Aug 31 (DM) Visiting U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, in response to a query about the investment climate of SL, stressed the need to speed up work to set up a single window or one-stop- shop to facilitate investments. In an interactive session with a select group of journalists, he said American companies look at the situation, economics and decide in their own when investing, and his message to the govt is to create certainty for American companies about their investments in the country. more..

Aug 31 (DM) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa denounced reports that the SJB and UNP will merge soon while he would become the PM under Ranil Wickremesinghe if the latter wins the next Prez election. "Why should I get into deals with Ranil?" he questioned. Responding to reports on a complaint by some ruling party MPs that he is wasting time and money in Parliament by raising uneccessery questions, Premadasa said rasing questions excessesively in the House on issues faced more..

Aug 31 (Island) Former Chairperson of MEPA (Marine Environment Protection Authority) Dharshani Lahandapura asked whether the govt had accepted the USD 878,000 (Rs 285 mn) offer made by the insurers of the sunken X-Press Pearl container carrier. The vessel carrying over 1,486 containers sank off the Colombo Port in early June 2021. At the time of the worst maritime disaster in SL waters, Lahandapura served as more..

Aug 31 (FT) When a powerful foreign country or commercial enterprise of a foreign country achieves pre-ponderance over a vital district and province of another, the military forces/contractors/security personnel of the former tend to follow. This is Asia�s experience with the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company. Does the visit of the Indian Defence Minister to the East imply that the proposed projects are dual use--civil and military? Will Indian projection of more..

Aug 31 (FT) While most advanced economies have been focusing on reducing the footprint of state companies, others have gone in the opposite direction. The last decade has seen the share of state company assets among the world�s largest firms grow significantly, and state-owned banks account for almost half of banking system assets in some developing countries. The growing reach of state companies with govt support to compensate for pursuing policy goals distort competition more..

Aug 31 (EN) Shares closed down on Thursday, on high rates pushing investor sentiment down on index heavy and driving counters, an analyst said. Favorable performance indications combined with anticipations on lowered rates and better economic outlooks on investment was moving the market towards profit taking and selling interest. ASPI was down 0.46% or 51.42 points to 11,114.17, this is the lowest the market has been since July 26, while S&P SL20 was down 0.61% or 19.19 points more..

Aug 31 (TM) Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe emphasised the importance of school students engaging in sports activities. He stated that a proposal has been submitted to the Minister of Education, Susil Premajayantha, to consider extending the school period from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proposed extension aims to provide more time for students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities. Minister said, by extending the school day, students would have more..

Aug 31 (DM) In the wake of a new patient with Meningococcal disease being found from the Colombo District, the health authorities have requested people to be alert on the symptoms of the disease. The common symptoms of the Meningococcal disease include fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, cold hands and feet. The disease, was initially detected at the Galle prison. The newly detected person aged 49 is employed at more..

Aug 31 (DM) The writ petition filed by Pastor Jerome Fernando seeking an order preventing the police from arresting him in connection with the controversial Sunday sermon was postponed today for Sept 21 by the Court of Appeal. Court was informed that the Attorney General had filed limited objections challenging the maintainability of the petition. Court of Appeal fixed the matter to be taken up for support on Sept 21. CID has already commenced investigations against Pastor more..

Aug 31 (EN) SL�s 12-month consumer price inflation dropped to 4% with prices falling 0.1% within the month. CB has conducted deflationary open market operations to build reserves and also allowed the exchange rate to appreciate from March 2023. The CCPI grew only 0.42% from Sept 2022 when the central bank registered a balance of payments surplus. IMF countries usually show only disinflation or a slowdown in price increases despite contracting credit, undermining the purchasing power more..

Aug 31 (DM) Govt has continued to violate Right to Information (RTI) Act by failing to disclose required information on infrastructure projects. In 2022 and 2023, only 18% and 25% of the necessary information was proactively disclosed online, respectively. Moreover, the information, when available online, was mostly available in English � even though RTI Act mandates disclosure in Sinhala & Tamil, with English required only if feasible. more..

Aug 31 (Island) The highly anticipated annual event celebrating SL�s Most Admired Companies (MAC Awards) for 2022 took place recently, captivating an audience of distinguished corporate leaders and esteemed diplomats. Award ceremony, organized by ICC SL, AICPA & CIMA and DailyFT unveiled and recognized the exceptional accomplishments of these top-ranking companies in the country. The companies awarded were recognized, for their exceptional performance, innovation, and more..

Aug 31 (DM) A member of notorious criminal Ladiya's gang in Athurugiriya, who had shot and killed a person in Thalangama and fled the country to Singapore, was arrested at the BIA after he was brought back to the country. The arrested person was one of the suspects who had arrived on a motorcycle to shoot at a man at Korambe in Talangama last week. Based on information received that the suspect was fleeing from SL to Singapore, police obtained a travel ban at the time more..

Aug 31 (TM) Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect wants the relevant authorities to continue the ongoing investigations into the alleged defamatory actions against Buddhism and the Buddha Sasana by various parties, despite those parties making apologies after the incidents. Asgiri Temple Supreme Sangha Council Secretary Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda Thera said that it is not sufficient to make apologies to the Mahanayakas but that justice must be done for those incidents with more..

Aug 31 (AD) Ministry of Health has decided to seek public opinion regarding the drug procurement process. Accordingly, the committee appointed to investigate the issues pertaining to the purchase of quality medicines and medical equipment will collect the views and opinions of the public regarding the matter. Health Ministry emphasized that thereby, any parties can submit their opinions, suggestions and recommendations relating to the drug procurement process in the country, more..

Aug 31 (AD) Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has instructed the ministry�s officials to urgently take measures for recruiting 3,000 more nurses to the nursing service in SL. Meanwhile, minister has directed the ministry�s secretary to prepare a cabinet paper in this regard, if any issue prevails pertaining to the matter. Rambukwella had issued these instructions during a discussion which was held recently at the Health Ministry more..

Aug 31 (EN) Sri Lanka�s services exports are estimated to have grown 17.3% from a year ago to US$ 1,228.17 million in the seven months to July 2023. Up to July goods exports grew 2.18% to US$ 1,027.2 million the EDB said. Sri Lanka total goods and services exports fell 6.95 percent to US$ 8,126.51 million up to July 2023 from US$ 8,733.6 million a year ago. ICT exports are estimated to have risen 17.78% to US$ 793.8 million in the first seven months of 2023 from a year ago. more..

Aug 31 (AD) A no-confidence motion will be moved against Public Security Minister Tiran Alles if he cannot establish a safe and secure environment in the country, says MP Lalith Ellawala. He urged the lawmaker to take the required measures to address the rising crime rate and to crack down on the activities of the underworld. The minister should resign if he is incapable of ensuring a safe and secure environment within at least a month, Ellawala stressed. more..

Aug 31 (AD) Sinopec, a Beijing-based leading international petroleum company, has officially kicked off its business operations in SL, by supplying fuel at its first filing station on the island established in Mattegoda, Colombo. Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka, local subsidiary of the Chinese petroleum giant began its retail operations on Wednesday, with a market promotion campaign. Accordingly, petrol & diesel are pumped at a discount of Rs. 3 more..

Aug 31 (FT) The Govt has decided to approve to purchase of 50% of the total supply stipulated in the 2024-2025 contract from the current supplier as a reorder of LP gas to ensure uninterrupted distribution in light of the ongoing restructuring process at Litro Gas Lanka. The proposal to this effect submitted by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation, and National Policies Minister was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. more..

Aug 31 (PMD) The Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela, handed over the Esala Perahera Scroll to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this afternoon. The Scroll highlights the meticulous execution of the annual Esala Perahera at Kandy�s Sri Dalanda Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), a magnificent cultural festival celebrated with great reverence for ancient traditions. Accompanied by the Nilames of Sathara Maha Dawala and Pitisara Dewala, more..

Aug 31 (TM) All departments related to the agriculture sector have decided that farmers should be encouraged to start paddy cultivation in all areas on or around 15 Oct in the upcoming Maha cultivation season, Agriculture Ministry said. According to the Ministry, 2023-2024 Maha season and the 2024 Yala season are likely to be two crucial cropping seasons, and that because of the ongoing El Nino process, there may be heavy rainfall in the months of Oct/Nov this Maha season. more..

Aug 31 (PMD) In a strategic move toward a developed SL by 2048, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the dual importance of technology and financial literacy for the next generations. Speaking at the inauguration of the Capital Market Club program in Kandy�s Nugawela Central College today, Prez Wickremesinghe disclosed key plans for this transformative journey. Among the Prez�s notable announcements was the integration of the CB�s reports into schools for discussion. more..

Aug 31 (TM) A team of specialists from the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) kicked off a three-day programme yesterday aimed at familiarising the members of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) with the standards, quality control and medicine regulatory system used by the US. The programme included about 50 NMRA staffers, including pharmaceutical assessors, and analysts. more..

Aug 31 (AD) A suspect involved in the Thalangama brazen daylight shooting, in which a 44-year-old was murdered, has been arrested by SL law enforcement authorities after he fled to Singapore. The 23-year-old was taken into custody at the BIA in Colombo today (31). A moneylender, 44, was shot in Korawa, South Thalangama last Friday (25) by a gunman who arrived on a motorcycle with an accomplice. He succumbed to injuries after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. more..

Aug 31 (Island) Japan and SL took a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and fostering a low-carbon growth through a partnership at the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) Study Session held in Colombo. The seminar is an awareness session to make known of the potential Industries of the JCM scheme, Procedure for implementing projects, Case studies of other countries, and an Introduction to representative Japanese companies involved in JCM more..

Aug 31 (AD) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says that the authorities, community and society should acknowledge at large that when people go missing, it causes anguish and uncertainty for their families who continue to live in a state of ambiguity, not knowing whether their loved one is alive or dead. Issuing a statement on the Int'l Day of the Disappeared, which falls on Aug 30, the ICRC mentions that for many families of more..

Aug 31 (MB) In the 21st century, Sri Lanka finds itself faced with an increasingly complex and interconnected landscape of risks that are often covariate and mutually compounding. Climate change � along with environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, pollution, supply chain disruptions and other economic challenges � is one of the primary causes of risks that affect all sectors and levels, from individual households to entire industries. more..

Aug 31 (EN) A Chinese research ship set to visit SL shortly will be granted access according to the island nation�s non-aligned stance, Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. �Both the Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry have clarified that under our Non-Alignment principles, pertaining to oceanic matters SL won�t take any action that can be perceived as threatening towards any nation or institute,� the Minister said. �Sri Lanka is committed to maintaining friendly economic, more..