Sep 19 (DM) Mental health has an invisible role in economic growth and development. Sound mental health allows an individual to possess cognitive and emotional flexibility and resilience, the qualities that armour one with skills to face challenges in life. Mentally healthy individuals contribute to the productivity and economic growth of a country. The mental health of a country is a capital. This Mental Capital (manasika pragdhanaya) is vital for the healthy functioning of families, communities more..

Sep 19 (DM) The famous American newspaper publisher and politician, William Randolph Hearst, has said, News is what someone wants suppressed. Everything else is advertising. After weeks of advertising by different political parties and independent candidates, the campaigning period officially came to an end yesterday. Now begins the silent period. In a statement, the Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake warned that any individual or groups continuing to more..

Sep 19 (TM) NPP Prez candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the NPP seeks a fresh people’s mandate for their Govt to discuss with the IMF and change certain conditions in the inked agreement that affect the grant of reliefs. He further pointed out that while it is challenging to achieve consensus with regard to debt restructuring among bilateral, multilateral and private creditors to SL, it however, must be done. more..

Sep 19 (DM) Govt of SL and the IMF have agreed on the introduction of a new property tax. It is labelled the Imputed Rental Income Tax. It is part of the programme to raise more revenue, and defended as a means of shifting some of the tax burden from income earners and consumers to those who have wealth. The proposal should be rejected. It will not work. It will result in little or no additional revenue for several years at least. It requires a great deal of additional activity by more..

Sep 19 (CT) Another Grade Five Scholarship Exam, another paper leak – and the cycle continues. This time, the Ministry of Education has been prompted to investigate allegations that Part I of the 2024 exam paper was leaked to students in Kurunegala and Ratnapura via an online platform. The news, however troubling, is not new. Time and time again, similar leaks have tainted major examinations such as the A/L, turning what should be a fair academic challenge into a scandal that leaves more..

Sep 19 (TM) The most common question asked these days is Who should be the next Sri Lankan President? While there are 38 options, the majority seems to be divided between a handful of candidates, most of whom have a political background. The people’s choice is dependent on diverse expectations and opinions. However, for the most part, their reasons have a great deal to do with the much-needed economic recovery. more..

Sep 19 (CT) Thirty years ago when I was a university student, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and I were on opposite sides politically. There have been many occasions since then when I have not been in agreement with positions he has taken. Today, I stand with him. It’s become almost cliché to say we’re living in turbulent times. What’s less obvious is what this turbulence stems from. We need to ask why, despite so much upheaval, those in power refuse to let it reshape the world. more..

Sep 19 (TM) A group of parents of school students who had recently sat for the Grade Five Scholarship Exam yesterday (18) held a protest demanding that the Exam be annulled. The protest had been organised to express opposition to the education authorities’ plans to disregard three questions contained in the Exam paper as a response to the allegations that a model question paper shared on social media had contained three questions similar to them. more..

Sep 19 (Island) The mandatory cooling-off period prior to an election is time for reflection. But it is doubtful whether Sri Lankans make the best use of it, for informed voting is a rarity in this country. Promises, rhetoric, handouts, gimmicks such as inflated crowds usually sway voters if the voting patterns at the last few elections are any indication. One can only hope that there will be a difference this time around, and the public will vote wisely. All formidable candidates in the presidential fray more..

Sep 19 (ST) As the election draws near day by crucial day the more messages and comments I receive. It makes one wonder whether to erupt in uncontrollable laughter or burst into tears. Many of these missives come from former college mates, uni contemporaries, journalists and friends scattered around the globe. They recall the old days when life in Mother Lanka was so effervescently enduring, educative, cultured and one full of life though it may not have had all the luxuries of some other more..

Sep 19 (CI) Look down that list of Kamindu Mendis scores, and these are the innings that stand out: 9 off 17 in Chattogram, 12 off 25 at Old Trafford, 4 off 5 at Lord's. Eleven Test knocks in, these are the only innings in which he has failed to cross 50. Of the eight times he's reached a half-century, he's now made hundreds four times. If you have followed SL's men's cricket over the last decade, it is fair to have questions. more..

Sep 19 (ST) Grand Master S.P. Sethuraman of India emerged as the champion of Commonwealth Chess Championship scoring 7 out of 9 points held at Citrus Hotel in Waskaduwa. Grand Master N.R. Vignesh, also from India, came in at second place while Sri Lanka found their way on to the podium through International Master Ranindu Dilshan Liyanage, who showed an exceptional performance to win the bronze medal after a hard-fought draw against the eventual winner in the final round. more..

Sep 19 (CI) In his first outing as a red-ball bowler in Asia, Will O'Rourke was a menace. In his first spell, when the pitch was at its bounciest, he was rapid - sometimes breaching 140kph, and generated uncomfortable bounce from his six-foot-four-inch frame. His first Test wicket in the continent came from a bouncer, with experienced opener Dimuth Karunaratne so shaken by the deliveries O'Rourke had bowled to him previously, that he fenced at one he could have left, & edged it to keeper. more..

Sep 19 (FT) The Embassy and Permanent Mission of SL inaugurated the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the prestigious 70th Bangkok Gems and Jewellery Fair on 9 Sept. Ministry of Commerce of Thailand Permanent Secretary Vuttikrai Leewiraphan, officially inaugurated the SL Pavilion, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between SL and Thailand in the gems and jewellery sector. This year, SL Pavilion featured an impressive line-up of 35 leading SL gem and jewellery companies, more..

Sep 19 (FT) Inovartic Investment Lanka Ltd., a joint venture between SL’s Apex Asia Holdings and UAE’s Inovartic Investment LLC, has embarked on an initiative to accelerate the advanced manufacturing of graphene and graphene-based products in SL and Abu Dhabi. Established in Sri Lanka with the support of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), this strategic partnership aims to foster innovation in critical technology sectors. Collaborating closely with the SL Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), more..

Sep 19 (GV) Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) SLOTS estimates using interviews conducted to Sept 13 indicate that Anura Dissanayake would have won the prez election on a count of second preference votes if the prez election had been held in early September. In the MRP estimates of the views of all adults, Anura Dissayanake led with 48%, followed by Sajith Premadasa on 25%, Ranil W on 20% and Namal R on 5%. more..

Sep 19 (ST) Brandix Apparel’s Moose clothing brand, now concentrating predominantly in the SL market, is looking at expanding in the region. Brandix Group Managing Director Hasitha Premaratne said that with a fair share of the local market, the company aims to continue that dominance in SL and also to expand beyond. “We have a fair share of the local market, and the idea is to continue the dominance in SL and also to expand beyond and look at what are the other more..

Sep 19 (FT) The expansion of the manufacturing and services sectors slowed in August in comparison to July as per the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI). Central Bank said SL Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) recorded an index value of 55.5 in Aug 2024. This indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities, yet at a slower rate compared to the previous month. All the sub[1]-indices, except for Employment, remained above the neutral threshold in August. more..

Sep 19 (FT) At his final campaign rally held in Central Colombo, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe announced yesterday that SL is on the verge of officially eliminating its bankruptcy status. Speaking with confidence, Prez revealed that the Govt has secured an agreement with a third group of private bondholders to further stabilise the country’s financial future. He said the agreement will be signed today paving the way for SL to be more..

Sep 19 (FT) 14-year-old Dilni Rajapaksha’s outstanding long jump feat towered above the performances of seniors to be bestowed with the best athlete title of the Athletics Championship of the Western Province Schools Games, which ended at Diyagama yesterday. While Omel Shashintha of St. Sebastian’s College, Kandana received the best athlete title in the boys’ category for his 47.1 seconds performance in the Under 18 boys’ 400 metres, Dilni’s outstanding 6.26 metres feat more..

Sep 19 (FT) It is a pleasure to see all of you here, especially since many of you are new faces. I know you hold significant influence on the internet and in the media and I hope you can leverage this influence to play a greater role in promoting our friendship and cooperation. A key reason for inviting you here today is to hear your valuable insights and suggestions on how we can deepen mutual understanding between our two peoples and strengthen our long-standing friendship. more..

Sep 19 (Island) SriLankan Airlines has introduced Serendib Delights, an exciting new pre-order meal service exclusively for Economy Class passengers. This service enhancement allows travellers to select from a carefully curated menu before their journey, offering an elevated onboard dining experience. With Serendib Delights, Economy Class passengers can choose from an assortment of meals designed to meet a variety of dietary preferences. The menu features options such as more..

Sep 19 (FT) The SJB Prez candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday made a bold promise to become SL’s first volunteer President during his final campaign rally in Maradana ahead of the 21 Sept 2024 election. Premadasa declared that, if elected, he would not use public funds for his upkeep while in office, and expressed confidence that he would secure at least two million more votes than his competitors. Addressing a large crowd, more..

Sep 19 (DM) The hit on SL’s tourism sector is expected to only further aggravate, with a proper solution yet to be implemented. The tourist arrivals for the month of September are below expectations and according to the SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), the situation in the coming period does not look good. “Unfortunately, the visa issue has created many issues and could be a reason for the below expected level of arrivals. The numbers will dwindle further in the coming days,” more..

Sep 19 (Island) Sarvajana Balaya spokesman Gevindu Cumaratunga, MP, has alleged that the NPP manifesto differs quite significantly from what the party is propagating in support of its prez candidate Anura ls only for top star class touristsmore..

Sep 19 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) emphasised education of the voter on how to vote correctly in order to ensure that the elector’s vote is counted at the 2024 Presidential Election on 21 September. “There are several ways a voter can cast his or her vote,” the Commissioner General of Elections, Saman Sri Ratnayake said at a press conference yesterday. “They can put an X mark in front of a candidate’s name if they plan on voting for only one candidate. more..

Sep 19 (Island) Political campaigns ended at midnight Wednesday without a single serious incident being reported since Election Commission (EC) accepted nominations on Aug 15 for 9th Prez Election. According to a statement by PAFFREL that dealt with election-related incidents from July 26 to Sept 17, there hadn’t been any abductions, attacks using explosives, shootings, threats and intimidation using firearms. PAFFREL statement collaborated with the situation reports issued by EC. more..

Sep 19 (FT) Thousands of supporters gathered at the Ananda Samarakoon Outdoor Theatre in Nugegoda yesterday as NPP Prez candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered his final campaign speech before the 21 Sept election. Dissanayake urged the crowd to vote for real change, stressing that his campaign was built by the people, not by wealth, State power, or media propaganda “Politicians, even today, more..

Sep 19 (TM) Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) stated that a special programme will be put in place to ascertain whether human rights violations are taking place during the Prez Election period. In view of the Prez Election, The Daily Morning queried HRCSL Commissioner Nimal G. Punchihewa as to whether there will be any special programme to tackle human rights violations during the Election period. In response he said: "We anyway look into human rights violations, whether it is an more..

Sep 19 (DM) Election Commission of SL has announced the individuals authorised to enter polling stations during the upcoming Prez election on Sept 21, 2024. According to the Commission, only specific persons are allowed into the polling stations, including registered voters at the respective polling station, the polling staff and police officers assigned for election duties. Presidential candidates contesting the election, along with their election agents, authorised agents, divisional agents more..

Sep 19 (NDTV) The political landscape in Sri Lanka is set to change as its citizens elect a new President on Saturday. Sri Lanka's 17 million voters will choose from among 39 candidates in the country's first election after the people's uprising of 2022, which led to then Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa's ouster. This year's election is dominated by two major alliances, the SJB and the NPP, apart from various smaller parties more..

Sep 19 (FT) 22 million Sri Lankans are expected to have another leader for the nation after the national election on 21 Sept. It is interesting that the Election Commissioner is still expressing the potential leaders concern on rahu times! I wrote on voting without much confidence just ahead of the last election as I felt the manifestos really did not offer credible and scientifically sound steps to alleviate national issues and also the fact that simple motherhood statements lack coherence more..

Sep 19 (FT) It was always going to come to this. The first SL election in generations where even a remotely leftist party stood a chance of winning was always going to end with an almighty Red Scare. So it is that the prez campaign of NPP candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) is inspiring lurid visions of an impending violent, dystopian regime, splayed across news and social media. This is the prophecy of the SL elite establishment, a select cross section of the country’s businesspeople, more..

Sep 19 (AD) SL Police has informed the voters regarding the items that are not permitted at polling stations when they visit to cast their votes. DIG Nihal Talduwa explained the responsibility of voters when they go to cast their votes. He stated that they have observed some individuals consume alcohol from the morning and then struggle to enter the polling station where they are unable to make a proper decision. DIG Nihal Thalduwa further emphasised that the voters should behave in a manner more..

Sep 19 (CTV) Canadian govt will be further limiting the number of international students permitted to enter Canada next year. It’s the govt’s latest immigration-related measure to address Canadians’ ongoing housing and affordability concerns. In 2025, new international student study permits will be reduced by 10 per cent from the 2024 target of 485,000. That will mean 437,000 permits issued next year, with that same target continuing into 2026. “The int'l student cap is here to stay,” more..