Apr 19 (NR) Police say 13 suspects have been arrested thus far in connection to 2 incidents, in which foreign tourists were assaulted in Weligama. Nine of the suspects have been arrested over assaulting a group of Dutch tourists and sexually abusing a foreign youth in Mirissa, on the 8th of April. The suspects are scheduled to be produced in an identification parade today, by order of the Matara Magistrates Court. The remaining four suspects were arrested over an assault on more..

Apr 19 (AD) The public and bank holiday which had been assigned to May 1, 2018 has been cancelled while May 7 (Monday) has been declared a public and bank holiday instead. Govt Information Department, said that the public and bank holiday which was designated for May 1 (Tuesday) to mark International Workers� Day was cancelled in view of the National Vesak Week from April 26 to May 2. more..

Apr 19 (DM) Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam yesterday (18) took steps to provide a new national school to the student from Ganemulla who was harassed due to an illness that she had allegedly contracted. The Minister took this measure after the student was handed over to him by State Minister of Social Services and Empowerment Ranjan Ramanayake. Minister Kariyawasam expressed his regret and said that he would ensure that the student received a sound education. more..

Apr 19 (Island) UNP Assistant Leader Ravi Karunanayake, MP, said that no one could challenge the govt as President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe worked with a clear understanding. Karunanayke praised what he called untiring efforts of SLFP General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake, UPFA General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera and Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe to protect the yahapalana administration. Senior UNPer, who had previously held finance and foreign affairs more..

Apr 19 (CT) Former Nation Journalist Keith Noyahr, who was abducted and assaulted in 2008, was released after senior executives of the newspaper contacted former President Rajapaksa and then Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Senior State Counsel Lakmini Girihagama informed the Mount Lavinia Magistrate�s Court yesterday. This transpired when the Magistrate heard arguments with regard to more..

Apr 19 (CT) The JVP yesterday vehemently condemned the invasive and brutal attack on Syria by the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK) and French forces on the basis of alleged chemical weapon attacks. Issuing a statement, the Party also called on all progressive people around the world to come forward to defeat imperialists� attempts of conquering and occupying countries and setting up puppet regimes on the pretext of preventing human annihilations. more..

Apr 19 (NR) Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic has appointed a special committee to provide prompt compensation to owners of vehicles which were damaged in the collapse of the Meethotamulla garbage mound. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitya said around 40 vehicles were damaged due to the collapse of the garbage mound last year. He said some vehicles were damaged to such an extent that owners were unable to provide the vehicles official documents. more..

Apr 19 (BN) In 2004 businessman Malik Fernando bought Castlereagh, a decrepit bungalow in the terraced, emerald hills of SL�s sprawling tea country. The structure had no roof. It was in absolute shambles, he recalls. There were cattle roaming through the whole house. But it had one irresistible asset: It was what was available, he says, shrugging and welcoming me to the neat, gingerbread-style mansion on a clear, 80F winter day. more..

Apr 19 (CT) Ceylon Motorcyclists Association (CMA) alleged that Police action was a contributory factor to the increase in number of road accidents. President of CMA, Chirantha Amarasinghe said that whatever fads people had on their vehicles in terms of sporting stickers and lights on their vehicles, all of that inadvertently contributed to road safety, and the minimizing of the probability of accidents. But unfortunately the Traffic Police fine us colossal sums of money and more..

Apr 19 (DM) A week after the assault on Dutch tourists in Mirissa, four suspects were arrested yesterday by the Weligama police over another assault on a group of Israeli tourists in Midigama last Sunday, Police said. They said a group of five Israel tourists was assaulted on the Midigama beach on April 15 and one suspect was arrested on April 17 and remanded till April 26. Three other suspects (17, 18 and 23)-residents of Midigama, Ahangama and Mirissa were arrested last night. more..

Apr 19 (PMD) Lord Baron Naseby, a member of the British House of Lords, met with President Sirisena in London, yesterday. Lord Baron Naseby appreciating the development programme conducted by Sri Lanka ensured to provide fullest assistance as a true ally of Sri Lanka. Thus the Baron, who appreciated the programme of reconciliation said that the duty done by SL in the post war era is in quite a good standard more..

Apr 19 (DN) Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Sydney celebrated Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 15 at the city's Royal Botanical Gardens with the participation of a section of SL university students in Australia, including those who are under the Australian Awards scholarship programme. SL flag was hoisted in the historic Royal Botanical Gardens overlooking the Opera House and the Habour Bridge - iconic landmarks of Sydney. Consul General Lal Wickrematunge welcomed more..

Apr 19 (NR) UPFA MP Keheliya Rambukwella says the prevailing political instability is advantageous to the Joint Opposition. MP said more MP�s are expected to cross over to the opposition. The MP stated that today 16 SLFP members crossed over and another 10 are to cross over as well. He noted the No-Confidence Motion which influenced the political instability is a huge advantage to JO, hence, No-Confidence Motion was a success and JO sees it as an initiative that has produced results. more..

Apr 19 (MNA) Ali Larijani, the Iranian Parliament Speaker, told the media, on Wednesday upon arriving in Sri Lanka, that Iran and Sri Lanka should increase their trade interactions and develop political and trade ties. �Iran has always have had good relations with Sri Lank in areas of trade and politics, although with tides and ebbs but it has always been in place,� said the Speaker of Iranian Parliament Ali Larijani on Wednesday more..

Apr 19 (EN) Sri Lanka's 24-carat gold price had risen to 62,000 rupees for an 8.00 gram sovereign after a 15% tax hike by the govt, jewellers in Colombo said. Before the New Year, gold was trading around 53,000 to 54,000 rupees for 8.00 grams. Jewellery grade 22 carat gold was quoted around 59,000 - 60,000 rupees a sovereign, up from around 50,000-51.000 rupees before the tax hike. The tax on gold is expected to increase smuggling into the country, while legal imports fall. more..

Apr 19 (DM) Parliament was prorogued according to tradition with the proper procedures being followed, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said. He was addressing journalists in Kandy. �Prorogation is a common procedure which is followed to allow MPs and Parliamentary staff to have a break,� he explained. Referring to reports that a majority of SLFPers attached to the unity govt were going to cross over to the opposition when the House convenes on May 8, he said these were only speculations. more..

Apr 19 (DM) British doctor who was performing heart surgeries at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital was suspended from work , pending the determination of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) on his practicing licence, Hospital Director Dr. Jayampathy Senanayake said. He said that the issue had been taken up after several doctors attached to the GMOA had stressed on the fact that this British doctor did not have the practicing more..

Apr 20 (CT) For the last three four months, Sri Lanka has not been moving forward as it should have been. The most affected are the economy and the people�s living conditions. Only consolation is that there is no overt political repression by the government despite strong opposition and free criticism. Yet, some of the arrests and detention of the past politicians and officials, because of the selected nature, are popularly perceived as political repression. more..

Apr 20 (CT) As we all know that world order has changed dramatically. Many countries particularly western countries experience different challenges due to its new phenomena resulted by this new world order. For instance, migration to west as refugees is significant consequences of modern days. The war in some part of Middle East countries compelled their respective citizens to migrate to another country hoping to lead a peaceful life. Besides, they are given opportunities to more..

Apr 20 (DN) Supun Tharanga (26), a Peradeniya University Graduate with a degree in Computation and Management is an unlikely candidate to save the art of puppetry from oblivion and yet, he has stepped up to ensure that the traditions of his ancestors continue well into the 21st Century and beyond. Ambalangoda was once the heart of puppetry in the South but over the years, as puppeteers left for more lucrative work and more..

Apr 20 (CT) Another New-year has dawned upon us, as usual with so many promises. As the cries of the Avurudu Koha is being missed this season, to replace that we�ve had a whole band of musicians from the banks of the Diyawanna. Coming up with a non-stop session of golden oldies (same ole story), to keep the general public entertained. What a New Year indeed, with the so-called cabinet in disarray! As the citizens of this country we have toiled and slaved for the hierarchy to flourish. more..

Apr 20 (Island) The assessment of the Coalition Govt�s performance since its formation on 8 Jan 2015, falls into two groups, indicating that opinion is sharply divided. One group subscribes to the view that hardly anything of value has been accomplished, while the other avers that a great deal has been done, the only deficiency being that sufficient publicity has not been given to hundreds of programmes implemented. Each is entitled to belong to one or the other. more..

Apr 20 (DN) Prawns became the centre of controversy recently as reports emerged that a certain species of prawns imported by a multinational company with the authorisation of National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) carried certain viruses in them. NAQDA and SL Aquatic Development Alliance exchanged allegations over the safety of the prawn species with each claiming that science was on their side. more..

Apr 20 (DN) Political analysts have given many reasons for the very poor results obtained at the LG elections held on Feb 10, 2018, by the main coalition partners of the Unity Govt � the UNP and the SLFP. It is argued that the low percentage of votes is a warning to the incumbent govt that the average voter is not satisfied with the performance of the unity govt during the last three years. In this article, I attempt to discuss how rational the decision of the average voter is who constituted more..

Apr 20 (Island) Crafty handlers of mendicants, involved in begging rackets, exploit the disabled unconscionably. One of the methods, employed by them, is to pair blind men with sighted cripples so that the former can move about, guided by the latter, on their backs. The architects of the yahapalana govt adopted the same method; they coupled the UNP and the SLFP. Two parties have to stick together, if they are to survive. But, today, they find themselves in a situation where their more..

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Apr 20 (Island) Hydro electricity is the oldest and the principal source of electricity generation in Sri Lanka. Its unique geography renders the country perfectly suited for hydropower generation through large scale and mini hydropower plants. Joining the latest technologies with an environmentally responsible business proposition to generate renewable and sustainable energy, Resus Energy PLC operates several such mini hydropower plants in Sri Lanka. more..

Apr 20 (CT) In his preface to the Tamil classic Mirage, the author, K Daniel wrote a revealing note in the opening line. He said: On the day which I finished writing this novel was the 9th May, 1983. Mark you, within two months the whole of SL was to explode with the worst communal riots between the Jaffna Tamils and the Sinhala-Buddhists � a momentous event which the Tamil political class had never ceased to exploit to their advantage as an indicator of Sinhala-Buddhist oppression and more..

Apr 20 (Roar) It doesn�t matter if you love it, hate it, or just drink it on autopilot mode each morning like you have been doing for the past twenty years; we are Sri Lankans, and the culture of tea- drinking is in our blood. Fathers demand cups of tea to help them unwind after a long day at work, old aunties force it on you every time you visit, mothers give you a nice steaming cup of it when you are down in the dumps, and pot-bellied uncles sit more..

Apr 20 (Island) What a refreshing change to observe that at long last there is a debate on portfolio distribution of the Ministries. There seems to be a consensus that it be based on at least a few scientific principles to achieve a modicum of efficiency and parsimony. Dr Lloyd Fernando's article (Island 18/4) just shows what can be saved in terms of human and financial resources if only the politicians have the nerve to implement changes in the name of rationality and common sense. more..

Apr 20 (Island) Sachin Dias, and his partner Buwaneka Gunathileka secured a creditable fourth place, the highest a Sri Lankan pair has reached, to create history in badminton at the just concluded 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. After many intense and strenuous matches against the best competitors from the Commonwealth countries, they were ranked fourth after losing to the Malaysian duo of Shem Goh and Wee Kiong Tan 21/8 and 21/13 in the bronze medal match. more..

Apr 20 (CT) With three junior int'l championships on the card, SL junior athletic season will begin on 23 April with the 4-day Junior National Championships that will see the cream of junior athletes on the newly laid Sugathadasa Stadium contesting to gain national selection. South Asian Junior Athletic Championship (SAJAC) (5-6 May), Asian Junior Athletic Championship (June) and IAAF World Junior Championship (July) more..

Apr 20 (DN) The recent report in the British newspaper The Daily Mirror, Dutch tourist assaulted in Sri Lanka, brings home to me the reality of living in Sri Lanka. I have lived in Unawatuna for six years, managing a successful beach resort and on a daily basis I am personally subject to harassment, bullying, intimidation, constant leering and sheer rudeness. This treatment comes from my neighbours but also from govt institutions and officers of the law. more..

Apr 20 (Island) Cricket has its glorious uncertainties. In local schools� rugby, there is that indefinable something referred to as the Spirit of the Bradby. It is this fact that makes nonsense of predictions and, occasionally, leads to the felling of Goliath by David. For Saturday�s first leg of the Bradby at the Royal Complex, Trinity will be called upon to raise their game considerably in order to stay with Royal all the way. Lacking many a player from last season, they have struggled a bit to put on show more..

Apr 20 (DN) Sports could be a diplomatic bridge to build peace, unity and brotherhood among our communities in SL acting Minister of Sports Faizer Mustapha said at a felicitation ceremony held at Duncan White Auditorium yesterday for the SL athletes who excelled at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games. Whilst pointing out that his appointment as acting Sports Minister was not permanent Mustapha said more..

Apr 20 (CT) Bank of Ceylon set a record during the Avurudu Season with over Rs 54 billion worth transactions taking place in BOC�s CDM and ATM terminals. This is testimony to customer faith on the Bank�s ATM/CDM network, to provide them the best in class 24-hour operative convenient banking services. Having a fully operational ATM/CDM network with over 930 machines covering the entire country, BOC has provided customers utmost convenience and easy access to cash for more..

Apr 20 (Island) Since April 5th, all passengers travelling abroad via Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have been offered another service to ease their journey. UK based company, Advance Baggage Service has introduced a new excess baggage service counter which was launched at the airport premises for the convenience of travelers. Advance Baggage UK are the pioneers who successfully introduced and managed the excess baggage operation at BIA from 2001 - 2012. more..

Apr 20 (DM) Meters with the capability of issuing a printed bill will be compulsory from today, the National Council for Road Safety (NCRF) said. NCRF Chairman Dr Sisira Kodagoda said that all three-wheeler taxis should have meters by today. He said they should issue printed bills to passengers indicating the distance, fare and taxi details. A six-month grace period had been given for the three-wheeler owners to install meters. more..

Apr 20 (DN) Cargills Bank in its third year of operations posted a Profit Before Tax of Rs. 621 million which included a substantial one-off gain of Rs. 410 million. Cargills Bank has also got regulatory approval to operate banking counters at all its Food City supermarkets island wide, helping it keep costs low. The bank is also looking to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange by 2020. Bank�s Net Interest Income increased 55% to reach Rs. 1.48 billion, whilst more..

Apr 20 (AD) Anuradhapura Police, acting on a court order, exhumed the remains of an individual who committed suicide 7 months ago. The body which was buried at Anuradhapura Public Cemetery allegedly without a proper post mortem, was exhumed yesterday (18) after the mother of the deceased claimed she suspected foul play. The deceased who had committed suicide was a 46-year-old father of four living in Anuradhapura Old Town. Although his wife and children more..