Feb 19 (DM) Referring to the recent killings, the main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) alleged that there is a serious breach of security in the nation. SJB MP J. C. Alawathuwela said that the recent shooting incidents right up to the killing of a police constable in Tangalle was of great concern. �We wonder whether the govt has lost control of the nation.,� Mr. Alawathuwela said. �These incidents have tarnished Sri Lanka's reputation as there is anarchy all over the country. more..

Feb 19 (CT) In the light of disputes among fishermen of Tamil Nadu and the Northern Province, Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda said that no devotees from either SL or Tamil Nadu would be allowed to attend the Kachchatheevu St. Anthony�s Church festival on 11 and 12 March. He said on Thursday the decision was announced by Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa at a recent meeting. He said the priest would conduct the mass more..

Feb 19 (DN) Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) has planned to deploy several new trains on the upcountry railway line for the benefit of both local and foreign travellers. SLR General Manager Dhammika Jayasundara said that these trains will facilitate travellers to take photos during journey. Special platforms will also be built at several railway stations allowing travellers to take pictures at tourist attractions. A special platform near the Nine Arch Bridge, located between Ella and Demodara more..

Feb 19 (DM) Secretaries have been appointed for two State Ministries by Prez Rajapaksa. Accordingly, K. G. Wijesiri has been appointed as the Secretary to the State Ministry of Tanks, Reservoirs and Irrigation Development related to Rural Paddy Fields while Mr. S.D. Padikorala has been appointed as the Secretary to the State Ministry of Development of Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Betel Production and Promotion of Allied Products & Export. more..

Feb 19 (Island) Civil liberties and the freedom of the press are under serious threat, as the govt shows increasing dictatorial tendencies, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Karu Jayasuriya said yesterday. The govt is not only undermining democracy but enables gangs to operate with impunity. It is our strong belief that all parties must pay attention to this troubling situation, he said. more..

Feb 19 (FT) Over 100 companies across seven countries participated in an international buyer-seller meet focused on facilitating international trade and co-operation in specialised agricultural inputs, held on 10 February. The first edition of the International Buyer Seller Meet, facilitated virtual B2B interaction for 135 agricultural input companies from SL, India, Nepal Brunei, Mexico, UK and UAE. Companies in the fertiliser, specialty plant nutrient, micronutrient, organic fertiliser, bio-stimulant, more..

Feb 19 (Island) Until all Tamil political parties were united, none of the govts would address the issues faced by the Tamil people, TPNA leader C.V. Wigneswaran said. The ex-Northern Province CM said that steps had been taken to unite all Tamil political parties and once they were united their bargaining power would increase. Wigneswaran made this statement, addressing a conference organised by six political parties in Jaffna. The parties presented their proposals to solve more..

Feb 19 (EN) SL�s current debt repayment strategy which is similar to reloading a pre-paid mobile phone is unlikely to get the country out of a looming economic crisis as money printing and dollar shortages take a toll on the island nation, opposition legislator Champika Ranawaka said. SL has been downgraded to �CC� by Fitch indicating heightened risk of sovereign default while foreign reserves have been depleted while being exchanged for more..

Feb 19 (ST) Students of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, Uni of Colombo � one of the Universities offering youth the chance to learn, practice and preserve indigenous medicine � contributed recently to protecting the environment. Project Madu Ganga is an initiative by the Community Service Avenue of the Rotaract Club of the Institute of Indigenous Medicine, Uni of Colombo to increase public awareness on the importance of protecting the Madu Ganga Ramsar wetland under the citations more..

Feb 19 (FT) The answer appears to be a significant yes as things unravel in Sri Lanka. There is a huge hue and cry on the Govt�s budget proposal to impose a withholding tax of 25% on the interest income accruing the EPF and ETF. The trade unions representing employees in the private and public sector have the right and needs to stand up towards this unjust revenue collection introduced by the Finance Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, as a budget proposal. more..

Feb 19 (AD) In the light of a camera being found hidden inside the women�s bathroom of a popular tuition class in Gampaha, all private tuition classes in the area have been subjected to sudden inspection. The inspection was conducted by the officers of the Gampaha Municipal Council, Sri Lanka Police and Public Health Inspectors on Friday (Feb. 18). It was revealed that the security of washrooms at two classes attended by a large number of students was at a minimal level. more..

Feb 19 (EN) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) will soon allow listed companies to sell foreign currency denominated shares as long as they have revenues in foreign exchange according rules which has been approved by the regulator. The CSE�s new move, which was approved last week by the regulator Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will allow SL companies seeking to fund foreign currency to raise capital in foreign currencies a CSE official said. more..

Feb 19 (EN) Sri Lanka�s top intelligence services actively prevented criminal investigators closing in on the Easter Sunday bombers, Supreme Court has been told in a new twist to the case. On several occasions, intelligence operatives misled criminal investigators chasing suspects and planted evidence in the run up to the April 2019 bombings, the SC was told by the then director of the CID, Shani Abeysekara. more..

Feb 19 (FT) Mumbai and Pune-based celebrity designer Nivedita Saboo, will be showcasing 20 limited edition looks from her latest collection at the fashion show in Colombo, on 19 Feb and 40 more Pret looks including the limited-edition collection in an exclusive pop-up on 20 and 21 February. This showcase will be part of the Wedding Show organised in collaboration with Brides of SL at Galle Face Hotel. The collection will feature beautifully handcrafted bridal ensembles made on more..

Feb 19 (FT) There are nearly three million SL expatriates and emigrants in the world, including an appreciable number of reputed scientists and professionals holding senior positions in academia, R&D institutions and industry. They undoubtedly constitute a formidable potential asset of Sri Lanka which has hitherto been almost untapped and untouched for national development. In fact, there are many SL expatriates who are keen to contribute to the development of the motherland more..

Feb 19 (SYN) Sri Lanka Port Authority (SPLA) has announced that nearly 100 acres of landmass will be added to the Galle Harbour. Cabinet of Ministers has cleared a proposal to call for Expressions of Interest from investors to develop the Galle Port as a regional commercial port with additional services including tourism. However, with a focus on commercial shipping, as well as prohibitive customs, immigration procedures more..

Feb 19 (CT) Head of the Govt Pharmacists� Union (GPU), Ajith Thillakaratne, claimed the govt is planning to introduce a pricing formula for pharmaceuticals where prices will be allowed to fluctuate. He said the GPU has received information that the Govt is trying to do this under the pretext of introducing a new price formula for medicinal items in the country. Thillakaratne warned that under the present situation where prices of pharmaceutical items had surged due to SL�s foreign more..

Feb 19 (SLN) SL Navy seized an Indian dhow with 06 Indian fishermen while poaching in SL waters. The apprehension was made in seas northwest of the Kovilan Lighthouse, Jaffna during a patrol in the wee hours of today (19). Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular patrols and operations to curb illegal fishing activities in SL waters, considering the impact of foreign fishermen poaching in SL waters on the local fishing community and the sustainability of fishery resources of Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 19 (DN) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa said that Asia has changed today due to China which rose from friendship and self-reliance between countries. The Prime Minister made this observation at a ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre to mark the 65th anniversary of Sino-SL diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Agreement on Thursday (17). Acting Chairman of the Communist Party of SL Weerasumana Weerasinghe presented the Commemorative Summary on more..

Feb 19 (CT) The suspects in the egg throwing incident at the Gampaha District convention of JJB, will appear in Court, following the JJB�s decision to file a petition in the SC next week over the failure of the Police to arrest the suspects, informed sources said. Court has already informed the plaintiff and the defence to make submissions in this connection on 7 May. JJB lodged a complaint with the HRCSL on 17 Feb and they announced that during the next week they will be petitioning the SC. more..

Feb 19 (ST) Despite India�s objections, Fisheries Dept went ahead this week with the auctioning of some 150 Indian bottom trawlers seized for poaching in SL waters and engaging in internationally banned fishing practices. The dept issued a public notice last month calling for bidders to dispose 105 trawlers detained in Karainagar, Kankesanthurai, Kiranchi, Talaimannar, and Kalpitiya. Another 45 trawlers were also more..

Feb 19 (AD) The Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) says scheduled power cuts will not be imposed in the country today (19). However, intermittent interruptions to the electricity supply can be expected between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sporadic power cuts are being imposed to stabilize the national grid as the CEB is receiving fuel required for power generation to fulfil today�s demand. Meanwhile, the electricity supply was interrupted across the island in two slots yesterday (18). more..

Feb 19 (CT) In response to news about the prevailing tense situation and predictions of war between Russia and Ukraine, Udayanga Weeratunga, a tour planner of that region and a former Ambassador to Russia, said that while there may be no drop in Russian tourists visiting SL, there was a drop in Ukrainian tourists visiting the country in the first two weeks of February. He also noted that Ukraine flights have not flown over Russia�s air space for several years, and Russian flights more..

Feb 19 (ST) Nawarathna Banda is fretting about this season�s harvest. The farmer from Laggala-Pallegama, Poththatawela, grew beans and chilies during the Yala and paddy in the Maha for nearly five decades using chemical fertilisers and pesticides that he claims helped him reap more produce from these central highlands, where he grew up. But Laggala-Pallegama in the Mahaweli F Zone had been declared more..

Feb 19 (TM) Govt of SL is most likely to receive a helping hand from the Chinese Govt in the upcoming months to overcome the present financial crisis faced by the country, Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle revealed. Attygalle stated that based on the request made by Prez Rajapaksa on 9 January, official discussions had begun after the Chinese New Year on finalising the loan amount scheduled to be granted to SL. �Discussions are ongoing and the final decision will be made soon,� more..

Feb 19 (TM) The economic relief package from India to assist SL �urgently� to overcome the present economic crisis is anticipated to be received by 1 March 2022, Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle confirmed. The economic relief package includes support on foreign reserves, petroleum imports, imports, and other much-needed financial assistance of approximately $ 900 million. �They (India) have to get their security clearances, Cabinet approvals, etc. Once cleared at the top, more..

Feb 19 (CT) North-East Relatives of the Missing Persons Association will hold a protest on Sunday (20) in the wake of the UNHRC meeting in Geneva at their usual session scheduled to be held between 28 Feb and 1 April 2022. They conducted a Media briefing in Kilinochchi about the event. Deputy Secretary of the Association, Ratheeswaran Kavitha, said when they had questioned the Minister of Justice Ali Sabry as to what happened to those who were handed over to Govt when war ended more..

Feb 19 (AD) Newly appointed Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung says she is truly honoured to take up the new post. In a tweet, she said she looks forward to working with the govt of Sri Lanka, civil society and the people to build the economies of the two countries, explore shared values and strengthen bilateral relations. Sri Lanka and the United States have a lot in common, from democratic values to the shared commitment to a safe and prosperous Indo-Pacific. more..

Feb 19 (PMD) The second interim report of the PCoI for Appraisal of the Findings of Previous Commissions and Committees and the Way Forward was handed over to Prez Rajapaksa by Supreme Court Judge A.H.M.D. Nawaz at the Presidential Secretariat, today. Prez Rajapaksa appointed the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate, inquire into and report or take necessary actions on findings of more..

Feb 19 (NR) 1,273 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 thus far today. Accordingly, SL's total coronavirus caseload increased to 635,606. 252 individuals recovered from COVID-19 and were discharged during the past 24-hours raising total recoveries to 596,891. Ministry of Health said 22,746 persons are currently receiving treatment for coronavirus at several facilities. Another 20 COVID-19 related fatalities were confirmed in Sri Lanka, raising the virus death toll to 15,949. more..

Feb 19 (CT) Following discussions Prez Rajapaksa held with the Public Service United Nurses Union (PSUNU) President Ven. Muruttetuwe Ananda Thera, the Federation of Health Professionals (FHP) called for President Rajapaksa to adopt an impartial stance in working towards resolving issues of health service trade unions. GNOA President, Saman Ratnapriya accused Prez Rajapaksa of violating international labour laws which the country had ratified, �When SL has signed agreements more..

Feb 19 (ST) While tourism returns to normal in Yala, a number of elephant attacks were reported this week from the national park. The first incident was reported on Wednesday morning when a safari jeep carrying four French tourists was attacked by the tusker Nandimitra. A video filmed by passengers in a nearby jeep shows the angry elephant attacking the jeep with its sharp tusks. The vehicle was damaged and nearly toppled, but more..

Feb 19 (AD) Four suspects in total have been arrested by the Tangalle Police in connection with the murder of a constable. Among the arrestees is a female, according to the police. A group of individuals had beaten a police officer to death in the area of Vitharandeniya in Tangalle on Wednesday night (Feb. 17). His wife and younger brother were also assaulted by the perpetrators. The brother has been admitted to the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital with critical injuries. more..

Feb 19 (CT) President�s Counsel Sarath Jayamanne has declared that he will be contesting the post of President of the Bar Association of SL, for the year 2023/24. Having graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Applied Science, from the Uni of Sri J'pura, he enrolled at the SL Law College. He was admitted to the Bar in 1988 and went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford. Sarath Jayamanne is well-reputed for his yeoman service to more..

Feb 20 (CT) SLPP�s election fireworks in Anuradhapura may have perished instantly in the Sacred City�s ancient lakes. But political moves and counter moves are emerging independent and regardless of LG elections being held or not held in the near future. New developments are being reported both within the governing (SLPP/SLPFA) alliance and outside it, as well as independent of the govt and on behalf of the govt. There are four potentially significant developments that more..

Feb 20 (CT) Polite commentators are bashful and write in the future tense. They avoid the present and prefer on edge, critical and reeling, but this is asinine. It has already happened; all that is pending are food riots. �The president (of SL) appealed to visiting Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that it would be a great relief if debt payments could be rescheduled in view of the economic crisis� reported the Guardian (UK) on 10 Jan 2022. When a country begs for debt rescheduling more..