Nov 1 (EN) China has given the maximum number of training opportunities for SL’s public sector employees across key sectors, Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana said. He said in his address at the first China Aid Training Alumni Reception held on Wednesday showcasing the human resources cooperation between the two countries. “China is the government that offers maximum number of training opportunities to SL,” Siriwardana said at the event organized by the Chinese Embassy in SL. more..

Nov 1 (AD) At least two persons have been confirmed dead after a bus carrying around 40 passengers toppled across the road at Dunhinda Road in Badulla this morning, injuring 39 persons. Two female students of the Southern Campus of Kotelawala Defence Uni (KDU) have been reported dead after the bus they were travelling in, while on a field trip, hit the curb and toppled across the Dunhinda Road in Badulla. more..

Nov 1 (NW) American engineering technology group Transdigm Group has invested $8.5 million in Sri Lanka partnering with AmSafe BirdPort to establish a new facility in the Wathupitiwala Export Processing Zone (EPZ). According to the Board of Investment (BOI), the new investment saw the launch of a new factory SHIELD to provide engineering solutions for global aviation services. The BOI announced that with the new investment SHIELD has shifted to Sri Lanka from China. more..

Nov 1 (DM) Leader of the SJB Sajith Premadasa slammed Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his recent comments about the media, asking Dissanayake to back off trying to control media narratives. "We would like to tell the Prez to stop advising and suppressing the media," Premadasa said at a meeting on Thursday. "The Prez is not speaking about the media the same way he did when he was a Prez candidate. He used to speak about the freedom, rights & safety of media, more..

Nov 1 (AD) Former Axiata Group CEO Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya has been appointed as the Chief Advisor to the Prez on Digital Economy. He received his letter of appointment from Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today. The appointment marks a significant first step in SL’s transition towards a digital economy and that the govt aims to strengthen digital infrastructure and empower citizens through more..

Nov 1 (PMD) Following directives from Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Palali-Achchuveli main road was reopened today after three decades of closure. The road, initially closed due to the prolonged 30-year civil conflict, remained inaccessible even in the 15 years following the end of the war. Residents of the Northern Province had long called for the road’s reopening to facilitate greater mobility and regional development. Their concerns were formally raised in a discussion more..

Nov 1 (AD) Colombo High Court today ordered to recall the warrant issued against former Minister Johnston Fernando, for failure to appear before the court in a case filed by the Bribery Commission, and ordered to release him on additional bail. The case was heard before Colombo HC Judge Manjula Thilakaratne. President’s Counsel Kalinga Indatissa, representing Johnston Fernando, stated that on the Oct 23, when the case was called, the defendant did not appear in court but instead went to more..

Nov 1 (EN) SL’s consumer price inflation was down 0.8% in the 12 months ending Oct 2024 and rose only 0.3% over 25 months since the central bank’s deflationary policy started to show up in the balance of payments. Colombo Consumer Price Index fell 0.5% to 189.9 points in Oct 2024 from 190.9 points in September. The food price index fell 0.6% 231.9 points from 233.3 points. The widely watched Colombo Consumer Price Index was 189.3 points in Sept 2022 when the central bank’s more..

Nov 1 (FT) The holiday spirit was officially ignited at Cinnamon Grand Colombo with a delightful and heart-warming Christmas cake mixing ceremony, held on 18 October. This time-honoured tradition, marking the beginning of the festive season, brought together guests and staff for a memorable evening of celebration, unity, and joy. The grand lobby of Cinnamon Grand was transformed into a scene of festive enchantment, adorned with elegant decor. Sound of bagpipes echoed through the air, more..

Nov 1 (Island) Batticaloa District ITAK contestant Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said that they would decide on a future course of action after the conclusion of the parliamentary election. He said so when asked whether the TNA would consider backing the NPP govt. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently hinted at the possibility of possible consensus between some Tamil political parties and his govt. more..

Nov 1 (TM) Ministry of Health has announced a special measles vaccination programme to be conducted from 4 to 9 November. This programme targets individuals who have previously not been vaccinated against measles or who have only received a single dose. The vaccination will take place in 12 selected districts across the island. Despite SL’s eradication of measles, health authorities report a potential resurgence of cases in some areas since last year. more..

Nov 1 (AD) A massive fire has reportedly broken out at a vehicle garage in Rajagiriya while several fire trucks have been deployed to help douse the flames. The fire has broken out at a vehicle garage located on a road at Obesekarapura in Rajagiriya while several fire trucks and fire fighters are already at the scene attempting to extinguish the fire, Ada Derana reporter said. The Kotte Municipal Council Fire Brigade has dispatched 3 fire trucks and several firefighters to the location while more..

Nov 1 (TM) Ceylon Teachers' Union (CTU) claimed that only 20% of the required number of psychology and counseling teachers is currently in schools. Meeting this requirement could significantly help control issues such as child suicide, child abuse, and drug addiction, CTU opined. CTU President Priyantha Fernando said that two circulars, issued in 2016 and 2023, propose that the teacher cadre in schools should include more..

Nov 1 (NW) The issues faced by the nursing service were taken up for discussion during a meeting between PM Harini Amarasuriya and representatives of the Govt Nursing Officers Association (GNOA). The meeting took place at the PM’s Office on Thursday. Secretary to the PM Pradeep Saputhanthri, Private Secretary to the PM Dr. Asanga Wickramasinghe, President of Govt Nursing Officers Association Saman Rathnapriya, Secretary Ajith Rathnayake, Vice President more..

Nov 1 (Island) Parliament was not a den of thieves, said former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in Dambulla on Wednesday. Speaking at a NDF event, Wickremesinghe acknowledged that while some MPs had made mistakes, labelling the entire parliament as a den of thieves was unfair. The former president also defended the privileges afforded to former presidents, criticising Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s NPP for trying to do away with them. more..

Nov 1 (DM) Condemning the statement by NPP member Lal Kantha over SJB Kandy District candidate Chamindrani Kiriella, SJB National List candidate Lihini Fernando said Lal Kantha must tender a public apology to Chamindrani in for his derogatory remarks on a woman. She said that Lal Kantha had made an insulting statement about a poster put out by Chamindrani, who is contesting the general elections for the Kandy District. "Lal Kantha made a humiliating statement in more..

Nov 1 (TM) Namal Rajapaksa who is on the SLPP National List opined that both former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and incumbent Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake have misled govt employees over the salary hike by making false promises during their campaigns to garner votes. “Now, with each pledging an increment, it seems that the matter has hit a dead end, with both passing the buck to each other. Govt employees are the backbone of our country; misleading them will only lead to more..

Nov 1 (TM) Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya has advised Police officers not to prevent members of the public videotaping their (Police) duties and activities, but has indicated that action may be taken if such videos are edited and released on social media platforms with the intention of inciting public hatred toward the Police. A youth who recently videotaped a defender vehicle allegedly belonging to former State Minister more..

Nov 1 (CI) Australia will play two Tests in Galle on their tour of SL from late January, which could be vital in deciding who reaches the final of the World Test Championship, while an ODI has been added to the trip as preparation for the Champions Trophy. Depending on how the five-match Border-Gavaskar series plays out, the series may be crucial to both side's hopes of reaching Lord's in June. The Tests will be held from Jan 29-Feb 2 and Feb 6-10. The ODI will then take place on Feb 13 more..

Nov 1 (AD) A team from the IMF will soon visit SL to discuss the third review under the country’s EFF program, according to Krishna Srinivasan, Director of IMF’s Asia & Pacific Dept. “Right after the new govt came into office; we had a mission in SL, where we held productive discussions with the Prez and his team. It is clear that SL has made significant progress under the program, and these gains must be safeguarded. Measures need to be taken to build on the successes achieved so far” more..

Nov 1 (TM) Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) stated that due to the ongoing delay in implementing the electricity tariff revision originally scheduled for last September, the public will miss out on the relief that they should receive during the peak hydropower generation period. The ECA held a protest in Divulapitiya yesterday against the delay in implementing the electricity tariff revision scheduled for September. more..

Nov 1 (AD) The total quantity of heroin taken into custody by the STF in Kiriwewa, Sevanagala yesterday is approximately 53.65 kilograms, valued at over Rs. 2 billion. The haul of drugs was found buried in plastic containers. A husband and wife were arrested in connection with the discovery and have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation, according to the STF. The discovery was made after a team of STF officers conducted a raid at Nuge more..

Nov 1 (DM) Colombo High Court today recalled the arrest warrant issued against former Minister Johnston Fernando after he appeared before court. On Oct 23, the Colombo High Court issued a warrant for Fernando’s arrest for failing to appear before court in connection with a corruption case filed by the Bribery Commission. The defense counsel informed the court that their client was unable to attend the previous hearing as he was providing a statement to CID in compliance more..

Nov 2 (DM) It has been less than six weeks since the people brought new leaders to the political scene of this country. The fact that a once outlawed political entity has won the prez hustings seems to have set the cat among the mice. The upcoming parliamentary elections in November have roused a political hornets’ nest. Many politicians have begun believing they stand no chance at the next elections. Gone are old faces like those from the Rajapaksa family. Even Namal -son of ever popular more..

Nov 2 (DM) The attempt by the leader of the PHU Udaya Gammanpila to score brownie points from the voters by embarrassing the govt using the two committees appointed by former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on the terrorist attacks launched on the Easter Sunday in 2019 seems to have become a damp squib. Firstly, he was not supported even by the leaders of the Sarwajana Balaya under which he is contesting the Nov 14 Parliamentary election. Also, his effort was rejected outright by more..

Nov 2 (DM) Prez election of Nov 2019 and the Parliamentary elections of Aug 2020 proved to be huge disappointments to the JVP and its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD). As is well known, the JVP had in a strategic move, contested both polls as part of a new political front under a fresh symbol, the compass (Malimawa/Thisaikaatti). JVP formed a broad political front named NPP called Jathika Jana Balawegaya in Sinhala and more..

Nov 2 (DM) Even though the SLPP faced a major defeat during the last Prez Elections, many of its members have entered the fray to contest for a seat at the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for November 14. As a former member of the Colombo Municipal Council and a founding member of the SLPP and its Youth Wing, Milinda Rajapaksha, contesting from the SLPP ticket is determined to make a change in the political system if he is elected. In a candid interview more..

Nov 2 (CT) The US Presidential elections that are on 5th November are full of false propaganda. Former President Donald Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) is hinting at violence if he should lose. Many are scared to go out and vote. Ballot boxes have been burnt. The police seem to take no action. I advised my daughter in this milieu, to file a complaint with the FBI that she feels her life is threatened so as to take away the FBI its excuse for inaction. more..

Nov 2 (SO) Sri Lankans never miss a day without a saga of ambitious politicians trying to gain power and attention through dubious means. Often, these politicians exploit sensitive crimes that have left people grieving for justice for years, twisting narratives and conspiracy theories to create divisions among the public. This is especially prevalent in this part of the world, where racism and religious extremism are used to establish more..

Nov 2 (ST) Merrily playing his signature music, Aldoris, the choon- paan karaya, came down the lane in his tuk-tuk, warming the neighbourhood as they woke up on this Thursday morning. The trio had gathered at the gate expecting his arrival, and as he drove in, asked for maalu-paans. Doling out the hot-hot buns, Aldoris was asked whether he had a profitable week with his business. “Ow, prashnayak nae. Mudal tikak hoya ganna puluwan wuna (It was okay, I made some money),” he said. more..

Nov 2 (ST) Three economists from the US, namely Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson were awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences. They received the award for their extensive work on how institutions are formed and affect prosperity of a country. After reading the news, I thought of shedding some light on the subject area of institutions which is not a familiar term for us here in Sri Lanka. We all know “institutions” in our general usage. more..

Nov 2 (Island) The latest fuel price revision has landed the JVP/NPP govt in an unenviable position, with only 12 days to go before the next general election, where the ruling alliance’s stakes are extremely high. Unless the NPP succeeds in obtaining a working majority in Parliament, newly-elected Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake will run the risk of being reduced to a mere figurehead, to all intents and purposes. Only the prices of 95 Octane petrol and Super Diesel have been reduced more..

Nov 2 (Island) Yes, there is a ring of hope in Cass’ title this week. Optimism was obvious in her Cry-s ever since AKD and Harini rose to Head of State and Head of Govt positions, ably assisted by trusted Vijitha Herath. Their miniscule Cabinet is in utter contrast to the unwieldy hordes that formed previous govt cabinets. The second step in the title is the general election to be held shortly and in true Sri Lankan style of dinana paththata hoiya, the NPP is likely to win. more..

Nov 2 (ST) Dept of Census and Statistics (DCS) is set to conclude the enumerating phase of the Census of Population and Housing (CPH) 2024 on Dec 19, which has been designated as the official Census Date. Census Day will specifically focus on recording data regarding the dispossessed, who will be monitored six hours prior to the census moment and included in the relevant area. The third phase of the four-phase census commenced on Oct 17 more..

Nov 2 (FT) The Consulate General of SL in Mumbai, together with the Industrial Development Board and the Export Development Board of SL organised the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the fifth edition of the World Trade Expo (WTE 2024). WTE 2024 was organised by the World Trade Center Mumbai in collaboration with All India Association of Industries (AIAI) from 17 to 18 Oct with a focus on trade, technology, tourism & education. Over 30 countries, prominent state govts, institutions and trade bodies more..

Nov 2 (ST) A man claiming to be a government supporter has allegedly grabbed a playground in the Parasangaswewa village in Anuradhapura’s Nuwaragam divisional secretariat area and turned it into a paddy field, denying the people a place for recreation, villagers complain. Area residents told the Sunday Times the person had fenced off the playground where they played cricket and volleyball for the past six years and started ploughing it, disregarding their complaints to authorities. more..