Nov 19 (PTI) SL President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will visit India at the invitation of the Indian govt in mid-December, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said on Monday. He will call on PM Narendra Modi. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar who became the first foreign dignitary to call on Dissanayake when he was elected Prez in September had extended the invitation. Jaishankar visited Sri Lanka in October since the NPP govt led by Dissanayake came to power on Sept 23. more..

Nov 19 (CSM) In a year of major elections worldwide, one consistent theme so far has been a desire for more accountability in governance. Voters have tossed out incumbents, defied autocrats, and forced political rivals into partnerships. In particular, young people have demanded better economic performance. One election stands out on that last note. In SL last week, citizens elected a new Parliament with one party winning a majority large enough to make reforms without opposition. more..

Nov 19 (TM) SL�s top three private banks� non-performing loan (NPL) ratios have improved between 3% and 5%, indicating an overall improvement in economic activity in the low-interest rate environment, according to their quarterly financial statements. Accordingly, the Q3 financial statement of the banks showed an overall reduction in the stage 3 loan ratios and impairment charges in the quarter that ended on 30 Sept. more..

Nov 19 (CT) Elections Commissioner General has announced that the financial allocations for the upcoming Local Govt and Provincial Council elections will be included in the Interim Budget, which is expected to be presented to Parliament in December. However, he also said that discussions regarding the specific dates for these elections remain unresolved. Ratnayake noted that the Govt has yet to decide whether to prioritise Local Govt Elections or Provincial Council Elections. more..

Nov 19 (TM) SL�s construction industry is poised for a gradual recovery, anticipating growth opportunities in tourism, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and international projects, according to stakeholders. However, despite these possibilities, the sector continues to struggle somewhat, with growth at a very slow pace due to the inactivity of the industry. Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) President Dr. Rohan Karunaratne shared insights from a recent discussion with the Govt and more..

Nov 19 (AD) The appointment of the new Secretary to the PM, the Cabinet Secretary and Secretaries for 16 Ministries was held at the Presidential Secretariat today. The ceremony was officiated by the Secretary to the Prez, Dr. Nandika Kumanayake. The list of appointees is as follows: Mr. G.P Saputhanthri - Secretary to the PM; Mr. W.D.M. J Fernando - Secretary to the Cabinet; Prof. Kapila Perera - Ministry of Transport, more..

Nov 19 (FT) The Chamber of Marine Industries of SL (CMISL) unveils a visionary five-year strategic plan designed to transform the nation�s maritime industry. This ambitious initiative focuses on fostering strategic partnerships, developing critical infrastructure, and implementing key regulatory reforms. By 2029, the plan aims to generate $ 2 billion in revenue, solidifying Sri Lanka�s position as a premier maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. Leveraging the nation�s membership more..

Nov 19 (AM) A cash van carrying approximately Rs. 75 million was carjacked in Minuwangoda on November 18, with the van's driver suspected of being behind the theft. The vehicle, which belongs to a Cash in Transit service, was stolen under mysterious circumstances, and authorities believe the driver may have orchestrated the heist. The Police have launched a widespread search for the suspect and are urging the public to come forward with any information that could aid in locating more..

Nov 19 (DM) The outbreak of Meningococcal disease at the Sri Lanka Army Recruit Training School in Vedditalativu is under control, Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said. 25 recruits have been hospitalized, with one in critical condition, while over 450 soldiers remain under quarantine as a precaution. Director Dr. Aruna Sandanayake said that a critically ill recruit is currently receiving treatment at the ICC of the NIID in Angoda. more..

Nov 19 (FT) There are, it is said jocularly in circles where wit is observational of everyone else but oneself, three types of people: those who make things happen, those who watch while it is happening, and those who wonder: what happened? What happened was that the threefold cord which is not quickly broken snapped suddenly after ever-increasing tension over the years. It resulted in a tectonic shift in the plate of local politics as perhaps un-witnessed in some senses these more..

Nov 19 (EN) Sri Lankan students studying at US colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year increased by 10 percent, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, the US Embassy in Colombo said. �This reflects a growing trend of SL students seeking world-class education in the US and underscores the robust educational ties between the two nations, as well as more..

Nov 19 (AD) The nomination process for National List MP positions within the NDF and SJB has escalated into internal turmoil, with fierce competition for limited seats. NDF only secured two seats and the SJB five seats through the National List in the recent general election. The crisis deepened following the nomination of Ravi Karunanayake�s name in the Gazette last night (as a National List MP for the NDF. The nomination was reportedly made to the EC by the NDF more..

Nov 19 (DM) Court of Appeal today issued an order directing the hospital authorities to submit a report on the health condition of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte, who is currently in remand custody in connection with a case involving an unregistered luxury vehicle. The court was informed that Lohan Ratwatte is currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Colombo. Former Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, appearing for Lohan Ratwatte, requested support for the writ more..

Nov 19 (EN) Sri Lanka�s newly appointed Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala promised to stop political interference in police matters and ensure independence for the police to implement law and order. In his inaugural comments after assuming office as the Minister of Public Security which oversees police, passport and national identity card issuance said he will rectify the past concerns raised by the public. more..

Nov 19 (AD) The delay in crediting the fertilizer subsidy funds to farmers� bank accounts is due to a technical issue with the computer system, claims the Ministry of Agriculture. Accordingly, Ministry has confirmed that a team of officials was deployed yesterday to investigate the matter and that a report pertaining to the matter is expected to be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry today. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture mentioned that steps have already been taken more..

Nov 19 (NW) The newly appointed Cabinet of Ministers of the NPP Govt has made key appointments related to the 10th Parliament of Sri Lanka. Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake has been appointed as the Leader of the House. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health and Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been appointed as the Chief Government Whip. Earlier today, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa was also appointed as the Cabinet Spokesman. more..

Nov 19 (FT) Congratulations on your remarkable landslide victory, securing over a two-thirds majority in Parliament. This is a testament to the trust and belief the general public has in you. You have also set an inspiring example for greater women�s political participation, which is truly commendable. As Sri Lankans, we have often relied on politicians to handle everything, but this approach has proven flawed. I genuinely want you to succeed so our country can regain its former glory. more..

Nov 19 (DM) Former Minister and NDF candidate Kanchana Wijesekara is likely to enter Parliament through the National List, a number of former MPs told the media a shortwhile ago. Former MPs Arundika Fernando, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, Premnath C. Dolawaththa and several others who spoke to the media after a meeting of the NDF at Flower Road told journalists that the majority of members in NDF have requested that Wijesekara be appointed through NL. more..

Nov 19 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday emphasised the need for responsible governance and unity during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet Ministers of the NPP Govt. In his address, Prez highlighted the magnitude of the recent electoral victory and its accompanying responsibilities. �Our victory is great, but so too is the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us,� he said, more..

Nov 19 (FT) Transparency International SL (TISL) said that it observed a significant reduction in complaints related to the misuse of public funds, vehicles, and State power or positions during the General Election 2024. In contrast to the Prez Election 2024, where TISL recorded 33 complaints about the misuse of State funds and 48 complaints concerning State vehicles, General Election period saw only three complaints about the misuse of State funds and one regarding State vehicles. more..

Nov 19 (FT) NPP Colombo district MP Dr. Rizvie Salih yesterday said the new Govt is of the view that the primary conditions for leading a Ministry should be a person�s qualifications, skills, and political acumen, and not their gender, race, or religion. Responding to criticism over no Muslim representatives in the newly appointed Cabinet, Dr. Salih said he has full confidence that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed the right individuals to the right Ministries. more..

Nov 19 (Island) UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken exception to the sumbission of Ravi Karunanayake�s name to the Election Commission (EC) as one of the two National List (NL) MPs of New Democratic Front (NDF). He has said NDF General Secretary submitted Karunanayake�s name without the concurrence of the constitutes of the alliance. Wickremesinghe said so at a meeting of NDF representatives in Colombo. more..

Nov 19 (AD) The Election Commission of SL has issued a Gazette notification declaring that former minister Ravi Karunanayake has been elected as a Member of Parliament through the National List of the New Democratic Front (NDF), which contested the General Election under the Gas Cylinder symbol. Earlier today, it was reported that the New Democratic Front (NDF) has nominated Karunanayake for one of the two National List seats won by the party in Parliament. more..

Nov 19 (DM) In a departure from the practice of the previous rules, the new govt has decided to scrap the concept of state ministers but will proceed with the appointment of 26-28 deputy ministers instead within a day or two, a minister said. Newly sworn-in Health and Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the appointment of deputy ministers would take place shortly. He said state ministers would not be appointed as outlined in the policy manifesto presented to the country ahead of elections. more..

Nov 19 (TM) Despite seeing an increase in English medium teachers, principals insist that schools do not have the resources to cater to the demands of English medium education. �A lot of our students want to study in the English medium,� the President of the Ceylon Principals� Union and the Principal of Lourdes College, Nattandiya, Piyasiri Fernando said. �We are seeing an increase in demand, yet, despite this increase, we don�t have the human resources to cater to this.� more..

Nov 19 (AD) SL Navy says that more than 46kg of heroin with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 1,152 million was found inside a local multi-day fishing trawler intercepted during a special operation on the high seas about 110 nautical miles west of SL. The operation, conducted by SLNS Nandimithra, resulted in the apprehension of 05 suspects linked to the illicit activity, the navy said. Upon escorting the vessel to Galle Harbour, a detailed inspection uncovered approx. 46kg & 116g of heroin, more..

Nov 19 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake called on the IMF to adopt a balanced approach that acknowledges the hardships faced by the citizens, particularly in the wake of inflation and economic pressures. He made these remarks in a meeting with the visiting IMF delegation led by Senior Mission Chief Peter Breuer. Several Cabinet Ministers, and Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena were associated during more..

Nov 19 (CT) The Swiss Govt has concluded its Safe Labour Migration Programme (SLMP) in Sri Lanka after 14 years, marking a milestone in Sri Lanka�s efforts to enhance labour migration governance. In a joint press statement by the International Labour Organisation, Govt of SL and Swiss Embassy said Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has decided to hand over the programme�s management to SL Govt, ensuring the continuity of the programme for the future. more..

Nov 19 (DN) Currently there are over 50 ICT related govt bodies and the new government aims to bring all these institutions under one umbrella, said National Enterprise Development Authority Director Dhanuka Liyanagamage. �In certain cases intentionally or unintentionally they work as a rival organization,� he said at the launch event of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (GEW) launch at Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday. CEO of Microimage Harsha Purasinghe mentioned more..

Nov 19 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism is set to unveil a unified national brand in January instead of going ahead with campaign taglines, aiming to redefine the country�s global tourism appeal and achieve a higher return on investment (RoI). The strategy, which shifts away from the piecemeal approaches of previous administrations, reflects a new vision for marketing Sri Lanka as a 365-day destination. �We plan to finalise the creative assets for the new campaign by next month, with the full-scale rollout more..

Nov 19 (Island) NPP, ITAK & Sarvajana Balaya have appointed defeated candidates to Parliament via the National List (NL), making a mockery of their much-avowed commitment to democratic best practices. This has been the name of the game in SL politics all these years and one of the main reasons for the erosion of public trust in the electoral process. The NPP deserves praise for the appointment of a person with a visual disability to Parliament for the first time in SL�s parliamentary history. more..