Apr 11 (Island) Astrologers were clashing over the traditional New Year auspicious times or nekath, at the time of writing. Some of them are of the view that the nekath prepared by what is described as the State Astrologers’ Committee of the Department of Cultural Affairs will have malefic effects on the country. However, Minister Vudura Wickremanayake has ceremonially handed over the nekath seettuwa or the table of auspicious time to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. more..

Apr 11 (Island) The cabinet has approved a significant 40% increase in the minimum wage, aimed at assisting workers struggling with the high cost of living amidst an ongoing economic recovery from a severe financial crisis that began in early 2022. This crisis, triggered by a sharp decline in foreign exchange reserves, resulted in notable inflation, currency devaluation, and a default on foreign debt. The minimum wage will escalate from 12,500 rupees ($42) to 17,500 rupees, more..

Apr 11 (ST) In a country where access to timely medical care was once a luxury, Suwa Seriya emerges as a beacon of hope, delivering swift and free ambulance services to those in need. Praised by the World Bank for its remarkable efficiency, Suwa Seriya stands as a testament to the power of digital innovation in revolutionising healthcare and emergency services. The ambulance service, initially funded by the Indian Govt, has played a pivotal role more..

Apr 11 (ST) The govt is venturing into public private partnership with suitable foreign investors for the manufacture of phosphate fertiliser making use of the Eppawala rock phosphate deposit in the North Central Province, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. Arrangements are being made to establish a chemical fertiliser company jointly with the Lanka Phosphate Limited (LPL) operating under the Ministry of Agriculture. Sufficient safeguards will be made against environmental damage more..

Apr 11 (ST) With over 270 entries already confirmed for the 28th edition of Fox Hill Supercross, the organisers, Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), Sri Lanka Military Academy and Sri Lanka Army Motorsport Club are optimistic of an eventful day on April 21 at the Fox Hill Circuit in Diyatalawa. Returning after a five-year sabbatical, the joint organisers are hopeful that their comeback event would be one that of memorable with standards being set higher than before. more..

Apr 11 (GV) During 30 protests between March 2022 and June 2023, SL’s law enforcement personnel did not adhere to international law and standards, using excessive force against peaceful protesters in at least 17 protests by using water cannon, tear gas and batons, according to a new investigative report by Amnesty International titled Ready to Suppress Any Protest SL: Unlawful Use of Weapons During Protests. AI conducted 39 interviews and examined 95 videos from social media more..

Apr 11 (TM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent announcement appears to have put an end to the confusion over the sequence of national elections. He has said that no election will be held until the external debt restructuring process being carried out under the IMF assistance programme is completed and that this process will be over before the Prez Election, which is due later this year. Since the Prez has mentioned July as a deadline, he has given a clear message to those who have been demanding more..

Apr 11 (TM) With Indian PM Narendra Modi last week claiming that the Katchatheevu island on SL’s side of the maritime border had been callously given away by India’s Congress Party, foreign policy experts in SL are calling it an election gimmick, while it is learnt that SL has not received any form of official correspondence regarding the matter from India. On 31 March, PM Modi posted a Times of India article on X about a RTI reply documenting more..

Apr 11 (ST) As though our nation does not have enough problems with conspiracies that remain vague and undisclosed and conspirators who remain unnamed, even the stars seem to be conspiring against us. For the first time in our memory, the galaxy of state-backed star-gazing astrologers are at each other’s throats, as it were, or tearing apart the charts that have tracked the movement of the stars, over the auspices times for our New Year celebrations next week. more..

Apr 11 (CT) In a nation rich with cultural heritage and traditions, SL stands at the forefront of reshaping its societal norms to embrace inclusivity. The recent announcement by State Minister Anupa Pasqual, renaming certain traditional New Year games underscores a crucial step towards fostering a more respectful and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. However, while this initiative is a commendable leap forward, it serves as a poignant reminder of the myriad challenges more..

Apr 11 (CT) Ayubowan, Namaskaar, Good Morning, It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Second Seminar on India-SL Defence Cooperation that we are organizing in Colombo. I thank you all for attending. My deep appreciation to the Hon. State Minister Mr. Tennekoon for his presence here today. I must also thank the Chief of Defence Staff of SL and the Commanders of the Air Force and Navy for their gracious presence.We value the support extended by the Ministry of Defence of SL. more..

Apr 11 (CT) We can hear these days the discussions of women’s rights and empowering women. These discussions are carried on a male centric point of view. The male point of view about women, marriage and sexuality in the medieval times and thereafter was backward. These attitudes were bred and promoted under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Church. Significant traits prescribed by men for women included chastity, silence, modesty, reticence, sobriety, and obedience. more..

Apr 11 (TM) It is Avurudu season and Sri Lankans are heading ‘home’ or back to their villages in droves. Despite the political turmoil and the economic crisis, Avurudu is a period of the year, everyone gathers together to celebrate what we have to be thankful for; family, community and shared aspirations for a better journey ahead. Given the cost of living, and the multiple crises we face each day, it is prudent to enjoy the festive period with an eye for caution. We should all work towards avoiding accidents and injuries. more..

Apr 10 (EN) Sri Lanka Customs is seeking early declaration of cargo from this month, and will begin pre-arrival processing of import cargo as a pilot project from May, Additional Director General Sudatta Silva said. “It is still in the development stage,” Silva told EconomyNext. “If the pilot is successful, we would be able to launch by the end of June.” Currently cargo ships arriving in Sri Lanka must declare the cargo upon their arrival in territorial waters. more..

Apr 10 (DM) Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) today emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean region, despite the absence of immediate terrorist threats within SL. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said the SLAF is very much worried about the civilians, weaponizers and providing free navigation for naval craft in the Indian Ocean and that they need to address those issues. In response to a media query the necessity of maintaining fighter jets like more..

Apr 10 (DM) In the wake of the tragic death of Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors' Union, Roshan Vithanage, Public Health Inspectors are in cold sweat hindering their ability to carry out responsibilities effectively. Roshan Kumara was shot dead at his house in Elpitiya in February leaving doubts of the motive behind his death. PHI union Head Upul Rohana said a significant number of PHIs feel insecure and fearful in the performance of their duties more..

Apr 10 (DM) The participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for a Presidential debate together with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted by the Daily Mirror is uncertain with SJB Manager Nalin Banadara stating that it is unbelievable that Dissanayake has agreed to it. "It is unbelievable that Dissanayake has agreed for a debate with the Prez and Mr. Premadasa after declining to accept the challenge thrown at him by us, and more..

Apr 10 (CT) Prisons Dept has initiated a special programme to apprehend visitors attempting to smuggle in drugs and other prohibited substances to inmates. Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake warned that they will take maximum legal action against those arrested. The dept’s decision stems from the efforts of certain visitors, particularly during special occasions like New Year and Christmas, to conceal contraband within sweets and other food items intended for inmates, he added. more..

Apr 10 (CT) The Govt should give priority to improving the facilities in State medical colleges in order to elevate their standards for the accreditation process, GMOA observed. GMOA Media Committee Member, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe yesterday lamented that State run medical faculties in Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Uva and Wayamba would have to face the accreditation by the SLMC Accreditation Unit affiliated with more..

Apr 10 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has affirmed his commitment to empowering the people and fortifying the economy by ensuring access to education, land, housing, and business opportunities. Stressing the importance of broadening economic participation, the Head of State highlighted its role in fostering a resilient national economy. These remarks were made on Tuesday (9) during his presence at the national event in Modara. As many as 294 units more..

Apr 10 (Island) Senior Vice President of the SLFP, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, yesterday alleged that an attempt was being made to align the SLFP with the UNP ahead of the forthcoming Presidential poll. The move against former President and party leader Maithripala Sirisena was meant to politically weaken and then oust him, Prof. Piyadasa said. The one-time General Secretary of the SLFP, Piyadasa also acted as Chairman of the party during the Oct/Nov 2019 prez polls campaign. more..

Apr 10 (ICC) SL all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and former captain Angelo Mathews have progressed in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings after contributing to their team’s 192-run victory in Chattogram that helped complete a 2-0 win in the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. Kamindu Mendis’s scores of 92 not out and nine have lifted him 18 places to 46th position in the batters’ list while his three-wicket haul in the second innings sees him gain 46 slots and more..

Apr 10 (CT) While predicting that the upcoming Prez Election is going to be held in a very heated atmosphere, PAFFREL has requested the Election Commission to make necessary arrangements urgently to invite international observers for this year’s election. “As per the constitutional provisions, it would be possible for us to form an idea about the date of declaration of the election. Therefore, there is no problem about inviting int'l observers, so that they get adequate time to prepare themselves. more..

Apr 10 (DM) State Ministry of Home Affairs today declared April 15 as a Public (govt) holiday for all state employees, Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said. He said that the decision was taken as the National Oil Anointing Ceremony falls on Monday (15). Meanwhile, State Minister Ashoka Priyantha earlier said several requests have been made by state officials and the public to declare Apr 15 as a public holiday more..

Apr 10 (PMD) Islamic adherents worldwide engage in fasting for a month, guided by the noble intention of fostering personal growth and benefiting others. The Holy Quran underscores the importance of adhering to such virtuous practices from antiquity, illuminating the path towards righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. As the Sri Lankan Islamic community observes Ramadan this year, it coincides with a period of burgeoning progress and encouragement within the nation. more..

Apr 10 (DM) The four former Presidents who are in active politics should bow out for their own benefit and for the sake of the people, MP Dullas Alahapperuma said today. MP Alahapperuma said former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa should keep away from active politics. "Keeping away from politics is good for their own health and for the sake of the people. Public funds which are spent on them should not be used more..

Apr 10 (FT) In a landmark move, Hambantota International Port (HIP) yesterday commenced its inaugural container transhipment service operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). MV MSC Ingrid made her maiden call at HIP, discharging a total of 500 plus TEUs of transhipment containers to be connected to a second carrier, MSC Sky 11 expected to call at the port on 16 April. The first shipment of containers consigned to more..

Apr 10 (DM) State Minister of Primary Industries Chamara Sampath Dasanayake is alleged to have severely accused and threatened the Human Resources and Administration Assistant of the Lanka Phosphate Company H.D.V.K. Chandraratne in the presence of the officials of the Ministry and the company. The trade union Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya has informed the Minister that it will resort to trade union action in case of a recurrence of similar incidents in the future. more..

Apr 10 (PMD) Following customs and traditions, the Nekath Seettuwa, the table of auspicious times for this year’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year, was presented to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today. The table of auspicious times, duly prepared by the State Astrologers’ Committee of the Dept of Cultural Affairs, was then presented to the Prez. Minister Vidura Wickremanayake presented the Nekath Seettuwa to the Prez in accordance with more..

Apr 10 (FT) A recent conference convened by the International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) network, titled African Debt Crisis and the International Financial Architecture, was held in Accra, Ghana from 27 to 29 March. It offered a stimulating platform for debate, tempered by the implicit background of the immeasurable suffering and equally heroic struggles Africa has witnessed. Participants were surrounded by reminders of Ghana’s role as both a key transit point more..

Apr 10 (FT) Current media coverage in SL is heavily focused on the forthcoming Prez elections. Though officially not announced yet, it seems a foregone conclusion that the presidential poll would take place later this year. Several potential candidates ranging from incumbent prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to media magnate Dilith Jayaweera are tipped to be in the presidential fray. Adding to this uncertain state of affairs are recent attempts by vested interests to field a Hindu as more..