Oct 2 (ST) Four months ago, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe was quick to retort to his detractors, (friendly or otherwise), who were outraged by the Broadcasting Regulatory Commission Bill that he is a media defender and, as such, had abolished criminal defamation laws in SL. Apparently stung by strident public criticism of badly framed laws, the Prez rebutted with a deceptively devious attempt at diversion. Reassuring his captive audience at the Homagama DS, he said more..

Oct 2 (CT) D.J. Wimalasurendra is known locally as the father of hydroelectricity. However, following extensive research into the life of Wimalasurendra by Senior Lecturer of the Open University, Dr. Dileepa Witharana, it has been revealed that the late visionary had laid the foundation for development nationalism via industrialism. A detailed symposium into the work of the late Wimalasurendra is scheduled to get underway at more..

Oct 2 (TM) Despite the past week being overshadowed by the first review of the EFF by the IMF, the country achieved a special milestone as it saw the first sovereign rating upgrade since the start of 2020, with Standard & Poor�s (S&P) raising its long and short-term local currency sovereign credit ratings on Sri Lanka to �CCC+/C� from �SD/SD� (Selective Default). S&P said that it had raised its outlook on the long-term local currency rating to stable, reflecting balance of improvements more..

Oct 2 (FT) Some believe that acts of terrorism can be dealt with under normal law. I do not. The fact that the UNGA has adopted 10 conventions dealing with terrorism since 1973 is evidence that the phenomenon has novel features for which adequate responses are not found in the Penal Code and the codes of procedure. It is not difficult for Sri Lankans to understand what constitutes terrorism. The complex, coordinated, countrywide bombing attack that was carried out in April 2019 more..

Oct 2 (SO) One of the country�s most appallingly indisciplined public figures Dhanushka Gunathilaka can look at himself as a man who was legally freed after a woman in Australia claimed in court she was raped by him at the same time he was carrying the SL Lion flag as an ambassador at the T20 cricket World Cup last November. Taking Gunathilaka�s infamous history into account, he is no stronger to violating the Players� Code of Conduct and the terms and conditions of his contract more..

Oct 2 (Island) There are no signs of an early d�tente between India and Canada. The two countries continue to trade allegations. Other nations are divided along the lines of strategic alliances rather than anything else. Interestingly, the US govt is seen to be tilting towards Canada. What the ongoing diplomatic row of epic proportions, and Washington�s stance thereon signify is that India has not received full membership of the club of powerful nations. The US firmly stands behind India only when more..

Oct 2 (DN) In a historic milestone, Sri Lanka witnessed the unveiling of its very first centrally-monitored, fully-automated, women-operated Lanka IOC Filling Station, recently. This event symbolizes empowerment, inclusivity and technological advancement. Situated in the heart of Colombo, at Hospital Square, it is the first new filling station inaugurated within the city limits in the last two decades & will serve its customers 24 hrs more..

Oct 2 (FT) The construction industry continued to perform at a subdued level in August 2023, according to SL Purchasing Managers� Index (PMI) for the sector compiled by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, CBSL said the construction industry reached the neutral threshold, recording a Total Activity Index value of 47.0. As per the respondents, firms tend to undercut prices to secure the limited available projects in a highly competitive tender bidding process. more..

Oct 2 (FT) Export Development Board (EDB) has identified the value-added Mineral products sector as a potential sector to be developed and promoted in the international market. It said Sri Lanka possesses a wealth of industrial minerals that can be processed and transformed into value-added products. This value addition can create higher-value exports, generate more employment opportunities, and contribute to the country's economic growth. In this regard, a meeting was held with more..

Oct 2 (SO) Three sisters made boxing history as they stormed the ring that for over a century was associated with boys only at the Stubbs Shield championship that concluded at the Royal College MAS Arena in Colombo on Friday. The three sisters Yashini, Sashini and Sachin Fernando won gold medals while boxing for their school Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya in Kiribathgoda while a 4th team member Aparna Wijesinghe also won a gold medal. While two of the sisters fought in the senior more..

Oct 2 (Island) Airline pilots are at the operating end of all decisions, be they policy or practice-related, made by managers of an airline�s various departments. From the pointy end of an aircraft, only pilots see the performance of their airline at its best or worst. Furthermore, they see how other airlines solve problems under similar circumstances, and are able to observe those carriers� best practices at work. Ideally, feedback from pilots to management must be an essential requisite more..

Oct 10 (FT) IMF�s Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA) on Sri Lanka has proposed a Transparency portal at the Finance Ministry to be monitored by the Right to Information Commission. The recommendation, ideally in place from March next year, should publish all procurement contracts above Rs. 1 billion along with comprehensive information in a searchable format on contract award winners. more..

Oct 2 (DN) Gayanthika Abeyratne, who tool part in the women�s 1500m event, had to give up her medal hopes event at the Asian Games yesterday due to finishing fourth. However, Gayanthika, who clocked 4:18.77 minutes yesterday, also achieved the best time recorded by a Sri Lankan athlete in the history of the Asian Games. Keshani Samarakoon had previously achieved the top spot in the event by finishing 6th in 1998 at the Asian Games in Bangkok with a time of 4:35.00 minutes. more..

Oct 2 (FT) In a startling turn of events, former Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL), Janaka Ratnayake, raised a red flag regarding the recent tariff revision proposed by the CEB. Ratnayake went on record asserting that the proposed revision is not only illegal but also in violation of the Constitution. He pointed out that the proposed electricity tariff has surged by a staggering 250% since August 2022, a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation. more..

Oct 2 (FT) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has opened channels for stakeholders to provide input and recommendations regarding the third electricity tariff revision slated for implementation in Oct 2023, as put forth by the CEB. The move aims to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to review and offer their insights on the proposed changes. All stakeholders, including the public, are encouraged to participate more..

Oct 2 (ST) The finals of the 48th All-Island Shakespeare Competition, an initiative of the Rotary Club of Colombo North in partnership with the Colombo YMCA, took place at the Bishops College Auditorium. Schools taking part delivered nothing less than stellar performances, keeping the ongoing tradition alive. The girls� finals were held first on Wednesday in the presence of chief guest Pubudu De Zoysa and judges Tanya Warnakulasuriya, Eraj De Silva and Andrew Fowler-Watt. more..

Oct 2 (FT) International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) President Asm�a Resmouki will arrive in Sri Lanka on a special invitation extended to her by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL (CA SL). During her stay in Colombo, Resmouki who is the head of the international body representing the accounting profession across the globe, will also ceremoniously inaugurate the 44th National Conference of Chartered Accountants organised by CA SL, on 3 October in Colombo. more..

Oct 2 (DM) PM Dinesh Gunawardena stressed the need to open a children's cinema in the country to open the door to another avenue for the children's satisfaction. He said this while participating in the Children's Day celebrations held at Temple Trees today (1). "There is no children's cinema in our country. We should build one. There is no need for big film halls. We are ready to support such a project together with the Prime Minister's Office and Provincial Councils. more..

Oct 2 (PMD) In a significant diplomatic gesture, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe extended warm congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected Prez of the Maldives, solidifying the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Prez Wickremesinghe conveyed his felicitations to Prez Muizzu through a personal telephone call, demonstrating the importance of the occasion. During their conversation, Prez Wickremesinghe expressed his heartfelt more..

Oct 2 (ST) Medical Supplies Division (MSD) has moved to requisition a large consignment of over-priced, unregistered Meropenem antibiotic injections on an emergency basis from an Indian manufacturer despite having over half a million vials in storage and still more registered stocks on the way. The total targeted order of 900,000 vials is valued at over Rs. 1.7bn. A single Indian manufacturer named Gufic Biosciences and more..

Oct 2 (DM) Sri Lanka has not received anything from the IMF programme so far other than the unbearable tax burden on the people, NPP MP Vijitha Herath said. He said that Sri Lanka sought IMF assistance with the hope of restructuring international loans and that Sri Lanka has not been able to restructure or get a haircut on a single Dollar even after 17 months. MP said the IMF's second tranche is also uncertain according to the statement issued by the IMF staff after its recent visit to Sri Lanka. more..

Oct 2 (FT) New information has emerged indicating that the meeting on 21 Sept involving Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam and the former Mullaitivu district judge T. Saravanaraja, took place at the judge's request to the Judicial Services Commission, seeking AG's assistance in two upcoming cases against him. Following his resignation and self-exile Saravanaraja had publicly claimed that the AG had summoned him and attempted to pressure him during the meeting more..

Oct 2 (DN) SL�s most dedicated and talented shuttler, 3 times Olympian Niluka Karunaratne officially announced his retirement from international competitive badminton. I have represented my country very actively, consistently and continuously for 22 years. I have conducted myself with lot of discipline, courage and passion. My passion was to represent my country,� said Niluka who represented SL National Team as a 15-year-old in the Asian Badminton C'ship in Indonesia in 2000. more..

Oct 2 (AD) CEYPETCO has increased its retail fuel prices with effect from today (1). Accordingly, price of 92 Octane Petrol is to increase by Rs. 4 per litre, while the price of 95 Octane Petrol will be increased Rs. 3 per litre. Price of Super Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 62, bringing the new price to Rs. 421. However, price of Auto Diesel has been increased by Rs. 10, bringing the price to Rs. 351 per litre. Meanwhile, price of Kerosene has also been increased by Rs. 11 per litre. more..

Oct 10 (TM) Bar Association of SL (BASL) is to reach out to Chief Justice, Jayantha Jayasuriya, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, and IGP Chandana Wickramaratne today (2) regarding the allegations that surround the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge and Magistrate T. Saravanarajah, and to seek a transparent investigation into the incident. In a letter dated 23 Sept addressed to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), more..

Oct 2 (SO) Unlike Covid-19, the bat-borne Nipah virus is at a low risk of spreading, and Sri Lanka has not found a single patient infected with the virus so far. But that does not rule out the necessity to be vigilant about it, a former member of the WHO�s Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 and the head of the Sri J'pura Uni�s Prof. Neelika Malavige, said. She said this in response to the question whether the public should fear a potential Nipah virus outbreak in the country. more..

Oct 2 (CT) Hundreds of passengers faced severe inconvenience yesterday (1) morning when two SriLankan Airlines flights, scheduled to take off for Nepal and India, from the BIA, were cancelled due to technical problems. Flight UL-180 scheduled to depart for Kathmandu, Nepal, at 8:20 a.m. was delayed and over 200 passengers were stranded including State Minister Sisira Jayakody. Passengers boarded the flight at 7:15 a.m., but the plane remained grounded at the BIA until 11 a.m. more..

Oct 2 (FT) First-ever Governance Diagnostic Assessment (GDA) on SL compiled by the IMF has revealed widespread systematic and severe governance weaknesses and corruption vulnerabilities across State functions, with particular macroeconomic impact. Report stressed the appalling status impacted budget credibility; expenditure control; public investment management and control of spending); public procurement; more..

Oct 2 (FT) A popular belief among many Sri Lankans today is that SL�s economy has been assassinated beyond resurrection. This belief is based on the severest economic crisis and economic depression in its post-independence history which the country is undergoing today. Many have tried to point the fingers at the identified assassins too. Connected to this conception is the bankruptcy of the central govt because it cannot service its domestic or foreign debt � the work involving the payment of more..

Oct 2 (FT) Some believe that acts of terrorism can be dealt with under normal law. I do not. The fact that the General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted 10 conventions dealing with terrorism since 1973 is evidence that the phenomenon has novel features for which adequate responses are not found in the Penal Code and the codes of procedure. It is not difficult for Sri Lankans to understand what constitutes terrorism. The complex, coordinated, countrywide bombing attack that more..

Oct 2 (SLN) Foll adverse weather conditions, SL Navy has mobilized its flood relief teams in Akuressa, Athuraliya, Thawalama, and Kamburupitiya areas in the Southern Province as of 28th Sept. These teams are currently actively engaged in providing assistance to the flood-affected individuals in these regions. Due to the flooding in the Kamburupitiya area of Matara district on 30th Sept, caused by the overflowing of the Nilwala river and Kirambaara, the Navy relief teams are more..

Oct 2 (FT) A delegation of 16 dynamic entrepreneurs, representing the Chamber of Young Lankan Entrepreneurs (COYLE), undertook a significant journey to Jakarta, Indonesia from 19 to 24 Sept. Embassy of SL in Jakarta facilitated the delegation aiming to foster economic collaboration allowing the delegation to explore opportunities with the Indonesian business community. On 21 Sept, the delegation had the privilege to visit the Permanent Trade Exhibition at the Ministry of Trade more..

Oct 2 (AD) Supreme Court today ordered to once again issue notice on the new chairman and the members of the Election Commission to appear before the court. This order was issued by a five-member SC bench, when the petitions seeking an order declaring that the fundamental human rights of the people have been violated by the failure to hold the 2023 LG election on March 9, 2023, as previously scheduled, & to issue an order more..

Oct 2 (EN) Amid revenue shortfall concerns raised by the IMF, former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake has called for taxation that isn�t subject to IMF recommendations and is fairer by small and medium entrepreneurs. He said the country cannot bear tax increases like this. �After collecting a certain amount of tax revenue, taxes must then be levied in a way that is affordable. That is my view. Taxes can�t be raised by 50%, 60% just because the IMF comes and says so,� more..

Oct 2 (DN) The shoulder injury sustained by SL�s opening batsman Kusal Janith Perera during last Friday�s World Cup warm up match against Bangladesh is not serious and he will be fit to play the matches said team Manager Mahinda Halangoda. Kusal Janith had retired hurt after scoring 34 runs from 24 balls after suffering from pain on his right shoulder. While the injury is considered not serious, the SL Team management sent Kusal Janith for a scan on Saturday. more..