Nov 27 (Island) Former Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has alleged that the country is in chaos due to the govt�s failure in every sector. He issued the following statement headlined The Anatomy of Yahapalanaya. "One of the most senior Ministers of the Govt in a public speech in his home constituency has declared that Yahapalanaya is in tatters and that even the debris cannot be found. It is quite obvious that this is the reality on the ground. more..

Nov 27 (CG) A Sri Lankan Airlines flight (UL131) from Colombo to Tiruchi suffered a bird hit while landing at the Tiruchi Airport last morning. The aircraft was grounded at the airport for more than seven hours. According to sources, the bird hit was reported in the left engine of the aircraft while landing. The aircraft had a safe landing. The return flight (UL132), which was scheduled to leave at 9.40 a.m yesterday, was delayed. A team of engineers of the airlines arrived in Tiruchi by more..

Nov 27 (CT) A number of international companies have shown interest in tapping oil and gas resources in Sri Lanka, Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Gas, Chandima Weerakkody said. He added that Total Group, one of world's largest integrated oil and gas companies based in France, has agreed to conduct a study on Sri Lanka's oil and gas resources. He also said his ministry is currently engaged in discussions with the Finance Ministry on formulating a new pricing mechanism. more..

Nov 27 (DM) A no-confidence motion signed by 44 Opposition MPs against Minister Ravi Karunanayake was handed over to Speaker Karu Jayasuriya today. Minister is alleged to have distorted statistics by adding asset values to govt expenditure giving the impression that the govt had allocated a huge amount of funds to the education sector. Motion said minister's action had resulted in Parliament losing confidence in minister. more..

Nov 27 (EN) Sri Lanka is on a slippery slope of undermining markets with ill-thought of experiments on price controls, economists have warned, while private sector workers struggle to sell better quality goods as the currency collapses amid money printing, driving prices up. Trade Ministry slammed a series of price controls on basic goods Thursday, including the some foods which have been artificially pushed up by the current regime with import taxes slammed by a midnight gazette. more..

Nov 27 (TOI) BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday warned the NDA govt against reviving the UPA's Rs 25,000 crore Sethusamudram channel project, which was meant to make Palk Strait navigable for bigger ships to save them from circling Sri Lanka while travelling from India's one coast to the other. A bench of Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice Arun Misra appeared more than happy to adjourn hearing in the controversial case when additional solicitor general Pinky Anand said more..

Nov 27 (PSL) President Sirisena said he is fully satisfied with the accomplishment of goals set at the last CHOGM in Colombo during the period of last two years when SL was the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth. Addressing the CHOGM in Malta today, he said that progress made in areas such as poverty eradication, promotion of trade, sustainable development, involvement of youth in development activities, more..

Nov 27 (EN) Sri Lanka's budget numbers for 2016 have been questioned by a governance activist with emerging information showing that revenues and spending may be overstated by at least one percent of gross domestic product with imputed rents. Chandra Jayaratne, a former chief of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce who has pushed for better governance during the Rajapaksa administration has asked whether the budget for 2016 is in "line with Transparent Disclosure and Committed to more..

Nov 27 (AD) In a surprising twist, the father of slain businessman Mohamed Siyam says that his son was not murdered by former DIG of Police Vass Gunawardena, who was sentenced to death after being found guilty over the killing. Former DIG, his son Ravindra Gunawardena and four other police officers were sentenced to death by the by Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar, after being found guilty for the abduction and murder of Siyam. Siyam, a father of three involved in the footwear business, more..

Nov 27 (Independent) Britain will give Sri Lanka �6.6m over three years to help the battle-scarred country continue its recovery from a long civil war. The money will be backed up by a non-resident defence attache and access to British armed forces training to help with military reform. The aid will also help people displaced from their towns and villages during the bloodshed to return home. more..

Nov 27 (CG) Commonwealth and the Govt of Malta, together with the Govts of Mauritius, Sri Lanka and India announced a new trade financing fund to help boost trade and investment flows, particularly for small and developing countries. The voluntary fund hopes to attract start-up capital of $20 million. It will provide member countries facing trade challenges with the finance they need to increase their trade capacity. It is estimated for every dollar invested, invested, the fund will generate $20. more..

Nov 27 (ENS) Great Heroes' Day (Maaveerar Naal), which commemorates dead Tamil Tiger cadres, passed off peacefully in the Tamil speaking parts of Sri Lanka's Northern and Eastern Provinces on Friday. Even the funeral of 18 year old Rajeswaran Senthooran, who apparantly committed suicide demanding an independent Eelam and the rehabilitation and release of detained Tamil Tiger suspects, passed off without any untoward incident. The funeral was not a huge public affair more..

Nov 27 (AD) Six suspects including former DIG Vass Gunawardena and his son Ravindu have been sentenced to death after being found guilty for the abduction and murder of businessman Mohamed Siyam by the Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar. Verdict of the high-profile case was delivered today by the Trial-at-Bar comprising Colombo High Court Judge Lalith Jayasuriya (President), Judges Kusala Weerawardena more..

Nov 28 (Island) In some countries of the Middle East, punishment for adultery by stoning has been so institutionalized that it is part of their law. Some women of Sri Lanka and other Asian countries go to these Middle East countries to work as housemaids and domestic workers. While some of them are subjected to unending work and certain forms of abuse, they all have to be very careful because it is not only adultery that is punished by death; even a mistake made due to ignorance, more..

Nov 28 (Island) We raised our glasses last Saturday on learning from the President of Sri Lanka himself that we drinkers are among those who had the power to bring down the govt. This call for cheers comes from the Budget call for huge rise in the price of all liquor because it shows how much we drinkers contribute to the national economy. Isn�t that a good cause to say cheers? Though Finance Minister, thought those who drink beer with less than 5% alcohol deserved some relief, more..

Nov 28 (DM) Sri Lanka was once proud of its high-performing tea, rubber and coconut sectors, but lack of emphasis and proper direction over the years have resulted in these areas to witness dampened progress. Having inherited a space that requires rigorous work and bold decisions to ensure its revival, Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake is in the midst of conceptualizing strategies to put things right. more..

Nov 28 (CT) The recent elections in Myanmar marked a significant milestone in the world political landscape with the return of a fully-fledged democracy to a country that had been governed by successive military regimes for over five decades. National League for Democracy (NLD) led by the most globally popular democratic icon Aung San Suu Kyi had a landslide victory against her political rival, though she cannot assume the highest position of presidency due to a constitutional barrier. more..

Nov 28 (SL) The bright white sandy beach in Sri Lankan�s northeastern town of Trincomalee is as beautiful as any urban seafront anywhere. It was midday in October, with the sun too high and hot for tourists and local residents alike. A young Sri Lankan raised in New Zealand told me she had bravedthe undertow for a swim, unaware nor having any reason to be aware of the cold-blooded murders there nearly 10 years ago. On the evening of January two, 2006, while many people more..

Nov 28 (CT) A verdict of death has once again been delivered in the great Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and this time it was rather a question of morality than that of murder. The unnamed Sri Lankan woman has been found guilty of fornication and has therefore been sentenced to be stoned to death. Such is the infamous Shari'a law applied in Saudi Arabia. Once again the victim of the archaic and rather ruthless laws of Saudi more..

Nov 28 (GV) In the wake of the Budget being presented in Parliament, Groundviews spoke to several people, including economists, trade union representatives and govt officials, on their thoughts� from positives to reservations. Senior Economist � Hayley�s Group Deshal de Mel said that the 2016 budget introduced some very progressive measures which went some way towards the structural reforms necessary to drive the Sri Lankan economy forward. �The proposed investment in more..

Nov 28 (Island) Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake is a man with a mission in a hurry. He has taken upon himself the Herculean task of ridding the country of corruption. In local action flicks he achieves unthinkable, heroic feats, but whether he is equal to the task of accomplishing his politico-social mission in the real world is doubtful. Nevertheless, his resolute efforts are to be appreciated. We need more politicians like him to blow the whistle over the loudspeaker, so to speak. more..

Nov 28 (FT) �I don�t see any difference between the JVP and LTTE � both were armed militants. Both organisations wanted to liberate their people,� stresses Leader of EPRLF and member of TNA Suresh Premechandran. �If a general amnesty was granted to the JVP, why can�t the Govt do the same with Tamil detainees? After all both groups were involved in an armed intrusion,� Premechandran pointed out. more..

Nov 28 (CT) Two political parties had decided to do the Tango: three persons proposed an idea, and others, accepted it as a good idea. They are now doing a political Tango. Ideas are relevant for compromise; vision, remains a guidance to force an exit of what was defunct and hopeless over the years. It is the demand for compromise and laying standards has now come to be the norm. Reconciliation is a part and parcel of that. At this stage: Development and a compromise, more..

Nov 28 (SL) Although a company which has been charged of dumping effluents into the Kelani River � Micro Packaging, rejects the allegation stating in defense that the waste is handed over to Holcim Lanka; a official for Holcim Lanka rejected that it receives any effluent from Micro Packaging. Head of Marketing Development and Marketing Expansion of Holcim Pvt. Ltd., Najila speaking said said that no waste sludge from Micro Packaging is received by them. more..

Nov 28 (CI) I used to get a lot of exercise as a child. We'd always be running here and there and going to beaches far away and riding bicycles up hills with three people clinging on. I was pretty fit from a young age. Some batsmen love the ball coming on, but can't play the slower ones. Others can hit the balls that stop on the pitch, but struggle with the ones that skid on. Working out the opposition batsman & tailoring your strategy more..

Nov 28 (Island) Non-recognition of Taiwan travel passports by Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department hinders development of trade between Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Consequently, Sri Lanka is deprived of huge investment opportunities, a top Taiwan Business Chamber official said. "Non-existence of a Taiwan visa office or embassy in Sri Lanka prevents both countries from developing trade and investment between them. Sri Lanka, which is in a position to attract foreign direct investments more..

Nov 28 (AD) Leasing for motor vehicles allowed up to 70% of total value of vehicle with effect from Dec 1, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka said. The Central Bank on Sept 14 directed banks, finance and leasing companies to follow new leasing rates which have been set at a maximum 70% per vehicle. However, the maximum Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for vehicle leasing was increased to 90% from Oct 29. Previously potential vehicle owners could lease vehicles at 100% of the value of the vehicle, more..

Nov 28 (ST) Have you ever had the time and inclination to savour the subtle wit of the cartoon strip � the Wizard of Id? Needless to say, my favourite character is Sir Rodney the Chicken-Hearted. Generally, as a matter of fact, he is just called Rodney. He is the king�s chief knight and head of the hapless royal army. He is supposed to be a tall, lanky man of dopey intelligence. He wears a bulletproof vest and carries a spear. more..

Nov 28 (CT) Head Coach of the Junior National Rugby team veteran Sanath Martis submitted his resignation to Susantha Mendis, Secretary of SL Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) after a disagreement at a meeting held with Director General of Sports KD Ruwanchandra yesterday. The general secretary of SLSRFA confirmed that he had received the resignation but opted not to accept it. Martis was fed up with director general Ruwanchandra's decision regarding more..

Nov 28 (DN) Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the 2016 budget has paved the way for Sri Lanka to be among the best and lowest taxpaying regimes in the world. Addressing a houseful audience of over 900 including professionals, students and members of public at the Annual Budget Seminar organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka), Minister who was part of a panel discussion also elaborated that the taxation system that was in place was non-motivational more..

Nov 28 (LBO) Sri Lanka�s plans to set up an international financial district bodes well for financial sector development and should be set up with the right talent in place, experts said. �We have talked about this for many years, but this is a budget where we have heard for the first time a policy to create a Dubai Financial Centre type financial hub,� Ravi Abeysuriya, CEO of the Candor group of companies, said approving of the policy. more..

Nov 28 (DM) Veteran character actress Damitha Saluwadana who had served as an actress for more than 45 years, passed away this evening. She entered the film and scene in the sixties, showcasing multiple talents. Her role as Asilin in Kopi Kade was one of her most popular characters. She had acted in more than 300 stage plays, 200 tele dramas and 25 films. Her remains will lie at the Boralesgamuwa Florists in Boralesgamuwa tomorrow. more..

Nov 28 (DN) The first-ever India Sourcing Fair will be held from Dec 8 to 12 at the SLECC in Colombo. The event is organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) - Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Commerce, Govt of India and supported by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka. "This is a timely step by ITPO which is the premier trade promotion agency of the Govt of India for organising Trade Fairs. It has put together a large all Indian participation. more..

Nov 28 (G&M) In two cases involving ships carrying Tamil refugees to Canada�s shores, the Supreme Court has ruled that federal immigration laws denying entry to human smugglers are unconstitutional. Those laws could be used to bar from Canada or prosecute anyone who performs a humanitarian act, including passengers helping one another or family members giving aid to their relatives, court said in unanimous rulings more..

Nov 28 (DN) TNA MP S. Sritharan said the govt should allocate money for the development of education in the North. He stated that it is not clearly mentioned the amount of money that was allocated for the development of education in the North. "The money allocated for the health sector in the North is also not clearly disclosed," Sritharan said. TNA MP Sritharan stated that the LTTE Heroes Day is historic for them, adding that those people should be remembered. more..

Nov 28 (NS) Govt Medical Officers� Association (GMOA) has threatened to launch an island-wide strike next week if the govt failed to respond positively to two key issues discussed at its Central Committee meeting today. Issuing a media release, GMOA stated that an urgent Central Committee meeting was held at its trade union head office today with the participation of 85 GMOA branches located island-wide. Two key matters were taken up for discussion at this meeting, more..

Nov 28 (DM) President Maithripala Sirisena is to be nominated for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Minister John Amaratunga who was speaking during the second reading debate in the House said many countries were currently discussing the nomination of President Sirisena for the Nobel Peace Prize for his initiative to form a joint govt made up of two main political parties in the country. more..

Nov 28 (FT) On 27 Nov at 10 a.m. Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, in partnership with the French Agency for Development (AFD) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs � Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka, inaugurated the photo exhibition 60 Solutions Against Climate Change under the patronage of Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil. This exhibition composed of 21 photos by the world-renowned Yann Arthus-Bertrand (GoodPlanet Foundation) will be more..

Nov 28 (DN) All schools in the Northern Provincial Council were closed on the directive of Provincial education authorities. However, several Sinhala medium schools remained open last morning, as such schools had not not been informed by the provincial authorities. Provincial Education Ministry informed the school principals to keep their schools closed yesterday as the death of a school student in Jaffna may trigger tension in the province, This student committed suicide in Kokuvil, more..

Nov 28 (DM) Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said the education ministry would soon take some important decisions on the Grade-five scholarship exam and GCE O/L exam and that a new Education Act would be introduced in January. He said the ministry was discussing whether to continue with the two exams on the basis that these exams had placed a heavy burden on the students and the parents. more..