Apr 16 (DM) The SLFP which ruled the country alone and under coalitions for the most part (40 years) of the 76 years since independence is currently entangled in the second toughest leadership feud in its history. The first leadership tussle occurred in early 1980s, soon after the World’s first PM Sirimavo Bandaranaike was deprived of her civic rights. Interestingly, both conflicts involved a female member of the Bandaranaike family and a person by more..

Apr 16 (GV) In Oct 1990 some 75,000 to 100,000 Muslims in the Northern Province, about five percent of the province’s total population, were forcibly expelled from their homeland by the LTTE. In some places, they were given only about 12 hours to leave. Beginning in Chavakachcheri on October 15, all the Muslims were evicted throughout Mannar, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Jaffna and Vavuniya by Oct 30. Families were allowed to take only Rs. 500 and some clothes; some were forced to flee more..

Apr 16 (DM) The encounter between the fox and crow is an ancient tale heard by most Sri Lankans in their childhood days. The crow has a vadai or kavun or piece of cheese in its beak. The crafty fox wants it and flatters the crow into thinking it is a harmonious singer with a sweet voice. The fox entreats the crow to sing. The foolishly vain crow opens its mouth to sing and drops the titbit it has in its beak. The smart fox runs off with it, more..

Apr 16 (CT) A flurry of significant political occurrences has unfolded in our country during the past few days, all orbiting around the coming Prez Election. We have entered a remarkable period in the history of SL elections, which is unlikely to be repeated. It’s also coloured with a humorous side, where a multitude of political parties, instead of pursuing the already active LG Polls campaign period, are starting their campaigns for an election that has not been officially called. more..

Apr 16 (TM) Two separate knife attacks in Australia over the weekend serve as a stark reminder that threats that impact public security are constantly evolving. It also highlights the dire need for governments to address mental health issues seriously. In SL, mental health remains an area which is underfunded and least supported, with limited resources, specialist and trained personnel available. The two incidents in Australia, which as of last evening, claimed the lives of six persons, more..

Apr 16 (TM) Yesterday was the Sinhala and Tamil New Year; Avurudu in Sinhala, Puththandu in Tamil. It marks the end of one harvest season and the beginning of another. Celebrated by Sri Lankans of all shades and stripes, of every class and background, it demonstrates, as does no other event, the multifaceted character of SL culture. As SL lurches into a New Year 3 months after 1 January, this is the time to reflect on more..

Apr 16 (DM) The World Bank and the IMF Spring meetings begin this week in Washington. And with the worst sovereign debt crisis in decades, the pronouncements at these meetings will be monitored closely by many for the relief that debt-distressed countries in the Global South can expect. However, regardless of what is discussed and announced, the policies of the World Bank and the IMF will continue to safeguard the interests of global finance capital to the detriment of the social and economic lives more..

Apr 16 (CT) An unusual calm has settled on an otherwise chaotic landscape. The anxious are tense; the weak are in fear of the uncertain and the optimists are waiting for a brighter day. The political atmosphere is changing by the hour. Rumors tend to be more accurate than what is being spilled out by the mainstream media. Sensationalism is once again dominating the headlines. A land that was daydreaming that better days are yet ahead is waking up to a potential nightmare. more..

Apr 12 (TM) CEB stated that all background studies and data gathering work related to its restructuring programme are now completed, but that they must wait until the proposed Electricity Sector Reforms Bill is passed in the Parliament for any of the related decisions to become material fact. In the midst of the economic crisis that emerged in the country due to following wrong financial policies and the Covid-19 more..

Apr 12 (EN) A civil society activist has lodged a complaint at the CIABOC against a recent cabinet decision to increase the deposit placed by candidates contesting elections. Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, Chairman of the Citizen’s Movement Against Fraud, Corruption, and Waste, who filed the complaint, told reporters that the deposit has been increased by 5,200%, which he claimed would give corrupt political parties who can afford such exorbitant rates the upper hand. more..

Apr 12 (EN) Indian arm manufacturing firms showed the Delhi’s capability in arm manufacturing to SL military at a seminar on Wednesday which the island nation expects to open the door for future joint collaboration in manufacturing and services. Indian High Commission in Colombo organised the seminar titled Identifying New Opportunities and Forging New Bonds to promote Indian Made Defence equipment and explore avenues for collaboration in defence production. more..

Apr 12 (TM) Dept of Prisons is working to strengthen the rehabilitation, counselling, and spiritual programmes conducted by the Dept to develop the mental wellbeing of prisoners, following a significant number of suicides reported during the past several years. According to information obtained through an application filed under the RTI, a total of 61 people, both suspects & convicts, have allegedly committed suicide more..

Apr 12 (DM) Despite the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation's (CPC) implementation a VAT on discounts for Petroleum Dealers, Vice President Kusum Sandanayaka of the SL Petroleum Private Tank Owners’ Association stated they’ll ensure uninterrupted fuel distribution until April 20. He highlighted that Petroleum Dealers are burdened with an 18% VAT on the CPC’S 3% discount. Despite their willingness to pay VAT, he emphasized it’s unlawful to impose VAT on this discount. more..

Apr 12 (AN) A small uninhabited island located between India and SL is unexpectedly at the centre of a dispute between the two countries. In India, PM Narendra Modi criticised the opposition Indian National Congress (INC) in a statement dated 31 March for ceding Katchatheevu Island, in the Palk Strait, to SL, saying the party did nothing to safeguard the state’s interests. The issue has gained visibility as India's elections approach. The first round of voting is set to begin on 19 April more..

Apr 12 (ICC) The 15-year-old left-arm wrist spinner was named in SL’s senior women's squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2024. SLC announced a 15-member squad for the fast-approaching Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, with the team set to be led by their regular captain and experienced batter, Chamari Athapaththu. One name that made headlines after the squad was announced, was of a 15-year-old teenage spin sensation Shashini Gimhani. more..

Apr 12 (TM) Although estate sector workers remain generally unaware about the proposals put forward by plantation companies with regard to wage hikes, when it comes to the matter of wage hikes, they also remain considerably sceptical, according to estate sector workers’ associations. Speaking of the said proposals–which, as per media reports, suggest to provide workers with a 33% wage hike under the productivity based wage model or a 22% wage hike under the attendance-based more..

Apr 12 (ADB) Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication, Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, forecasts SL’s economy to record moderate growth of 1.9% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025 following 2 consecutive years of contractions. SL is showing signs of recovery, with green shoots emerging in the second half of 2023. Inflation has decelerated to single digits, foreign exchange reserves continue more..

Apr 12 (KINA) The second round of Kazakh-SL political consultations was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chaired by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakayev and Foreign Secretary of SL Aruni Wijewardane. During the meeting, the parties discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation, as well as exchanged views on topical issues on int'l and regional agenda. more..

Apr 12 (Forbes) With its daily sunshine, miles of wide golden sand beaches, lush green forests, brightly colored buildings, buses, tuk tuks and smiling people, the island of Sri Lanka richly deserves its title as Pearl of the Indian Ocean. And it also seems fitting that Time magazine described the country’s first luxury wellness retreat, Santani, high in the Dumbara mountains above the town of Kandy, as one of the world’s 100 best places. Following its launch in 2018, more..

Apr 12 (TM) Following several media reports being circulated that many contractors have demanded compensation from the Govt due to the loss that they incurred after the suspending of State run large-scale development projects, the Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies Ministry stated that all the suspended projects are scheduled to be recommenced once the debt restructuring programme is concluded. Contractors have reportedly demanded a compensation more..

Apr 12 (DM) Chief Prelate of the Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha of the Siyam Maha Nikaya, Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Anu Nayake Maha Thera said incumbent Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe can implement reforms successfully if he receives a mandate of his own at a future presidential election. Thera made this remark when UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene met him today. "One cannot bring about reforms through votes received by others," more..

Apr 12 (ST) Authorities are in the process of identifying buildings in a dilapidated state in the city of Colombo following complaints to examine the stability and safety of buildings received by CMC, NBRO, UDA and the police. CMC Municipal Commissioner Bhadranie Jayawardhana, Chief Medical Officer of Health of the Curative Dept Dr. Ruwan Wijemuni, and Director of City Planning Anuja Mendis explained the various levels more..

Apr 12 (DN) Lankan motor racing ace Dilantha Malagamuwa won the second place at the European GT-4 Car Racing Championship held at the Paul Ricard track in France recently. This competition was held on April 05, 06 and 07 with the participation of a large number of motor racing champions from 40 countries of the world and Dilantha Malagamuwa had participated in that competition representing not only Sri Lanka but the whole of Asia. Malagamuwa had arrived at Katunayake Airport on April 10 more..

Apr 12 (DN) St. Peter’s College won the men’s title at the 39th Intermediate Age Group Swimming Championship. They won for the second time in a row. Championship at Air Force Swimming Pool Complex in Ratmalana. Swimmers from St. Peter’s College were led by their head coach Shehan Dias and captain Ean Gake. They did really well, winning 13 gold medals, 12 silver medals, and six bronze medals. This helped them beat 51 other schools and take home the title. more..

Apr 12 (DN) After a lapse of five years, SL Athletics witnessed the emergence of promising talents in the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay squads during the Relay Trials organized for the upcoming inaugural Asian Relay C'ship. on April 10 at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo, these trials showed off the exceptional performances of new faces, setting the stage for SL’s participation in the C'ship scheduled for May 20-21 in Thailand. more..

Apr 12 (TM) Despite global market volatility that is prevalent for the longest time, affecting Sri Lanka’s revenue generation amidst its economic crisis, apparel exports has also faced the wrath of policies such as para tariffs hindering its competitiveness. Consultant for Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) SL Yohan Lawrence said: “These (paratariff for apparel material imports) are hindrances for trade making Sri Lanka more expensive than it should be.” He added that more..

Apr 12 (DM) Locally produced rice, vegetables, eggs, chicken and fruits needed for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations have been supplied to the market without any shortages, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. He said the vegetable prices, which increased rapidly about a month ago and the shortage of vegetables have been completely ended by now. Under the government's programme to increase production in the country, more than the required amount of poultry meat, eggs, more..

Apr 12 (DM) Three businessmen who attempted to smuggle a stock of goods worth more than Rs. 200 million into the country were arrested this evening by a group of investigation officers attached to the SL Customs at the BIA. The Customs investigations revealed that the goods were imported into the country illegally without paying Customs duty. Among the goods were foreign-made whiskey, cigarettes, apple varieties, smart mobile phones, wristwatches, Apple Mac books, Apple iPads more..

Apr 12 (ST) Agrarian authorities have introduced a biological control agent to curb white fly infestations in coconut trees, which have been made worse by the prevailing heat that creates a conducive environment for the infestation. The biological control agent, Encarsia guadeloupe, one of the parasitoid species, was applied in both forms (live and eggs) to small scale coconut farms as a pilot project in several regions of the Northern Province. Thevarajah Vaigunthan, Regional Head of more..

Apr 12 (ST) Fireflies are interesting insects as they produce a greenish light. While continuing their ongoing research on fireflies in Rammale Forest, a team of researchers from the University of Ruhuna noticed a few flying firefly species that looked different. In addition to fireflies, there were wingless alien-looking glow worms (known in Sinhala as re badulla) that emit light on their abdomen, in the leaf litter on the ground. more..

Apr 12 (ST) It will take the Highways Ministry at least six months to devise a strategy under which SL’s expressways can be transferred from the RDA to the State-owned company named Sahasya Investments Ltd (SIL), although Cabinet approved the relevant management agreement to take effect on April 1 this year. SIL still has just two employees – one from the Ministry and from the RDA – and will only now start informing donor agencies who financed the expressways and obtaining their approval. more..

Apr 12 (ST) SL is well-known for its rich tea plantations and thick forest reserves across the central highlands while establishing a world renowned brand for producing the best Ceylon Tea globally. A cuppa generally narrates the story of the tea plantations, the smell of freshly plucked tea leaves and the lifestyle of the tea pluckers and their daily earnings. The Pekoe Trail that has recently sparked interest and recognised as one of the top 20 travel experiences in the world for 2024 more..