicle assembly factory was first established in the country in the 1980s with more..

Jun 24 (FT) Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, in its latest Annual Report, has reported achieving a significant 20% growth in its international business and a substantial 28% revenue growth in USD year-on-year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenging global economic conditions. The international business has not only been a significant driver of revenue for the Company but also a notable source of foreign exchange for SL. This success was largely attributed to more..

Jun 24 (ST) Sri Lanka edible oil imports have dropped to very low level with no shipments in the pipeline due to high freight charges, sharply pushing up prices, official sources confirmed. It will decline to zero in coming months creating a shortage of edible oil such as palm oil vegetable, seed oil, crude and refined coconut oil prompting some traders to hoard their imported stocks. Most of refined coconut oil and palm oil importers couldn’t clear their containers due to high freight charges more..

Jun 24 (Island) It has become patently clear once again that public sector corruption is one of the main reasons why the state revenue has dropped drastically over the decades, and the cost of living has gone through the roof. COPE has launched a probe into a revelation by the Auditor General’s Dept that Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) incurred a staggering loss of Rs. 3.416 billion between 2014 and 2022, as its Marketing Dept delayed the issuance of a circular to filling station owners more..

Jun 24 (Island) Sri Lanka failed to enter the prestigious Super 8 in the T20 World Cup being hosted by the US and the West Indies. This outcome is particularly heartbreaking for Sri Lankan fans, who are struggling to come to terms with the early exit. The stakeholders of Sri Lanka cricket, including the selectors, coaches, and other individuals involved in the game, along with the team under the versatile leadership of Hasaranga De Silva, are undergoing severe mental strain. more..

Jun 24 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe reaffirmed SL’s commitment to a robust partnership with India to achieve the development goals, highlighting the urgency to expedite joint initiatives. Speaking at the 31st All India Partner’s Meet 2024 (AIPM 2024) held at ITC Ratnadeepa in Colombo, Prez outlined a transformative agenda focused on bilateral projects, particularly in the energy sector, more..

Jun 24 (DM) While refuting claims that the NPP has a deal with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, NPP General Secretary Tilvin Silva said the real deal is with Wickremesinghe and the Rajapaksas. He said that some people were spreading rumours that the NPP has struck a deal with Ranil Wickremesinghe. "What do we have to cover up by striking a deal with Ranil? Local Govt election was postponed since the NPP was going to win. They try to stop our victory even by postponing Cooperative elections. more..

Jun 24 (TM) In terms of the provisions in Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Act No. 16 of 2023, Minister of Finance, as recommended by the Governing Board, has appointed Assistant Governor and Secretary to the Governing Board A.A.M. Thassim and Assistant Governor J.P.R. Karunaratne, as Deputy Governors of CBSL with effect from 20 June and 24 June, respectively. Thassim has over 31 years of service at CBSL in different capacities in the areas of Supervision & Regulation of Banking more..

Jun 24 (ST) With less than a month to go for the Election Commission’s announcement of the dates for the presidential elections, political parties and alliances are stepping up their campaign activities. Although some parties are yet undecided on their candidates, they are engaged in activities such as internal party discussions and pocket meetings to attract voters. UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said that more..

Jun 24 (FT) SL Automobile Assemblers Association (SLAAA) dismissed reports the industry is receiving unwarranted tax breaks that pave the way for corruption, and stated the Govt approved concessions are solely to promote investments into the industry. Industries Ministry Sector Advisory Committee on Automotive Industry Chairman and SLACMA Prez Dimantha Jayawardena said SL exports up to $ 800 million worth of vehicles components annually. more..

Jun 24 (Island) Mahinda Siriwardana, Secretary to the Treasury recently warned that any policy inconsistency in handling the economy or veering away from current fiscal consolidation programme would lead to disaster with no hope of future bailouts for SL. “Public Finance Management Bill should have been brought many years ago. How many drafts were made – how many years were spent – before it was eventually finalized? We waited till we had our back hit the ground to bring this. more..

Jun 24 (DN) Sri Lanka’s six-member boxing team won six medals during their invitational tour at the Seychelles Constitutional Day Boxing Tournament, which concluded in Victoria, Seychelles on June 22. Sri Lanka secured two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals in the five-nation tournament. PS Fernando from SL Army won a gold medal in the 69kg welterweight class, while CD Udayakumara of SL Air Force clinched gold in the 71kg light middleweight class. more..

Jun 24 (TM) SJB MP, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne yesterday (23) denied reports suggesting that he is prepared to cross over to the Govt and assume the position of Health Minister. Speculation has arisen that he (Dr. Senaratne) is poised to cross over to the Govt to become the Health Minister. This comes after he attended several events under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and made complimentary statements regarding the President's programme. more..

Jun 24 (EN) SL’s opposition has questioned claims made by govt spokesmen that a tax on housing proposed in an IMF deal is only limited to rich people but if as promised by Prez one house is exempt, it is welcome, legislator Harsha de Silva said. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe made a promise in parliament that the first house of a citizen will be excluded from the property tax. But opposition legislator Harsha de Silva more..

Jun 24 (DM) Teachers, principals, teacher instructors and Piriven teachers are set to launch a one-day sick leave campaign next Wednesday (26) to protest against unresolved salary anomalies and other demands, Ceylon Teachers' Union (CTU) said. CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin said that the Cabinet sub-committee has decided to address one-third of their salary anomalies based on the Subodhini Committee Report. However, he noted that no action has been taken to resolve more..

Jun 24 (ANI) The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday apprehended 22 Tamil Nadu fishermen for fishing near Neduntheevu in Sri Lankan waters, according to the Rameswaram Fisherman Association. Several fishermen in boats went to sea from Tamil Nadu on Saturday, they said. While the fishermen were fishing near Nedundeevu in the Palkbay Sea area, SL Navy arrived in the area early this morning and seized three boats belonging to the fishermen of Thangachimadam, association said. more..

Jun 24 (DM) Acting Magistrate Priyanka Patabandi ordered the detention and interrogation of eight youths, including one who is reportedly the boyfriend of the victim, for 48 hours following their arrest in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old student in the Hanwella area. Order was issued after the Hanwella Police requested additional time to detain and interrogate the suspects. The group, comprising residents of the Jaltara area in Ranala, was presented in court earlier today (23). more..