Feb 6 (Island) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and Minister Ramesh Pathirana, yesterday, made contradictory statements in Parliament as regards owners of Plantation Companies agreeing to pay a daily wage of Rs. 1,000 for estate sector workers, from March 01, 2020. Asked by JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake whether estate workers would be paid Rs. 1000 from March 01, as announced by Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the PM said that the plantation companies had agreed to do so. more..

Feb 6 (FT) Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs to the PM Ajith Nivard Cabraal yesterday said he would request President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to order an independent and impartial re-investigation into the bond scam, to be conducted by the CID. Cabraal, a former Central Bank Governor, told reporters he had little confidence in the credibility of the forensic audit, the PCoI report, or the COPE report. more..

Feb 6 (DN) Sri Lanka�s leisure sector based associations representatives expressed satisfaction on various steps taken by the govt at Airports, Ports, Hospitals and other locations to curb the spread of the Coronavirus to SL. Travel representatives met with local Health Ministry disease control and airport top officials at the Tourism Ministry, who briefed them on the Coronavirus, the spread of it and steps taken to control it. �We are happy with the precautions taken by the govt.� more..

Feb 6 (DN) The govt has decided to provide electric-bicycles (e-bikes) for postmen at a concessionary rate to enhance the efficiency of the country�s postal service. The govt spends large amounts to provide motorbicyes for postmen and it is a timely and environment friendly decision taken by the govt to provide e-bikes for them. The govt will provide a low interest loans and tax relief for postmen to purchase e-bikes. A Rs. 2,000 monthly allowance will be paid for postmen. more..

Feb 6 (Island) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament that those who had received houses in villages built by National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) between 2015 and 2019 were yet to receive deeds confirming ownership. He said that the actual number of housing units constructed was far less than what was announced. PM said that only 9,604 houses had been constructed in 367 villages though more..

Feb 6 (PHC) Pakistan�s Chief of Air Staff, Mujahid Anwar Khan NI(M) is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on the invitation of SL Air Force Commander, Air Marshal Sumangala Dias from Feb 05-10. During his stay, Air Chief will meet Commanders of Air Force, Navy and State Minister for Defence. He will also call on Hon. PM. Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in December, 1983, and is the recipient of coveted Sword of Honour, more..

Feb 6 (Island) CEB would be compelled to resort to power shedding and power cuts despite assurance from Minister Mahinda Amaraweera that the public would have an uninterrupted power supply, a senior CEB engineer said. Despite assurances given by the Minister, CPC did not supply fuel to the CEB at a subsidised rate. On Monday, CEB had shed power in some parts of the country, but the Systems Control Division of the Board managed to maintain a continuous power supply in view of more..

Feb 6 (FT) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa painted a grim picture of the country�s economy, seeking Parliamentary approval to increase the debt ceiling from Rs. 721 billion to Rs. 1.078 billion, and for a supplementary allocation of Rs. 156 billion. Of the Rs. 156 billion allocation, Rs. 101 billion will go towards recurrent expenditure, and Rs. 55 billion for capital expenditure, the PM explained, saying the monies were urgently needed to more..

Feb 6 (DM) On Wednesday, Feb 4, Sri Lanka celebrated its 72nd Anniversary of Independence or its National Day by remembering with gratitude the untiring efforts of our founding father Don Stephen Senanayake and the political stalwarts from the Sinhala, Tamil, Burgher and Malay communities, who rallied round him in the struggle to gain our independence from British rule on Feb 4, 1948. Tuesday�s celebrations underlining the theme, A Secured Nation - A Prosperous Country, more..

Feb 6 (DM) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, during his speech at the Independence Day celebrations, not unlike his predecessors, rolled out what could be called a should-be list, implying that things are not in order but should be and could be corrected. He spoke of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the State and the importance of public confidence in these for a country to function efficiently and not slide towards anarchy. He sought the support of one and all more..

Feb 6 (ST) It was not just another scientific session, but a significant one for the welfare of laboratory animals. For, the Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals in Laboratory-based Research in Sri Lanka were launched at the inauguration of the two-day 7th Annual Scientific Sessions of SL Association for Laboratory Animal Science on Thursday, amidst a distinguished gathering of local & foreign delegates more..

Feb 6 (Island) The govt has allocated Rs. 80 million for operational expenses of the Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) through a supplementary allocation. JVP MP Bimal Rathnayake raised issue with the govt�s decision to allocate money for NFTH. The govt is presenting a supplementary allocation for a private institution, he said. "This is a violation of regulations. You can�t allocate money for a private institution. more..

Feb 6 (ST) The Govt has directed a refund of Withholding Tax (WHT) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deducted from January this year to respective persons. The move was announced by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) yesterday, causing fresh debate within tax circles and the private sector. As instructed by the Ministry of Finance on 31 Jan 2020, pending formal amendment to Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017, WHT on any payments more..

Feb 6 (DM) UNP MP and Economist Dr. Harsha de Silva in a candid interview analysed what unravelled in the recently released Forensic Audit Report relating to the CB Bond scam. Being a teacher on the subject of bond trading, Dr. Silva, one of the most eligible lawmakers to analyse what transpired from the report, explained how the notorious alleged financial frauds took place� especially playing with Sri Lankan citizens� more..

Feb 6 (Island) In a recent report on the aging population and its impact on the labour force in SL, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that the country should look at attracting and retaining Sri Lankans who have left for work abroad due to lack of opportunities at home. "In recent years, the composition of temporary migrants has shifted, with the share of skilled workers increasing and in turn creating a skills shortage at home more..

Feb 6 (Island) Constitutional affairs expert and former MP Dr. Jayampathy Wickremaratne, PC, said that he was really disappointed over the failure on the part of the parliament to introduce a new Constitution. Dr. Wickremaratne, who functioned as the then President Maithripala Sirisena�s constitutional affairs advisor, regretted the work undertaken by the Constitutional Assembly did not culminate in a new Constitution. more..

Feb 6 (EN) Corruption has become deeply entrenched and has become so systemic in Sri Lanka in recent years, that it is spanning changes of govt, as has been shown in the cases of the Airbus deal and bond scams, ex-minister and legislator Eran Wickramaratne said. AG had called for the arrest of ex-CEO of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena for money laundering after the Airbus revelations. more..

Feb 6 (DM) The UNP continues to face a major split despite the working committee reaching a compromise last week to appoint opposition leader Sajith Premadasa as head of the new UNF alliance and its prime ministerial candidate, and Ranil Wickremesinghe to continue as the UNP leader. Some of the party seniors said that despite repeated requests of reconciliation, Premadasa and Wickremesinghe were yet to sit at the table more..

Feb 6 (EN) SriLankan Airlines ex-CEO Kapila Chandrasena and his wife Priyanka Wijenaike who are wanted in the Airbus bribery case have surrendered to Police. �They are now at the CID and their statements are being recorded,� Media Spokesman Superintendent Jaliya Senaratne said. AG asked Chandrasena and his wife be arrested as suspects on money laundering probe. The case relates to funds received through an account more..

Feb 6 (PMD) Imprudent and inefficient financial management of govt in power till Nov 19th, 2019 has crippled the entire economy, Govt says. This has hampered the functioning of many vital sectors such as agriculture, free health services, construction industry, food supply, tea industry and paddy production. Non-payment of dues for the services obtained is the main cause for this economic decline. more..

Feb 6 (CT) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa's speech made on Independence Day on Monday has to be looked at in the context of the island's human rights (HR) obligations which will once more come up for review at the UNHRC Sessions in Geneva on 27 Feb. Sri Lanka has been given breathing space till next year by the international community to fulfil its HR commitments originally made in Geneva five years ago in Oct 2015 which revolves round the controversial commitment it made to include more..

Feb 6 (FT) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa�s crisply yet firmly delivered (and electorally pitch-perfect) Conservative nationalist democratic discourse, the presence as special distinguished guest of Russia�s Gen. Salyukov, Commander-in-Chief of Land Forces, the impressive military parade and colourful multicultural display, and on the flipside, the non-rendition of the National Anthem in Tamil, constituted the point-counterpoint of the 72nd Independence Day, the first on the new Prez�s watch. more..

Feb 6 (DN) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday that the Central Bank and the Attorney General should take necessary action with regard to the Treasury Bond scam and the forensic audit. He said that a Presidential Commission has been appointed to investigate the arbitrary sale of ETI Company without settling the monies of the investors and to take required action. It is the govt�s responsibility to ensure that justice is done to the investors. more..

Feb 6 (AD) Attorney General has informed the Supreme Court that the govt is currently reviewing the SL-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA). The petition filed seeking a court order pronouncing that the SLSFTA is against the Constitution, was taken up before Supreme Court Trial-at-Bar consisting Justices Vijith Malalgoda, T. B. Dehideniya, and Preethi Padman Surasena, today. Attorney at Law N. Wigneswaran, representing the AG, informed the court that the govt is more..

Feb 6 (AD) Former CEO of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena and his wife, who were arrested on money laundering charges after they surrendered to the CID this morning, have been remanded until Feb 19 by the Colombo Fort Magistrate�s Court. AG on Monday instructed the Director of the CID to obtain an arrest warrant from court and to arrest the former SriLankan Airlines CEO & his wife Priyanka Wijenayake more..

Feb 6 (MoD) A grace period to handover illegal firearms held without valid permits or documents has been announced today (5 to 12) by the Defence Ministry. Following the directives of the Prez, weeklong the amnesty has been announced to collect all illegal firearms. The Defence Ministry has requested those who are possessing firearms to hand over them to the nearest police station during the amnesty period. The police have been instructed to take legal action against those who more..

Feb 6 (DM) The UNP faction led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided to legally establish the proposed political alliance with the like-minded parties by changing the name of a political party which is functional at the moment. This is the strategy adopted by many political forces in getting legal recognition because the registration of a party is a time-consuming exercise. The UNP faction, backed by other parties, has already struck a deal with a small political party. more..

Feb 6 (AD) Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of the police sergeant who was found dead with injuries in Vavunathivu. A 50-year-old police sergeant attached to the Valachchenai police was found dead with injury marks on his body, at the Mullamanai area in Vavunathivu this morning (06). Interrogations have revealed that the police officer had died in an argument that led to a clash between him more..

Feb 6 (DM) The Indian hydrographic survey ship Jamuna called at the Colombo Port today for hydrographic survey in Sri Lanka, Navy said. The ship is scheduled to undertake a hydrographic survey from Colombo to Galle. The ship is 86m in length and has a displacement of 1920 tons. She will remain in Sri Lanka until April 3, while engaging in survey activities. Meanwhile, a group of officers headed by Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain H.A. Hardas called on Commander more..

Feb 6 (Island) Former UPFA MP M M Zuhair, PC, said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa had laid a firm foundation to address real issues faced by the people. Former lawmaker issued the following statement: " Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa�s address to the nation on the occasion of the country�s 72nd Independence Day, pledging to strengthen the freedom of the people; respect for the rule of law; assuring that he will serve as the leader of all the citizens and not of any particular community; more..

Feb 6 (DN) SLPP govt has done nothing for the country as pledged after being elected by 6.9 million voters, UNP MP Ajith Mannapperuma said yesterday. He said that the govt has let down the 6.9 million people who voted for it. The people voted for the SLPP in order to punish the Easter Sunday attackers and persons responsible for CB bond scam. But the wishes of the people who voted for them have not been fulfilled, more..

Feb 6 (DM) National Police Commission has approved to appoint DIG Lionel Gunathilake as the new Commandant of the STF. Commission which met this evening had approved the name of DIG Lionel Gunathilake following the retirement of his predecessor Senior DIG M.R. Latheef. SDIG Latheef has retired on Feb 4, after serving 41 years in the Police Department. It was reported that the names of DIG Lionel Gunathilaka and DIG Waruna Jayasundara were recommended to the post more..

Feb 6 (EN) The public needs to be informed about the drop in prices of essentials after the tax cuts imposed by the govt, State Minister of Water Supply Vasudewa Nanayakkara told Parliament. Nanayakkara said that the govt had lost Rs 600 million due to the tax concession so the benefits of that should be clearly given to the general public. However he said no one had made an attempt up to now to show how these tax reductions would affect the prices of products and services. more..

Feb 6 (CT) Minister Johnton Fernando yesterday told Parliament that Phase Two in the Central Expressway construction has been delayed as a result of the slow work done by a construction company owned by UNF MP Daya Gamage. Responding to a question raised by JVP Leader, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Fernando added thathe company in question maintains the sluggish pace of work on purpose. more..

Feb 6 (DM) The incumbent Govt should take steps to recover $98 million from Airbus paid by the Yahapalana Govt as cancellation fees for returning four A350 in 2016, UNP MP Eran Wickramaratne said today. Addressing a news briefing, he said this in the wake of revelation of the alleged corruption in dealings of Airbus with several countries including SriLankan Airlines. �According to disclosures in courts in Washington, Paris and London, Airbus for years conducted a massive scheme more..

Feb 6 (PTI) British mercenary pilots helped Indian troops in their battle against the LTTE rebels in Sri Lanka in the 1980s, a new book reveals for the first time. The IPKF received air support from these for-hire British pilots despite Indian diplomats publicly condemning the presence of UK mercenaries in Sri Lanka, according to the book, Keenie Meenie: The British Mercenaries Who Got Away With War Crimes, authored by UK-based investigative journalist Phil Miller. more..

Feb 6 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers have approved a proposal to establish separate units with relevant facilities within selected govt hospitals in the country to issue medical certificates in the process of issuing driving licenses for light vehicles. The govt says that including the National Transport Medical Institute there are 150 base hospitals and district hospitals with facilities of conducting medical examinations that is included in more..

Feb 6 (DM) While admiring the contribution made by Sri Lanka in joint efforts against international terrorism, the visiting Russian General Oleg Salyukov on Thursday requested PM Mahinda Rajapaksa to increase the participation of SL military personnel in international military affairs. He expressed these views when he called on PM Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. The discussions of the two delegations focused on strengthening defence co-operation between the two countries. more..

Feb 6 (DM) JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake today questioned the govt whether steps would be taken to officially obtain reports revealed in a British court disclosing an incident where a SriLankan Airline�s former CEO�s wife obtaining bribes from the French aircraft manufacturer Airbus. He asked in Parliament whether the govt would initiate legal action against those involved in the malpractice. Mr. Dissanayake raising a question under Standing Order 27/2, said it was revealed in a legal more..