May 22 (AD) The Supreme Court has postponed the further hearing of the Fundamental Rights petitions filed challenging the date set by the Elections Commission to hold the General Election 2020 until 10.00 am on May 26. The hearing of petitions commenced for the fifth consecutive day, this morning (22), before Supreme Court�s the 5-member judge bench consisting of CJ Jayantha Jayasuriya, Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Sisira de Abrew, Priyantha Jayawardena & Vijith Malalgoda. more..

May 22 (MB) COVID-19 pandemic has sent half the global population into some form of lockdown. Factories have closed, streets and highways lie empty, restaurants no longer serve customers. Sri Lanka, like most other countries, has imposed strict measures to contain the spread of the virus. And like in many other countries, the sweeping halt in activity has had a tangible impact on pollution. The govt imposed an almost total more..

May 23 (CT) The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in new challenges, new situations, and new uncertainties in different ways. It has highlighted the need for some urgent changes in approaches to schooling in SL because more than ever before students in Sri Lanka are facing change and complexity following this outbreak. I am mainly concerned about social responsibility skills, which are essential for thinking and learning as well as a way of behaving for people to focus more..

May 23 (CT) There are several untruths in newspapers and websites about my daughter. Mawbina and Ceylon Today (20 and 21 May) lead the pack attacking my daughter and me. Journalistic ethics was abandoned in not seeking evidence or asking me before going to print. Ceylon Today and other newspapers too were so careless that they did not even get my daughter�s beautiful Tamil name right. Elections are due. There is cheating usually. But when the EC points out errors, more..

May 23 (CT) Leader of EROS, Nesan Shankar Raji, who is also the SLPP London branch member, succeeded his father Nesadurai Thirunesan, known by the nom de guerre, Shankar Raji, who was a founder member and senior leader of the EROS. Their political wing is now known as the EROS Democratic Progressive Alliance (EDPA). Today, EROS, like many other Tamil political parties, is involved in shaping the political roadmap more..

May 23 (DM) Most independent socio-economic analysts believe Sri Lanka�s foundation needs to be based on spiritual, ethnic and cultural diversity. Therefore, May 21, the world day for cultural diversity for dialogue and development, is of much significance to Sri Lanka. We hope that on all sides petty minded extremists will not be allowed to push Sri Lanka to a point where we will be forced to build on sand and crash when a big storm comes. In a statement to mark the event, the US laments more..

May 23 (CT) On the eve of Sri Lanka completing 11 years since the end of the devastating war with the separatist LTTE terrorists, former head of the UNHRC Navi Pillay issued a statement. In it, she chose to remember only one community that suffered during Sri Lanka's war. "Vanakkam, I join in remembrance of the Tamil victims of the war that ended on the 18 May 2009. Close to 146,000 Tamils died across the six decades' struggle for self-determination. more..

May 23 (DM) Dr. Kenneth De Zilva, an economist and member of the Monetary Policy Consulting Committee of the Central Bank, speaks about post COVID-19 challenges and opportunities for Sri Lanka. He is a business cycle economist and financial market specialist. He is also a member of the board of the Institute of Policy Studies. Q: How do you analyse the impact of COVID- 19 from an economic point of view? more..

May 23 (CT) On the eve of Sri Lanka completing 11 years since the end of the devastating war with the separatist LTTE terrorists, former head of the UNHRC Navi Pillay issued a statement. In it, she chose to remember only one community that suffered during Sri Lanka's war. "Vanakkam, I join in remembrance of the Tamil victims of the war that ended on the 18 May 2009. Close to 146,000 Tamils died across the six decades' struggle for self-determination. more..

May 23 (DM) Coronavirus which has by now proved itself to be a killer-pandemic has devastated the entire world, making no distinction whatsoever either of persons or their social status. It has become both an individual and collective menace enveloping mankind across continents, islands and oceans. It can strike anyone, anywhere and at anytime in a manner that is ruthless. It is a merciless villain that has already amassed over a million victims worldwide, of whom hundreds of thousands more..

May 23 (Island) The purpose is to share one�s thoughts with others in order to share the wisdom gained, during Quranic studies with others, and to discuss these spiritual matters. This is a high kind of activity. These activities, or spiritual socialization, are not meant to last just one day. Eid is just the beginning and this culture must be continued throughout the year, and to be renewed during the next Ramazan, Observing Eid-ul-Fitr, as merely a day of eating and drinking, more..

May 23 (Island) Election Commission (EC) is constitutionally vested with adequate powers required for the conduct of free and fair elections and referenda. However, nowhere in the Constitution is it said that the EC is authorised to make decisions on national health issues. EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya has recently told the SC that the general election cannot be held, on 20 June, due to the prevailing national health emergency, and his institution has to wait until health authorities more..

May 23 (Island) Minister Bandula Gunawardena is out. He thought it was a sixer he hit, with the ball rising up in the sky and racing to pass the boundary. But it suddenly moved down, and was caught by none other than the Vice Captain - the Prime Minister himself. Which means the Homagama, Diyagama Test Cricket Field is out, at least now, being suspended. There is always a chance of a rebirth of a Cricket Ground more..

May 23 (Island) Lifebuoy is the first soap brand to confirm its liquid hand wash and alcohol-based hand sanitiser* are over 99.9% effective against COVID-19 Coronavirus1. It is expected that this will also be proven for many more hand hygiene products. Years of research have shown that regularly washing hands with soap and water, as advised by public health authorities, is highly effective against germs. The initial test results, conducted at the int'lly accredited Microbac Laboratories, more..

May 23 (Island) On Sunday 24th of this month will see the end of a period of fasting from dawn to dusk enjoined by Allah upon the followers of Prophet Muhammad (Upon Whom be Peace). Muslims all over the world, by now will be preparing to celebrate the culmination of their enduring the pangs of hunger and foregoing most of the worldly pleasures (normally permitted at other times) during the period of fasting. Muslims are permitted to celebrate only two occasions. more..

May 23 (CT) Sri Lanka's dire need for a proper National Sports Policy was highlighted during the meeting with PM Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday with ex-cricketers and administrators. At the meeting World Cup winning cricketer Roshan Mahanama and former National rugby skipper and former MP Namal Rajapaksa spoke about SL's lack of a proper National Sports Policy, which is the bane of most sports related problems in SL. more..

May 23 (DN) Sri Lankan manufacturers of confectionary products will have access to the enormous Chinese market with the hosting of the China Candy and China Ice Cream International All-food Expo 2020 will beheld in Ningbo Int'l Exhibition Center from Sept 5 to Sept 7, 2020 in Ningbo, China. The exhibition will be organized by Beijing Land peace Exhibition Co., Ltd and will be supported by China Food Association, Taiwan Food Industry Development Association and more..

May 23 (CT) Unilever Sri Lanka offered Rs 13 million worth ventilators and PCR test kits to the Ministry of Health as a part of its ongoing efforts to support the battle against COVID-19.This comes in addition to the previously committed sum of Rs 35 million. A team of senior representatives from Unilever Sri Lanka handed over the medical equipment to the Minister of Health and Indigenous Medicine, Pavithra Wanniarachchi on behalf of Unilever Asia (PVT) Ltd. more..

May 23 (DM) Spanning 17,300 hectares of land, the Flood Plains National Park sits in a prominent location in the Polonnaruwa District. Surrounded by the Kaudulla, Angamedilla and Somawathiya National Parks and the Triconamadu Nature Reserve, the Park is home to many species of endemic Flora and Fauna. Blessed with over 38 villus, the Park, therefore, has been recognised as an important wetland ecosystem, especially more..

May 23 (Island) The English summer of 1975 will be best remembered for two special reasons. Firstly, it was the year of the inaugural Prudential World Cup competition. Next, it was a summer of glorious sunshine. Not a single minute�s play was lost through bad light or rain, through 15 World Cup games spread over a fortnight. The West Indies were the ultimate champions since they played the better cricket on the day. The competition made the world�s top teams pit their skills more..

May 23 (Island) National Shooting Sport Federation of SL (NSSF) had a list of 21 meets on its events calendar for 2020, but with the outbreak of coronavirus in March, they too had to hold back operation as other sports bodies of the country. Among the lineup of events NSSF was committed to hold 10 local events and take part in 11 international meets this year. But with the pandemic easing out its affect and restrictions ceasing, NSSF is optimistic of holding most of its planned local events. more..

May 23 (CT) Govt issued a special directive to SL Customs on Friday specifying interim guidelines to reformulate external trade and customs-based policy to reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market and to stabilise the exchange rate. Meanwhile, on Friday, Govt also decided to increase the Special Commodity Levy for six months on 26 products, which include yogurt, big onions, garlic, dhal, margarine, canned fish, more..

May 23 (TM) Savvy investors who snapped up bank stocks at Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) at their lowest points saw quick and significant returns on their investments, with some stocks appreciating over 40% in a week. Most banking sector stocks hit their lowest prices since 2009 on 12 May only to rebound within a couple of days to end much higher, providing near-instant rewards for investors with a risk appetite. The share prices of the three big private banks in SL had appreciated between more..

May 23 (DM) The Lanka IOC has decided to restore the Prices of Petrol 92 at par with CPC petrol sheds by reducing Rs.5 per Litre with effect from midnight today. "As part of our commitment to stand in solidarity with our valued customers, the citizens of Sri Lanka in these challenging and unprecedented times of COVID-19 pandemic, wherein best efforts are in place to ensure early revival of economy, we have decided to absorb the losses on sale of petrol due to increased import duties. more..

May 23 (TM) Sri Lanka lost a staggering Rs. 93 billion in foreign exchange this year up to 21 May, due to foreign investors pulling out of the country�s govt securities and stocks, according to the latest available data. Out of this Rs. 93 billion, Rs. 81.4 billion is net outflow from Treasury bills and bonds, as the Central Bank indicators revealed, while the rest was outflow from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). more..

May 23 (FT) Police have arrested 528 people in the 24 hours from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. yesterday for violating the curfew imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Police also seized 150 vehicles during this period for traveling without a permit during the curfew. 61,621 persons have been arrested since the islandwide curfew initially imposed at 6 p.m. on 20 March until 6 a.m. yesterday. The Police have seized 17,322 vehicles, including three-wheelers and motorbikes, more..

May 23 (FT) Minister Bandula Gunawardena has said the Mahapola scholarship allowance to university students will continue even though the universities have been closed due to COVID-19 countering measures. Accordingly, the Mahapola scholarship allowance for the past month will be credited to the accounts of each student. Minister, pointing out that the funds for the Mahapola scholarship are obtained through the lottery ticket sales, said as a result of the prevailing more..

May 23 (AJ) SL's Supreme Court is due to rule in a key constitutional case challenging Prez Rajapaksa's decision not to reconvene parliament in light of a delayed general election - a case that observers say could have lasting implications for the island nation's democracy. Hearings began on Monday, when six petitioners and the govt's counsel argued on the legality of summoning a parliament that was dissolved more..

May 23 (DN) The banking industry in Sri Lanka will continue to face further challenges, both financially and operationally in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdown to limit the spread says KPMG Sri Lanka launching their fifth edition of their Sri Lanka Banking Report. However, in such times, banks, the backbone of the economy, have a fundamentally important role to play as they provide liquidity to support businesses and individuals during this crisis. more..

May 23 (DN) International renowned bodybuilders and SL Bodybuilding and Fitness Sports stakes holders have requested the Govt to recommend gyms in Sri Lanka with health guidance. Speaking at the press conference on Thursday, former president of SL Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation and current secretary of Ja-ela Urban Council Kapila Kumara stated that nearly 5000 gym were not operating and their owners and coaches were suffering economically due to this pandemic. more..

May 23 (PMD) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that a Presidential Task Force will be appointed under the Defence Secretary to conduct a comprehensive survey of archaeological sites in the East and to take measures to preserve them. Several parties have voiced their concerns regarding the destruction done to historical monuments. After considering all aspects, a broad programme will be launched with support of Dept of Archaeology more..

May 23 (AFP) SL lifted a ban Friday on wedding receptions as part of an easing of coronavirus restrictions, but grooms may not kiss the bride -- at least in public. The country's well-heeled usually hold wedding celebrations with thousands of guests, and the festivities can last for days with much eating, drinking, dancing and singing. But under the new guidelines there should be no more than 100 guests, all of whom must stay a metre (3 feet) apart and wear masks - including the happy couple. more..

May 23 (CT) Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya's contradictory statements on holding the General Election, has given rise to a highly problematic situation, political analysts point out. On Wednesday, Chairman Deshapriya informed the Supreme Court that it is not possible to hold the General Election on 20 June, given the prevailing health situation in the country. Lawyer Saliya Peries PC, appearing for the EC, submitted to Court that an election cannot be conducted more..

May 23 (DM) Eleven senior police officers including the Director of CID, SSP W. Thilakaratne, have been transferred with immediate effect, Police Spokesman Jaliya Senaratne said. SSP A.R.P.J Alwis has been appointed as the new Director of CID. SSP Alwis was the Director of Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Division. Six SSPs, three SPs and two ASPs were among the transferred officers. more..

May 23 (Island) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce submitted its multi-sectoral proposals to the Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation. This was building on the submission made to the Prez on a Shared Vision for Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery. The sectors included in the document covered immediate, medium, and long-term proposals across all sectors, from agriculture, to digital economy and capital markets. Developed with input from Chamber committees and more..

May 23 (FT) Rains will continue for at least four provinces and several districts today as well though cyclone impact has now completely receded, Met Dept said yesterday, but people living near landslide areas have been asked to remain vigilant. NBRO also said landslide warnings remain for the district of Ratnapura. Ayagama, Elapatha, Kalawana, Kiriella, Openayake, Balangodal, Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda, Pelmadulla, and Nivithigala DSs and surrounding areas are at high risk of landslides. more..

May 23 (Island) President�s Counsel Romesh de Silva, yesterday, told the Supreme Court that Director General of Health Services Dr. Anil Jasinghe had informed his client secretary to Prez Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, in a letter, that the elections process could commence under the prevailing situation in the country. Counsel de Silva said so when the hearing of the fundamental rights violation petitions filed challenging the date more..

May 23 (FT) A recent decision by the Examinations Department had learned dons and lapsed dunces alike scratching their heads for a reason. It was that permission had been granted to students of Accounting, Bio Systems Technology, Engineering Technology and Science for Technology subjects to use calculators at the GCE A/L exam this year. In my day, we considered ourselves lucky if we got to apply ballpoint pens to paper. The wars raged � there were two � on the northern and southern fronts. more..

May 23 (DM) Is quarantine a method of punishment? Definitely, this would be a question that would be raised in one�s mind after reading about or watching the police attempting early this week to prevent Northern politicians from commemorating those Tamils who were killed during the war that came to an end exactly 11 years ago. While the govt was preparing to commemorate the members of the armed forces and the police who laid their lives in the fight against the LTTE, Northern politicians had more..