Mar 14 (CT) North, South, East and West � the directions of the compass. When you are lost in the woods, without knowing where you�re going and with no possibility of retracing your steps, the compass helps you to find in which direction you�re headed, whether it�s North, South, East or West. The compass is a magnetometer used for navigation and orientation that shows direction in regards to the geographic cardinal points. The structure of a compass consists of the compass rose, more..

Mar 14 (Island) The recent release of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa�s book, The conspiracy to oust me from the Presidency; how internationally sponsored regime change made a mockery of democracy in Sri Lanka has sparked discussions on its content and credibility. Critics argue that the book appears to be predominantly opinion-based, lacking the factual data that are fundamental for establishing credibility. GR has resorted to numerous unfounded and more..

Mar 14 (CT) At a time when Muslims around the world, including SL are preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, the underprivileged are struggling to fulfil this sacred obligation, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting. The number of days depends on the sighting of the moon on the western horizon. more..

Mar 14 (DM) Are the people of SL happy? Most independent and non-party analysts would say a clear no. Millions of people are suffering from a lack of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare needs, education and other facilities. So it is clear that except for the politicians� most of whom make money illegally� and big business magnets, most of SL�s people are unhappy. Next week, the UN will mark the International Day of Happiness. In a statement, the world body said that more..

Mar 14 (GV) The year 2024 is an election year in SL with the president�s term of office ending on Nov 17, 2024 and accordingly the conduct of a prez election constitutionally mandated upon the Election Commission between September and October this year. The ousting of former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa through the mass protests of the aragalaya two years ago has been raised afresh in the public consciousness through the publications of his memoirs, The Conspiracy to oust me more..

Mar 14 (CT) France made history this week by amending its Constitution to explicitly guarantee the right to abortion, becoming the first country to do so. The amendment, passed with an overwhelming 780-72 vote, received applause in Parliament and was hailed by President Macron as a moment of French pride with a universal message. Despite criticism from anti-abortion groups and the Vatican, more..

Mar 14 (CT) World No Smoking Day, observed annually on the second Wednesday of March, is a significant global event dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking. This initiative aims to educate people about the health risks associated with smoking, promote tobacco control policies, and support individuals in their journey towards quitting smoking. With smoking being a leading cause of preventable death worldwide, World No Smoking Day serves more..

Mar 14 (TM) Sri Lanka, battered and bruised by economic crisis, poor governance, socio-economic issues, and lack of public discourse about mental wellbeing, has a silent epidemic, which, a 2023 report said may affect nearly one in five of her citizens, with them suffering silently from some form of inner depression. Mental health and related issues are one of the many elephants in the room that SL culture likes to quickly sweep under the rug, and pretend that it does not exist. more..

Mar 14 (ST) A unified parliamentary squad gave a proper roasting to Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe and his senior staff for serving themselves to an over-the-top salary increase that will cost taxpayers nearly an extra 2.8 billion bucks per year. Two weeks ago, in the present squalor of all-round poverty, news of CB Governor Weerasinghe liberally using the proverbial spoon to serve top-tier bank officials thumping 70% salary increments, and extra-large salary increases more..

Mar 14 (DM) This political grandstanding is nothing more than benefitting from the country�s misery. When even a remotely cohesive nation is faced with an existential crisis, its disparate stakeholders momentarily set aside their differences. The survival of the state takes precedence over everything else. For a recent example, consider Israel, where political opposition has joined a war cabinet and people of the Left and Centre who loath Benjamin Netanyahu and his ultra-nationalists have come together more..

Mar 14 (CI) Sri Lanka had no answer to Najmul Hossain Shanto's career-best unbeaten 122 which powered Bangladesh to a six-wicket win in the first ODI in Chattogram. The home side won with 32 balls to spare despite losing three early wickets, as Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim added 165 runs for an unbroken fifth-wicket stand. Mushfiqur gave Shanto good support scoring his 49th half-century, allowing the Bangladesh captain more..

Mar 14 (CI) SL had Bangladesh at 92 for 4, chasing 256 in the first ODI. But then dew set in, and the bowlers struggled to be penetrative. This was what allrounder Janith Liyanage felt, having bowled five overs himself. Through the back-end of the game, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim put on a match-winning 165-run fifth-wicket stand, as Shanto finished with 122 not out and Musfhiqur 73 not out. Towards the end of the match, though, the outfield was essentially sodden. more..

Mar 14 (Island) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has embarked on an ambitious mission to have Artificial Intelligence (AI) taught in schools. This is something long overdue. The importance of preparing SL students for future challenges and modernising the education system to align it with job market requirements, etc., cannot be overstated. However, before trying to make SL AI savvy, the Prez should find some intelligent persons to function as Cabinet ministers in charge of vital sectors. more..

Mar 14 (FT) Sri Lanka is poised to benefit from the global trend towards electric vehicles (EVs), leveraging its top-quality vein graphite crucial for EV battery manufacturing. The country�s commitment to sustainability and quality standards places it strategically in the non-China graphite export market, boosted by US industrial policies favouring domestic assembly and non-China sources. A new IPS study highlights SL�s opportunity to become part of the EV battery supply chain. more..

Mar 14 (CI) When Najmul Hossain Shanto reached his century in Chattogram, Mushfiqur Rahim charged towards him with a big smile on his face, and arms raised. This was Shanto's second century as Bangladesh captain, coming shortly after the BCB declared him as their main man across formats. Shanto is an agent of change at a pivotal time in Bangladesh cricket. Coach Chandika Hathurusinghe backs him and by the looks of it, so do the senior cricketers currently in the team. more..

Mar 14 (ST) Despite reductions in fuel and electricity prices, merchants, eatery operators, and service providers said they cannot lower prices as their other costs remain high. They said the govt reduced the electricity charges only by a small amount after a bigger increase. The govt is making people feel the cost of living is being reduced with elections in mind. However, merchants and service providers said costs have increased. more..

Mar 14 (FT) Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) organised Construction Expo 2024, the most inclusive exhibition will be held from 15 to 17 March at the BMICH. As a proven platform for the promotion of the Construction Industry in Sri Lanka, Construction Expo 2024 by CIOB will showcase the latest technology and development added to the building and construction sector with renowned industry experts, stakeholders and decision makers in attendance. more..

Mar 14 (TM) CEB Engineers Association (CEBEA) urged the public to use electricity carefully since the daily electricity consumption has increased significantly due to the existing dry weather conditions. Media Spokesperson of the CEBEA Nandika Pathirage said that there will be no power cuts these days despite these issues, but that the people must not waste electricity and must instead be cautious when using electric appliances. He further noted that SL is still covering more..

Mar 14 (ST) The main ingredient in Singapore�s signature chilli crab is the SL mud crab�a delicacy exported and valued worldwide. Now, the Fisheries Ministry has stepped in with regulations to curb the over-harvesting of these crustaceans from the wild. Titled Mud Crab Fishery Management Regulations, 2024, the regulations apply to the fishing of wild mud crabs in SL�s waters. They lay down the minimum size for more..

Mar 14 (DM) The Court of Appeal dismissed the revision applications filed by eight accused including the Captain of the fire-ravaged container ship MV X-Press Pearl who were indicted before the Colombo High Court for causing damages to the country's oceanic environment. The eight accused had filed revision applications challenging the Colombo High Court's decision to reject their preliminary objections against the charges filed against them. The Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising more..

Mar 14 (Island) SL economy has shown some consolidation in the last several months and its financial sector should be smart when making decisions to harness its potential in order to become a financial hub in the region, a top financial services professional said. �SL has made great progress in the financial sector but it needs to promote electronic transactions and be more digitalized in order to ensure efficient and effective services to the people through financial sector entities, more..

Mar 14 (DN) Two leading Southern schools Richmond and Mahinda will play their 119th Battle of the Lovers big match on March 15 -16 at Galle International Cricket Stadium. With the 119 big match the two schools wanted to build up their brotherhood. Two schools joint organising committee already planned to make the event a success while they wanted to maintain very good discipline during this two day game. Richmond Principal P.S Pushpakumara in his second consecutive more..

Mar 14 (FT) The country�s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) yesterday commended Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe for temporarily suspending the Parate executions till 15 Dec but insisted their plight persists hence need continuous support. SL United National Businesses Alliance (SLUNBA) Vice Chairman Susantha Liyanaarachchi yesterday conveyed the industry�s appreciation to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe for the measures taken to suspend the enforcement of parate executions more..

Mar 14 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the consequences of political promises made without a comprehensive understanding of the country�s economy, highlighting the resulting hardships faced by the people. In a departure from such approaches, Prez emphasized the importance of facing reality and working collectively towards a positive future for the nation. Prez made these remarks during more..

Mar 14 (AD) State Minister of Fisheries, Piyal Nishantha de Silva, announced plans to launch a new multi-day fishing trawler equipped with modern technology and advanced operational techniques to enhance the fishing industry. State Minister further stated that Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, via the Attorney General, to facilitate the swift repatriation of the fishermen aboard the Lorenzo Putha-4 fishing vessel back to Sri Lanka. more..

Mar 14 (TM) The CEB stated that the dry weather prevailing in many parts of the country has not had a serious impact on hydropower generation. Several parts of the country are currently experiencing extreme dry weather. Daily Morning queried CEB Chairperson Nalinda Ilangakoon as to whether the prevailing dry weather has had a serious impact on hydropower generation, to which he said that there has not been such a serious impact as of yet, and that power generation activities are being more..

Mar 14 (Island) Water consumption in Sri Lanka had increased by 15% in recent weeks due to the prevailing dry and unusually warm weather, coupled with high humidity, a senior official of the NWSDB said. As a result, pipe-borne water consumers living in higher grounds and those living in outermost areas of water projects would experience low water pressure, the official said. NWSDB said it had not resorted to water cuts in any area but requested people to use water sparingly due to more..

Mar 14 (FT) Civil Aviation Authority of SL (CAASL) has announced the appointment of Air Vice Marshal (Retd) H.M.S.K.B. Kotakadeniya as the new Director-General and Chief Executive. He succeeds P.A. Jayakantha who retired recently. The appointment letter was presented by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva yesterday, after receiving the Cabinet approval. A ceremony commemorating the occasion was held in the presence of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary more..

Mar 14 (FT) Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday spearheaded a meeting where 49 shortlisted developers of renewable energy projects convened with the CEB and SL Sustainable Energy Authority. Taking to �X� the Minister noted that the discussion focused on key aspects such as the approval process, implementation timelines, necessary clearances from various agencies, technical specifications more..

Mar 14 (AD) CID has arrested Dr. Thusitha Sudarshana, the Deputy Director of the Health Ministry�s Medical Supplies Division on arrival in SL at the BIA. The arrest was carried out in connection with the import of substandard Human Immunoglobulin vials. Eight individuals including former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, former Health Ministry Secretary Janaka Chandragupta and Additional Secretary of the Health Ministry Dr. Saman Ratnayake currently more..

Mar 14 (FT) Young Journalists Association of SL (YJASL) filed a fundamental rights petition yesterday seeking an order to quash the appointment of Senior DIG Deshabandu Thennakoon as the IGP. The petitioners are arguing that the appointment is illegal, arbitrary, irrational, and contrary to and in violation of the provisions of the Constitution. The association also said that Tennakoon is unfit for the post of IGP and despite these disqualifications, he has been appointed to more..

Mar 14 (FT) Main Opposition, SJB, reminded that any agreement the Prez or the Govt enters with external creditors must be honoured by any new Govt and Prez. Addressing a media briefing, the SJB said it is imperative for the Prez to engage Opposition parties with respect to the Govt�s plans with creditors. SJB MP Dr. Harsha De Silva, said, �Whatever Govt that comes into power is obliged to pay the loan as agreed to by Prez more..

Mar 14 (FT) Dr. Colvin R. de Silva�s position on the executive presidency was slightly more nuanced than the flat denunciation by Dr. N.M. Perera. While criticising the 1978 Constitution, he took pains in a contribution to the Lanka Guardian magazine to emphasise that the Jayewardene presidential system, though deriving from the Gaullist model of France, has significant accretions and distortions which brought it more into line with those of Francophone Africa. more..

Mar 14 (FT) This year (2024) is the ultimate election year because over 60 countries will hold elections, a record. SL could be more exceptional as we will go to the presidential election, having postponed many other subnational-level elections. By early 2022, Sri Lanka had spiralled into an unprecedented economic crisis since independence. In a very short period, the crisis has generated far-reaching consequences beyond the economic sphere into the political and social sphere. more..