Jun 24 (TM) NPP strongly criticised attempts by the Executive and Legislature to undermine the independence of the Judiciary under the guise of parliamentary privileges expressing its grave concerns over statements that could potentially erode public trust in the country's Judicial System. Criticism by the leftist party comes in the wake of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s criticism of a SC ruling in Parliament last week, which drew censure from opposition politicians & professionals alike. more..

Jun 24 (Island) Catholic Church has opposed the proposed India-Lanka land bridge connectivity project, warning that it will endanger Sri Lanka�s sovereignty and independence. Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, said that if implemented, project would make Sri Lanka part of Tamil Nadu. �Our history is full of instances where invaders came from South India from time to time to capture parts of this country to rule them. more..

Jun 24 (DM) Animals or animal products will not be allowed to be imported into SL from any country where bird flu has been reported, the Animal Production and Health Department announced. Dept�s Director General Dr. Hemali Kothalawala said that these measures have been taken to prevent the entry of the Avian Influenza A(H5N1) virus to SL, which has recently been reported in several countries. She also said that the control measures were taken to protect the country. more..

Jun 24 (TM) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana said that the allocation of decentralised funds to the MPs was a matter beyond his control. Several Opposition MPs, including SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella, recently raised concerns about the selective allocation of decentralised funds. When contacted by The Daily Morning whether he would intervene to ensure the allocation of decentralised funds for all MPs, Abeywardana clarified that neither he nor the Parliament is involved in the matter. more..

Jun 24 (CT) Executive grade officers, SL Administrative Service (SLAS) officers and non-academic education employees have announced a trade union action, planning to take sick leave today, tomorrow and Wednesday. This action could potentially disrupt daily operations at numerous public institutions nationwide, trade union leaders warned. Ajith Thilakaratne, General Secretary of the Education Non-Academic Employees� Union more..

Jun 24 (FT) Central Bank�s ex-Assistant Governor and Director of Economic Research and presently Adjunct Professor at the University of Iowa, Dr. H.N. Thenuwara, unveiled the contents of his new book for comments and suggestions to a select audience in Colombo last week. The event was hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies or IPS. The book titled Economic Growth, Development, Stability, and the Govt in Sri Lanka is to be released in print form shortly. more..

Jun 24 (FT) Economic Transformation Bill (ETB) presented to Parliament, makes one wonder why it was brought about, with new institutions that overlap each other and statistical figures that set limits and targets, when the most obvious choice, would have been an Economic Development Plan (EDP), at least an indicative one. The ETB seems more political than an economic necessity. An EDP would indicate the institutional framework required and targets would be set on a practical basis. more..

Jun 24 (DM) SJB Gampaha District organisers made a formal request from the party hierarchy to remove Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka from the party with immediate effect. SJB Wattala Organiser Neomal Perera said that all Gampaha District organisers have unanimously requested the party's general secretary to remove Fonseka from the party. "We respect the judiciary which issued a stay order on taking action against Fonseka, but we have decided that he should not be allowed to stay in the party more..

Jun 24 (TM) Colombo District Court has ordered for a case against former Prez Maithripala Sirisena to be heard ex parte. This order was issued when the case related to the injunction preventing the former Prez from functioning as the Chairman of the SLFP was taken up today. However, this decision was reached as former Prez Maithripala Sirisena did not appear for the court proceedings. The case has been filed by Montague Sarathchandra, an executive committee member of the SLFP. more..

Jun 24 (EN) SL is planning to host Ed Sheeran concert in January 2025, supported by Cinnamon hospitality group, Minister Harin Fernando said. �Recently a company came forward to bring Ed Sheeran, the one of key singers to Sri Lanka in January or February,� Fernando said. �Cinnamon Life is the firm that has undertaken to bring him.� This would be a first international pop star performance in the island for many years. more..

Jun 24 (AD) The SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SL CERT) urges the public to be cautious of fake messages purportedly sent by various banks, commercial institutions, and international organizations. SL CERT stated that these scams promise donations, cash gifts, lucky draws, and job insurance, using the names of legitimate entities. �Cyber criminals attempt to contact individuals through fake websites, social media platforms, SMS & WhatsApp. more..

Jun 24 (DM) Minister of Sports Harin Fernando said today that he will resign from his position if claims of SL cricketers partying late at night in US nightclubs during the T20 World Cup were substantiated. During a media conference held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), Fernando responded to accusations made by a former minister regarding the conduct of the cricketers. "A former minister recently claimed that the cricketers were partying late at night. more..

Jun 24 (CI) A career-best bowling performance from Chamari Athapaththu and an incisive spell from offspinner Inoshi Priyadharshani set up Sri Lanka's first win over West Indies in women's T20Is since 2015. Athapaththu and Priyadharshani shared seven wickets, with the former finishing with 4 for 29, to restrict West Indies to 134 for 8. In reply, SL romped home with four wickets and eight balls to spare to go 1-0 up more..

Jun 24 (AD) Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe states that the leadership issue of the SLFP will be resolved after he wins the Prez Election. Minister Rajapakshe expressed that all the court cases against him will automatically be dismissed as per the Constitution, once he becomes the President. In response to a question raised by a journalist regarding the upcoming Presidential Election, the Minister said: �Yes, I will run for the presidency, and I will win. more..

Jun 24 (EN) State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya is visiting Myanmar and Thailand to secure the release of Sri Lankans trapped in forced labour camps in Myanmar. Balasuriya held discussions with high-ranking Thai officials including ambassador Russ Jalichandra and Minister of Justice of Thailand Tawee Sodsong. �We are optimistic that some of these students will be released in the near future,� Balasuriya said on X (twitter). more..

Jun 24 (AD) President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the nation at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday (26), Govt Information Dept announced. It is reported that the President, in his address, is expected to brief the public about the current economic situation in the country and provide an update on the progress made with regard to the restructuring of foreign debt. Speculation is rife that the Prez is likely to announce Sri Lanka�s emergence out of bankruptcy during his special statement. more..

Jun 24 (DM) Thalangama Police have reported a burglary at the residence of former SL cricketer Sachitra Senanayake in Kalalgoda, Pannipitiya. According to Police, unknown assailants broke into Senanayake's house, making away with several valuable items. Stolen goods included expensive watches, tablet devices, gold items, and a sum of cash. Police investigations revealed that the perpetrators disabled the security camera system during the break-in. Senanayake, more..

Jun 24 (FT) The IMF Tracker maintained by Verit� Research allows people to know the progress of actions in the IMF program on a month-by-month basis without having to wait 6-9 months for an IMF review. The last update of the Tracker was for the end of May, and the second IMF Review came out on 12 June, 2024. How did the IMF�s evaluation in the second review compare with the Tracker? The Tracker has 3 categories: more..

Jun 24 (DM) A lady teacher of a leading school in Anuradhapura town and her husband, an employee of a holiday resort, were arrested by the A'pura Police on suspicion of their involvement in drug peddling. The teacher, 26, is from Wariyapola and her husband, 28, from Kegalle. They had in their possession a stock of 120 grams of heroin at the time of arrest. Police said the couple was residing at a rented house in Anuradhapura to carry on the racket. Under interrogation, the suspects more..

Jun 24 (EN) SL continues to support the establishment of a Palestinian state within five years, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Speaking at a religious service held on Sunday (23) at the New Kathankudy Grand Jummah Mosque for the people of Gaza affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Wickremesinghe said it is essential to set a deadline because discussions have been ongoing over four to five decades. �Govt maintains a steadfast position on the Gaza issue, which will not change. more..

Jun 24 (DM) The initial step of implanting the newly developed, small-sized loop into the uterus of female monkeys to effectively prevent pregnancy has been successful, Prof. Ashoka Dangolla of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty said. Veterinary Faculty at Peradeniya Uni, with support from the Dental Faculty, has designed a small-sized loop. "We measured the dimensions of female more..

Jun 24 (EN) The ruling SLPP�s All Island Working Committee has said the SLPP must work with leaders whose thinking is in line with that of the party, general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam said. Speaking to reporters on Monday after a committee meeting to approve amendments made to the party�s constitution, Kariyawasam said the SLPP will announce in due course its decision on whether or not it will field its own candidate at the upcoming prez election or support another candidate. more..

Jun 24 (Island) Commercial Bank of Ceylon was the biggest lender to Sri Lanka�s small and medium enterprises (SME) sector by a huge margin in 2023, accounting for nearly a third of the value of the loans disbursed by a total of 17 state and private sector lending institutions. According to the Ministry�s Final Budget Position Report for 2023, Commercial Bank lent Rs 231.655 billion out of the total loans of Rs 704.142 billion to SMEs, accounting for 33% of the total in value terms. more..

Jun 24 (AD) Education Ministry Secretary has requested the Defence Secretary to ensure the security of all schools, National Colleges of Education island-wide, their staff and students while the non-academic staff engage in their sick leave campaign today and tomorrow. The non-academic staff of govt schools have launched a trade union action by reporting sick today and tomorrow. Accordingly, Ministry of Education has issued a notice to the school principals on more..

Jun 24 (PMD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the govt�s commitment to creating the most advanced, future-focused educational system in South Asia. He highlighted that education remains the nation�s greatest asset and that the govt has prioritized funding for education and integrating new technology despite economic challenges. In line with the Prez�s vision, two major initiatives have been announced, promising a significant boost to Sri Lanka�s educational landscape. more..

Jun 24 (KT) SriLankan Airlines will spread its wings across the Middle East region after acquiring more aircraft on lease this year to strengthen its fleet, its top official says. Richard Nuttall, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, said fleet modernisation plays an important in the carrier�s turnaround as well as caters to growing passengers demand in the region. He said the airline will strengthen its current fleet of 21 to 22 in July, more..

Jun 24 (CT) TPA Leader MP Palani Digambaram lashed out at SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka stressing that the latter criticised Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa because he was denied the presidential candidacy he sought within the SJB. Digambaram made these remarks during a meeting held in Weli Oya. He said Fonseka had hoped to run as the presidential candidate for the party. Digambaram also described Fonseka as someone who has criticised leaders from all the parties more..

Jun 24 (CT) Dinindu Samarasinghe, who formerly held the position of Kantale Magistrate, has been suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). This action follows a preliminary investigation by the JSC regarding his conduct, prompted by complaints from a group of lawyers at the Kantale Magistrate�s Court, alleging inappropriate behaviour by the Magistrate. During the former Judge�s tenure, the husband of a lawyer practising at the same Court reportedly made unwarranted phone calls more..

Jun 24 (FT) SJB MP Chandima Weerakkody criticised Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s attempts to prepare for upcoming elections by allegedly influencing various sectors of the country. He highlighted Wickremesinghe�s attempt to extend Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam�s tenure, accusing the Prez of compromising Rajaratnam�s dignity in the process. Weerakkody expressed gratitude to more..

Jun 24 (BN) SL officials and global investors are expected to hold a second round of direct talks this week to agree on the restructuring of $12 billion in defaulted bonds, according to people familiar with the matter. A group of bondholders, known as the steering committee, will continue to negotiate on the govt�s new proposal in this round of the talks, the people said. The bondholders went restricted, meaning the conversations with the government are covered by temporary trading limitations more..

Jun 24 (AD) Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe says that Sri Lanka will record positive annual economic growth in 2024 for the first time since the economic crisis. CBSL chief highlighted the need to persist along the narrow positive economic path it trails at the moment. Furthermore, Dr. Weerasinghe noted that Sri Lanka is in the final steps of completing the debt restructuring programme and has almost achieved the short-term economic sustainability. more..

Jun 25 (CT) Summer has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, as evidenced by the number of heat waves recorded and the alarming number of casualties as a result. The deadly heat waves are making rounds in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Africa and some parts of Europe, causing much havoc and the experts warn that this is just the start of things and things could get even �hotter� and deadlier as summer progresses. At this point, expecting yet another hottest year more..

Jun 25 (TM) The UK�s Proscribed Organisations Appeals Commission (POAC) last week rejected an appeal made by the Transnational Govt of Tamil Eelam (TGTE) to remove the proscription on the LTTE as a terrorist organisation in the country. A move, which followed well-established procedure within the British legislation and is indicative of the UK as a nation that has suffered from terrorism has evolved to manage a national security threat, and reduce risk to its public. more..

Jun 25 (TM) Climate change is certainly a hot topic these days, with science painting a scary picture. In order to avoid the worst impacts of global warming, science demands that the entire world achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As a small island, SL is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. As 50% of the county�s 22 million citizens live in low-lying coastal areas, most are at major risk of the future increase more..

Jun 25 (CT) Economic Transformation Bill, is said to be emanating from a Vision of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe (Ref. media statements of Actg. Finance Minister Semasinghe) of how to prevent future economic collapse and not based on any IMF prescriptions. Even a cursory reading of the Bill shows that this vision seems to be tipping the balance of hallucination and unilaterally setting economic benchmarks for the country in a futuristic scenario without a ghost of a plan or action more..

Jun 25 (Island) For three months in late 1990�s, American author and political activist Barbara Ehrenreich lived the life of a low-wage worker. She wanted to discover, first hand, how President Bill Clinton�s welfare reforms were impacting on the lives of the working poor. Her experiences gave birth to her most celebrated book, Nickle and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. In it, she focuses on the phenomenon of employed-homeless, workers who often do more than one job but are still more..