Aug 20 (EN) Central Bank has not yet decided on how to structure a 4% credit facility for semi-govt institutions which has been directed by the cabinet of ministers, Governor W D Lakshman said. �We are still thinking about it, how to handle this issue,� Governor Lakshman said. �So no decision is yet taken at the central bank level.� He was responding a question whether the 4% loan scheme would be provided by central bank re-finance (printed money which expands the monetary base). more..

Aug 20 (AD) The religious procession carrying the Sacred Pinnacle and the Crest-Gem of Sandahiru Stupa is scheduled to arrive at the Panadura Rankoth Viharaya this evening. The revered articles of Sandahiru Stupa on a religious procession had commenced its passage from Horana Kurunduwatta Maha Viharaya amidst religious blessings, this morning. From the beginning of its passage from Kurunduwatta Maha Viharaya, religious procession which is carrying two revered articles more..

Aug 20 (EN) Energy minister Udaya Gammanpila�s appeal to motorists this week to use fuel sparingly as the petroleum utility faced a forex shortage as money was printed to keep rates down and fund state expernse has sparked panic buying. Long queues were seen at filling stations in Colombo and elsewhere on Friday after the ministry said it had diesel stocks for 11 days and petrol for 10 days. more..

Aug 20 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism has begun its search for eight Destination Representative Companies (DRCs) and Public Relations (PR) firms each, to handle a planned five-year global promotion in 16 countries and woo more visitors in the face of mounting COVID-related challenges. As such the Tourism Ministry Standing Cabinet-appointed Procurement Committee Chairman has called for bids from agencies for eight DRCs and eight PR companies to facilitate communication and more..

Aug 20 (Island) Provincial Councils and Local Govt Affairs State Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has launched a project to set up 50 e-libraries immediately to supplement online education of schoolchildren and to serve adult readers hit by the pandemic-driven constraints that prevent visit to libraries. Ministry sources said that Rs 150 million had been allocated for the commencing of 50 e-libraries as a pilot project and it would be expanded in the next couple of months. more..

Aug 20 (DM) At least 43% of the population has received either single vaccine or both doses as of up to now, General Shavendra Silva said. He said SL has so far received 19.7 million doses of five types of vaccines and out of those the authorities have completed the vaccination of 14.97m doses. The number of persons who had received both doses is 5 million. "Even though we have vaccination centres, more..

Aug 20 (CT) It is known for all that Oman are the co-host of the ICC T20 World Cup which is all set to kick off in October. However, ahead of the showpiece event, Oman will be hosting the full member SL team for two T20Is. The two T20Is will act as great preparation for the World Cup. Oman and UAE will be hosting the mega event which will see the light of the day after five years. It has to be noted that both Lanka and Oman are placed in separate groups but are willing to have more..

Aug 20 (TM) Tele Makers� Guild (TMG) has urged the temporary suspension of all television (TV) productions, citing the risk posed by the rapid spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Releasing a statement, TMG stated that all thespians and production and technical staff are at risk due to the pandemic situation, and that therefore, television productions should be stopped as soon as possible. �We cannot take the risk of losing lives. We need to consider this as a serious issue.� more..

Aug 20 (SLN) A special operation conducted by the Navy in seas off Thondamanaru in the dark hours on 19th Aug led to the seizure of about 168kg and 750g of Kerala cannabis and apprehension of 03 suspects with a dinghy used for the smuggling purpose. Accordingly, the Fast Attack Craft P 432 and P 484 of the 04th Fast Attack Craft Flotilla (4 FAF) attached to the Northern Naval Command with Inshore Patrol Craft P 177, Z 196, P 015, P 112, and Z 183, engaged in this special operation, more..

Aug 20 (CT) A group of SDIGs including Nandana Munasinghe, Deshabandu Tennakoon and Chandana Athukorala called on the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter Most Ven. Warakagoda Ghanarathana Thera and submitted a letter to the Prelate. SDIGs had stated that based on the report compiled by the PCol, which probed the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, a grave injustice had been caused to several Police officers who had worked tirelessly and urged the Chief Prelate to more..

Aug 20 (CC) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced that 18 cricketers have signed the National Player Contracts, which came into effect from Aug 1, 2021. The contracts will be for the duration of five months, lasting till 31 Dec 2021. The SLC has revealed that the SL cricketers were picked under four categories and were nominated by the selection panel based on a set of criteria - Performance, Fitness, Leadership/Seniority, more..

Aug 20 (F2F) SL�s earnings from textiles and garments exports increased by 28% year-on-year to $2.487 billion during the first six months of 2021, according to the statistics released by Central Bank. Exports of textiles increased 47.8% to $156.6 million, while garment exports were up 30.8% to $2.267 billion. Exports of other made-up textile articles fetched $63.3 million, registering a decrease of 39% year-on-year, central bank said in its report External Sector Performance � June 2021. more..

Aug 20 (DM) The Colombo High Court has announced that 20-year-rigorous imprisonment was imposed against four accused including Tangalle Pradeshiya Sabha former Chairman Sampath Vidanapathirana for murdering a British aid worker Khuram Sheikh, will be effective from July 18, 2014, the date the four accused were convicted. The Court of Appeal's verdict regarding the appeal petitions filed by the accused was read out to the defence by High Court Judge Adithya Patabendige. more..

Aug 20 (TM) Cabinet Sub-Committee appointed to look into the teacher-principal salary anomaly issue has informed the teachers� and principals� trade unions representatives that the Sub-Committee report would be prepared following discussions with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, after which it would be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on 23 August. Ceylon Teachers� Service Union (CTSU) General Secretary more..

Aug 20 (TM) A manual system of giving marks for driving licences is to be implemented soon, according to the Public Security Ministry. This decision has been taken to prevent road accidents occurring due to negligence. The Ministry has noted that even though an automated system is in place, the electronic process has however not been successful due to experiencing technical difficulties. The new manual system would be implemented after discussions with more..

Aug 20 (DM) The fully vaccinated individuals are 65% less likely than unvaccinated individuals to infect others, Dr. Chandima Jeewandara from Uni of J'pura said. He said in a Twitter message that this is a significant and reassuring finding as COVID-19 vaccines remain effective and a vital part of our response to the pandemic. Meanwhile, he said on average, people have shown symptoms 5.8 days after being infected with the Delta variant of the COVID-19. more..

Aug 21 (DM) The modern interpretation of the word charity is love. Essentially, love or charity means being other-centred. We find ourselves when we lose ourselves and are liberated from the selfishness or self-centredness that controls most of us most of the time. We find a new life when we begin to do for others, what we wish they would do unto us. That is the golden rule. We need to have care and concern for each other�s needs and wishes, understand each other�s faults and weaknesses along with more..

Aug 21 (DM) Against the backdrop of a mini Cabinet reshuffle on Monday, State Minister Sashindra Rajapaksa has told media on Thursday that another reshuffle is on the cards. He had argued that changes need to be made yearly and some responsibilities have to be shared in order to progress efficiently. Only Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa and sometimes PM Mahinda Rajapaksa could be knowing the significance or at least the rationale behind the Monday�s mini Cabinet reshuffle more..

Aug 21 (CT) In January 2021, Indian PM Narendra Modi, addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, declared his country�s victory over COVID-19. In early March, Indian Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave an assurance to the public that the country has reached endgame of the worst ever global pandemic. In April, PM Modi�s BJP Govt allowed thousands of devotees to flock together on the banks of River Ganges to more..

Aug 21 (CT) Covid-19 has blurred distinctions between the political Left and Right in many other parts of the world. Civil society groups, organizations, unions and political parties that are usually concerned with labour, minority, women�s and LGBTQ rights and freedoms increasingly embrace and promote travel restrictions, militarized healthcare, coerced vaccination, digitalization and surveillance of education, society and economy in the name of Covid-19 prevention. more..

Aug 21 (CT) If proof was needed of our nation�s plight, the Corona virus has raised the screen on the humbling scene; under-developed, money-strapped, huge debts, ham-handed administration and inept leadership; seventy years after independence, a country going from mediocrity to basket case. Our problems were not created by the pandemic, it only exacerbated them. If a theme is needed, it is a repeating story of incompetence, corruption and big talk. While the stage is on fire, they talk of more..

Aug 21 (CT) Nearing two years on a global pandemic, some countries have managed to contain the spread of COVID-19, while the majority are trying their utmost to overcome what appears to be a never ending struggle, with the numbers of those falling prey to the virus rapidly increasing, wearing out health systems in the process. COVID-19 vaccinations have increasingly been administered globally specially in countries with higher more..

Aug 21 (CT) Govt took a prudent decision to lockdown the country from 10 pm on Friday to 4 am on Monday (30), to control the COVID-19 pandemic. For a number of weeks, doctors, other health sector workers, citizen movements and many other have been strongly urging the authorities to implement an immediate lockdown, in the face of the alarming rise of COVID cases and deaths in the country. Yet, the authorities kept insisting that going for a lockdown will hurt the already beleaguered economy more..

Aug 21 (CT) The LTTE war lasted nearly thirty years and ended in May 2009. During the war ambulance sirens were screeching on the roads carrying the wounded or dead soldiers to hospitals. The public became immune to such hooters simply because the people had become numb to the wailing of sirens and only wanted to know the number of dead or injured. In other words, people became impervious towards casualties, the dead or the wounded. It was not a case of being callous or heartless. more..

Aug 21 (GV) Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of madness. So I venture again into the realm of madness and once more try to warm the public of the harm that politicians and bureaucrats are doing to us and to warn of the dangers that SL will face through their promotion of the consumption of oil and gas as development. Internationally the world has awoken to the reality of climate change brought about by the consumption of fossil fuels. more..

Aug 21 (FT) UNP Leader and former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday said the Govt should take steps to have at least 2,000 ventilators as standby to save the lives of patients who would fall victim to the current strains of the coronavirus in the future. He made this comment during a discussion held with senior members of the party via Zoom. Wickremasinghe said that the need for ventilators, which was even included in the 2019 UNP policy statement, was reiterated at the outset of more..

Aug 21 (CT) With criticism mounting against the Govt, over its apparent failure to control the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, Prez Rajapaksa, on Monday (16), took away the Health Ministry from Pavithra Devi Wanniarachchi and handed it over to Keheliya Rambukwella, who famously said �Our target is to get everyone above 18 vaccinated by Sept and thereafter it is in the hands of the Gods.� more..

Aug 21 (DM) The possible reshuffle of a few Cabinet ministers was in the air for some time. That is the sole discretion of the President of the country to decide on the appointment and change of Cabinet ministers in addition to assignment of subjects to them in accordance with powers vested with him in the constitution. Prez Rajapaksa who contemplated the change for some time acted upon last Monday. In the reshuffle of ministerial portfolios, six ministers swapped their posts with each other. more..

Aug 21 (Island) Govt has bowed to the inevitable after weeks of dillydallying. We are now facing another lockdown, which is a necessary evil. The rulers made mistakes, the public did not behave responsibly, and the Opposition as well as trade unions loyal to it held street demonstrations as if they had a death wish. So, we are where we are. The lockdown is sure to deal a crippling blow to the economy already on oxygen support. We deserve the lockdown�every bit to it�and the adverse more..

Aug 21 (FT) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar blamed the Govt�s insensitivity and mismanagement for the health and economic crises in the country. He argued that the Govt is the people�s servant and the custodian of the country for a set period of time. �However, despite rising COVID deaths and cases, they refused to impose a lockdown much earlier as urged by all,� he added. SJB MP also scoffed at the govt�s excuse more..

Aug 21 (ST) The Embassy of Netherlands in Sri Lanka will be unveiling its latest report on the SL horticultural sector tomorrow August 16 which would be available on the embassy website www.netherlandsandyou.nl, according to those assigned to handle the study, many from Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN). The study was conducted with the main objective of identifying the potential for international trade and marketing opportunities in the SL horticultural sector. more..

Aug 21 (DM) The concerted efforts by Sri Lanka Tourism to promote the island globally through its integrated and strategic campaign continues to bring attention to the island. Strategies executed have led to a surge of positive reviews and recommendations from the world�s media, even during the pandemic. High-profile coverage on CNN, BBC and AL Jazeera has enabled the island to stay top-of-mind in vital source markets. This will no doubt prove invaluable once international borders open. more..

Aug 21 (Island) Justice Minister Ali Sabry PC, yesterday said that the vaccine should be made mandatory unless there were compelling medical reasons to decline the only available safeguard so far. Declaring he had taken the vaccine, the SLPP National List MP emphasised that the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) repeatedly urged the Muslim community to take the vaccine. Responding to The Island queries. more..

Aug 21 (ST) The World Cup semi-finals between England and South Africa in 1992 became a talking point of the cricket world due to an unfair rain related rule that cost South Africa a spot in the finals of the World Cup. South Africa�s task of gathering 22 runs from 13 balls was reduced after a brief spell of rain to 21 runs required off a single delivery in this World Cup semi-final game. The game became a farce and the subject of ridicule and parody. ICC then requested two British mathematicians more..

Aug 21 (ST) SL Boxing Federation (SLBF) will bank heavily on two promising teenage pugilists � Kavindu Karunasinghe and Mihiran Umayanga � who will represent the country at the Asian Youth and Junior Boxing Championships 2021 to be held in Dubai from Aug 17 to 31. Karunasinghe, 16, from Dheerananda Central, Pilimatalawa, will compete in the 50kg category in the Junior Championships. The 18-year-old Umayanga of Nalanda College, Colombo will take part in Youth C'ships more..

Aug 21 (FT) Stressing that a much-needed short-term lockdown would not cripple the economy, Main Opposition SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva on Thursday urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to act fast as the country was inching closer to the tragic milestone of 200 COVID-19 deaths a day. �The economy cannot be managed like how you fight a war. A temporary closure of the country will not crash the economy. more..

Aug 21 (ST) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has entered into several long term contracts with int'l suppliers to maintain a steady fuel supply amidst a depletion of stocks. It is also ready for spot purchases buying dollars from the market amidst the present foreign exchange constraints and losses of the CPC, a high ranking official of the CPC said. CPC has awarded a long term contract to M/s Conscio Ltd, Nigeria to import Murban Crude Oil for 9 months from June 1, 2021 to Feb 28, 2022. more..