Marikkar equates CBSL salary hike to plundering by Rajapaksa regime
Mar 7 (FT) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar yesterday drew parallels between the recent salary increase obtained by Central Bank of SL (CBSL) employees and what he termed as the laundering of the nation by the Rajapaksa regime, citing their involvement in resolving the country’s prolonged conflict. The parliament debate heated up after Marikkar questioned the Govt on the recent CBSL salary increase, pressing PM to present the specifics of the raises granted in parliament.
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PSC to probe road deaths; Justice minister proposes tough new measures
Mar 7 (ST) A one-year suspension of the driving licence is to be considered for those found guilty of driving under the influence of liquor and causing an accident. The measure is one of the proposals to be made to a parliamentary select committee that Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe wants the Speaker to appoint. The minister said he had written to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, seeking the appointment of a select committee to reduce road accidents.
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GR launches book today detailing conspiracy behind his ouster from office
Mar 7 (FT) Former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa will launch a book today giving his version of events that led to his dramatic ouster from office in July last year. The book titled The conspiracy to oust me from the Presidency will be available in Sinhala and English in bookshops from today, the office of the former Prez said. “Foreign intervention has weighed heavily on SL since we won the war against the LTTE in 2009.
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Dry weather prevails over the island
Mar 7 (DM) The forecasting division of the National Meteorological Centre said that except for a few showers in the Ratnapura, Galle and Matara districts in the evening or night, mainly dry weather will prevail over the island. However, misty conditions can be expected at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces and in the Galle and Matara districts during the morning. Mainly, fair weather will prevail in sea areas around the island. The winds will be easterly or
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Dambulla, Kandy into NSL L/O Cricket final
Mar 7 (DN) Dambulla and Kandy have booked their sports in the National Super League Limited Overs Cricket Tournament final. Dambulla secured their berth by overcoming Jaffna by 2 wickets in Hambantota, leading the table with 6 points. Meanwhile, Kandy, wrapping up the first round early, clinched the second spot in the points table to enter the final. In the last match of the first-round at R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday, Galle defeated Colombo but missed out on the final.
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ජරානායකගේ ඉරණම
Sri Lanka incensed after third umpire overturns Soumya Sarkar dismissal
Mar 7 (CI) SL were indignant in the second T20I following the controversial overturning of an on-field decision, by third umpire Masudur Rahman. Early in the fourth over of Bangladesh's chase, opener Soumya Sarkar had been given out by on-field umpire Sharfuddoula, who ruled that he had edged behind a short delivery from left-arm seamer Binura Fernando. Soumya reviewed that decision immediately, but had begun to walk off the field when the big screen showed a clear spike
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HNB celebrates 135 year legacy with commemorative stamp launch
Mar 7 (FT) Consolidating its legacy as a cornerstone of the nation’s banking system, HNB PLC, yesterday celebrated its 135th year of supporting customers and businesses to achieve their financial goals with the release of a commemorative stamp. HNB’s Managing Director/CEO Jonathan Alles said: “Since our inception, HNB has recognised that our true strength lies not only in our financial prowess but also in the people we serve – from budding savers to thriving SMEs.
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Unauthorised vendors at Galle Face Green to be given the boot
Mar 7 (TM) Citing food-related health code violations, aesthetic concerns and the alleged misuse of facilities provided at concessional rates to operate eateries, SL Ports Management and Consultancy Services Company, an affiliate of SLPA which is responsible for the administration of the Galle Face Green, has, in conjunction with the public health authorities, as a measure of last resort, notified unauthorised food vendors and
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Sri Lanka triumphs at Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024
Mar 7 (ST) SL bagged one gold, five each of silver and bronze medals at Commonwealth Chess Championship 2024 held in Malaysia last week. SL emerged as a formidable force, clinching an impressive tally of medals in the prestigious event held from Feb 20 to 27. Organised by Malaysian Chess Federation and Persatuan Catur Melaka, championship witnessed intense competition among players from Australia, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand,
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Siyambalapitiya stresses Parliamentary authority on Central Bank salaries
Mar 7 (FT) State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya outlined the importance of Parliamentary authority in decisions concerning the increase of Central Bank employee salaries, insisting on the principles of social equity. Speaking in Parliament during the debate on amendments related to Social Security Tax and VAT, he stressed the need for comprehensive reports from the CoPF, incorporating diverse perspectives, before presenting recommendations to the Parliament.
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Opportunity for new hero in battle of survival
Mar 7 (Island) Batsmen will be under presure when arch rivals Royal and S. Thomas’ meet in the 145th Battle of the Blues commencing at the SSC today. After having struggled to survive on more than one occasion during this season batting lineups of both Royal and S. Thomas’ will be waiting for new heroes to emerge to meet the demands of the three-day Big Match. Royal skippered by SL U-19 captain Sineth Jayawardane will be out to retain
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Atire becomes the World’s 1st carbon neutral solid tire company
Mar 7 (FT) In a ground-breaking move, ATIRE Ltd., the rapidly growing industrial solid tire company based in Sri Lanka, has redefined the standards of environmental responsibility by becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral industrial solid tire manufacturing company. This incredible milestone, certified by the Sri Lanka Climate Fund - under the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka, highlights ATIRE’s commitment to pioneering sustainable industrial practices.
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Sri Lanka experts call for increased focus on global trade
Mar 7 (TM) During the recent discussion organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), between the negotiating team of the SL-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) and industry experts, the industry expats called for increased focus on the FTA for SL's economic growth. Accordingly, CCC Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa, while stressing the importance of facing global market competitiveness, emphasised that SL needs to explore and leverage
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ඇමතිගේ රෝයල් පුතා කුරුඳුවත්තෙ...
Kapruka breaks boundaries with Partner Central
Mar 7 (FT) Kapruka.com, SL’s leading e-commerce website launched the Kapruka Partner Central which provides an enhanced platform for partners to showcase their products and connect with a global audience on 29 February 2024. The event to launch the platform, which will mark a new era of empowerment and opportunity for partners across the digital space, was held at the Lotus Tower, Colombo. The Partner Central selling platform represents a culmination of meticulous
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EFL 3PL expands operations in India with launch of flagship distribution centre
Mar 7 (FT) EFL 3PL, a subsidiary of EFL Global yesterday announced the launch of its flagship Grade A warehousing facility in the vibrant Bhiwandi region of Mumbai. This strategic expansion, with an investment of $ 5 million, marks a significant milestone in EFL 3PL’s commitment to enhancing its presence in India and solidifying its position as a leader in end-to-end logistics solutions and supply chain management. With over 25 years of experience in the Indian market,
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Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in second T20I to level series
Mar 7 (CI) Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto's half-century helped Bangladesh level the series against SL as the hosts completed a comfortable win in the second T20I in Sylhet. The visitors faltered in the middle overs with the bat before Bangladesh's top four got all the runs. The game was not without controversy though. Soumya Sarkar's not-out decision during the chase left SL fuming, after the third umpire ruled that
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Insightful explorations of the relevance of Non-alignment
Mar 7 (Island) One of the most positive developments in current public discourse in Sri Lanka in relation to international politics is its focus on the need to re-define and critically re-assess the relevance of Non-alignment in contemporary times. This tendency should not come as a surprise in consideration of the fact that some sections of local opinion have dismissed the concept of Non-alignment as lacking in any substantive meaning at present.
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Sri Lankan vanilla: A hidden gem emerging on global stage
Mar 7 (FT) For centuries, Sri Lanka has been known for its exquisite Ceylon tea. However, a new contender is transforming the island’s agricultural landscape: vanilla. The delicate orchid pod that graces kitchens and desserts worldwide, is emerging as a promising alternative crop, founding a surprisingly fertile home in Sri Lanka's tropical climate. While the initial introduction of the plant in the 19th century by the British with the hope to replicate the success of Madagascar
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Nalinda Jayathissa
Editorial: Fish or cut bait!
Mar 7 (Island) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) pay hike controversy continues to make headlines. Parliament has taken up the issue. On Tuesday, some members of both sides of the House inveighed against CBSL for having granted its workers huge pay hikes, but they were only unloading fire and brimstone in emotional deliveries, as it were, instead of analysing the issue properly and suggesting a solution. There are several aspects to CBSL’s triennial pay revision; they are technical,
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A fight for survival fuelled by inferior thinking
Mar 7 (DM) At the next Presidential Election, the National People’s Power and even current President Ranil Wickremesinghe are key factors that will decide whether Sri Lanka will recover from its economic disaster or plunge into a darker abyss. Sri Lankans as a whole haven’t read enough about politics or believe too much about its abilities that it’s the cure for all ills; otherwise, Sri Lankans would not have been cheated by their lawmakers for 76 long years!
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CBSL in the hot seat
Mar 7 (TM) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) is once again on the receiving end of discontent from the public – this time not for its role in leading the country to its worst recorded economic crisis, but for the massive salary increment it recently gave its officials while others are suffering with no salary increment, probably since April 2022. The report came out last week that the CBSL Governing Board had decided to increase
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Mortgaging struggling assets
Mar 7 (ST) Aldoris, the choon- paan karaya, came down the lane this time playing a mournful tune on his speaker as if reflecting the disturbing crisis facing his countrymen. The trio was gathered at the gate and just as he reached them, he said bakery sales have dropped by 50% owing to the high prices of the products. Janathavata den ganan walata kaema ganna bae (People can’t afford to buy at current prices),” he said preparing to distribute three maalu paan to the trio.
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Insensitivity makes for poor governance
Mar 7 (TM) One of the iconic sights and experiences of the Galle Face Green which both locals and foreigners have come to love, is the variety of street food that is available when you stroll down one of the most well known public spaces of Colombo. For decades, Galle Face Green promenade has withstood the test of time, weathered conflict, terrorism, tsunami, reclamation of land from the sea, political upheaval and have helped many a Sri Lankan to have an affordable evening out,
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Militarisation: Something old; something new
Mar 7 (FT) In 2023, bankrupt SL added $ 16.6 billion to its central govt debt, an increase of 21%. SL ranks a high 43 in Global Militarisation Index and a low 83 in Social Progress Index. When it comes to militarisation, SL outranks most developed countries. We also outrank our neighbours, including India (77); only Pakistan, at 44, is slightly ahead of us. Soon after the WWI, then French PM Georges Clemenceau
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Reforming justice to alleviate prison congestion
Mar 7 (CT) The recent case of Wasantha, an individual imprisoned for three months due to his inability to pay a Rs 5,000 fine highlights a glaring injustice in our legal system. His offence was trespassing and damaging property in the process of breaking 20 coconuts, may have warranted accountability but the punitive measure of incarceration for financial inability is a disproportionate response. In a society where the gap between the haves and have-nots is
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Women belong in all places where major decisions are being made
Mar 7 (DM) Traditionally, in democracy, there are four major Pillars; Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and the Free Media. However, the common people are sovereign, and they exercise that power mainly at elections. In SL today there is confusion and controversy on whether, when and what elections will be held with the Prez and the ruling SLPP expressing one view while the opposition parties including the SJB alleging that subtle moves are on going to put off the next Prez Elections
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මුලින් එන්නේ පාර්ලිමේන්තු මැතිවරණයක්
Underworld figure Manna Ramesh arrested in Dubai
Mar 6 (AD) Sri Lankan security forces have been informed that notorious underworld figure Ramesh Priyajanaka, also known as Manna Ramesh, has been arrested in Dubai. Accordingly, a group of police officers are reportedly slated to travel to Dubai to escort the wanted criminal back to SL, upon a request made to the Dubai Police that he be handed over to SL authorities. Manna Ramesh is reportedly wanted for numerous crimes including multiple murders in the Avissawella area.
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UK’s misinformation on Sri Lanka raises concerns
Mar 6 (DM) British Conservative peer Lord Michael Naseby on Tuesday called on the British govt to assist Sri Lanka by way of updating Britain's Travel Advisory on Sri Lanka to provide more accurate information, in order to better assist the country. “It is the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) comments on that country (SL) that currently cause me concern because they refer to the fact that protests are going on when they are not.
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Saman Ratnayake gives four hours confidential statement to magistrate
Mar 6 (DM) Additional Secretary of Health Dr. Saman Ratnayake, who was arrested in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, today provided a confidential statement (in-camera) before Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema. The prison officials brought the suspect before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court early this morning. He provided a statement in chambers for a 4-hour-period and was subsequently brought back to the Mahara Prison.
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AG seeks to lift interim order on divestment of SLT, Lanka Hospitals
Mar 6 (AD) Attorney General has requested the Appeals Court to lift the interim order imposed pertaining to the divestment of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and Lanka Hospitals. Last week, the Appeals Court delivered an interim order temporarily halting all future measures regarding the divestment of SLT and Lanka Hospitals until March 12. The relevant order was issued upon consideration of a writ petition filed by Lycamobile SARL and Pettigo Comércio Internacional on behalf of SLT
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Ambassadors of six countries meet Anura Kumara
Mar 6 (DM) Ambassadors of six countries met leader of the NPP Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the head office of the JVP this afternoon. Ambassador of the State of Palestine Dr. Zuhair M.H. Dar Zaid, Ambassador of the Rof Turkey Ms. R. Demet Sekercioglu, High Commissioner of Bangladesh Tareq M.D. Ariful Islam, Ms. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia, Heru Prayitno, Head of Chancery of the Embassy, Badli Hisham Bin Adam Malaysian High Commissioner and Ms. Fathimath Ghina,
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