Jul 26 (AD) Director-General of Health Services says, considering the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country, he strongly recommends the general public to wear face masks while they are indoors, travelling in public transport or at public gatherings. Dr. Asela Gunawardena, as the Proper Authority for the entire country, issued the directives by virtue of the regulations made under the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance No. 03 of 1897 published in a special gazette notification dated Jan 25, 2022. more..

Jul 26 (DM) Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association (LPBOA) Chairman Gemunu Wijerathe said that they are hoping to start the school and hospital transport services on Aug 1. He said the decision was taken following a discussion with the Education Minister, SL Transport Board (SLTB) chairman and petroleum corporation officials at Education Ministry. At the discussion, we came to an agreement to resume the school transport service covering all routes and requested the SLTB chairman more..

Jul 27 (DM) Our Minister of Power and Energy, after having all these long months of having told us that stocks of fuel were on their way, has at last informed the general public that fuel imports including diesel and petrol may be restricted for the next year at least. The reason... Sri Lanka has no foreign exchange to pay for imports. This is no secret to us Lankans. For the past few months the media have been highlighting the fact that we have no hard currency to purchase basic necessities. more..

Jul 27 (DM) Being a journalist in SL historically is a terrible career choice. Not only are you chronically paid miserably low, but there is the constant threat of assault, abuse and even the occasional murder. Career stability is measured in months, sometimes days. And this is when times are normal. In the current circumstances, the operating conditions are all of the above into the power of 3 or 4. That begs the question, why do we become storytellers? This has been a perennial question posed at me. more..

Jul 27 (DM) A serious shortage of fuel, gas and other essential items as a result of the dollar crisis led to protests being staged around the country over the past few months. However, Chairman of Litro Gas Lanka Ltd, Muditha Peiris says the shortage of domestic gas in the market could have been averted. He said that the past administration of Litro had failed to take steps to prevent a crisis in the market. He also said that he was confident more..

Jul 27 (CT) Monkeypox, a viral disease, with symptoms similar to chickenpox, may enter the country, this newspaper in an article yesterday said. At the time of writing, India had detected four such cases. The current monkeypox outbreak is 10 times bigger than the number of cases reported from the past three years combined. Analysing the recent spread of the virus, the article titled �Monkeypox Virus Infection in humans across 16 countries April � June 2022,� it said, before April 2022, more..

Jul 27 (CT) Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW), an epitome of failure, has been elevated to the position of an executive president, not with a popular mandate or from a Mandate of Heaven, but by 134 legislators from 225 total, the majority of whom were the same mob that aided and abetted Rajapaksa regime to make this country a failed state and a textbook model for economic dereliction. In short, RW has received a Mandate of Hell to continue to rule with an iron fist, but with the same Rajapaksa mob more..

Jul 27 (DM) It is the normal practice to cast aside tools used for a development activity at the end of the project. Especially machinery and vehicles can be found abandoned after taking the maximum use of them. Even though they can be reused they are still discarded after being labelled as useless. Such unattended vehicles of major projects in Sri Lanka can be seen in the form of junk rusting. According to project agreements more..

Jul 27 (TM) While the crippling economic crisis has become the most pressing issue for most Sri Lankans, it has also diverted the people�s attention from many other issues that would have been priority concerns if the economic situation was stable. The lack of attention to Covid-19 and dengue are likely to result in the re-emergence of these diseases. But, due to prevailing situation of the economy and the health sector, this time, their impact on the country is likely to be worse more..

Jul 27 (ST) As the dust has settled on the presidential race with veteran parliamentarian Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has served a record number of times as prime minister, triumphing at the presidential vote in Parliament, the scene now shifts to resolving the worst economic crisis on record. Sri Lankans are suffering in queues for fuel, cooking gas and sometimes food. While some are foregoing two meals a day, others are skipping one meal and its time the President, the new PM more..

Jul 27 (DN) SL�s men�s and women�s rugby teams were in a buoyant mood and high spirits upon their arrival on Monday for the XXII Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. They were greeted by traditionally cool British weather summer in complete contrast to the heatwave experienced in the UK the previous week that sent temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius. Both Sri Lanka teams are up against rugby heavyweights England, New Zealand, and Samoa in their group matches but more..

Jul 27 (FT) SJB MP Dr. Rajitha Senarathne alleged the MPs who voted for Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe in the House did so to obtain monetary benefits, vehicle permits and compensation for their damaged houses and not for the welfare of the people. �The SJB had come together with MP Dullas Alahapperuma of the SLPP with a plan to take the country out of its present predicament, but as demonstrated by the vote, the voice of the SL people is not reflected within Parliament,� more..

Jul 27 (FT) SL has begun its search for firms from petroleum-producing countries to engage in the importation, distribution, and retail activities, opening up the industry. The move comes, as the Government struggles to secure $ 600 million monthly to import fuel, amidst the ongoing economic crisis. Power and Energy Ministry has called Expressions of Interest (EOIs) by 16 Aug from well-established companies more..

Jul 27 (Island) July 20, 2022, will go down in SL's history as a day of a political miracle, possible only in SL. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the man who lost in his own seat in the 2020 General Election, securing less than 3% of the ballot, was levered into Parliament, in June 2021, through the national list, to the single seat available in the house for his party, the UNP. On 12 May, 2022, through a questionably opaque political gambit, he is appointed PM by then Prez, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. more..

Jul 27 (Island) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced, in a gazette notification, the scopes and functions of the new ministers, and taken over the ministries to which Cabinet members have not yet been appointed. Thus, he is the Minister in charge of Finance, Defence, Technology, Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Ports, Shipping and Aviation, and Investment Promotion. Former Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva is facing an inquiry over a bribery allegation. more..

Jul 27 (TM) Ministry of Health has pointed out that it is important that the public obtain the Covid-19 vaccines on time, wear facemasks, and follow other Covid-19 related health guidelines, with DGHS Dr. Asela Gunawardena having confirmed 5 deaths and 119 infections of Covid-19 on Monday. The victims reported on Monday included three males and two females, above the age of 60. more..

Jul 27 (Island) Isipatana earned major honours against their arch-rivals Thurstan as Randunu Ganganath with a top score of 99 runs and Yuneth Senevirathne with an unbeaten half-century excelled for them on day two of 59th Battle of Brothers Big Match which ended in a draw at the SSC on Tuesday. In reply to Thurstan�s 202 runs, Isipatana posted 297 for eight wickets declared as Ganganath, and Yuneth Senevirathne put on an eighth wicket stand of 129 runs. more..

Jul 27 (FT) SL Gem & Jewellery Association (SLGJA) is putting forward a number of solutions that can uplift and boost the industry further. Adhering to the ethical mining and environmental regulations will ensure miners produce more gems and explore more areas across the island, ensuring the mining industry maintains steady growth and meets global demand for precious stones. Easing the export process will open up the mining industry and ensures the industry thrives and helps more..

Jul 27 (CT) SL made Bangladesh work hard for their thrilling 1-0 win at the SAFF U-20 Championship, kicked off at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Monday. Mirajul Islam scored the decisive goal in the 71st minute to help Bangladesh secure three points. Bangladesh dominated from the word go in terms of possession and created a few chances in the first 10 minutes, but failed to convert, including forward Pias Ahmed Nova who squandered a one-on-one with the goalkeeper. more..

Jul 27 (EN) Stocks fell on Tuesday for the third session with the overall market remained dull as investors shrugged off govt�s moves to stabilize the economy, brokers said. ASPI edged down 0.12% or 9.25 points down at 7,630.17. �The market is moving downward on the same dull sentiments on risky assets as investors have taken a wait-and-see approach. However, the market is witnessing some profit taking too,� a broker said. There�s also margin selling with a low supply of buyers, more..

Jul 27 (FT) The apex body of the industry, Hotels Association of SL�s (THASL) Executive meeting members took a bold decision to strongly recommend to reduce consumption of imported goods and services in hotel operations as it is a critical aspect to bring about economic stability in the country. �Listening to the voice of the CB, especially repeated requests from the Governor, we felt the hotel sector in SL has a large role more..

Jul 27 (EN) Sri Lanka railways have hiked fares to reduce its 40.4 billion rupee loss in 2021, Minister Bandula Gunewardene said. �Even though the railway service continued as a non-profit service, for a long time the cost of the dept has risen abnormally, but the income is not rising, therefore the service is being continued with a huge loss for the govt,� he said. Gunawardena said, in 2020, the railway dept had earned a revenue of 4.5 billion rupees while the expenditure stood at 44 billion rupees. more..

Jul 27 (DM) Free Trade Zone Manufacturers� Association (FTZMA) sounded a note of optimism about Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe ushering in the necessary changes to the country�s economy. Executive Committee of the association while congratulating Wickremesinghe for his accomplishment said its fullest support would be extended to help fulfil the country�s aspirations. �We believe that you would do your utmost to fulfil the aspiration of the people, towards which more..

Jul 27 (DM) National carrier SriLankan Airlines said it paid the interest in full on its US$ 175 million bond due in 2024 using company funds. �The interest was paid in full within the applicable grace period using company funds,� the airline said in a brief statement. The bond with 7% coupon and listed in Singapore stock exchange is guaranteed by the SL govt. However, analysts and economists pointed out that the bond payment made by SriLankan Airlines could complicate SL�s debt restructuring process. more..

Jul 27 (EN) Director of Health Services has strongly recommended wearing face masks while using public transport and in public gatherings amid increase in Covid-19 cases and related deaths. The daily Covid-19 death reached five on Monday, compared to two on Sunday 2 while the total confirmed Covid-19 cases also rose to 119 on Tuesday from Monday�s 75. Already data have showed the pandemic that killed over 16,500 in SL is on a rising trend as people are compelled more..

Jul 27 (TP) After helping SL with an unprecedented assistance of around $4 billion since January as the country plunged into a deep economic crisis, India is now planning to invest heavily in newer sectors through both private and public firms there, Gopal Baglay, high commissioner of India to SL, said. The sectors India will focus on include renewable energy, hydrocarbons, ports and infrastructure, and IT among others. more..

Jul 27 (EN) The IMF has slashed global growth in 2022 by 0.4% to 3.2, emerging and developing Asia by 0.8% to 4.6% and advanced economies also by 0.8% to 2.5%, as inflation from two years of stimulus began to bite. Sri Lanka is experiencing over 50% inflation by June 2020 and its economy may contract 6.9% leaders have warned as the country pays the price for two years of monetary and fiscal stimulus on top of earlier failed stimulus under output gap targeting. more..

Jul 27 (DM) The JVP urged the govt to stop arrests and suppression of Galle Face protesters. JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told this to the media after a discussion with the representatives of the Galle Face protesters. He said Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe got the armed forces to unleash a vehement attack on the protesters even though they had assured to hand over the Prez Secretariat at 2 pm on the following day. He said the attack was carried out to please SLPP MPs who voted more..

Jul 27 (FT) Five deaths and 119 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Monday have prompted health authorities to renew warning of precaution on the pandemic. A new variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly around the world and an increase in the number of COVID-infected people in SL has been observed in the last few days. Govt yesterday reported 119 new infections and said five COVID related deaths. 3 males and 2 females above 60-years of age have succumbed to the disease. more..

Jul 27 (Island) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe would hold Defence, Finance and other Cabinet portfolios that have not been assigned so far, until the formation of an all-party govt, ministerial sources told The Island yesterday. That would be in line with the Constitution, sources said, adding that there was no time bar for the President to hold such portfolios. The govt was keen to conclude talks on an all -party arrangement as soon as possible, they said. Ports & Shipping as well as Investment Promotion more..

Jul 27 (TM) Japan-based Taisei Corporation, the contractor for the BIA Terminal II project, which has been mired in many complications since the launch of the initial project, is planning to exit SL amidst the ongoing economic crisis. Reliable sources confirmed that with the Terminal II project nearing just one-fourth of its completion, the contractor is planning to exit SL even though AASL seems hesitant to let the contractor go, more..

Jul 27 (AD) 10 independent political parties in the parliament have decided to back the proclamation of the state of emergency at the parliamentary debate today. Following a meeting of the members of independent parties, MP Premnath Dolawatte said that they intend to vote in favour of the proclamation of the state of emergency. Parliament will meet at 10 a.m. today to debate the proclamation of the state of emergency declared by Prez Wickremesinghe as Acting Prez under Public Security Ordinance. more..

Jul 27 (TM) The SJB, announced that it would vote against the proclamation of the state of emergency declared by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Acting Prez under the Public Security Ordinance, when it is taken up for debate in Parliament today. Parliament, set to convene at 10 a.m. today, will hold the debate until 4.30 p.m. The SJB in a press release said that the party unanimously decided to vote against the state of emergency, as it stifles freedom of expression & freedom of protest. more..

Jul 27 (TM) Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) said that IGP Chandana Wickramaratne had failed in his duty to provide adequate protection to peaceful protestors on 9 May, when pro-Govt groups emerged after a meeting with former PM Rajapaksa to carry out the attacks, and recommended that Prez Wickremesinghe conduct a probe into the lapses of the Police on the day with a view to preventing any recurrence. more..

Jul 27 (FT) Any man�s death diminishes me because I am involved in Mankind, wrote the metaphysical poet John Donne. The ethnic conflict in SL has extracted a heavy human toll. In my personal capacity as a SL Tamil and in my professional capacity as a journalist, I have lost count of the number of people related or known to me who have encountered violent deaths. But no man�s death as a result of the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka has diminished me as that of Dr. Neelakandan Tiruchelvam. more..