Sep 3 (DM) The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP) requested people to refrain from buying Prima wheat flour to avoid increasing their product prices by Rs.12. NMCRP Chairman Ranjith Withanage said that the sudden announcement to increase the price of Prima flour is illegal and not fair during this pandemic situation. He said under section 20 (5) of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Act No. 9 of 2003, prior permission should be obtained from the CAA. more..

Sep 3 (EN) Central Bank is on track to make quasi-fiscal losses on its dollar book as its net foreign assets declined to around US$ 51 million in July and reserve related and other liabilities come up to its gross foreign reserves, data shows. The reserve banking for the domestic note issue had also fizzle out to 0.97% by July. The central bank�s net foreign assets fell to 10.3 billion rupees or about US$ 51 million in July 2021 from around more..

Sep 3 (TM) The Govt has spent a sum of Rs 29.24 billion to date on procuring anti Covid-19 vaccines and it intends to spend a further Rs 36.19 billion on additional doses, inclusive of booster doses if considered by relevant officials, State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr Prasanna Gunasena detailed. Accordingly, the Govt will spend a total sum of Rs 65 billion on vaccines, compared to the budget of Rs 58 billion allocated initially. more..

Sep 3 (CT) GMOA has come forward to extend a helping hand to those who lost their livelihood in the remote villages of Ampara District due to the travel restrictions imposed by the Govt. On arrangements made by the Local Inter Religious Committee (LIRC) of Ampara Region, GMOA�s Akkaraipattu Branch handed over a consignment of relief items to the Divisional Secretaries of Akkaraipattu and Addalaichenai to be distributed among the affected villagers from all 4 communities. more..

Sep 3 (EN) Sri Lanka has declared a series of state services, utilities and banking as shortages of some foods emerge amid price controls and leading to queues shortly after a military major general was made the commissioner general of essential services under emergency regulations. SL rupee is falling after two years of money printing to keep rates down depleted forex reserves and made it difficult to repay debt. Convertibility has been lifted for more..

Sep 3 (AD) Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry reports that 864 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in SL, moving the daily total of new cases to 3,644. This brings the confirmed tally of coronavirus infections reported in the country to 451,401. A total of 380,166 recoveries have been confirmed in SL since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. As per official data, more than 61,000 active cases are currently under medical care at hospitals, treatment centres and homes. more..

Sep 3 (TM) SJB MP Harsha De Silva condemned the emergency regulations imposed by the President on the 31st of Aug, stating that such regulations were imposed only to pave the way for militarisation. He further went on to explain the agreement between the Director General of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and the Head of Sri Lanka Ports, where the Ports Authority informs the CAA daily or weekly on all imported items and the respective importer. more..

Sep 4 (DM) The People�s capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but the people�s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary says Reinhold Niebuhr an American Reformed theologian, ethicist, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. The legendary US President Franklin D. Roosevelt has said democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. more..

Sep 4 (DM) A state of emergency is an anathema for many people in any country and a declaration of Emergency Regulations would make headlines and in most cases create a fuss among the people. Ironically, the Emergency Regulations issued by Prez Rajapaksa on August 30 was big news only for the Tamil newspapers next day, while it was an ordinary story in the front page of Sinhala and English newspapers. Emergency Regulations in most cases in the past have been issued more..

Sep 4 (DM) SL�s Jacqueline Fernandez who has made a name for herself in India as a successful film actress was very much in the news last week for reasons unconnected to her cinematic career. The luminous star of SL who has been illuminating the Hindi cinematic firmament for several years was summoned by India�s Directorate of Enforcement Division to give evidence in an investigation into an alleged racket more..

Sep 4 (CT) In Night of Camp David, a political thriller from 1965, written by the late journalist Fletcher Knebel � the grandfather of the modern political thriller, the prospect of a Prez as the commander-in-chief who has lost command of reality was terrifyingly portrayed. The story wrestles with a long-standing debate, never fully resolved, over how the nation�s political system can and should respond if there are suspicions that a commander in chief has become mentally incapacitated. more..

Sep 4 (CT) There is a dissatisfaction of the performance of the political parties of the country but at the elections not only people vote for the same political parties but also, they tend to elect most criticized persons as their representatives repeatedly. For a long time, we have experienced an intentional inflammation of ethnocentrism and religiocentrism by the present leadership of the country which was used against the minorities making the claim of false protection of more..

Sep 4 (CT) Since all viruses mutate, it is common to find multiple strains of the same virus spreading simultaneously. Unique SARS-CoV-2 variants are grouped and defined as those strains containing a common set of genetic mutations. Emerging SARSCoV-2 variants can be problematic if one or more of the independent mutations result in changes that make the virus more infective, resistant to treatment, able to escape vaccines, more..

Sep 4 (CT) A political tsunami has hit the Graveyard of Empires. Afghanistan�s president fled the country as Taliban advanced on Kabul effectively holding power after it was ousted by the US-led invasion. US Prez Biden confirmed the end of two decades of military presence in Afghanistan. Although the main waves have subsided by now, the situation is exceptionally fragile since the replacement of US, UK and their imperialist allies backed regime appears to be at the equal footing more..

Sep 4 (CT) �I think everyone must practise yoga, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic to decrease stress and anxiety. It not only helps our physical health but also helps in maintaining good mental health� - Jasmin Bhasin -Indian Actress It was reported that a WHO facilitated group of SL medical professionals has recommended extending the current lockdown to 2 Oct or at least till 18 Sept which, if implemented, would save thousands of lives from the deadly COVID-19 virus. more..

Sep 5 (Island) Continuing its efforts to support the lives and livelihoods of people along with preserving the nation�s rich heritage in its newest initiative, Pan Asia Bank is partnering the Irrigation Department to rehabilitate rural area Tanks and Anicuts under the �Wari Saubhagya National Programme�, the first such private-public partnership under this national programme. The project involves rehabilitation of �Mahawewa� in Balagolla wasama in Rambe DO�s division in Kurunegala District, more..

Sep 5 (Island) An epidemic affects a high proportion of a population at the same time, and with respect to disease, it means an outbreak that spreads quickly and regionally affects a disproportionate number of people. Pandemics are epidemics that spread across wide geographical areas such as nations and continents. It should be a matter of interest to us that, according to information prevailing and incessant regarding the pandemic, we are said to be in the middle of, the proportion of, more..

Sep 5 (CT) In a backdrop where several countries are running short of medical oxygen to treat critical COVID-19 patients at different levels, SL Govt has assured that there will be no shortage in the supply of oxygen. While the authorities ensure that the required supply of oxygen at hospitals are met, there is however, no restrictions on COVID-19 patients who seek to purchase oxygen cylinders for their personal use resulting in more..

Sep 5 (Island) A SL terrorist with ISIS links was shot dead by the New Zealand police, yesterday, while he was carrying out a knife attack on civilians in an Auckland supermarket. Some of his victims are reported to be seriously injured. The assailant had been under police surveillance for some time, we are told. There could be others of the dead terrorist�s ilk, and it is hoped that the New Zealand police and public will remain Argus-eyed. The manner in which the New Zealand law enforcement officers more..

Sep 5 (Island) The late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, on Sept 8, 2006, warned the LTTE of dire consequences, unless the group returned to the negotiating table. The LTTE quit the negotiating table, in April 2003, during Ranil Wickremesinghe�s tenure as the Premier. The warning was issued in his capacity as the Foreign Minister, at a meeting with the Colombo-based diplomatic community. Reiterating the then Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa�s readiness to consider proposals for more..

Sep 4 (CT) Last Monday (30) witnessed Prez Rajapaksa invoking Emergency powers to �ensure uninterrupted supply of essential food. As per the powers vested in terms of Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance, Prez Rajapaksa declared emergency regulations formulated as per the Section 5 on essential food supply, by enforcing directives under Section ii of the Ordinance. The authorised officers will be able to take steps more..

Sep 5 (FT) 22 Muslim organisations yesterday in a joint statement condemned the terror incident in Auckland New Zealand and expressed solidarity with the latter. The full statement is as follows: �We are shocked and saddened to hear about the terrorist attack carried out in Auckland today by a person of Sri Lankan origin living in New Zealand. On behalf of all Sri Lankans, and the SL Muslim community in particular, we unequivocally condemn this senseless and terrible act of violence. more..

Sep 4 (CT) Long Jumper Kumudu Priyanka and 400m runner Maduranga Subasinghe ended their campaign at the Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020 yesterday. Kumudu who competed in the T46/47 long jump women finals, finished with a personal best of 4.92m, but it only got her 9th place. The Event was won by NZ�s Anna Grimaldi with a leap of 5.76m followed by Russian Olympic Committee�s Aleksandra Moguchaia with 5.67m. Ecuador�s Kiara Rodriguez finished 3rd for the bronze medal more..

Sep 4 (CI) Temba Bavuma, the South Africa limited-overs captain, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing series in SL after suffering a fracture in his right thumb during the first ODI on Thursday. In his absence, Keshav Maharaj will lead the side for the second and third fixtures of the three-match ODI series. Bavuma, who will return to South Africa as soon as possible to consult a specialist, took a blow to the thumb during the 26th over of South Africa's chase in the series opener more..

Sep 4 (CT) Charith Asalanka was skipper while Avishka Fernando was opening batsman of the SL under-19 team which created waves in England with their amazing displays back in 2016. Asalanka was the star of the team, but it was Fernando who made his debut in the National team first back in 2016, where Mitchell Starc rattled his stumps in Dambulla and then it was bye, bye, international cricket for three years. 5 years later, Fernando is now SL�s go to man when it�s come to opening the inning, more..

Sep 4 (FT) June 2021 quarter earnings have surged by 116% YoY to Rs. 76.3 billion despite the new COVID waves of disruption in the country. First Capital said impressive earnings were led by Capital Goods (255% YoY), Banks (65%), Food, Beverage and Tobacco (94%), Consumer Durable and Apparel (1869%), Transportation (259%) and Telecommunication (68%) sectors. However, it added that sluggish performance more..

Sep 4 (FT) The main Opposition SJB yesterday scoffed at the Government�s Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for sugar, saying people would in effect be paying more due to mismanagement and corruption on the part of the State. Govt on Thursday announced an MRP of Rs. 125 for kilo of white sugar (packed) whilst for white sugar (unpacked) it is Rs. 122 per kilo, brown sugar (packed) Rs. 128 per kilo, and brown sugar (unpacked) Rs. 125 per kilo. However, SJB MP and Co-Media more..

Sep 4 (DN) Prez Rajapaksa and Kenyan Prez Uhuru Kenyatta engaged in a cordial telephone conversation yesterday. While expressing satisfaction over the growing bilateral relations between the two countries, two leaders stressed the need to further enhance this cooperation. Prez Kenyatta commended the COVID-19 control measures taken by Prez Rajapaksa and the success of the vaccination drive. He said the vaccination drive which has already covered almost 70% more..

Sep 4 (EN) Sri Lanka does not need the IMF at the moment and there will be no default State Minister Nivard Cabraal said. �We also seen several news reports, which referred to SL�s need to go to the IMF and seek support, as well as get to be supported by the IMF,� he said. �We don�t have a need to do that. We do have a respect for the IMF and worked with them in the past as well. However, at this moment of time, we have identified more..

Sep 4 (EN) Agility and customer centric decisions will be the key to success in post-pandemic marketing, brands shift from a health emergency environment to aggressive and creative practices, industry officials said. Customers are expected to shift from an environment where safety and guaranteed delivery was prioritized over price points to placing more emphasis on values and sustainability. The coronavirus global pandemic has resulted in changes to advertising; more..

Sep 4 (DM) In the wake of a knife attack carried out at a supermarket in Auckland, New Zealand, by a man of Sri Lankan origin, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry today said that more information has been sought from the New Zealand authorities over the incident. �We are awaiting more information about the incident as the New Zealand authorities are yet to communicate details about the incident,� Foreign Ministry Secretary Admiral (Rtd) Jayanath Colombage told the Daily Mirror. more..

Sep 4 (CT) Pointing out that western countries kept their schools open despite having larger number of COVID-19 cases, Prof. Neelika Malavige raised concerns whether we could wait till every child is vaccinated before sending them to school. Gateway College organised a special session by Prof. Neelika Malavige, Professor and Head of the Dept of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Uni of Sri J'pura, more..

Sep 4 (TM) SL Station Masters� Union (SLSMU) has requested from the Railways Department that a study be carried out into the proposed project to modernise the railway line between the Mahawa and Omanthai Railway Stations, and called for said project to be redesigned. SLSMU General Secretary Kasun Chamara said that plans are afoot to remove the railway line between the two aforementioned stations and construct a new one under this project. However, if the project can be redesigned more..

Sep 4 (ICC) A win in the second ODI not only gives SL the series win but would help them leapfrog Ireland, WI and Pakistan to the fifth spot on the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Super League table. The hosts have started to gather some momentum in white-ball cricket and will be hoping to carry it forward into the T20I series and then into the Round 1 of the T20 World Cup. Captain Dasun Shanaka will be delighted with his side's all-round showing in the first ODI, especially their performance with more..

Sep 4 (ST) Rich and poor alike are finding it a struggle to buy essential food and medicines that have shot up in price, mainly due to shortages, while salaries and savings accounts have dwindled. Private sector employee and housewife Tharangani Perera was angry when interviewed this week. �The company I work for has suffered losses because of the pandemic; so I'm only being paid half my salary. With prices of essential goods increasing, more..

Sep 4 (FT) The latest LMD-NielsenIQ Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey registered an increase of 11 basis points to 98 in August although, as LMD notes, the poll was conducted in the first week of the month when the islandwide immunisation campaign was at its peak � and before COVID-19 cases and fatalities began to surge. The pioneering business magazine also states that the BCI remains below its 12 month average (106) and 19 points shy of where it stood a year ago. more..

Sep 5 (FT) Sri Lanka�s COVID-19 detections crossed the 450,000 mark with the detection of 3,644 COVID-19 positive persons yesterday. According to health officials, the COVID-19 cases detected yesterday are from the New Year cluster. Only 12,363 PCR tests were carried out yesterday. On Thursday, 14,009 PCR tests and 5,134 rapid antigen tests were carried out and 3,627 COVID-19 patients were detected. The detections include 3,619 persons from the New Year cluster more..