Nov 30 (DN) Two half-centuries hit by Sharujan Shanmuganathan (62) and Lakvin Abeysinghe (50), while leg-spinner Praveen Maneesha had fine figures of 3 for 30 as the SL Under-19 team started on a winning note, defeating Nepal Under-19 by 55 runs in their opening Asia Cup Under-19 cricket fixture played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium yesterday. SL U-19’s were invited to bat first, while experienced vice-captain Sharujan Shanmuganathan led from the front, scoring 62 in 99 balls with 2 fours. more..

Nov 30 (FT) The Colombo stock market ended the week yesterday on a mixed note with moderate turnover. ASPI closed with 24 points higher or 0.19% and the active S&P SL20 declined by over 12 points or 0.3%. Turnover was Rs. 3.7 billion involving 277.6 million shares. First Capital said the bourse experienced a day of increased volatility as mixed sentiment dominated the market. Amidst the decreased participation from retail and high net worth investors, ASPI closed in the green. more..

Nov 30 (FT) Right to Information Commission has delivered a landmark order by directing the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to disclose information related to the Bank awarding contracts to a former Chairman’s company and other conflict of interest issues that appears to have taken place from 2007 to 2013. People’s Movement Against Corruption (PMAC) filed a RTI request in order to ascertain details related to the corruption, more..

Nov 30 (ST) Ahead of the 2025 review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), SL is toughening its anti-money laundering system, spurred by fresh legislation and int'l pressure. Although money laundering investigations had been going on for some time, with the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, this task was formally given to the CIABOC. According to the Commission, it has formed a special unit to conduct money laundering cases with available officers & new recruits. more..

Nov 30 (FT) The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) President M. Shanthikumar on Thursday delivered a candid assessment of the country’s tourism sector at the association’s 59th anniversary celebrations. Addressing policymakers and industry stakeholders, he emphasised the vital role of hotels in the tourism industry, whilst calling for immediate policy interventions to address pressing challenges. “The tourism industry needs new robust policies to be adopted. more..

Nov 30 (FT) Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), one of the premier terminals under development in Sri Lanka, is on track for planned development with the upcoming arrival of new equipment to enhance its operational capacity at the Port of Colombo. On 1 December, the terminal will welcome a new batch of state-of-the-art equipment, which includes two Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and three Yard Gantry Cranes (CRMGs), as part of its ongoing development. more..

Nov 30 (AD) The Colombo High Court has sentenced six defendants to death for the murder of one person and causing injuries to several others during a 2016 incident at a funeral in Narahenpita. The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige following a lengthy trial. The Attorney General had filed the case against eight defendants regarding the murder of Manjula Mahesh Jayathilake and injuries to several others following a clash between two groups at more..

Nov 30 (CT) For years, it has been observed that the Sinhala nationalists have felt uneasy with the people of the North when arrangements are made to commemorate Maveerar Naal, and this time too, was no exception. Though adversely affected by inclement weather, groups have reportedly gathered in Kilinochchi and several other places to observe Maveerar Naal. Though expected to turn a blind eye to these celebrations, given their quest to more..

Nov 30 (CT) Western Province Governor’s Office is set to launch a new quick-response special operations unit, called the Tell the Governor hotline, aimed at enhancing the services offered to the public. The hotline number will be officially launched on 2 Dec 2024. This initiative will allow the public to express their grievances, share views, and provide suggestions related to policies. Additionally, any inconsistencies or issues can be reported directly to the Governor’s Office, more..

Nov 30 (CT) Govt of Japan has donated two fully-equipped ambulances to the BIA and the Colombo Port as part of the ongoing Border Health Project. Funded by Japan and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the donation aims to strengthen emergency health preparedness at these critical Points of Entry (PoE). The ambulances, valued at approximately USD 100,000 each, are equipped with advanced medical technology, including cardiac monitors, more..

Nov 30 (Island) Five prominent political figures, including former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, have yet to appear before the CID to provide statements regarding the distribution of substandard medicine to govt hospitals, despite a court directive. This was disclosed at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Friday. Representatives from the AG’s Dept said Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrama had instructed CID to record statements from 18 former Cabinet Ministers concerning the case. more..

Nov 30 (AD) The Attorney General’s Department informed the Supreme Court that it will not represent former Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne and former Defense Secretary Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, who are named as respondents in a fundamental rights petition filed by former CID Director Shani Abeysekera, challenging his suspension from the service. The petition was taken up today (29) before a three-member Supreme Court bench comprising more..

Nov 30 (DN) Ministers, govt officials and Security Forces are taking strenuous measures to provide assistance and relief to thousands of people in the North and East who have been impacted by the severe weather condition during the past few days. A group of Deputy Ministers, senior govt officials rushed to the North on Thursday to get the first hand information on how the relief measures are being implemented with the coordination more..

Nov 30 (ST) The escape of nine girls from a state-run child care institution in August this year has raised concerns about abuse in children’s homes. DIG, Children and Women Abuse Investigation Range Renuka Jayasundara stated: “Every year, statistics have shown that some children who are abused in their homes are repeatedly abused in Child Development Centres (CDCs) again.” A 2019 census revealed over 10,000 children live in CDCs, placed there by the Probation Department. more..

Nov 30 (DN) Agrarian Development Commissioner General said that 338,446 acres of paddy fields have been destroyed due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. 137,880 farmers have been affected by this destruction. Highest losses are reported from Northern & North Central Provinces. It is not yet possible to obtain certain information about crop damage since the paddy fields in Jaffna, Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa districts have still been completely submerged,” more..

Nov 30 (CT) A gradual increase has been witnessed in identifying new patients suffering from HIV, so much so that last year nearly 5,000 patients were detected but only 3,500 were registered with the programme and are being treated, Director, NSACP, Dr. Vindya Kumarapeli lamented. He expressing serious concern about the increasing numbers, said that the registration of new patients from 2020 to 2022 more..