Oct 29 (TM) A person has been remanded until 4 Nov, who was caught for suspiciously photographing the Italian Embassy in Colombo 7, and holding in possession a book containing over 700 pages of rough plans for various locations including former Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga�s private residence at Horagolla. STF arrested the suspect at midnight on 26 Oct while photographing the Italian Embassy in Colombo. The suspect was found in possession of a 725-page book containing rough plans of more..

Oct 29 (EN) Sri Lanka�s central bank has defended its inflationary open market operations where money was injected to overtrading banks pushed up deposits at at its standing window to 200 billion rupees by Oct 29. Barely a month ago deposits in the window was around 100 to 120 billion rupees. That was because foreign banks which did not lend in interbank market due to risk limits. This has been well reported earlier. more..

Oct 29 (AD) Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) has informed the Colombo Magistrate�s Court that two suspects, who were arrested in relation to the investigations carried out according to the intelligence received regarding a plan to launch a terrorist attack targeting a tourist attraction in SL, will be detained further for interrogations. The investigation officers have also submitted a highly confidential report regarding the progress of investigations to Colombo Magistrate more..

Oct 29 (AD) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that, since neither he nor his administration has special ties or obligations to any party within the country�s development or business sectors, they are positioned to make decisions impartially and decisively for the sake of national economic recovery. These remarks were made during a meeting today with members of the SL Banks� Association at the Prez Secretariat, where discussions focused on the banking more..

Oct 30 (CT) The speed of evolution in SL�s political culture has been tremendous in the past three years. The boundaries that once separated political ideologies and ways of thinking have blurred, names and parties that once were on the fringes of the country�s political system are now in the centre, holding the spotlight, while once household names in politics, those that once commanded the same spotlight are left to either take a place in the background or exit the stage entirely. more..

Oct 30 (GV) NPP govt wants to make negotiated changes to the IMF conditionalities already agreed upon by the previous regime. If that is not feasible, the NPP will have to move away from the thinking that any deviation from the IMF prescribed debt restructuring would further damage the country�s economy. Otherwise the NPP will have to resort to other alternatives. Furthermore, allegations are being made that the interim govt has overborrowed during its first few weeks in office. more..

Oct 30 (TM) Despite the garment sector being one of the most economically important sectors in Sri Lanka, the sector is facing a plethora of issues in terms of the exploitation of labour, the lack of legal protections, and various industry practices that adversely impact employees. In response to these perennial issues, better work environments need to be established, and legal and attitudinal changes are also required. more..

Oct 30 (TM) Over the last few years, media reports of unregulated foreigner- and tourist-run businesses have become more frequent. While multiple govts, and the broader tourism industry had turned a blind eye to such infractions, perhaps due to a strong desire to improve the island�s tourism landscape & economic benefits it brings, issue has snowballed onto a scale that can no longer be overlooked or ignored. While the tourism industry has long had mixed feelings about regulations, more..

Oct 30 (DM) The new JVP/NPP govt has been in power for less than two months. They are faced with mounting problems which are not of their making. In Opposition the president and his political party, which now rules our country condemned the former prez Wickremesinghe for ignoring the plight of the masses. Sadly since the new regime took over the plight of the poorest sections has worsened. The cost of living has increased even further. The prices of basic food items have increased rapidly more..

Oct 30 (TM) Govt has introduced several subsidy and social welfare measures during its tenure thus far, some of which had also been approved by the previous administration. However, concerns have been raised about the affordability and sustainability of these measures in relation to fiscal performance. Notable subsidies include those directed at farmers and fishermen, as well as the distribution of pension allowances. more..

Oct 30 (CT) We are convinced (or conditioned to believe) that we are an under-developed country and are destined to ever remain so. Should it really be such? Importantly, what should we do to erase this patronizing and degrading label? This mental complex has led us to be a cynical, despondent people. The past seven decades of Independence have driven us into the depths of despair. The worst part of this is that we have so driven our thoughts, to make this fear to become our reality. more..

Oct 30 (Island) The current mixed proportional electoral system�a combination of the first-past-the-post and proportional representation (PR) systems�under which the local govt elections are held, is in the spotlight again following the outcome of the Elpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) election held last Saturday. JVP-led NPP obtained 15 seats but failed to secure a working majority in the PS as the Opposition political parties and the independent group in the fray also obtained 15 seats. more..

Oct 30 (DM) For the last couple of years since the tragic Easter Sunday attacks, some sections of the Catholic church led by Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and civil society groups have been wanting us to believe that nine Islamist suicide terrorists, having pledged allegiance to the transnational Salafi Jihad terrorist group, Islamic State, blew themselves up killing 250 locals church goers and foreign tourists in order to bring to power an ardent Sinhala Buddhist nationalist Gotabaya Rajapaksa. more..

Oct 30 (Island) NPP and SJB are the main contenders at the forthcoming parliamentary election. At the last general election, held in August 2020, the NPP won just three seats, including one National List (NL) slot, whereas the SJB secured 54 seats. The breakaway UNP faction, the SJB that had been registered under controversial circumstances in early 2020, but emerged as the second largest parliamentary group, with the UNP, Grand Old Party that was reduced to a humiliating one seat more..

Oct 30 (ST) SL Railways has decided to resume train services on Maho to A'pura line, which was closed for 9 months. But a primitive signalling system will be used until a new system is set up. The decision was taken during a meeting held at the Transport Ministry. At the meeting, Railway Locomotive Operating Engineers Union had said that although the track renovation was completed, signalling was not yet installed. more..

Oct 30 (ST) The 2024 GT World Challenge Asia season concluded last month with a gripping finale at the Shanghai International Circuit in China. In a weekend filled with challenges and triumphs, Sri Lankan driver Eshan Pieris secured the runner-up position in the Silver Class. Pieris consistently showcased his talent and determination in the final race of the championship, as he finished third, capping off a remarkable year of racing together with Tanart Sathienthirakul. more..

Oct 30 (ST) Neptune Recyclers has announced a collaboration with the USAID, under USAID�s Oceans Plastics Reduction Activity. This partnership will improve waste collection systems, enhance recycling capabilities, and foster collaboration between public and private sectors in support of USAID�s broader efforts across Sri Lanka and the Maldives to reduce ocean plastic pollution and strengthen waste management systems, the company said in a media release. more..

Oct 30 (Island) The critical importance of growing ties among Japan, India and Sri Lanka for regional development was stressed by the founder of the Pathfinder Foundation Milinda Moragoda recently. Among other things, he also pointed to the crucial significance of growing India-Sri Lanka connectivity in taking development to Northern SL. A Pathfinder Foundation press release said in this connection: �Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, delivered a keynote address more..

Oct 30 (FT) Seylan Bank has recorded a Profit after Tax of Rs. 6,593 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2024 with a growth of 46.65% against Rs. 4,496 million reported in the corresponding period of 2023 despite a challenging environment. The bank recorded a Profit before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 10,608 million for the nine months ended 30 September 2024, against Rs. 7,181 million reported in the corresponding period of 2023 demonstrating a growth of 47.72%. more..

Oct 30 (DM) The former SL World Cup star, currently representing the league tournament in Australia as a player cum coach, made these observations on the sidelines of the 13th Asian Senior Netball Championships, held in Bengaluru, India. SL�s campaign at this event ended in a disappointing manner. They suffered a shock defeat to former champions Singapore in the final, which was stretched into overtime for the first time more..

Oct 30 (DN) Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests. SL recorded back to back test wins over Nwe Zealand at Galle before they scored a fighting win over England in the third test at Oval and these achievements may help to qualify for the world test championship final. However SL team led by Dhananjaya de Silva has a difficult task ahead with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November more..

Oct 30 (TM) The country has seen a number of cases of tourists on tourist visas starting businesses such as lodgings, shops and restaurants as complaints against overstaying tourists grow, the authorities confirmed. �We see a number of cases of tourists arriving on tourist visas and overstaying,� Minister Vijitha Herath told the media yesterday. �Several of them conduct various activities, both legal and illegal, and we see many of them starting businesses.� more..

Oct 30 (DM) Sri Lanka�s export earnings for Sept 2024 fell by 3.49% to US$ 937.95 million compared to a year earlier, with weaker demand for tea, rubber products, electronics, and seafood weighing on performance. Services exports, however, provided a lift, rising by 6.08% year-on-year to an estimated US$ 329.89 million. Combined, total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached US$ 1.27 bil for the month, more..

Oct 30 (FT) Hotels Association of SL (THASL) expressed its appreciation to Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake as the Minister in charge of Tourism as well as SL Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman and the Govt for taking prompt action with regards to a warning on a threat to Arugam Bay a few days ago. THASL said this small town located on the Eastern belt in SL, known for especially surf enthusiasts, has attracted many tourists from different nationalities in the recent past. more..

Oct 30 (PHC) The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Colombo organized a seminar/photo exhibition to mark the Kashmir Black Day on October 27, 2024. The event was attended by people from different walks of life including Pakistani community in Sri Lanka, journalists, writers and friends of Kashmir. The messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan were also readout for the audience. more..

Oct 30 (FT) Postal voting for Sri Lanka�s 2024 General Election is set to commence today, providing an early voting option for Government employees, armed forces, and police personnel. The Election Commission of Sri Lanka (ECSL) has announced a detailed plan to ensure a smooth and secure postal voting phase, establishing polling stations in strategic locations across the country, including all police stations, District Secretariats, and Election Commission offices. more..

Oct 30 (TM) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has informed the Govt Medical Officers` Association (GMOA) that certain positive changes could be anticipated regarding the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax. Representatives of the GMOA including its Executive Committee members recently met with Dr. Amarasuriya. Speaking about the outcome of the meeting, GMOA Spokesperson Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe said that they discussed with the Premier regarding the existing tax system. more..

Oct 30 (FT) SJB Colombo district candidate Dr. Harsha de Silva has strongly criticised the NPP Govt, led by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for failing to deliver on promises made to State sector employees. Speaking at an SJB press conference yesterday, Dr. de Silva argued that public sector employees who had placed their trust in the NPP�s election pledges are now facing disappointment. more..

Oct 30 (DN) Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Coconut Development Authority of SL, organised the first ever participation of ten Sri Lankan companies manufacturing coconut-based products, at the 41st edition of the Saudi Agriculture Expo 2024 in Riyadh, held from October 21-24. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad officially inaugurated the Sri Lankan pavilion at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. more..

Oct 30 (FT) Election Commission of SL (ECSL) has urged the public to report any display of election propaganda on digital screens in public spaces, such as bus and railway stations, to the nearest police station or the relevant ECSL regional office. Elections Commissioner General Saman Sri Ratnayake, warned that displaying political promotions on such screens constitutes a violation of election laws. �Playing election propaganda material on digital screens in public spaces, more..

Oct 30 (DN) SL most consistent batsman Kamindu Mendis has become the highest batting average batsman in the world test championship. 26 year old left hander who has collected 943 runs in 12 innings in 7 matches of the tournament obtained a batting average of 94.50 while he has recorded 5 centuries and three half centuries to his credit. Mendis the promising all rounder has shown his abilities in all three formats and also won ICC player of the month awards on two occasions recently. more..

Oct 30 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) stated that they are ready to hold the Provincial Council (PC) Elections once the relevant legal issues are resolved. Speaking at a recent political rally, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the Govt had planned to hold the PC Elections next year. Commenting on the matter to The Daily Morning, EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that the EC would hold the said elections as soon as the related legal issues are addressed. more..

Oct 30 (HCI) The 6th meeting of the India-SL Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was held on 29 Oct in Colombo. The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Dept of Fisheries, Govt of India and included senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Ministry of External Affairs; Govt of Tamil Nadu; Navy; Coast Guard; Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute & HC of India more..

Oct 30 (DN) Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday announced during the Cabinet press conference that Sri Lanka�s State Intelligence Service (SIS) received information about a planned attack from a foreign intelligence agency. In response, the National Security Council was convened to make prompt decisions regarding the threat, he said. The Minister said that several suspects have been arrested and presented to the courts, with further investigations ongoing. more..

Oct 30 (DM) The govt is in the process of establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate and monitor private universities �both in operation currently and to be established in the future-, an official said. The new govt will press ahead with the initiative taken by the previous rule but fresh inputs will be included in the SOP to be cleared by the Cabinet first and approved by Parliament next. The official who wished to remain anonymous said there are over 20 pvt more..