Nov 8 (DM) India-based HRV Global Life Sciences and New Horizon Global Pharma is exploring possible expansion into SL, which is emerging as a strategic growth market in South Asia. HRV Global Life Sciences & New Horizon Global Pharma is a leading manufacturer, seller & market expansion company for a wide range of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, Advanced Pharma Intermediates, Pellets, Food Grade Chemicals, Food Additives and Food Ingredients across the world. more..

Nov 8 (TM) National Democratic Voice (NDV) organisation urged the Govt to reconsider any attempts to close or merge SL Thriposha Ltd (SLTL), warning that such a decision would jeopardise the nutritional support provided to vulnerable social groups. NDV Spokesperson Ravi Kumudesh raised these concerns, emphasising the critical role that the SLTL plays in addressing malnutrition among low income communities. more..

Nov 8 (FT) As Sri Lanka enters a new era of creativity and innovation, the SL Design Festival (SLDF) has reintroduced its acclaimed Product and Interior Design Exhibition, a cornerstone event showcasing SL’s design talent. This year’s exhibition emphasises products designed and made in Sri Lanka, underscoring the nation’s rising focus on homegrown design-led industries and innovation. The exhibition was opened on Wednesday by British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick. more..

Nov 8 (Island) New Zealand cricket team took a breather, immersing themselves in the natural splendor of Minneriya, where they witnessed the breathtaking Gathering — a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle where elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir during the dry season. It’s a sight to behold, one of the world’s most captivating wildlife events, and a must-see for nature lovers. But today, the Kiwis will shift their focus back to the pitch, preparing to face Sri Lanka more..

Nov 8 (DN) “Getting more overseas tours for the SL ‘A’ team is vital for youngsters,” said SL ‘A’ team head coach Avishka Gunawardena before their departure for the Pakistan tour yesterday. Sri Lanka ‘A’ team recently toured South Africa and participated in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup tournament in Oman, both of which ended successfully. Our players gained experience and had a good chance to adjust to different conditions. Credit should go to SLC for organising more..

Nov 8 (ST) During a recent visit to Germany to study migration trends and the prospects for skilled and professional Sri Lankans to work there, the first stop was at the Dept of Civic Education where Frank Burgdorfer, an independent expert, briefed our group of journalists from India, SL, Bangladesh and Nepal on demography, the skilled labour shortage and the economic transformation. He spoke at length about migration trends in Germany starting with Polish migrants who came there many decades more..

Nov 8 (Island) For nearly two decades, state universities have been under siege. They were targeted by a deliberate campaign of discreditation. Various expert committees were set up by incumbent govts to deliberate on the problems in higher education, with minimal involvement of university communities. The sector was increasingly politicized, with undue state involvement in recruitments and appointments. more..

Nov 8 (ORF) In SL, the new govt of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has decided not to sell the state-owned enterprise (SOE)—Sri Lankan Airlines. The decision mirrors the govt of former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also scrapped plans to privatise Sri Lankan Airlines in July. State-owned enterprises have impacted SL’s economy for decades. SL defaulted on its sovereign debt in April 2022 amid power blackouts and long fuel queues, with its reserves dropping below US$50m. more..

Nov 8 (Island) Donald Trump has done the impossible. He has made a triumphant return to the White House against all odds. Even his ardent loyalists may not have expected him to secure a non-consecutive term like Grover Cleveland, when he refused to concede defeat following Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, which, he claimed, had been stolen, and went on to instigate his backers to rebel. His opponents said he had cooked his goose. Trump, impeached twice, more..

Nov 8 (CT) As the Parliamentary Elections approach, a striking revelation from the PAFFREL has captured the public’s attention: of 8,000 candidates, only around 1,000 have engaged in campaign activities. This widespread disengagement raises a crucial question: are candidates avoiding traditional electioneering out of choice or lack of motivation? Or else, has the Campaign Finance Act severely curtailed their freedom to connect with voters, so that they have given up on more..

Nov 8 (DM) This week, the Govt stated that 15 officials appointed to Sri Lanka’s foreign diplomatic service on a political basis have been instructed to return by 1 December. According to Cabinet Spokesperson and Foreign Affairs Minister, Vijitha Herath, children and spouses of certain Parliamentarians and Ministers have also been directly appointed to positions below top diplomatic positions. The Govt asserted that such appointments would not be made in the future. more..

Nov 8 (DM) This week the Govt declared all Divisional Secretariat areas nationwide as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome as infected zones. Govt issued the communiqué under the Animal Diseases Act No. 59 of 1992. This Order enforces strict measures, including a ban on the transport, sale and slaughter of pigs and related products. The directive, which is valid for more..

Nov 8 (DM) Former Mayoress of Colombo and UNP stalwart Rosy Senanayake will be contesting from the Colombo District under the New Democratic Front ticket. In a candid interview with the Daily Mirror, Senanayake explained why former UNP candidates are contesting under a new Party and a symbol while sharing her thoughts about the new govt, challenges and opportunities she has as a candidate from Colombo and the need for women’s empowerment under the new govt. more..

Nov 8 (DM) NPP Executive Committee Member and Women’s Rights Activist Samanmalee Gunasinghe has entered the fray to contest at the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Gunasinghe responded to various allegations vested against the NPP by Opposition factions. She spoke about her journey in politics, NPP’s involvement in empowering women to engage in active politics, criticisms on the statement regarding legalising the trade of the sex workers and her plans for Colombo. more..

Nov 8 (TM) SL’s burgeoning tourism industry, already under pressure to recover post-pandemic, is grappling with an influx of foreign nationals overstaying their visas and engaging in unauthorised business activities. This trend, particularly among Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian, and Israeli visitors, has affected local hospitality and tourism operators, who argue they are being sidelined as foreign-run enterprises exploit local loopholes. more..

Nov 8 (DM) Sri Lanka is an island, hence its citizens have to get accustomed to the influences of outsiders who set foot in here. These days are a buzz with the news that Israeli tourists holidaying here can be targets of terror attacks. This news is important from both a security and political perspective. Then, there is this buzz in tourism that foreigners are arriving in SL to soak in its beauty and enjoy a holiday. But the vibe generated in Arugam Bay is rather negative. more..

Nov 8 (DM) Sri Lankans are gullible to pseudoscience. Lawmakers and ambitious people are aware of this existence and use it to their advantage. The last time people believed in such nonsense was when a doctor in Kurunegala was accused of performing illegal sterilisation surgeries on females. Several complaints were lodged against this doctor by a number of mothers. They claimed that after they were treated by this doctor, they experienced complications in conceiving. more..

Nov 7 (EN) Central Bank signed an agreement to obtain and exchange information on investigations and prosecutions of Money Laundering (ML), Terrorist Financing (TF) and related crimes in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and of any persons connected with such bodies. The Central Bank’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the National Secretariat for NGOs entered into the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday with this regard, the Central Bank said. more..

Nov 7 (EN) The number of Israeli tourists to Sri Lanka had declined, while tourist arrivals in general had risen in October, Minister Vijitha Herath said. “There was a drop in their [Israeli] arrivals. That is true,” he said.. “As of yesterday, there were 151 Israelis reported to be in the country,” Herath said. 21,913 Israelis visited the country in the month of October. On Oct 23, US Embassy in SL asked nationals to avoid Arugam Bay, a popular tourist destination, in SL’s Eastern Coast saying more..

Nov 7 (AD) SL Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association has issued a statement addressing the ongoing passport crisis in the country, citing administrative mismanagement and a lack of adequate planning as key contributors for the issue. According to the association, statements issued by other parties on the matter have often been contradictory and misleading, compelling them to clarify the real situation and advocate for more..

Nov 7 (TM) Minister Vijitha Herath said that certain officials appointed to the country’s foreign service on a political basis have been instructed to return to the island by 1 Dec. He claimed that the children and spouses of MPs and Ministers have also been directly appointed to positions below top diplomatic positions. He declared that such appointments would not be made in the future. “Individuals who are not part of the foreign service have been appointed as Ambassadors and High Commissioners more..

Nov 7 (CT) On World Vegan Day, SLYCAN Trust marked the completion of the first phase of its initiative Plant-Based Gastronomy: Tales of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage. At a special event held at The Atrium, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, more than 100 participants came together to celebrate Sri Lanka’s plant-based cuisine and culinary heritage, showcasing how ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly food systems can support the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors. more..

Nov 7 (IPS) The recent presidential election in Sri Lanka marked a series of firsts, setting it apart from previous elections. It saw a record-low number of 350,516 valid voters per candidate, implementation of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act of 2023, and a second count of votes. Notably, there was also greater engagement from Overseas Sri Lankans (OSLs) in the country’s electoral process than at any time previously. more..

Nov 7 (AD) Sri Lanka has been voted the Most Desirable Island in the World at the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 in London. At the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024 held in London, Sri Lanka emerged as the Most Desirable Island in the World, marking a significant milestone in its tourism recovery journey. More than 200,000 passionate travelers voted for Sri Lanka, reflecting the island’s powerful appeal and diverse attractions. more..

Nov 7 (AD) Executive Director of the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi says that despite 8,888 candidates vying for positions in this year’s General Election, fewer than 1,000 are actively campaigning, reflecting a notable decline in political engagement. Hettiarachchi attributed this trend to a shifting public perception regarding the benefits of political involvement and a growing disillusionment with traditional party structures. more..

Nov 7 (Island) A MOU for the construction of a 10-storeyed building for the cancer unit at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle, was finalis­ed at a meeting held at the Defence Ministry at the DHQC in Sri J'pura, Kotte, on Tuesday. The addendum to an MOU signed between the Secretary to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Colours of Courage Trust (Guarantee) Limited (COC) for the construction of a 10-storeyed building for the cancer unit at Teaching Hospital Karapitiya, was signed yesterday more..

Nov 7 (AD) The leader of the Sarvajana Balaya alliance, Gampaha District parliamentary candidate Dilith Jayaweera claims that the NPP has failed to fulfil its promises to the people as they lacked the proper understanding of how to fulfil them. Jayaweera said the Sarvajana Balaya alliance is not engaging in politics based on promises and that their focus is on a type of politics that is about only speaking about what is definitely achievable. He highlighted that their wish is to provide more..

Nov 7 (EN) The US has sanctioned an Indian firm which is in a consortium with a Russian firm to manage Mattala Airport, official data showed. U.S. Dept of the Treasury sanctioned India-based Shaurya Aeronautics (Shaurya) last week among 275 individuals and entities involved in supplying Russia with advanced technology and equipment that it desperately needs to support its war machine. more..

Nov 7 (EN) Sri Lanka’s gross foreign reserves rose US$ 474 million in the month of October to US$ 6.4 billon, the central bank data showed. Sri Lanka’s gross foreign reserves are made up of central bank’s monetary reserves and fiscal reserves from loans. Sri Lanka signed a US$ 200 million World Bank loan in October, it is not clear whether the it was disbursed. Sri Lankas’ central bank has operated deflationary policy for over two years, leading to balance of payments surpluses. more..

Nov 7 (TM) Indian High Commissioner (HC) to SL Santosh Jha inaugurated and handed over the Thiththavelkiwla Model Village in Monaragala to 24 families. Model Village Housing Project, implemented across all 25 districts of SL with support from the Indian Govt, aims to provide housing for low-income families. Each model village comprises 24 houses, selected by District Housing Committees. The project, initiated in 2017 through a MoU between the two nations, has already more..

Nov 7 (AD) A motion has been filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court seeking an order to hand over the investigations into the death of infamous underworld figure and drug lord Makandure Madush, who was allegedly killed in a crossfire between police and suspected underworld figures while in police custody, to the CID. A motion filed by a group of attorneys who appeared for the rights of the victim was taken up before more..

Nov 7 (FT) The fourth Youth Summit on Cyber Security 2024 took place at the BMICH in Colombo recently, where over 800 students and educators came together to tackle pressing issues in the field of digital safety. Organised by the Daily FT and CICRA Holdings and endorsed by the Education Ministry, this event celebrated a decade of Cyber Security Summits but also aimed to equip SL’s youth with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. more..