Feb 16 (DN) The Cabinet of Ministers approved Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena�s proposal to implement a household economic development programme where 40 low income earning families from a Grama Niladhari division will be provided essentials. This household economic development programme has been named Sahana Malla (Relief Pack). Minister Gunawardane said allocations have been made by the Budget 2022 proposals to implement broad household economic more..

Feb 16 (TM) The Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) said that it has informed the CEB that it believes that there is no necessity for emergency purchases of power from private power stations in the immediate future. �We informed the CEB in writing today (15) that while public support and support from the private sector is needed in order to avoid scheduled daily power cuts in the next three months, we believe that there is no need to purchase emergency power from private more..

Feb 16 (DM) The Supreme Court today directed the IGP to file a status report in a Fundamental Rights petition filed against the alleged criminal conduct on the part of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte at Anuradhapura prison. The SC made this order subsequent to a request made by President�s Counsel M.A. Sumanthiran who appeared on behalf of the eight prisoners. Supreme Court had earlier issued an interim order directing the IGP more..

Feb 16 (CT) State Minister of Rural Roads and Other Infrastructure Nimal Lanza had reportedly withdrawn his personal staff from Ministry duties yesterday, following alleged mistreatment of certain ministry officials and continuous obstruction of his duties. State Minister has instructed his personal staff to remove their personal belongings and hand over State property. Lanza was disappointed over not having any recognition for his Ministry�s road development activities, for a long time. more..

Feb 16 (DM) MP and former Chief Minister of Uva Province Chamara Dassanayake who stood charged with forcibly kneeling down before him a principal of a govt school, was yesterday acquitted by the Badulla Magistrate Chaminda Karunadewa. Magistrate held that the accused would be acquitted in pursuance of the settlement arrived at the Conciliation Board with the consensus of the parties to the case. The magistrate had referred the case to Conciliation Board on the instructions of AG. more..

Feb 16 (EN) A lower dollar exchange rate used to calculate salaries is one of the key concerns raised by SriLankan Airlines pilots who have started a Fly for Roster campaign which is similar to work to rule demanding quick solutions to their grievances. The Airline Pilot�s Guild of SL (ALPGSL) commenced what they call Fly the Roster campaign on February 4 which the ALPGSL cited as a result of grievances not being resolved as assured by more..

Feb 16 (AD) SL has received adequate stocks of diesel and a decision has not been taken on increasing the fuel prices, says Minister of Energy Udaya Gammanpila. His remarks came against the backdrop of long queues of vehicles observed at filling stations. Lanka IOC, the subsidiary of Indian Oil Corporation in SL, announced the increase of fuel prices from midnight Feb 6. Subsequently, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) also sought permission from govt to go for a price hike, more..

Feb 16 (TM) Although the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a fuel price stabilisation fund, the Energy Ministry has stated that it is, in the present context, not practical to set up, as fuel prices in the world market are continuing to rise. Speaking to The Morning yesterday (15), Energy Ministry Secretary K.D.R. Olga said that cabinet approval has been granted to set up a fuel price stabilisation fund. She also said that the Cabinet has been informed about more..

Feb 16 (TM) Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith yesterday (15) claimed that the Attorney General (AG) was taking action against those who are demanding justice for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks but not prosecuting those who had been named in the PCoI into the Easter Sunday attacks. �We don�t expect this from the AG. He has been unsuccessful in pressing charges as per more..

Feb 16 (FT) Within a short period of time, China has transformed to be the most authoritative economy in the world, while it has also become a militarily powerful and politically influential nation among the world superpowers. When we try to understand today�s economy of China, we need to comprehend it from a historical perspective as well. There are important turning points of economic transformation in the modern development history of China. On 1 October 1949, Chinese Communist leader more..

Feb 16 (FT) To a country known for govt-backed communal riots, what happened in Trincomalee last week should not come as a surprise. This time though a piece of Muslim female attire is at the centre of this commotion. Abaya has once again become a contentious issue causing tension between Tamils and Muslims. Communalism and religious hatred are raising ugly heads and the Department of Education seems to have poured fuel into the fire. To the Rajapaksa regime, more..

Feb 16 (DM) MP Mano Ganesan yesterday requested the govt not to divide the country based on race and religion, if the country truly adopts the One country, One law policy. After placing the first signature on the public petition asking the govt to abolish the proposed Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), he said the country should be brought under the concept of one country, one nation. "If the govt can bring this country under one country, one nation, we can accept that." more..

Feb 16 (AD) The Director-General of Health Services has issued a circular stating that post-mortem PCR is not mandatory for all deaths (hospital or non-hospital deaths). If required a post-mortem PCR can be conducted at the discretion of the relevant Judicial Medical Officer (JMO), Dr. Asela Gunawardena said further. If diagnosed of Covid-19 infection, the method of disposal remains the same, adhering to previous circulars until further notice, the circular noted. more..

Feb 16 (Island) President�s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardene, PC, yesterday told the Supreme Court that there was absolutely no basis for claims that the US would exploit the Yugadanavi agreement to further its interests. Appearing for the founding company of Yugadanavi, Jayawardene said that the agreement between the govt of Sri Lanka and the US-based New Fortress Energy would be reversible by the year 2035. more..

Feb 16 (DM) Younger brother of Dhammika Bandara, a much talked about person for introducing a syrup (Pani) said to cure COVID-19, has died of Covid pneumonia despite obtaining all three doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Kegalle police said the deceased was a 58-year-old resident of Hettimulla, Kegalle. He was a father of three and was receiving treatment for cancer and had died at home on February 12. He was confirmed to have contracted Covid-19 following a Rapid Antigen Test more..

Feb 16 (Island) It may be wrong to say the incumbent government is the embodiment of inefficiency, for it does certain things very efficiently, increasing taxes and fuel prices being one of them. It also sought to impose a huge surcharge tax on the employees� superannuation fund, and would have succeeded in its endeavour but for stiff resistance put up by trade unions, the media and the Opposition. Another fuel price hike is said to be in the pipeline. more..

Feb 16 (EN) Online gift sales for Valentines day led by roses picked up in SL this week as many resorted to the virtual sharing of love amid rapid spreading of new Covid-19 variant Omicron. The health authorities did not impose new restrictions on the Valentines Day that fell on Monday (14), but businesses said many people wanted to use online to buy and deliver gifts while some said there were physical gathering more..

Feb 16 (Island) The CSE surrendered its early gains to close marginally lower yesterday as looming macro and micro economic uncertainties weighed on investor sentiment amid a significant drop in blue-chip counters, stock market analysts said. Despite global tensions with regard to the Russian- Ukraine issue easing out, since Russia is reportedly looking for a diplomatic intervention, the local micro economic front did not seem to facilitate profitable stock market operations, more..

Feb 16 (AD) India has donated a total of 100,000 Rapid Antigen Test kits to SL, in solidarity with the fight against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. RAT kits consignment was handed over to Minister Keheliya Rambukwella by High Commissioner of India to SL, Gopal Baglay at the Extending his gratitude for the donation, Minister Rambukwella said the partnership of friendly nations is vital at times like this. He added that he is profusely grateful on behalf of the SL people for the donation. more..

Feb 16 (Island) Cumulative Group contribution reaches Rs. 111Mn Improved the lives of over 43,808 people across 19 rural communities through sustainable projects Long-lasting impact through water purification, construction of fully-equipped libraries, digital classrooms and provision of essential school supplies Iconic SL multinational conglomerate, the Hayleys Group continued to provide vital support towards education at its adopted rural villages under more..

Feb 16 (Island) Asserting that the appointments made to the Human Rights Commission by the Parliamentary Council established in terms of the 20th Amendment to the Constitution lacked transparency, HRCSL has called for an urgent Constitutional Amendment. HRCSL said that in case a constitutional amendment wasn�t feasible at the moment, govt could (a) formulate regulations stipulating the criteria that should be adopted regarding appointments made in section 3 more..

Feb 16 (CT) Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala, yesterday released Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and two others from all charges, in the case where they were charged with causing a loss of Rs 900,000 to the State, over the unnecessary purchase of GI pipes for the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC). Magistrate Ragala gave this order after the CIABOC informed him that they were unable to more..

Feb 16 (CT) Govt will issue a digital card to each Grama Niladhari division�s 40 identified low-income families, allowing them to purchase goods worth Rs 2,000. There are 14,025 Grama Niladhari divisions under this programme and a total of 561,000 low-income families selected based on special criteria and on the recommendation of the Divisional Secretary will benefit from this, Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. Budget proposals 2022 allocated funds to implement broad more..

Feb 16 (DM) Whilst stating that there are signs that a black era will dawn for the local media, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene today said SL will have to face certain questions at the next UNHRC sessions in Geneva on the harassment of journalists and civil activists. �The attack on the house of journalist Chamuditha Samarawickrama and the arrest of civilian activist Shehan Malaka will be taken up by interested parties at the next UNHRC sessions and SL will have to respond,� more..

Feb 16 (DM) The death of a 10-year-old Maleesha Dulakshana sent waves of shock, anger and sympathy among most Sri Lankans but reality is such that many segments of society have largely been blinded by false beliefs and myths. Incidents of faith healing practices that took a toll on people�s lives have been reported from time to time but people continue to believe in supernatural powers especially during desperate times. more..

Feb 16 (CT) The Ministry of Environment marked Valentine�s Day by launching a tree planting and distribution programme; A Plant for Love on 14 February, at Sri Lanka University of Technology in Padukka. Planting a tree as an everlasting symbol of your love for your cherished and Mother Earth would not only honour your loved ones and the environment, but will also saves you money and energy, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, launching the programme, said. more..

Feb 16 (AD) Two girls who were bathing at Vilbawa Wewa in Kurunegala last evening (15) have died after drowning. The deceased children, aged 13 and 14 years, hailed from Kurunegala area. According to reports, the residents of the area had rescued four schoolgirls who drowned while bathing at the Vilbawa Wewa. Three girls were rushed to the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital in critical condition. However, two of them had succumbed to injuries while undergoing medical care. more..

Feb 16 (Island) Former Minister DEW Gunasekera has alleged that the four major millers representing the interests of the ruling SLPP decides the price of rice. DEW Gunalasekera last represented Parliament on the UPFA National List in 2015. He explained how the group of four bought about 46% of the total paddy production, hoarded and then released the stocks to the market a year later, thereby retaining the capability to more..

Feb 16 (DM) It's the duty all parties in Sri Lanka to initiate a dialogue and come to an agreement on the report which the IMF is expected to release on Sri Lanka shortly, Former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. "The IMF according to section 4 of its mandate usually goes for a dialogue with all its member states and issue a statement on each member . A team of IMF officials visited Sri Lanka in December last year. We have received information that it will release a report next week. more..

Feb 16 (AD) A woman has died in a shooting incident inside a house on Balika Road in the area of Matugama. According to reports, the shooting was carried out by two gunmen. Six rounds of T-56 ammunition have been found at the scene. Reportedly, the gunmen were planning to shoot the husband of the deceased, who was home at the time of the shooting but managed to survive. The reason for the gunfire is yet to be uncovered. The magistrate�s inquest on the 38-year-old more..

Feb 16 (Hindu) The pristine beach of Dhanushkodi at the southern-most tip of the Rameswaram island in the Indian peninsula has witnessed a rare phenomenon over the past few days. Thousands of Crimson Rose butterflies swarmed all available flowering plants along the beach. It was their stopover for nectaring, before the butterflies undertook their ultimate flight towards SL, which is around 25 km away from tip of Dhanushkodi. more..

Feb 16 (DM) An Extraordinary gazette has been issued by the Election Commission removing two symbols from the list of symbols allotted to political parties. Accordingly, the Crown and Farmer symbols have been removed from the list by the Election Commissioner Saman Sri Ratnayake. In the Extraordinary gazette issued on Jan 21 this year, the Election Commission published list of symbols allotted to political parties and symbols not allotted to the political parties for the purposes of more..

Feb 16 (CT) In the backdrop of an alleged shortage of several essential drugs, including Paracetamol in the local market, the SL Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI) has requested permission to increase drug prices and remove price controls. Following public complaints that there is a shortage of Paracetamol used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever in pharmacies and supermarkets and are being rationed, Chairman of the All Island Private Pharmacy Owners� more..

Feb 16 (DM) Aravinda de Silva says Sri Lanka cricket powerbrokers are keen to talk with Justin Langer if the ousted Australian coach shares a reciprocated interest in SL�s vacant coaching post. SL is on the hunt for a new full-time coach to replace Mickey Arthur after he departed the role. Former SL paceman Rumesh Ratnayake is serving as interim coach for the Australian tour. De Silva, the former SL captain and champion batter, more..

Feb 16 (AD) The National Industrial Excellence Awards Ceremony was held under the patronage of Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Waters Edge in Battaramulla, yesterday. The outstanding performers received the Platinum Award from the President at the Awards Ceremony for the categories of best small, medium and large-scale manufacturing industries and the best machinery manufacturers. At the Award ceremony, gold, silver and bronze awards were presented to 20 large, more..

Feb 16 (DM) There is a shortage of fuel at Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) filling stations due to the limited supply of fuel, CPC Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya wing (JSS) Secretary Ananda Palitha said. He said that supply to fuel stations was halved around the country. There are 1,350 CPC affiliated filling stations established around the country within a 3km distance of each filling station. "The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka yesterday handed over to Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila more..