Jun 26 (DM) WHO has recognized excessive addiction to the Internet or computer games as a mental illness or as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), consultant psychiatrist at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Dr. Rumi Ruben said. IGD was accepted in the 11th edition of Psychiatry and the American Psychological Institute's Classification of Diseases. Addiction to computer games on the Internet is similar to drug addiction. more..

Jun 26 (EN) Central Bank�s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has imposed penalties on DFCC Bank and Sampath Bank for non-compliance with the provisions of the Financial Transactions Reporting Act, the Bank said. The Central Bank has collected 1 million Sri Lanka rupees from DFCC in March and 2 million from Sampath Bank in April as penalties, it said. DFCC �had failed to conduct adequate Customer Due Diligence (CDD) on an individual, including requirement to obtain information more..

Jun 26 (DM) Issuing tickets at the Athurugiriya interchange of the Southern Expressway has been suspended today due to an allegation of financial fraud, an official of the RDA said. He said no tickets were issued today (26) when vehicles enter from the Athurugiriya expressway interchange. Twenty-two cashiers, including the chief cashier of the Athurugiriya Interchange of the Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, have been interdicted over a financial fraud of millions of rupees. more..

Jun 26 (AD) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today announced that former captain Mahela Jayawardena, who served as the Consultant Coach of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect. Jayawardena, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Center, SLC said. �SLC takes this opportunity to wish Mahela all the best in his future endeavours more..

Jun 26 (CT) A special sitting of Parliament is scheduled for 2 July following a request from PM Dinesh Gunawardena, invoking Standing Order No. 16, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said yesterday. The next Parliamentary sittings was originally scheduled for 9 July. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has instructed all MPs to convene at 9.30 a.m. on 2 July. The purpose of this special session, as per the PM�s request, has not been explicitly stated in the announcement. more..

Jun 26 (Island) A group of Sri Lankans recently urged Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC, not to allow interested parties to exploit the ex-military personnel serving with the Russian military to cause a rift between the two countries. The request was made when the group, based in Russia, met Minister Sabry at the SL Embassy at No 24 Schepkina Street, Moscow. President of the SL-Russia Business and Professionals Society, Jagath Chandrawansa, who had been among more..

Jun 27 (DM) In Nov 2022, Verit� Research wrote on the importance of better data to formulate a necessary air quality policy in SL. The author recently worked with Verit� Research staff to audit the air quality data that had since become available from around SL, and concluded that there still wasn�t enough data to base any firm policy conclusions on. Despite some recent steps in the right direction (see https://airquality.lk, for instance), coverage and completeness of air quality monitoring, more..

Jun 27 (ST) The news that the IMF has, in its latest report on SL, proposed to levy an assessed rental tax on every owner-occupied property sent shockwaves throughout the nation. This was the last straw. The final push over the cliff. Since the country�s economic debacle, the immense hardships the people have suffered, need no retelling. After the shortages and the long queues had gradually ceased to become a daily phenomenon, in the midst of seeming stability, began the never-ending more..

Jun 27 (TM) In a recent development addressing cultural sensitivities and technological misuse, Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has responded to mounting concerns over an artificial intelligence (AI) generated video circulating on social media platforms. The video in question allegedly distorts the Karaniya Metta Sutta from the Pali Canon, combining its verses with visuals from a techno music concert. more..

Jun 27 (DM) In Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s address yesterday, many independent analysts expected that he would announce his candidature for the Prez Elections in Sept or Oct amidst wide speculation about who the other candidates would be and whether the ruling SLPP will continue its alliance with the Prez, or even whether Parliamentary Elections will be held first. Since Independence in 1948, SL has produced well-known politicians but few, if any, statesmen or more..

Jun 27 (GV) President�s speech in parliament last week raises serious concerns about his own understanding of the workings of the Constitution and his own commitment to constitutional governance and the independence of the judiciary. There are two issues I wish to consider here; firstly, Supreme Court�s Special Determination on the Gender Equality Bill and secondly the prez�s speech in parliament regarding the Special Determination. Before that I will consider the task more..

Jun 27 (CT) In the industrial landscape of SL�s Free Trade Zones, a silent yet profound crisis has been identified � the pervasive issue of period poverty among female workers. As the machinery and production lines move, behind the scenes, women are facing a daily struggle to access basic menstrual hygiene products and their well-being and dignity. Period poverty among female workers in SL�s Free Trade Zones more..

Jun 27 (TM) Yesterday was indeed a milestone in contemporary SL history, as SL managed to finalise an agreement with its bilateral creditors via the Official Creditor Committee of the Paris Club, while signing another agreement with China's Exim Bank. The agreements, signed in Paris and Beijing are an indication of the global nature of the issue SL has to navigate to move towards recovery. The restructuring of the island�s bilateral debt is a stepping stone to finalise the large debt more..

Jun 27 (CT) Sri Lanka, for many centuries, has been renowned for the exceptional care shown to its younger generations, serving as a safe cradle for the youth to grow and develop with an abundance of love and kindness. However, rather unfortunately, things have started to change, and it is now questionable how safe the country is for children. According to Chairman of the NCPA, a total of 9,434 complaints related to child abuse were received from Jan to Dec 2023. more..

Jun 27 (ST) Refuting reports circulating in social media on SL�s women�s 800m runner Tharushi Karunaratne�s qualification to the Paris Olympics 2024, the Secretary of Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) said, that though she has a strong chance, is yet to officially qualify. Saman Kumara Gunawardena, Secretary of SLA, who has been involved with athletics for many decades, said that the country has to wait until the dawn of July 1 to confirm the final list of Olympic participants from SL athletics. more..

Jun 27 (Island) Sri Lanka has come to such a pass that its rulers and their supporters are celebrating the signing of a debt restructuring agreement, which they flaunt as an achievement. The leaders of successive govts which ruined the economy by indulging in corruption, wasting resources, and borrowing recklessly, thereby rendering the country�s debt unsustainable are now quarrelling over how to revive the economy. Never do they come together for the sake of the country. more..

Jun 27 (ST) As Sri Lanka Cricket turns its attention to the 5th edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL), set to take place from July 1 to 21, anticipation and excitement are in the air. The tournament, spanning the cities of Kandy, Dambulla, and Colombo, promises to deliver high-octane cricket featuring a host of international stars. However, beneath the financial success of this T20 extravaganza lies a brewing controversy more..

Jun 27 (FT) The Ambassador of SL to Brazil, Sumith Dassanayake, had an official visit to Rio de Janeiro with a view to boosting trade, tourism and investment ties between Sri Lanka and the State of Rio de Janeiro which is the crypto economic hub of Brazil and the second largest economy of the country with a population of 17.5 million. The visit took place from 12 to 13 June 2024. During the visit, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake had a meeting with the First Vice President of the Federation more..

Jun 27 (TM) Kollupitiya Police arrested two Indian nationals on Monday night for allegedly sending an item resembling a drone to the grounds of the Temple Trees, the PM's official residence. When contacted, sources within the Kollupitiya Police clarified that the item in question was not a drone, as reported by some media outlets, but an infrared induction flying ball-type toy. �There is no harm identified thus far,� Police stated, emphasising that equipment was merely a toy. more..

Jun 27 (TM) SL to implement the proposed Imputed Rental Income Tax from the second quarter of 2025 while individuals with more than one house that have not been rented out will be subjected to the tax after Govt valuation, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. He said that the imputed rental income tax proposed by the IMF second review will be implemented in the second quarter of 2025. State Minister said while the first house will be exempted, individuals with a more than one house more..

Jun 27 (TM) SJB MP Hesha Withanage says that within a three-month span of the formation of a new government by his party, they will dissolve Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and wipe its slate clean via the formation of an Interim Committee. MP known for his forthright stance on the current parlous state of the game here, said that within a span of 90-days of the dissolution of the SLC, the SJB will introduce the necessary amendments to SL�s Sports Law. He charged this will be done urgently to more..

Jun 27 (DM) Caucus of Medical Parliamentarians SL recently proposed a specialized payment system to mitigate losses incurred from doctors leaving the country. The caucus underscored that current policies contribute to difficulties faced by medical professionals, especially concerning transfers and incentives for those working in remote areas. The meeting, convened in Parliament recently, saw participation from more..

Jun 27 (FT) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva expressed his satisfaction over Sri Lanka�s successful conclusion of bilateral debt restructuring with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and China Exim Bank. de Silva highlighted the SJB�s consistent advocacy for collaboration with creditor nations during their engagements. �Thank you Japan, China, India. SJB appreciates your support to get SL out of the hole they put us in. In our discussions you told us it is not politics, but people. more..

Jun 27 (TM) Over 27,600 dengue cases have been reported so far this year, and with the South-West monsoonal rains, there is a risk of dengue cases increasing further. It is therefore imperative to take urgent measures to minimise the spread of dengue. Cautioning of this risk, Health Ministry officials further noted that although the rise in dengue cases has not reached an uncontrollable level, it is crucial to prevent it from reaching an epidemic level as the country�s health sector more..

Jun 27 (FT) The CEB was yesterday compelled to open the second envelopes of the international competitive bids for a 50-megawatt wind power plant to be constructed in Mannar. The bids, called under the two-envelope system, closed on 9 May. The first envelopes, containing the technical details were opened and evaluated immediately after the closing of bids, but the opening of the second envelopes was inexplicably more..

Jun 27 (ST) Sri Lanka�s rubber industry has been making severe losses as production is low due to the leaf and pesta disease and costs surpass net sale prices and the sector is complaining it has no money to increase wages to their plantation workers. The leaf disease has resulted up to a 40 per cent drop in crop in any affected area in any part of the world, immediate past Chairman of the Colombo Rubber Traders Association Manoj Udugampola told the Business Times. more..

Jun 27 (Island) Nannapurawa MV, Bibila athlete Madushani Herath and high jumper Lesandu Arthavidu reached entry standards for the World Junior Athletics C'ships at the National Athletics Championship. Herath who also won the women�s long jump bagged the triple jump gold with a feat of 13.13 metres. Entry standard for the World event is set at 12.9 metres. Arthavidu meanwhile cleared 2.13 metres to win the second place of the men�s high jump. more..

Jun 27 (FT) India said it will continue to support Sri Lanka�s economic recovery including by promoting long-term investments in its key economic sectors. The announcement follows the MoU on debt restructuring between Official Creditors Committee and the Govt of Sri Lanka. In a statement, India said as one of the co-chairs of the OCC, along with France and Japan, India has been steadfast in its commitment to the stabilisation, recovery and growth of the Sri Lankan economy. more..

Jun 27 (CT) Nayomi Amarasinghe has made history as SL�s first female seafarer, a significant achievement recognised by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Overcoming substantial gender barriers, Amarasinghe completed her training at the Mahapola Port and Maritime Academy with support from the ILO. The ILO highlighted her journey as a testament to the power of determination in breaking down barriers, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the maritime industry. more..

Jun 27 (Island) Veteran thrower Dilhani Lekamge has competed in every major international multi sports event except the Olympics. Currently the javelin thrower is in the 30th position in the Road to Paris 24 Olympic rankings and needs to remain within the top 32 when the qualifying period ends on June 30th to book her ticket to Paris 2024. By winning the title of the ongoing National Athletics Championships with a feat of 55.77 metres more..

Jun 27 (ST) World Refugee Day fell on June 20, but this year celebrations were subdued as the UN High Commission for Refugees has decided to phase down its operations in Sri Lanka, leaving the 500 or so refugees and asylum seekers in the lurch. SL is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, meaning that refugees and asylum seekers who make it here cannot stay permanently. Ultimately, they will have to be resettled in a third country, a process that UNHCR undertakes. more..

Jun 27 (Island) South Asia�s fastest sprinter Yupun Abeykoon brought Sri Lanka Athletics to its knees and athletics enthusiasts on their toes before pulling out after starting the highly anticipated 100 metres on day two of the National Athletics Championship at Diyagama on Wednesday. With no male athlete reaching qualifying standards for the Olympics, Sri Lanka Athletics took desperate measures to give Yupun a chance. And scheduled the men�s 100 metres on days convenient for the Italy more..

Jun 27 (FT) Democratic National Alliance (DTNA) reportedly held discussions this week about fielding a common Tamil candidate for the upcoming Presidential election. The DTNA comprises several Tamil political parties, including Crusaders for Democracy, DPLF, PLOTE, EPRLF, and TELO. The DTNA holds opposing views to the rival TNA. On Monday, DTNA party leaders met and discussed the idea of fielding a common Tamil candidate, agreeing not to support a candidate more..

Jun 27 (DM) In light of mounting public outcry and complaints regarding the substandard quality of food served in school and hospital canteens, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) are stepping up their efforts with intensified raids across the country. Upul Rohana, head of the PHI Union, speaking to Daily Mirror, highlighting numerous grievances about the quality of meals provided. "We've received a flood of complaints citing inferior food standards," Rohana stated. more..

Jun 27 (TM) Police department has filed a �B� report with the Mallakam Court in Jaffna, seeking prosecution of ten Indian fishermen arrested for illegally fishing in SL waters, and causing the death of a Navy rating, earlier this week. They face charges for; illegal fishing in SL waters, death of a Naval rate during the operation and for causing damage to naval property, SL Navy said. The Magistrate of Mallakam Court conducted more..