Apr 20 (TM) A total of 36 firearms belonging to the Regimental HQ of SL Army Military Intelligence Corps (MIC) at Karandeniya have been taken into police custody in connection with the recent shooting incident that took place in Ahungalla. A 29-year-old was gunned down in a shooting incident reported on 14th April. SSP Nihal Thalduwa revealed that 36 T-56 firearms which were issued for service at the MIC in Karandeniya on 14th April have been taken into custody by the Ahungalla Police. more..

Apr 20 (TM) The FUTA is to make a final decision regarding their participation in the paper marking activities pertaining to last year�s GCE A/L exam held this year (2022), within two to three days. FUTA President Prof. Shyama Banneheka said that Education Minister Susil Premajayantha is making a positive intervention to solve their issues. "Minister is trying his best to solve our issues and we appreciate it. more..

Apr 20 (DM) Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella said today that according to investigations conducted by them, the government is planning to send 100,000 monkeys to China for their brains to be eaten raw while they are still alive. The issue of exporting monkeys to China had become the main topic in the country. However, according to the Wildlife Protection Act, there are no legal provisions to export a large number of wild animals to other countries. more..

Apr 20 (TM) Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) should consult incumbent Attorney General (AG) Sanjay Rajaratnam instead of recording statements from former AG Dappula de Livera PC, if any clarification is needed regarding the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks and the related investigations, a lawyer representing de Livera said. de Livera had been informed on April 18 to appear before the TID yesterday, in order to record a statement on his controversial remarks pertaining to an alleged more..

Apr 20 (Island) Environmentalist Dr. Ajantha Perera has lodged a complaint with the CIABOC regarding an alleged USD 250 Mn payoff meant to undermine SL�s efforts to obtain maximum possible compensation for the unprecedented damages caused by the X-Press Pearl ship disaster, in May/June 2021, off Colombo port. Dr. Perera said that her complaint was based on Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse�s more..

Apr 21 (CT) This note is further to the submission handed over to you, during the public presentation of the draft Anti Corruption Law held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute on 3rd April 2023, a copy can be read here. You are kindly requested to consider the following Post Script submissions, along with the submissions aforesaid and we urge you to incorporate necessary amendments in the draft Anti Corruption Law prior to its tabling in Parliament: 1. As provided for in Article 156 A more..

Apr 21 (GV) In a brilliant and much needed documentary directed by Nadya Perera, one of the fast dying heritages of SL Muslims, namely their musical traditions, has been brought to light. The Muslim community and particularly its younger generation is in debt to this Sinhala director for what she has painstakingly accomplished in bringing back memories from a dying generation of Muslim musicians, singers and performers � a treasure trove that needs to be preserved, modernized and more..

Apr 21 (TM) During the handling of the crowd that engaged in a protest on 19 April 2022 in Rambukkana, where a person named Chaminda Lakshan died after being shot by the Police, the Police has employed excessive force which the tense situation did not warrant, and the victims have been shot by Police officers without accurately and responsibly analysing the situation. Alarmingly, some of the Police officers who were deployed to more..

Apr 21 (DM) SL Govt�s plan to export a species of monkey (Toque Macaques) has brought mixed reactions from several quarters in the island nation. What stands at present is only a Govt proposal, and the regime plans to submit a Cabinet Proposal to appoint a Committee that will recommend a proposal in this regard. But when one studies the thinking behind the Government�s move it is clear that someone wishes to make a quick buck out of the venture. Why? Because, if at all this deal more..

Apr 21 (CT) It�s not just weeks or months that have passed by, since mayhem broke on Easter Sunday, 21 Apr 2019. It has been whole four years up to now. More than two hundred and sixty innocent souls, who were about to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, just like Jesus Christ himself, were crucified but not on a cross this time; it was a bomb. Men, women and infants to the elderly and the sick were among the casualties of the attack. They are still lying under the very soil of our country, more..

Apr 21 (CT) Claiming compensation for the MV X-Press Pearl ship fire is still languishing and making slow progress. Although a good two years has lapsed claiming compensation has seen rather slow progress. However, what is alarming is that the time frame for claiming compensation is nearing a close with the final date being 19 May 2023. A report published by the CEJ stated that under SL Law, the case to claim compensation has to be filed more..

Apr 21 (Island) Parliament is going to debate the govt�s agreement with the IMF, which has approved USD 3 billion for SL under the EFF Arrangement. The debate is scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 April, we are told. Public finance is the province of Parliament, which should scrutinise the country�s agreements with int'l lending agencies, etc. But the one between the govt and the IMF is now a fait accompli, and there is absolutely nothing that Parliament can do about it, at this stage, more..

Apr 21 (TM) Former Attorney General (AG), Dappula de Livera�s explosive claim that he is of the opinion that there was a massive conspiracy surrounding the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks has resulted in him being called for questioning in the investigations conducted by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID). The former AG being summoned to the TID, came in the backdrop of the Catholic community and others preparing to hold a silent protest in commemoration of the fourth anniversary more..

Apr 21 (DM) As Sri Lanka marks the fourth anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks today, Catholic Church will stage this morning a human wall protest from Colombo to Negombo toexpress the people�s collective dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in investigations and prosecution. The Church invited all Sri Lankans to join the protest, described as a campaign to seek truth and justice for the victims. Four years have passed since barbaric attack on Apr21, 2019, more..

Apr 21 (Island) There is a pithy Sinhala saying that I surmise derived from the sinking of the Titanic where while the unsinkable ship was submerging in the Atlantic in the cold night of April 14, 1912, the band was ordered to play on. It starts with Neva gilunath � but I shirk completing it because its commonness draws gooseflesh along my sensitive skin. This saying is how I describe the general ambience of the Aluth Avurudhu season just passed. Whatever our troubles, limitations suffered, more..

Apr 21 (FT) Export Development Board of SL (EDB) new Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard revealed plans to achieve $ 31.3 billion target by 2027 thereby heralding much-needed dollar earnings to overcome the prolonged foreign exchange dearth and stabilise the economy. His seven-point strategy stems from a plethora of new initiatives as well as fine-tuning existing policies to develop and boost exports. These include; Implem-entation of more..

Apr 21 (FT) LAUGFS Holdings Ltd., one of the largest diversified conglomerates in Sri Lanka with a portfolio of over 20 businesses spanning multiple industries, recently held its annual Strategic Business Planning event. The event brought together the Group�s senior management and heads of subsidiaries at the Anantaya Resort Chilaw to review progress, discuss challenges faced over the past year, and set out plans for growth in the upcoming year. more..

Apr 21 (FT) The Colombo stock market�s subdued run continued yesterday amidst low investor interest and activity. The active S&P SL20 gained by 8 points or 0.3% whilst the benchmark ASPI declined by 12 points of 0.1%. Turnover was Rs. 933.4 million (above Rs. 632 million on Wednesday) involving 43 million shares. On a positive note, foreigners recorded a net inflow of Rs. 143.6 million while their participation increased to 18.8% of turnover (previous day 10.1%). more..

Apr 21 (Island) Embassy of SL in Vietnam, in close coordination with the Embassy of Vietnam in SL, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of SL, was gifted a sacred Sapling of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in A'pura to be planted at the Bai Dinh Pagoda (Temple) in Vietnam. Bai Dinh Pagoda is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Viet Nam spreading over 700 hectares and possesses the largest gold plated statue of Buddha in Asia more..

Apr 21 (EN) Ministry of Women and Child Affairs is seeking new sponsors for the school midday meal program as UNICEF funds will run out by May 2023, according to State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe. The program is currently funded by the World Bank through UNICEF, and Kumarasinghe expressed concerns that the program may have to be stopped if no other funds are secured. �The school mid-day meal program which is run by the World Bank funds through UNICEF will be over by May,� more..

Apr 21 (FT) Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis this week ordered eight investment accounts opened in the US by the directors of OnmaxDT Ltd, an illegal SL crypto Ponzi or pyramid scheme to be frozen immediately. The directors had opened the accounts with US company Binance.com and invested Rs. 430 million for a period of six months. Reportedly this is the first time a SL court has issued an order to a financial company more..

Apr 21 (AD) A request made by the Police seeking an order against a political protest march scheduled to take place in Negombo tomorrow (21) was rejected by the court. Accordingly, Negombo Acting Magistrate Indika de Silva issued an order today (20), rejecting the request to issue an order preventing the NPP march scheduled for tomorrow. In their request to the court, the Police revealed that they had received intelligence claiming that attempts will be made during the march to incite more..

Apr 21 (EN) Sri Lanka recorded its highest energy demand in recent months on April 19, requiring 49.53 gigawatt hours of power generation, Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said. �Actual demand recorded early this morning, forecasts an estimated energy demand exceeding 50 GWh for today. All CEB thermal plants including the recently established Hambantota Diesel Powered generators will be utilised for power generation,� the minister tweeted Thursday April 20 morning. more..

Apr 21 (EN) The SJB appears to have all but sided with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe in a standoff with protesting teachers with the party taking a position against trade union action that holds children�s future to ransom. SJB MP Nalin Bandara said that teachers can resort to alternative forms of agitation to win their demands. �We are against trade union action when it comes to marking papers. Unions may have their concerns, more..

Apr 21 (DN) Sri Lanka team is looking for a whitewash after their huge first test win over Ireland with two days to spare at the Galle Int'l Cricket Stadium. The second Test will be held from 24 while after three rest days SL team is ready to resume their training at Galle Stadium from 22nd. The selectors already have named same 15 player squad which used for the first test and their intention is very clear to get full strength to play against Irish team to maintain winning streak. more..

Apr 21 (FT) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday took to Twitter to slam the Govt led by the SLPP for failing yet again to confirm him as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (CoPF). �Once again the SLPP Govt found an excuse today not to approve my name as Chair of the Parliament Committee on Public Finance,� he said. According to the MP, the appointment did not take place due to the absence of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane at the selection meeting. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Central Bank today said a shortage of Rs.5 million worth cash bundle was discovered in one of its vaults during the currency operations on April 11, 2023. "An internal probe into the matter was commenced immediately, while a complaint was also lodged at the Fort Police Station. Police investigation is in progress," a brief CB statement said. CB said it is taking necessary measures to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen the internal controls, processes, etc. more..

Apr 21 (CT) Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs stated that Asia Rugby (AR) President Quasi Al Dhalai had consented to render their support towards the development of rugby in this country during a recent audience with Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Minister had called on Dhalai at the Dubai HQ of AR in order to enlighten the latter with regard to the recent incidents surrounding Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and the resultant measures taken by his Ministry to put the sport back on track. more..

Apr 21 (DM) SL had met 25% of the trackable programme commitments of the IMF programme as at the end of March 2023 but had failed on one, according to The IMF Tracker, a new online tool launched by Verit� Research. Many of the commitments met were classified as prior actions and met prior to the programme being approved by the IMF Board, Verit� Research said. "It said the Failed Commitment is the establishment of more..

Apr 21 (TM) Ministry of Health has introduced a set of guidelines to prevent the adverse effects of the prevailing torrid heat on school children in order to keep them safe. This was communicated in a letter directed to the Additional Secretary (School Affairs) of the Education Ministry. Accordingly, the Health Ministry has recommended the following first aid measures for the following heat related illnesses, namely, heat related cramps, heat related exhaustion and a heatstroke. more..

Apr 21 (TM) UNP MP Vajira Abeywardena claimed that it is not possible to find the root cause of the Easter Sunday terror attacks of 21 April 2019, since the related suspects (the suicide bombers) have died. He said that a group of persons who were mentally trained for suicide had carried out the said terror attacks, and that the related suspects (suicide bombers) had all died by now. "No information is being revealed now. There is no way to find the root cause of these attacks. more..

Apr 21 (EN) Amid rising geopolitical concerns, fifteen young Sri Lanka�s ruling coalition members including parliamentarians have left for China on a familiarization tour on the invitation of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), the island nation�s participants said. Five members from Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe-led UNP and 10 from former president Mahinda Rajapaksa-led SLPP have left the country for a 9-day tour which includes visiting two Chinese provinces. more..

Apr 21 (TM) US Ambassador to SL, Julie Chung has called for extensive public and Parliamentary discussions on the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill, which is to be introduced to repeal the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Taking to Twitter, Chung stated that during a meeting with Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe yesterday, she had discussed her concerns with regard to certain aspects of the proposed Bill which fall outside of international standards. more..

Apr 21 (DM) At a time when the country is depending on the IMF and its int'l partners to bail SL out of its worst ever economic crisis, there are serious questions as to why the govt has failed to claim massive compensation of US$ 6.4 billion from the X-Press Pearl Disaster. Singapore flagged X-Press Pearl, which caught fire and began sinking off SL�s western coast on May 20,2021 was the worst maritime disaster to have struck the country. more..

Apr 21 (AD) The political party leaders have scheduled a three-day parliamentary debate for the Resolution for the Implementation of the Arrangement under the EFF of the IMF for SL in to debate. Accordingly, the IMF-supported EFF will be taken up for debate in the parliament from 26-28 April. The decision was reached at the meeting of Committee on Parliamentary Business convened this morning (20). The meeting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse. more..

Apr 21 (DM) Met Dept has issued extreme heat weather advisory today particularly for Western, North-Western, Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota Districts. According to the heat index issued by the dept, Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaithivu, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Batticoloa, Gampaha, Ampara, Colombo, Moneragala, Kalutara and Hambantota Districts would be affected by more..