Mar 9 (TM) The main goal of schooling children is to equip them with knowledge and direct them to paths leading towards a better life. In order to achieve education's core objectives, the methods of imparting education to the children should not be harmful to them in any way, be it physical or mental. However, considering the physical and psychological impact on the children of having to carry a heavy school bag to school
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NPP & National Question
Mar 9 (CT) The national question of SL, which simply means the ethnic issue, is the most sensitive and controversial topic in the current political climate. Yet, it has to be confronted and resolved if there is to be a radical or fundamental change in the way the country is being run since independence. The best chance for that to happen would be under a govt led by a new generation of men and women who had grasped the sentiments and yearnings of the aragalaya youth and the meaning of
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Ambitious Presidential candidates and a powerful constitution
Mar 9 (DM) This article has been prepared based on a discussion with K. B. Gunaratne, Former Director of Agriculture, who worked directly with three presidents of this country. The Executive Presidency was introduced to Sri Lanka by Junius Richard Jayewardene (JRJ) under the 1978 Constitution. JRJ became the Prime Minister for the first time in 1977 after obtaining a 5/6 th majority at the General Election held on July 21, 1977 and created a sustainable govt. Born on September 17,
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Non-Governmental Organisations: New legislation to monitor funding
Mar 9 (TM) The recent revelation made by the National Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organisations (NSNGO) that in 2023 the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) registered with the Secretariat had received as much as Rs. 33 billion in foreign funding for their projects in the country while suspecting that the actual amount received by all NGOs (registered and unregistered) could be nearly Rs. 100 billion has raised
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Villains and Victims
Mar 9 (GV) A recent discussion about toxic masculinity has prompted a great deal of comment, particularly as the host and his guest appeared to comment favourably on the media personality Andrew Tate and the academic and speaker Jordan Peterson as positive role models for contemporary men. It has been pointed out on Twitter by Ambika Satkunanathan that Andrew Tate has been indicted on charges of violence against women and that such a person should not be being looked up
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The executive prevails ultimately
Mar 9 (DM) Despite the executive colliding head on sometimes with the Parliament and some other times with judiciary, the Constitutional Council and “independent Commissions in the recent past, the former has emerged victorious always, sometimes at the expense of the rules of the duel. For instance, in spite of the battle between the executive on behalf of the two ruling parties and the Election Commission backed by the Opposition parties over the LG elections having been dragging on for
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Banking Clan: TUs support CBSL’s colossal salary hike
Mar 8 (TM) Ceylon Bank Employees Union (CBEU) said that it will endorse the recent salary increase of the employees at the Central Bank of SL (CBSL), claiming that banking sector employees are entitled to salary increments following the pressure exerted by the Govt’s new tax policy. CBEU President Channa Dissanayake noted that no one can blame the CBSL for its decision as they have reasonable grounds to make such decisions,
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Tea auction sees improved offering, demand and prices
Mar 8 (DM) Overall offering at the Colombo Tea Auction were marginally higher this week and totalled 5.2 M/Kgs. According to Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers, there was improved demand and a general appreciation in prices, perhaps triggered primarily by lower volumes. Interestingly, most other auction centres too have recorded an appreciation in prices this week. Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar to last and totalled 0.74 M/Kgs. There was improved quality from the Western slopes.
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No underworld threats requiring special protection for cops
Mar 8 (TM) The Ministry of Public Security stated that there have been no reports of incidents of threats to Police officers from drug dealers and organised criminals requiring special measures to be taken. Inspector of Police Duminda Jayathilaka, who was the Officer-In-Charge of the Organised Crime Division at the Colombo Crimes Division, had recently left the country due to alleged death threats from organised crime gangs targeting him and his family.
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Six countries offer to build nuclear power plants here
Mar 8 (Island) Sri Lanka had received six proposals for the construction of nuclear plants here. Prof. S.R.D. Rosa, Chairman – SL Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) said during a recent seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers SL (IESL) on ‘Potential of nuclear energy and its challenges in Sri Lanka. Russia’s Rosatom, China’s China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), France’s Électricité de France (EDF),
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Rohitha Abeygunawardena tried to assault me: MP Shanakiyan
Mar 8 (FT) TNA MP Shanakiyan Rasama-nickam accused SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena of attempting to assault him in the Parliamentary complex yesterday. Raising a privilege issue in Parliament, MP Shanakiyan said that the incident occurred at the PM’s Office at the Parliamentary complex when he went to meet the PM concerning an issue in Batticaloa. “MP Rohitha Abeygunardena tried to assault me in the Parliament a short while ago. This happened in the PM’s office within
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Anticipated passage of amended Electricity Act in April
Mar 8 (PMD) Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, announced that the revised Electricity Act has been sent to the Legal Draftsman’s Department for review. He anticipates presenting it to Parliament for approval in April following Cabinet endorsement. Additionally, minister expressed readiness to engage stakeholders to discuss reducing fuel prices further through a transparent pricing formula. These remarks were made during his participation in a press conference held today (07).
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හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ
Five bidders keen on SLIC life and general insurance businesses
Mar 8 (FT) The Request for Qualification (RfQ) for the sale of the segregated life and general insurance business of SL Insurance Corporation (SLIC) has attracted five bidders, four of which are local firms. For SL Insurance Corporation Life Ltd, those who responded to RfQ are LIC (Lanka) Ltd, Union Assurance PLC and Asiri Hospital Holdings PLC. For SL Insurance Corporation General Ltd, the respondents are Fairfirst Insurance Ltd, and Euro Exim Bank Ltd, a global financial institution
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World Kidney Day: Broader public awareness is vital
Mar 8 (TM) World Kidney Day (WKD), is observed annually on the second Thursday in March, is a global health awareness campaign that emphasises the importance of kidneys and aims to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide. During this month of March, health professionals at the National Institute for Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation hope to educate the public by different ways and means on kidney diseases. At least 1 in 10 people worldwide is living with
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IMF commends govt for unwavering commitment to EFF program’s...: PMD
Mar 8 (AD) During the meeting between Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and the IMF team at the Finance Ministry today (07), the Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer emphasized that the IMF program is exhibiting promising signs of efficacy, translating into tangible outcomes. He commended the authorities for their unwavering commitment to the program’s implementation, noting that such dedication
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BASL slams lack of consultation on new laws
Mar 8 (TM) Accusing the Govt of not properly consulting the relevant stakeholders when new pieces of legislations are introduced, the Bar Association of SL (BASL) stated that they would continue to work towards a post-legislation enactment judicial review process so that any legislation could be challenged or amended even after they are passed in the Parliament. BASL President Kaushalya Nawaratne said that the Govt should follow proper procedures and
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Cartoonists’ depictions of the Prez’s role
Mar 8 (PMD) Nelum Pokuna Theater in Colombo hosted the launching ceremony of the Press Vs. Prez book today (7), with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe presiding over the event. Prez, in his address, hailed such publications as integral to the democratic fabric of the nation, affirming that they underscore the freedom entrenched within the country. He juxtaposed this with the absence of such creations in totalitarian regimes, emphasizing the significance of the established freedom of
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මීළඟ ජනපති කවුද? සුදා මත විමසුමක
IRD sets up High Wealth Individuals Unit to ensure their tax compliance
Mar 8 (FT) The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) yesterday said it is paying close attention to High Wealth Individuals in a bid to increase taxes due. IRD said the move is to ensure tax compliance of highly wealthy individuals in the country as part of efforts to restore fairness and confidence in Sri Lanka’s tax administration. For this purpose, a High Wealth Individuals Unit (HWIU) has been established at the IRD, which is located in the Large Taxpayer Office.
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Lankan seafarers to train in Peter Dooley Naval Institute, Germany
Mar 8 (DN) Peter Dooley Naval Institute in Germany has expressed their willingness to provide technical training to SL seafarers. The training manager of the German institution, Rainer Sterk, who met the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva at the minister’s office said that they are keen to assist the skill development of local aspiring seafarers.Stark said at present, the Peter Doehle Naval Institute provides its technical training to seafarers in many countries including the Philippines.
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6 Sri Lankans dead including 4 children in Ottawa mass killing
Mar 8 (CBC) Six people including a mother, her four young children and a family acquaintance were killed inside a townhouse in the south Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven late Wednesday night. During a media briefing Thursday afternoon, Ottawa police Chief Eric Stubbs said there were initially two calls to 911 around 10:52 p.m. Wednesday. He said first responders arrived within minutes to the home on Berrigan Drive near Palmadeo Drive,
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Sri Lanka must fully implement IMF package: US Ambassador
Mar 8 (DN) The recent IMF package offered to Sri Lanka is the 17th in Sri Lanka’s history and must be the last and if Sri Lanka can stay true to the principles of transparency and competitiveness in the years to come, it will enhance global standings and also create an environment conducive to flourishing innovation, investment, and economic growth. This was opined by US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Julie Chung at the National Chamber of Exporters hosted event.
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International Women’s Day 2024: Inspiring inclusion
Mar 8 (DM) In the never ending search for prosperous economies and a thriving planet, achieving gender equality and women’s wellbeing in every sphere of life are paramount. Yet, a major challenge looms: a projected US $ 360 billion annual deficit in gender equality efforts by 2030. Shedding light on this issue is the International Women’s Day (IWD), with the 2024 campaign theme being Inspire Inclusion. The overarching theme is Invest in women: Accelerate progress.
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Field Marshal won’t quit SJB
Mar 8 (Island) Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka insists he’ll remain with the SJB regardless of the continuing dispute with an influential section of the party. The bone of contention is SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa’s decision to grant membership to General Daya Ratnayake who served as Commander of the Army (2013-2015) during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s turbulent second tenure as the President.
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A mission to save little brains & spines
Mar 8 (ST) There is a common healing thread, giving new life and hope, bonding Chathura Hewawasm (8) from Uswetakeiyawa, Dilitha Hettiarachchi (13) from Baddegama & Arkam Mohamed (10) from Weligama. These are just three of more than 1,000 children from humble families across the country who have undergone complex brain and spinal surgery in 2022-2023, testament that the state health sector works seamlessly for the poorest of the poor even amidst numerous challenges.
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145th Battle of the Blues: Sadev (83) puts Thomians in strong position
Mar 8 (DN) S. Thomas’ opener Sadev Soyza made a superb knock of 83 in 134 balls while Royal skipper Sineth Jayawardena and deputy skipper Ramiru Perera took 4 wickets each, which were the highlights on day one of the 145th Battle of the Blues played at SSC grounds yesterday. Royal won the toss and chose to field first. Thomians made 297 all out in their first innings and two umpires Chamara Zoysa and Chandrika Amarasinghe called off play with 1.4 overs to spare.
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හොර රහත් මීවනපලානේ හෝටල්...
'Kamindu’s run out cost us the game'
Mar 8 (DN) “Kamindu’s unfortunate run out caused damage for SL innings while we were short of 20-30 runs at the second T-20 match against Bangladesh”, said stand in skipper Charith Asalanka. “Actually 165 runs was not enough and Bangladesh dominated all 3 departments to win and they deserve the win. We wanted to win the deciding third and final T-20 game on Saturday. We knew our skipper Wanindu Hasaranga is also back to the side and we have new plans and rectified our mistakes,”
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Construction sector poised for recovery
Mar 8 (CT) Interest rates plummet to significant lows providing comfort to market players, First Capital Research (FCR) in a recent report, said. The report titled Construction Sector Flash note – Mar 2024, further said that interest rates moved on an accelerated downward trajectory during the first two months of this year (2024) amidst lower borrowing requirements of the Govt. Accordingly, as of 22 Feb-24 AWPLR registered at 11.5%, a significant plunge of 1,271bps, compared to 24.2% in Feb-23.
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Mar 8 (FT) Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday renewed his call for the Govt to direct the Central Bank to issue a circular to enforce the suspension of the parate law and prevent property auction. Speaking in Parliament he claimed that despite the Govt’s decision to abolish the parate law, the banking system seems reluctant to comply with directives, leaving micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in dire straits
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Maha Shivarathiri: Devotion, enlightenment & universal harmony: Night of spiritual renewal
Mar 8 (DN) The name Maha Shivarathiri means the great night that belongs to Shiva. Lord Shiva is referred to as the Supreme God in the Hindu pantheon. The word Shiva means auspicious in Sanskrit. Shiva in the Hindu concept is the creator, preserver, and destroyer. In an unending cyclical process of creation and re-creation, he symbolises creation and destruction. Among the Trimurti or Trinity (Three main Gods), Lord Shiva is considered Supreme God who acts in accordance
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‘Strong branding can increase company revenue by 23%’
Mar 8 (TM) Impactful design and strong branding can leave a lasting impression on a consumer’s mind, even though consumers are often ignorant about the engineering behind such strategies and tactics. Companies cannot claim similar ignorance, and must at least recognise the value and power of branding. Citing data from Forbes, Studio Nice One Creative Director Amy Quickfall shared that a company with strong branding can increase their revenue by 23% as customers are four times
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Hiru TV Balaya Live
Editorial: Watchdogs and lapdogs
Mar 8 (Island) Parliament of SL is never united when it has to tackle vital national issues. The govt and the Opposition go for each other’s jugular at the drop of a hat, but they unitedly take moral high ground and censure others. Parliament is in the news for the wrong reasons, again. No sooner had the Opposition handed over a motion of no confidence against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena than SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena was appointed Chairman of the COPE.
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Getting along with the neighbours
Mar 8 (ST) Sri Lanka entered a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand on Feb 3 which is scheduled to be effective from January 1, 2025. This is the second most comprehensive FTA that SL signed after its FTA with Singapore (2018). However, the Sri Lanka – Singapore FTA was on hold for five years without implementation. As far as the potential trade benefits that Sri Lanka would have reaped from the FTAs are concerned, the period of five years was a loss to the country.
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