Dec 11 (Island) Civil Society Initiative on Anti-Corruption Reform for Economic Recovery, led by Transparency International SL (TISL) and comprising Verit� Research, Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement, People�s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL), and National Peace Council (NPC) yesterday said that there was an urgent need for political will and genuine action towards anti-corruption governance reforms that are essential for sustainable economic recovery. more..

Dec 11 (DM) Sports Minister Harin Fernando appointed a five member Selection Committee headed by former cricketer Upul Tharanga to serve as cricket selectors for SLC. National Selection Committee has finalized and the Sports Council has endorsed a list of seven names to the committee. The decision has received the official nod from Sports Minister Fernando, who has subsequently appointed five former cricketers to serve as selectors. The other members of the SLC Selection committee are more..

Dec 12 (DM) Parliament sessions on Sunday had to be adjourned for Monday for want of quorum, while the VAT Amendment Bill was being debated. Interestingly, only 18 out of 225 members elected by the people to represent them were present at the time of adjournment, even after the quorum bell was rung. 207 members had absented themselves. Parliamentary quorum is just 20 members. The VAT Amendment Bill that was to be passed on Sunday is meant for removing the exemption of VAT more..

Dec 12 (DM) In these days of economic downturns and rising unemployment, it is not surprising that Sri Lankans and Nepalese with a military background are finding jobs in their line of expertise in the Russo-Ukrainian war theatre. While retired SL military men are finding opportunities in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion (UFL), the Nepalese are heading for Russia to serve as auxiliaries in the armed forces of that country. The recruitment of foreigners by these countries more..

Dec 12 (TM) As the Trade Ministry gears up to address the ongoing spike in rice prices through imports, the Agriculture Ministry last week urged the CAA to take swift action against large-scale mill owners accused of hoarding substantial rice quantities to artificially inflate prices. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated that SL currently possessed ample rice stocks, as indicated by the assessment of recent paddy harvests. more..

Dec 12 (ST) MPs draping shawls supposedly in sympathy for the plight of the people of Gaza while deaf, dumb and blind to the fate of their own constituents and exchanging tiringly customary allegations across the floor of the House as to who is more corrupt and who is more communalist underlines the growing irrelevance of SL�s Parliament in the public perception. Evidently, the Centre cannot hold. Perhaps this was inevitable post the unprecedented Aragalaya of 2022. more..

Dec 12 (ST) This week�s news cycle is a buzz with the latest escalation in the ongoing dispute between the Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Raja Maha Viharaya and the Govt, with the monk alleging that his life was in danger from some of the military personnel deployed at the premises. The ongoing dispute which began with an electricity tariff increment and threats to disconnect the power supply to the historic site if bills are not paid, has today snowballed into a press conference more..

Dec 12 (CT) Surendra Ranamuka, aged 57, has been running a textile shop along the pavement of Malwatta Road, Fort since 1985. Initially, he rented the space but later purchased it, now paying a fee to the UDA. Originally from Wanawasala, Wattala, he reflects on the evolving trends in business since the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Despite a slight uptick recently, he notes that the overall pace hasn�t more..

Dec 12 (Island) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has lashed out at a section of the media for floating a story that he is planning to patch up differences with Prez. Premadasa has alleged that the journalists who are spreading that story are in the pay of the govt. His consternation is understandable. Such rumours have the potential to demoralise the SJB�s rank and file in an election year. UNP is sparing no pains to eat into the SJB�s vote bank and recover the lost ground on the political front. more..

Dec 12 (CT) The 2024 Budget may have received a mix bag of emotions from the impressed and angered parties but if there is one positive that came out of the Budget is that the Budget � along with the supporting documents submitted � has enhanced SL�s transparency in fulfilling the commitments to the ongoing IMF financial aid programme. According to the IMF Tracker � the first and only online platform that tracks SL�s progress in fulfilling the 100 commitments identified at the beginning of more..

Dec 12 (Island) A group of Tamil Diaspora members from western countries have been in SL for the past several days. They have been engaging in a series of meetings, with religious clergy in the main, but also with civil and political leaders and with their friends and relatives. The highlight of their meetings has been the one with Buddhist clergy and with President Ranil Wickremesinghe which has received a high level of positive publicity. There was a time when they would have been viewed more..

Dec 12 (CT) Polls have been in abundance; but elections not. Opinions many and facts and reality are rare. Every national conversation has held within itself an assumption that, from time one cannot fathom, has had more disagreements than compatible statements. Traditional political architecture seems to be unsound and damaged. The base has become brittle and the pillars are unsteady. The surrounding structure is vulnerable; its lasting powers, in comparison with our more..

Dec 12 (ST) SL�s coconut industry is facing a grave crisis as its access to the global market receives little or no support from the state. Beset by political interference and corruption, its survival is in danger, with production and productivity on the decline. The high cost of raw materials and production has caused a once-thriving industry to falter over the years. The coconut sector is now left out of state patronage with no subsidy more..

Dec 12 (ST) The 24th edition of the annual Journalism Awards for Excellence programme culminating with the Awards Night will be held in the Empire Ballroom of the Mount Lavinia Hotel on Tuesday, December 12. The programme is organised by The Editors� Guild of Sri Lanka in partnership with the Sri Lanka Press Institute and its affiliated unions, the Newspaper Society of Sri Lanka, the Free Media Movement, and the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association. more..

Dec 12 (ST) A well-known Exercise and Nutritional Scientist, Prof. Aaron Russell highlights the importance of focusing on data analytics to improve skills of sportsmen and women. Professor Russell, the Associate Head of School (International) of School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition of Faculty of Health at the Deakin University in Australia was recently in SL and visited the University of Kelaniya and several other places including more..

Dec 12 (TM) Ministry of Defence said that neither the Ministry nor the country�s military has any jurisdiction over ex�military personnel or individuals who act as mercenaries in foreign countries. Spokesperson of the Ministry Colonel Nalin Herath said that legal action can only be taken only if those individuals are identified, and that otherwise, no authority has any jurisdiction over such people. more..

Dec 12 (DN) Sri Lanka Under 19 cricket team had to face a shock defeat against UAE as the latter beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets with 10 balls to spare in their under 19 Asia Cup cricket fixture played at Dubai yesterday. UAE wicket keeper Tanis Suri was the match winner making fighting knock of 75 in 88 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes guided to chase 221-run target. Skipper Aayan Khan hit 30 in 50 balls with 2 fours made useful knock to reach the target. In fact number three batter Tanis Suri more..

Dec 12 (FT) Port City Colombo (PCC) showcased its commitment to sustainable development and global economic cooperation at the third Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS) held in London recently. CTIS, known for bringing together senior business leaders and ministers from across the Commonwealth�s five regions, provided an ideal platform for PCC to engage in critical discussions on promoting trade and investment opportunities. The event highlighted PCC�s dedication to more..

Dec 12 (FT) Daraz, a leading online marketplace in SL and wider South Asia, recently announced its collaboration with Singer SL, a prominent local brand in high-quality consumer durables. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both entities, as Singer SL becomes the first major consumer durables business to join Daraz as a flagship supplier. The alliance between Daraz and Singer will offer a diverse assortment of premium electronics and lifestyle commodities to online more..

Dec 12 (FT) NPP MP Vijitha Herath criticised the Govt expressing dissatisfaction with the allocation of a mere Rs. 5 per fisherman in the 2024 Budget. MP highlighted that Sri Lanka possesses a bountiful ocean area of 517,000 km�, suggesting that the country has the potential to generate substantial revenue through fisheries. �It could even bring in significant foreign exchange,� he noted. However, the MP expressed regret that the fisheries industry is deteriorating continuously. more..

Dec 12 (TM) Following the incident of a patient who was admitted to the National Hospital of SL (NHSL) in Colombo, being given an antibiotic injection, and having been admitted to the hospital�s ICU thereafter due to serious complications, the Association of Health Professionals (AHP) has called for immediate measures to prevent substandard pharmaceutical drugs from being brought into the country. more..

Dec 12 (DN) We are working as a consultant body to Sports Minister and we have no political agendas or party politics and our vision is to work for all sports and their development, said newly appointed National Sports Council (NSC) Chairman Dr. Maiya Gunasekara after their first committee meeting yesterday. We are going to make good decisions on our sports� future and sports bodies and sports Director General are working for sports administration. more..

Dec 12 (Island) Although the general understanding is that universal health coverage (UHC) could be achieved only through publicly- funded healthcare systems, high out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) is a tax on health and leaves many a local household behind with regard to availing substantial healthcare, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense Uni�s, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Anuji Gamage said. Speaking at a recent symposium held at the BMICH titled Poverty Alleviation in an Era of Economic Crisis; more..

Dec 12 (Island) In this day and age, some people who enter cricket administration rarely want to leave the honourary posts and eventually when they have to, they move out having made a fortune. Of course, there are exceptions and one such exception is K. Mathivanan, who functioned as Secretary and Vice-President of SLC from 2007 to 2020. Mathivanan was felicitated by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe during the 150th year celebrations of Colombo Colts Cricket Club on Saturday at Park Road. more..

Dec 12 (Island) Public sector employees including development officers, management service officers, Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Officers, and office Services personnel will be on a token strike today to pressure the govt to implement the proposed Rs. 10,000 salary increment from next month itself. Failure to do so will result in crippling union action, they have warned. President of the All Ceylon Management Service Officer�s Union Udeni Dissanayake said in October they demanded more..

Dec 12 (DM) In the wake of the organisations from countries such as Russia, China, Denmark and the United States proposing to invest in nuclear energy, SL Atomic Energy Authority (SLAEA) has given the green light for nuke power. Russia which has already invested in nuclear power generation in Bangladesh and India in the region has shown a keener interest in putting up a plant in SL. A high-level delegation from Russia more..

Dec 12 (DN) �I learnt good lessons not only in cricket but other essential things to build up my career from my Alma Mater Ananda College said 1996 world cup winning Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga who was the chief guest at the 22 nd Henry Steel Olcott Memorial cricket tournament felicitation ceremony held at Grand Kandyan Hotel on Saturday. Ranatunga who took part as a batsman of old Anandian team said we are very proud to say so many National players were produced by more..

Dec 12 (DM) Following the involvement of former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, the govt is likely to lift the ban on the cultivation of palm oil imposed by former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was in power in 2021. Mr. Rajapaksa ordered the ban on the importation of Palm Oil into Sri Lanka and the cultivation of them locally in 2021. Mr. Karunanayake remarked to the media that permission would be granted to cultivate palm oil. He said this after a meeting with the association more..

Dec 12 (TM) SJB has urged the Public Security Ministry to stop the alleged mistreatment of Tamil city dwellers based on their ethnicity when collecting information for various security-related purposes. SJB MP and TPA Leader Mano Ganesan claimed that the Police Dept is treating Tamils living in Colombo�s suburbs in a separate manner when they collect information from them, highlighting their ethnicity, religion, and language. He also said that neither of the information forms used more..

Dec 12 (DN) A lack of competition in payment gateways has hindered SL�s e-commerce space. The dialogue, hosted by SLASSCOM and Daraz, highlighted the significance of enabling SMEs, cottage industries, and startups to participate in the country�s e-commerce ecosystem actively. Despite efforts to inculcate digital payment, there is a prevailing preference for cash payments. Discussion revealed that a staggering 72% of e-commerce users in SL still opt for cash on delivery more..

Dec 12 (FT) After a shaky start over the weekend, Parliament yesterday approved the VAT (Amendment) Bill in anticipation of the IMF�s review for the second tranche of the $ 2.9 billion bailout. This move will now raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the existing 15% to 18%, effective from 1 Jan 2024. The Bill obtained approval with 45 majority votes as 100 MPs out of the 225-member house voted in favour, while a mere more..

Dec 12 (TM) The islandwide token strike launched by around 27,000 postal workers will continue until midnight tonight (12) as was earlier decided, since no fruitful response has come from the Govt thus far, claimed the Joint Postal Trade Union Collective. The collective�s Joint Convenor Chinthaka Bandara said that the strike was launched against the Govt�s alleged attempt to hand over a number of historical buildings which were initially owned by the Postal Dept to certain private sector companies more..

Dec 12 (DM) Close to 100 inmates reportedly escaped from the Kandakadu rehabilitation camp in Welikanda this afternoon (11), and an operation was launched to find them. A group of around 100 inmates who were undergoing residential rehabilitation in the camp had broken the fence of the camp and escaped at around 5:30 pm yesterday. This group had reportedly escaped amid a tense situation in the camp. A joint operation has been launched by the Police and the Army to more..

Dec 12 (TM) Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL), which has made several recommendations to the related institutions with regard to custodial deaths, the right to health and personal liberty of patients, and the protection of human rights defenders, stated that it would continuously follow up on whether the relevant recommendations are implemented. Issuing a statement in this regard, the HRCSL stated that it has � based on more..

Dec 12 (FT) An important argument takes place between Nicholases (Bram and Howard) and a presidential team of advisors, namely, Indrajit Coomaraswamy, Sharminy Cooray and Shanta Devarajan in the pages of the Daily FT. Nicholases� original proposition was that the new CBA should be amended by a future govt to allow the Central Bank to focus on macroeconomic stability and to purchase treasury bonds directly from the Treasury Dept when it is necessary but the Presidential team of more..