Nov 2 (DN) Theldeniya Police found a Mitsubishi jeep worth around Rs.40 mn with fake number plates allegedly used by former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte in a house at the Digana ICC housing complex on Thursday. During an investigation carried out regarding the number plate of this vehicle found in the garage of an uninhabited house, it has been revealed that it belongs to a red Prado type jeep belonging to a woman in the Pilawala area, Kandy. Police investigations have revealed more..

Nov 2 (Island) The primary reason for train derailments is inadequate maintenance of railway engines, tracks, and compartments, the Railway Department has said. Railways Deputy General Manager, N.J. Indipolage, attributed the Dept’s inability to maintain engines, tracks, and compartments to a shortage of staff and spare parts. “The rolling stock and tracks cannot be properly maintained due to a severe shortage of personnel, particularly technicians and supervisors,” more..

Nov 2 (FT) The SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) yesterday announced an exciting initiative aimed at promoting Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination through a series of influencer-led creative press trips from 28 Oct to 8 Nov. This event will feature 30 renowned international travel bloggers and social media influencers from ten countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, India, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Hong Kong. more..

Nov 2 (FT) The inaugural charter flight of Enter Air arrived at BIA on Wednesday connecting Poland and SL. The move signifies the beginning of a series of charter flights scheduled to operate between Warsaw and Colombo till the end of March 2025. The flight was welcomed with a water salute upon touchdown and the passengers were greeted with a vibrant display of traditional dancers organised by Sri Lanka Tourism. Enter Air, recognised by its ICAO code ENT, is Poland’s premier charter airline more..

Nov 2 (EN) Tourist arrivals to SL has remained higher in the last eight days of October compared to last year, despite the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and six other foreign missions issued travel advisories over a potential attack on a tourism hot spot in the island nation’s Eastern coast of Arugam Bay. Foreign visitors to the country recorded a 35% gain in the last eight days of October this year to 37,287, compared to 27,649 in same period more..

Nov 2 (DM) Sweden has expressed a strong interest in expanding business collaborations with SL, specifically to increase Sri Lanka’s contributions to its fast-growing food industry, the EDB said. A Swedish delegation, led by Swedish Ambassador to India and SL Jan Thesleff, recently met with the EDB to explore the potential business collaborations and opportunities between the two countries. The delegation included Consul General of Sweden in Colombo Sanjay Kulatunga and more..

Nov 2 (FT) Swiss airline, Edelweiss Air resumed scheduled seasonal flight operations to Sri Lanka yesterday carrying 221 passengers on the inaugural flight that arrived at 9.25 a.m. at BIA, to cater to winter tourism. The inaugural flight was ceremonially welcomed with a water salute by Airport and Aviation Services (SL) Ltd. The airline offers a premium on board experience across all classes, with a total capacity of 314 seats (27 business, 76 premium economy, and 211 economy). more..

Nov 2 (FT) In a move set to strengthen relations and enhance tourism between the two countries, Russia’s Red Wings Airlines has officially launched direct flights between Samara and Mattala. This new route between Samara’s Kurumoch Airport & Mattala Rajapaksa Int'l Airport (MRIA) is expected to significantly increase tourist traffic to SL, particularly from Russia’s federal constituent entities. The service will run throughout the winter season, until April next year, offering six flights more..

Nov 2 (ST) Colombo Magistrate Court has imposed an overseas travel ban on a company owner who allegedly defaulted on payment of Rs 9.8 million to the EPF accounts of employees who worked on several projects including the BIA project funded by JAICA. The owner of N T Perera of Ceylon Pvt Ltd was subjected to the overseas travel ban by Colombo Additional Magistrate. Magistrate also ordered that summons be issued on the suspect for him to appear before court on Dec 19. more..

Nov 2 (IE) If you look at satellite imagery, you will notice a faint hint of a connecting strip between India and SL. This is Adam's Bridge, also known as Ram's Bridge or Ram Setu (राम सेतु), a vast chain of natural limestone shoals that spans an impressive 30 miles (48 km) over the Indian Ocean. This ancient land bridge is celebrated for its geological, historical, and mythological significance, and it fascinates scientists & scholars alike. more..

Nov 2 (ST) People with serious skin burns can now have their skin replaced with the skin (tissue) of a deceased or close relative, according to National Hospital Consultant Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gayan Ekanayake. A severe burn is a trauma associated with long-lasting consequences. Many accidents related to burns are reported to the National Hospital as many women in SL tend to self-immolate due to family problems and many also sustain severe burns following gas cylinder explosions. more..

Nov 2 (ST) Locomotive engine drivers say that some locomotives and power sets provided under the Indian credit line are of poor quality. Locomotive Operating Engineers Union chairman Chandana Wiyanduwa said that some locomotives provided under the Indian credit line are too heavy or too lengthy for local conditions. He said that Indian power sets, S Ceylon, have many issues related to the braking systems. Corrosion, engine repairs & replacement of parts are also issues. more..

Nov 2 (FT) Ambassador Qi Zhenhong pledged that China will fully consider the development needs of the new Govt in SL. “In the new year, the Chinese Govt will fully consider the development needs of the new SL Govt, improve the pertinence and effectiveness of training programs,” Ambassador Qi said at the 2024 China Aid Training Alumni Reception held in Colombo. The event, the first China Aid Training Alumni Reception, more..

Nov 2 (ST) The election mood is yet to improve in the North as most candidates are campaigning online, particularly on social media. Several candidates across party lines are using Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp and websites. For first-time candidates like Varatharajah Partheepan, canvassing with limited financial resources is challenging since he is depending on his relatives and friends to assist. He is contesting under the ticket of Tamil Makkal Kootani (TMK) more..

Nov 2 (DN) Sri Lanka, led by Lahiru Madushanka, recorded back-to-back wins against Oman and Bangladesh to enter the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament played at Mission Road Grounds in Hong Kong yesterday. It was a superb, fighting effort from the SL bowlers to secure an 18-run win over Bangladesh in their second game. Paceman Dhananjaya Lakshan started with a very successful first over, dismissing Bangladesh skipper Yasir Ali, who was bowled after more..

Nov 2 (ST) A man claiming to be a government supporter has allegedly grabbed a playground in the Parasangaswewa village in Anuradhapura’s Nuwaragam divisional secretariat area and turned it into a paddy field, denying the people a place for recreation, villagers complain. Area residents told the Sunday Times the person had fenced off the playground where they played cricket and volleyball for the past six years and started ploughing it, disregarding their complaints to authorities. more..

Nov 2 (FT) The Consulate General of SL in Mumbai, together with the Industrial Development Board and the Export Development Board of SL organised the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the fifth edition of the World Trade Expo (WTE 2024). WTE 2024 was organised by the World Trade Center Mumbai in collaboration with All India Association of Industries (AIAI) from 17 to 18 Oct with a focus on trade, technology, tourism & education. Over 30 countries, prominent state govts, institutions and trade bodies more..

Nov 2 (ST) Dept of Census and Statistics (DCS) is set to conclude the enumerating phase of the Census of Population and Housing (CPH) 2024 on Dec 19, which has been designated as the official Census Date. Census Day will specifically focus on recording data regarding the dispossessed, who will be monitored six hours prior to the census moment and included in the relevant area. The third phase of the four-phase census commenced on Oct 17 more..

Nov 2 (Island) Yes, there is a ring of hope in Cass’ title this week. Optimism was obvious in her Cry-s ever since AKD and Harini rose to Head of State and Head of Govt positions, ably assisted by trusted Vijitha Herath. Their miniscule Cabinet is in utter contrast to the unwieldy hordes that formed previous govt cabinets. The second step in the title is the general election to be held shortly and in true Sri Lankan style of dinana paththata hoiya, the NPP is likely to win. more..

Nov 2 (Island) The latest fuel price revision has landed the JVP/NPP govt in an unenviable position, with only 12 days to go before the next general election, where the ruling alliance’s stakes are extremely high. Unless the NPP succeeds in obtaining a working majority in Parliament, newly-elected Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake will run the risk of being reduced to a mere figurehead, to all intents and purposes. Only the prices of 95 Octane petrol and Super Diesel have been reduced more..

Nov 2 (ST) Three economists from the US, namely Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson were awarded this year’s Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences. They received the award for their extensive work on how institutions are formed and affect prosperity of a country. After reading the news, I thought of shedding some light on the subject area of institutions which is not a familiar term for us here in Sri Lanka. We all know “institutions” in our general usage. more..

Nov 2 (ST) Merrily playing his signature music, Aldoris, the choon- paan karaya, came down the lane in his tuk-tuk, warming the neighbourhood as they woke up on this Thursday morning. The trio had gathered at the gate expecting his arrival, and as he drove in, asked for maalu-paans. Doling out the hot-hot buns, Aldoris was asked whether he had a profitable week with his business. “Ow, prashnayak nae. Mudal tikak hoya ganna puluwan wuna (It was okay, I made some money),” he said. more..

Nov 2 (SO) Sri Lankans never miss a day without a saga of ambitious politicians trying to gain power and attention through dubious means. Often, these politicians exploit sensitive crimes that have left people grieving for justice for years, twisting narratives and conspiracy theories to create divisions among the public. This is especially prevalent in this part of the world, where racism and religious extremism are used to establish more..

Nov 2 (CT) The US Presidential elections that are on 5th November are full of false propaganda. Former President Donald Trump’s MAGA (Make America Great Again) is hinting at violence if he should lose. Many are scared to go out and vote. Ballot boxes have been burnt. The police seem to take no action. I advised my daughter in this milieu, to file a complaint with the FBI that she feels her life is threatened so as to take away the FBI its excuse for inaction. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Even though the SLPP faced a major defeat during the last Prez Elections, many of its members have entered the fray to contest for a seat at the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for November 14. As a former member of the Colombo Municipal Council and a founding member of the SLPP and its Youth Wing, Milinda Rajapaksha, contesting from the SLPP ticket is determined to make a change in the political system if he is elected. In a candid interview more..

Nov 2 (DM) Prez election of Nov 2019 and the Parliamentary elections of Aug 2020 proved to be huge disappointments to the JVP and its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD). As is well known, the JVP had in a strategic move, contested both polls as part of a new political front under a fresh symbol, the compass (Malimawa/Thisaikaatti). JVP formed a broad political front named NPP called Jathika Jana Balawegaya in Sinhala and more..

Nov 2 (DM) The attempt by the leader of the PHU Udaya Gammanpila to score brownie points from the voters by embarrassing the govt using the two committees appointed by former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on the terrorist attacks launched on the Easter Sunday in 2019 seems to have become a damp squib. Firstly, he was not supported even by the leaders of the Sarwajana Balaya under which he is contesting the Nov 14 Parliamentary election. Also, his effort was rejected outright by more..

Nov 2 (DM) It has been less than six weeks since the people brought new leaders to the political scene of this country. The fact that a once outlawed political entity has won the prez hustings seems to have set the cat among the mice. The upcoming parliamentary elections in November have roused a political hornets’ nest. Many politicians have begun believing they stand no chance at the next elections. Gone are old faces like those from the Rajapaksa family. Even Namal -son of ever popular more..

Nov 1 (DM) Colombo High Court today recalled the arrest warrant issued against former Minister Johnston Fernando after he appeared before court. On Oct 23, the Colombo High Court issued a warrant for Fernando’s arrest for failing to appear before court in connection with a corruption case filed by the Bribery Commission. The defense counsel informed the court that their client was unable to attend the previous hearing as he was providing a statement to CID in compliance more..

Nov 1 (AD) The total quantity of heroin taken into custody by the STF in Kiriwewa, Sevanagala yesterday is approximately 53.65 kilograms, valued at over Rs. 2 billion. The haul of drugs was found buried in plastic containers. A husband and wife were arrested in connection with the discovery and have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for further investigation, according to the STF. The discovery was made after a team of STF officers conducted a raid at Nuge more..

Nov 1 (TM) Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) stated that due to the ongoing delay in implementing the electricity tariff revision originally scheduled for last September, the public will miss out on the relief that they should receive during the peak hydropower generation period. The ECA held a protest in Divulapitiya yesterday against the delay in implementing the electricity tariff revision scheduled for September. more..