Nov 25 (DM) As a subject, vocational education directly contributes to the economy and should be considered a respectable choice. It provides a clear pathway from school education to higher education, leading to a promising future, PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said. She made this statement while attending the ceremony where Nalin Hewage, newly appointed as the Deputy Minister of Vocational Education in the new govt, officially assumed his duties at Nipunatha Piyasa in Narahenpita. more..

Nov 25 (DN) Archeology Director General Prof. Thusitha Mendis says that it is a complete myth that great precious ancient treasures are buried in the earth. He said that some who are deceived by illusions go into illegal treasure hunting and get into trouble. Mendis while commenting to the media regarding the excavation work carried out on the orders of the Court in Wandurawa area near the Expressway construction regarding an alleged buried treasure said some people are more..

Nov 25 (TM) President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the recently elected 9th Executive Prez, celebrated his 56th birthday yesterday. Born in 1968, President has made significant contributions to SL politics over a career spanning several decades. Dissanayake began his education at Thambuttegama Primary School and later entered Thambuttegama Central College. In 1992, he entered the Faculty of Science at the Uni of Kelaniya, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995. more..

Nov 25 (DN) Officials unearthed only 20 metal rock blocks of various sizes, at a site in Wewagedara, where a treasure was rumoured to be buried by Saturday. The stone blocks were later broken into smaller pieces using a drilling machine but revealed no hidden items. Over the course of three days, excavations were conducted under a Court order and concluded without unearthing any foreign or valuable artefacts. more..

Nov 25 (FT) Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath delivered a hopeful message on Saturday while attending the live performance of Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, an internationally renowned tribute band. The event, which drew around 2,500 vibrant enthusiasts, was filled with music, nostalgia and entertainment, as the Minister shared admiration for the iconic band and one of his favourite songs, I have a dream. Referring to the song’s lyrics, Minister Herath expressed more..

Nov 25 (AD) An extraordinary Gazette notification has been issued appointing Senior Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayake to be the competent authority for the purpose of exercising, performing and discharging in lieu of Vice Chancellor of the Uni of Ruhuna. The Gazette notification, issued by PM Harini Amarasuriya by virtue of the powers vested in her as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, mentioned that the appointment was made on being satisfied more..

Nov 25 (BN) A US agency that agreed to lend more than $500 million to an Adani Group-backed port development in SL said it’s still conducting due diligence on the project, following bribery allegations against the conglomerate’s billionaire founder and other top executives. US International Development Finance Corp. hasn’t reached a final agreement on the loan, an official said. “We continue to conduct due diligence more..

Nov 25 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, known as AKD, outlined the plans of his Govt to rescue the crisis-ridden and slow growing economy in delivering the President’s Address at the opening of the 10th Parliament last week1. In a short speech like this, one cannot give all the micro details of his plan. Hence, by outlining the main policy parameters, he treated his audience to the vision by which his Govt is guided in the next five years to deliver prosperity to Sri Lankans. more..

Nov 25 (FT) I consider Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s post-appointment address to the Cabinet, as an address to the nation, local political parties, diaspora, media, and political powerpacks abroad – near and far. It is because he has conveyed the conceptual crux of his approach to nation-building and SL’s potential revival, countering the economic, political, and social challenges. His wish for collective responsibility to achieve the goals that will uplift our nation, is an invitation to more..

Nov 25 (AD) The Commissioner General of Examinations, Amith Jayasundara has requested the public to refrain from engaging in activities that may disturb students during the GCE A/L examination period. Jayasundara emphasized that the A/L exam commenced at 8.30 a.m. today across 2,312 centers nationwide. He urged the public to act with consideration rather than solely following regulations. “We ask you to help resolve any issues students may encounter during this period. more..

Nov 25 (DM) TResponding to social media reports criticizing the presence of top NPP members at the ABBA Tribute Show, the Mount Lavinia Hotel clarified that the dignitaries were invited guests at the concert. The attendance of PM Harini Amarasuriya, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath and Tilvin Silva made headlines as social media reports alleged that they had spent thousands of taxpayers' money to attend the concert. In a statement, the hotel emphasised, more..

Nov 25 (AD) A group of individuals holding South Korean E-8 visas is engaged in a continuous protest in front of the SL Foreign Employment Bureau (SLFEB) in Battaramulla, demanding solutions to their issues. The E-8 visa, issued for short-term employment in South Korea’s agricultural sector, is valid for six months. Protesters claimed that their visas are set to expire tomorrow and insisted they would not abandon the agitation more..

Nov 25 (AD) Gampaha District SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna says that the SJB is ready to join together with the UNP, if former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe will allow Sajith Premadasa to take over the leadership. MP Rajakaruna expressed: “Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe is not in the country right now. We expect to hold discussions when he is back in the country.” Furthermore, the MP called on all right-wing political forces to join with the SJB. “We believe that we, all the right-wing political more..

Nov 25 (CT) Two new species of mushrooms were discovered in Maduru Oya National Park, said Kumarasiri Wijekoon, the Wildlife Warden at the Henanigala Entrance Office of Maduru Oya National Park. The mushrooms were discovered by a team of wildlife officers from the Henanigala Wildlife Entrance Office, including Wijekoon, Wildlife Warden A.M.S.P. Seneviratne, Field Assistant S.W.M. Ajith Kumara, and Volunteer Guide U.W. Gunawardena. He stated the discovery was made more..

Nov 25 (Island) Former State Minister S. Chandrakanthan aka Pilleyan has refuted unsubstantiated claims made by his wartime Media Secretary Mohammed Milhilar Hanzeer alias Azad Maulana in a Channel 4 interview in early Sept. 2023 pertaining to the 2019 Easter Sunday carnage. Multiple blasts claimed the lives of about 270 people, including 40 foreigners, while nearly 500 sustained injuries. Chandrakanthan, one-time Chief Minister more..

Nov 25 (AD) Allegations of illegal financial gains connected to the contentious E8 visa scheme have been directed at former Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara. Kosala Wickramasinghe, Chairman of the SLBFE, levelled these accusations earlier today. Addressing the issue, Wickramasinghe claimed, “It is problematic why a recognized minister of the govt gets involved in a scheme that amounted to human trafficking. There is a lot of suspicion. more..

Nov 25 (DM) Public Day of the Industries Ministry was re-launched this morning after four years by the Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti. Addressing the event, Minister mentioned that the last Public Day was held in 2020. Accordingly, the Public Day of the Ministry will now be held every Monday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. During this time, anyone can meet the Minister in charge, the Ministry Secretary and other officials to address their concerns. more..

Nov 25 (AD) The Supreme Court has fixed for consideration on December 12, a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed seeking an interim injunction suspending the holding of 2024 GCE Advanced Level examination. This order was issued when the relevant petition filed by a candidate of the examination was taken up before the three-member Supreme Court judge bench comprising Chief Justice Murdu Fernando, Justices Jayantha Jayasuriya & Priyantha Fernando today. more..

Nov 25 (DM) Jaffna District Independent MP Archuuna Ramanathan has sought personal security from the Parliament authorities, claiming that he is unable to move freely after the incident in Parliament recently. The MP requested for security during the first day of the orientation programme in the Parliament complex today. Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne said the MP is required to make a written request from the Public Security Ministry to obtain security. more..

Nov 25 (DM) Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala said that although the people in the North are allowed to observe Maaveerar Naal (Heroes Day) to honour their deceased relatives, they must refrain from displaying any logos, uniforms or images related to the LTTE, as it remains a proscribed organisation. The Minister said that the govt will not prevent individuals from remembering their loved ones who died more..

Nov 25 (Xinhua) Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it has approved a loan of US$ 200 million to upgrade SL's power sector infrastructure. By expanding and modernizing infrastructure and incorporating digitalization solutions, the ADB said the Power System Strengthening and Renewable Energy Integration Project will support SL's goal of increasing integration of renewable energy in the electricity mix, reducing power interruptions, and minimizing transmission & distribution losses. more..

Nov 25 (PP) Pakistan 'A' shine against Sri Lanka 'A' in the first 50-over match at the Islamabad Club. Haider Ali scored a century, while Abdul Samad contributed 56 runs, bringing the team to an impressive 306 for seven in their allotted 50 overs. Sharoon Siraj then claimed three wickets for 21 runs, claiming three wickets for the team. Haider Ali faced 94 balls, striking eight fours and six sixes. He reached his half-century off 59 deliveries with two boundaries and three sixes, more..

Nov 25 (TM) The CEB Workers’ Union (CEBWU) have requested the CEB to distribute annual bonuses equally among all 23,000 employees, based on the actual income/profit status rather than the previous systems. It was recently reported that the CEBWU had called on the CEB management to distribute bonuses among employees before 10 December. CEBWU General Secretary Ranjan Jayalal said that this year they did not request more..

Nov 25 (AD) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that in order to restore the Parliament as a supreme institution, which has faced public scorn and disapproval in the past, the MPs must act with the awareness that they are the representatives of the people. PM made these remarks during the inaugural session of the awareness workshop on parliamentary procedures for new members of the Tenth Parliament, held this morning. In her address, PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya congratulated more..

Nov 25 (DM) Fort Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today ordered the CID to release former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe’s controversial luxury vehicle, which was in CID custody, to its owner. The Magistrate directed the CID to release the vehicle to its lawful owner, Sujeewa Senasinghe, observing that the SUV had been imported to the country legally and following due procedures. At the onset of the inquiry today the CID filed a report before the court submitting that their investigations had revealed that more..

Nov 25 (AD) Jaffna District Independent MP Archchuna Ramanathan, who inadvertently sat in the seat designated for the Leader of the Opposition during the inaugural session of the Tenth Parliament, has apologized for the incident. The apology was made during the workshop held in Parliament today for newly elected MPs. MP Ramanathan explained his actions and expressed regret for the misunderstanding caused by his decision to sit in the designated seat for the Opposition Leader. more..

Nov 25 (AFP) The father of two suicide bombers in SL's horrific 2019 Easter attacks was not a candidate for any post during the island nation's recent parliamentary elections, govt documents showed, contrary to claims circulating on social media. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake's JVP party told AFP that entrepreneur Mohamed Ibrahim was included in the party's list of nominees in 2015 but the party has had no affiliation with him since the attacks. Give him a vote, read more..

Nov 25 (Reuters) SL's central bank is expected to renew easing of interest rates on Wednesday, with a reduction of a quarter percentage point, as it looks to boost economic growth during SL's recovery from a lingering financial crisis. The median estimate in a Reuters poll of 13 analysts and economists predicts the central bank will reduce the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) by more..

Nov 25 (CT) The main commemoration ceremony for Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2024 and the Poppy Flower celebration took place yesterday under the patronage of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of SL. The event was held at the Cenotaph War Memorial at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. Organised annually by the SL Ex-Servicemen’s Association in collaboration with the Armed Forces, the event honours and remembers the war heroes more..

Nov 25 (IPS) A woman’s right to live free from violence is upheld by int'l agreements like the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed on Nov 25th, 2024, serves as a significant platform to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Globally, one in three women experiences physical or more..

Nov 25 (AD) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has granted the CEB an extension of two weeks for electricity tariff revision submission until Dec 6, 2024. In a letter to the CEB, the PUCSL further stated that accordingly, considering time taken for tariff approval process according to the SL Electricity Act of 2009, approved Tariff Methodology and Tariff Review Procedure Rules, earliest possible date for tariff approval more..

Nov 25 (EN) SL is just emerging from a default after large volumes of money were printed to target a narrow policy rate, in the pursuit of instant growth (potential output) and denying monetary stability to the people. From 2015 in particular SL very narrowly targeted a policy rate despite being a reserve collecting central bank. Targeting a mid-corridor rate is the same as printing money to maintain a single policy rate. The label is different but the required inflationism is the same. more..

Nov 25 (PMD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasized that simply reinforcing institutional frameworks is insufficient for effective disaster management. Prez stressed the need to establish mechanisms to deliver practical solutions at the grassroots level. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara today, Prez highlighted the importance of empowering local govt institutions to prevent disasters in vulnerable areas and develop more..

Nov 28 (DM) The phenomenon of grey divorce or divorce involving a couple above 50 years of age, drew public attention globally in 2021 when the great entrepreneur and philanthropist Bill Gates (65) and his wife Melinda Gates (57) divorced. People wondered how a power couple like Bill and Melinda Gates could fallout after 27 years of an apparently happy and fruitful marriage. But soon it was known that Bill Gates was a womaniser and a close associate of the sexual offender more..

Nov 28 (DM) Delivering his first policy statement during the inaugural session of the new Parliament on Nov 21, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake stressed that nobody would henceforth be above the law. This, assurance of establishment of the rule of law in the country is a commendable statement which, if implemented would resolve almost all problems faced by the people except for the economic issues. SL is a country where impunity enjoyed by a particular group of people who more..