Jul 14 (ST) The Election Commission (EC) will make its announcement at the end of this month, calling for nominations for the upcoming presidential election, Commission Chairman N.M.R.L. Ratnayake said. Constitutionally, the Commission will be empowered to announce the date of nominations on Wednesday (17). Mr. Ratnayake explained that the nomination-day announcement by the end of the month would give the EC more..

Jul 14 (CT) Right to Information (RTI) Commission has summoned the Information Officer of the Health Ministry for failing to provide requested information regarding the stock quantities in the Medical Supply Division (MSD) during the period of questionable substandard drug transactions. Commission is also seeking details on the measures taken by the Ministry to address medicinal drug shortages for 2023-2025. According to sources from the Medical and Civil Rights Professional Association of more..

Jul 14 (TM) Excise Department reveals that Rs. 588 million of tax arrears for 2023 has been collected from four liquor manufacturers to date, while the manufacturers have been given time until 30 Nov to pay the outstanding amount. Excise Commissioner General M.J. Gunasiri said that as the dept had allowed for the tax arrears to be paid in instalments, the four companies had paid a total of Rs. 588 million so far. �They have to pay a remaining amount of approximately Rs. 550 million. more..

Jul 14 (ST) A breakfast meeting by the country�s politically important foursome last Wednesday revealed the shape of things to come in the weeks ahead. Present at what has now become the official residence of the Prez at Mahagam Sekera Mawatha, were Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa, SLPP founder Basil Rajapaksa, Prez�s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake. �Are you having the prez election?� more..

Jul 15 (CT) The 2022 Aragalaya was a landmark event in SL politics. It was the harbinger for a new era in which the old political culture and governance with all its accoutrement would be thrown out and a new system of governance free of all past evils would be put in place. It was therefore an opportunity for the minorities who had suffered continually and immensely in the previous era to welcome this occasion. Instead, and shockingly, they are caught in a quandary and appear to have more..

Jul 15 (DM) Over the past week, people watched in amazement as persons whom we looked on as being our intellectual mentors �teachers and principals in govt schools- downed their books, closed schools and took to the streets demanding a pay hike. Neither teachers nor school principals seemed to worry about how the disruption of studies would affect their students. Neither did they care tuppence of how working fathers and mothers were going to cope with the extra cost of caring more..

Jul 15 (CT) On a positive note, Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), following its Trend Survey on Alcohol & Tobacco Consumption in Sri Lanka for 2023, said 19.9% of survey participants had been successful in giving up alcohol use. These participants noted that they had perceived alcohol use as a purposeless behaviour and cited health concerns and financial constraints as reasons for giving it up. more..

Jul 15 (DM) The funeral of veteran Tamil political leader Rajavarothayam Sampanthan took place in Trincomalee on 7th July 2024. Large crowds bade farewell to the Nonagenarian (one in their 90�s) Trincomalee MP who had served as MP for 32 years. Among those who paid homage to Sampanthan in Trinco was Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe. Earlier, Prez along with First Lady, Maithree Wickremesinghe had paid their respects in Colombo when the senior Tamil leader�s more..

Jul 15 (DM) Finance Ministry is covering up a sweet deal for the international bondholders to the detriment of the country�s long-term financial interests. This is a sign that this govt needs to go. The worrying question is whether an extractive debt restructuring deal for the bondholders will be rushed through by this illegitimate govt ahead of the elections. This bad deal with some of the most predatory financiers is framed within a creditor-focused IMF programme, more..

Jul 15 (TM) The recent shooting incident in Athurugiriya has brought the issue of underworld control in SL back into sharp focus. The shocking broad-daylight attack during the opening ceremony of a tattoo and piercing studio near the Clock Tower in Athurugiriya has left the community in shock and raised critical questions about the country�s battle against organised crime. Attack resulted in six people being rushed to hospital, more..

Jul 15 (TM) Large-scale trade union actions that have been going on for the last few weeks in SL have disrupted citizens� lives, trade, and day-to-day affairs of the State. For the average Sri Lankan who relies on public transport, public health services, and many other State-provided services, trade unionists have become akin to militants, and their actions which oppress the people are even called acts amounting to terrorism, by some. One may feel that the general public�s reaction is excessive. more..

Jul 15 (Island) It was sheer luck that saved former Prez Donald Trump�s life on Saturday. He escaped a bullet by a hair�s breadth while addressing an election rally in Pennsylvania. He dropped to the ground holding his ear behind a lectern after the first shot was fired, and then only the Secret Service agents swarmed on him, forming a human testudo of sorts. Shooter was shot dead in no time, and subsequently identified. A bleeding Trump was whisked away by Secret Service personnel. more..

Jul 15 (ST) Smuggled away in an inconspicuous media news item this week, an interesting fact surfaced regarding Parliament�s Committee on Ways and Means expressing strong displeasure over the failure of the Excise Dept to collect a gargantuan tax amount of 1.8 billion rupees for 2023 from the country�s four premier distilleries before 30th June 2024. The Committee, comprising politicians undoubtedly looking for ways and means to carve out election-friendly platforms in the face of more..

Jul 15 (FT) An 8-member delegation from Vietnam headed by Secretary General and Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Gemstones (VAG) participated in the Ratnapura International Gem and Jewellery show from 29 June to 1 July 2024. AGO Gems, a renowned gem company in Vietnam also had a booth at the fair. AGO Gems Owner Nguyen Van Trung and Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam Chairman Sengupta Indronil were also in the delegation. more..

Jul 15 (ST) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is to introduce comprehensive guidelines to maintain high standards of professionalism, discipline, and decorum among national players and support staff. Team discipline has eroded in recent months, putting pressure on SLC to implement a programme to instil discipline to protect the image of the country and the game. These guidelines encompass various aspects of conduct, attire, travel, accommodation more..

Jul 15 (ST) Sri Lankan banks are on high alert after international credit rating agency Fitch downgraded the Maldives in June warning that the country could be heading for a sovereign default on its foreign loans. Fitch Ratings has downgraded the Maldives� Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to �CCC+� from �B-�. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of �CCC+� or below. The local banks, both govt & commercial, are watchful due to this issue. more..

Jul 15 (FT) Hayleys Fabric, a leading textile manufacturer in Sri Lanka, has received the Gold award in the Textile and Textile Processing Industry at the Presidential Environmental Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade highlights Hayleys Fabric�s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, distinguishing the business among nearly 1000 applicants nationwide. The award�s selection process emphasised companies� environmental dedication, more..

Jul 15 (DN) Zahira College�s rising star, MF Muhammad, took the spotlight at the MILO-sponsored 49th All Island School Aquatic Championship held at Sugathadasa Stadium. Competing in the Boys Under-18 age group, Muhammad set new meet records in all his breaststroke individual events, winning three gold medals and becoming the champion of his age group. Muhammad displayed his exceptional talent in 50m, 100m & 200m breaststroke events. more..

Jul 15 (DN) High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, in collaboration with the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPEC) and the CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, ceremoniously unveiled a detailed replica of the Colombo Port City last week showcasing the ambitious and transformative project that is set to redefine SL�s economic landscape. The event was held at the Gateway to Sri Lanka Lounge at SL High Commission London and graced by an array of guests, underscoring more..

Jul 15 (FT) Colombo Rubber Traders� Association (CRTA) President Harin de Silva voiced major concerns regarding the proposed daily wage increase to Rs. 1,700 for plantation industry workers and the pressing need for sustainable solutions to ensure the long-term health and competitiveness of Sri Lanka�s rubber industry amidst evolving global standards and local economic challenges. more..

Jul 15 (DM) Claiming that the underworld was nurtured, protected and supplied with arms by the politicians over the years, NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said today that if SL is to be free of crimes and drugs, this situation must be changed and assured that a NPP government will create an environment for everyone to live peacefully without any fear. Speaking at the NPP's Gampaha District youth convention, he said the underworld and licenced rowdies were reigning in the country more..

Jul 15 (ST) Ahead of the prez elections the Govt has earmarked for the completion and opening of roads, bridges and highway construction projects while expediting key infrastructure development work suspended due to the economic downturn in 2020-2021. Transport & Highways Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe said that despite the economic crisis the country has faced, the govt has allocated Rs.90 billion over the past two years solely for road development projects initiated before 2022. more..

Jul 15 (Island) Lyceum high jumper Tharusha Mendis and hurdler Sandun Kosala, De Mazenod sprinter Koushan Thamel and Vimansa Rajakaruna from Kurunegala bettered entry standards for the World Junior Championships as they excelled during the first two days of the Junior National Athletics Championship at Diyagama. Mendis erased more than two decades old Under 18 meet record of Manjula Kumara when more..

Jul 15 (DN) Former Sri Lanka cricket team skipper and match referee Roshan Mahanama is part of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) as a mentor of the Dambulla Sixes franchise team owned by former first class cricketer Priyanga de Silva. Mahansma the truly gentleman of the Sri Lanka Cricket said discipline and fitness are the two important facts to be a good cricketer. Especially on and off the field players have to build up these two important areas to be a good cricketer. more..

Jul 15 (ST) China has granted Rs 1.5 billion worth of humanitarian assistance, which includes a prefabricated housing scheme, fishing equipment, and packets of rice for fisherfolk communities in the Northern and Eastern provinces. The three assistance packages, amounting to Rs 500 million each, would be the largest offered by China in the two provinces, where India has also invested heavily in development, livelihood and investment projects. Minister Douglas Devananda said more..

Jul 15 (DN) Galle Marvels won an exciting super over match against Dambulla Sixes in their LPL game at R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday. This was the first game of the tournament to be decided by a super over, coinciding with Pink Day for breast cancer awareness. Galle Marvels scored 148 for 9 wickets after being invited to bat first. Dambulla Sixes matched this with 148 for 7 wickets, leading to a super over. In the super over, Dambulla Sixes managed only six runs, more..

Jul 15 (DN) Two accidents involving the vehicles in which MPs Rishad Bathiudeen and Dilan Perera occurred on Saturday in Karuwalagaswewa and on the Southern Expressway. The SUV that MP Bathiudeen was in faced an accident in the Karuwalagaswewa area when his driver lost control of the vehicle due to a cyclist having abruptly entered the road. The second incident took place at the Southern Expressway Galanigama Interchange, when the vehicle MP Dilan Perera was in, more..

Jul 15 (TM) Following complaints to the Police by staff about receiving threats and intimidation from organised crime elements, the Prisons Department has taken steps to ensure the safety of its officers, it is learnt. Last week, an Assistant Prison Superintendent at the Boossa High Security Prison filed a complaint with the Police regarding threats received from infamous organised crime figure Supun Dayaratne more..

Jul 15 (FT) 3-time winner Jaffna Kings completed their matches of the LPL with a massive nine-wicket loss to Colombo Strikers with 61 balls to spare, a result that has hit their net run rate badly, pushing it into the minus category. The second double header of the day played at the R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday saw Colombo come up with a dominant performance restricting Jaffna to a sub-par total of 109-9 and then knocking those runs off in 9.5 overs to keep their hopes of finishing more..

Jul 15 (DM) Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, including SL from tomorrow (15). This marks the first time Sri Lankans can travel to Thailand without obtaining a paper visa. Thai citizens can already visit Sri Lanka visa-free, subject to a USD 10 processing fee. The new policy, announced by Thailand's Ministry of Interior, extends the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days. Visitors must have proof of funds, accommodation, and return or onward tickets. more..

Jul 15 (PMD) 116,000 scholarships are to be awarded for the year 2024 under the Presidential Scholarship Program, which is implemented according to the concept of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, for the upliftment of the education of the children of the underprivileged. Accordingly, Rs. 824 million have been allocated for the scholarship program, which will provide Rs. 6000 per month for 24 months to 6000 students studying for their GCE (A/L)s. more..

Jul 15 (FT) 13 female Muslim principals have filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) regarding the cancellation of their Efficiency Bar Examination Grade II results by the Dept of Examinations due to their head coverings worn during the examination. According to examination candidate M.Z.H. Fawzana, the group sat for the exam in Aug 2023, seeking promotion from Grade II to Grade I in the Principal service. The exam was held at Kotahena Maha Vidyalaya more..

Jul 15 (FT) Over three times as many people approve of the Govt and feel better about the economy and the country�s economic trajectory compared to four months ago, according to the latest round of the Gallup-style Mood of the Nation poll by Verit� Research. The survey revealed that the approval rating of the Govt more than tripled to 24% in July, up from 7% in Feb 2024. Current economic conditions were rated as either good or more..

Jul 15 (TM) The IMF is still assessing whether the agreed terms of the debt restructuring with the bondholders are consistent with the programme parameters, an official said. At the press briefing held last Friday, IMF Director of the Communications Julie Kozack said that the IMF is in the process of assessing whether the agreed terms of the debt restructuring are consistent with the programme parameters. �Once that assessment is complete, we'll be able to communicate our views more..

Jul 15 (AD) Minister Tiran Alles has issued a stern warning to high-ranking police officers regarding the recent questioning of the tattoo studio owner arrested in connection with the murder of popular businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera alias Club Wasantha in front of the media. Accordingly, Public Security Minister has warned the high-ranking officers including the DIG in charge of the Western Province (South) Gayantha Marapana, who were involved in the said questioning more..

Jul 15 (ST) An Indian govt proposal, which SL has accepted, will see the New Delhi-headquartered Petronet LNG Ltd (PLL) supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the rate of 40 containers a day to thermal plants in Kerawalapitiya. These will be shipped from the port of Kochi and taken by road to the power plants run by SL�s LTL Holdings Ltd. in Kerawalapitiya. There is potential under India-initiated proposal to expand the shipments to 60�70 containers a day. more..