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Archives

NWSDB faces difficulties in meeting water demand

Mar 29 (CT) Prolonged dry weather and water supply interruptions go hand in hand for many decades in SL. The extreme heat that prevailed in the country for more than two months has resulted in the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) receiving more than 2,000 calls to its 24-hour hotline, 1939 daily as it faces difficulties in meeting the increased demand for water. When asked if water cuts will be imposed, Deputy General Manager of the NWSDB, more..

Getting back to that peaceful Easter Sunday

Mar 29 (DM) Easter Sunday is an important day in the SL calendar as this day has become the talking point as never before due to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Christians would never compare man’s sufferings with the agony Jesus went through on the cross. According to Rev. Frs. Sanjeewa Mendis and Sriyananda Fernando-who spoke on the meaning and message of Easter on ITN’s Pini Viyana programme on March 28-the message conveyed by the Son of God is to spread love even during the toughest of times. more..

The Karma of hate

Mar 29 (TM) The politics of hate has a long history in SL. It has been used as a tool to mobilise communities against others, spread fear and push divisive narratives to meet the political aims of many politicians and political parties. The use of hate speech has been around for millennia, and will likely be around for a long time across the world despite strong efforts to reign it in. Yesterday, the Colombo High Court sentenced controversial monk Galagodaaththe Gnanasara to four years more..

Accountability in economic crimes

Mar 29 (TM) Since the onset of the economic crisis in SL in 2022, the demands for accountability and transparency have amplified. Corruption, economic crimes, and economic loss due to governance-related and administrative inefficiencies are recurring topics over the past decades despite successive govts failing to achieve long-lasting and meaningful measures towards accountability. There has also been a discourse both within the present governance structures and beyond to address corruption. more..

What is wrong with Sri Lanka?

Mar 29 (CT) It is not the country per se, but the politicians and the people who are wrong. While politicians should take 70 percent responsibility, the people also should take the rest or 30 percent. It is true that these wrongs on the part of the politicians or the people are not limited to Sri Lanka. Even in a country like Australia where I now live, there are intermittent corruption, crime, gender abuse, killing, and misguided politics. However, the difference is extremely vast. more..

Aswesuma: Enhancing results by reducing indicators

Mar 29 (DM) Aswesuma is the most recent welfare benefits programme introduced by the govt of Sri Lanka. It replaces the Samurdhi scheme and is the result of a necessary condition to be fulfilled by the government of Sri Lanka in the loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aswesuma provides targeted assistance to vulnerable groups by reducing poverty; its goal is to enhance social welfare and support household resilience at a time of economic instability. more..

ඇඹිලිපිටිය: ඒකෙත් අනුර ඉදිරියෙන්

DCS reveals Sri Lanka’s minimum monthly expenditure per person

Mar 28 (TM) DCS stated that the official poverty line has increased due to the higher National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) value reported in Jan 2024 compared to the preceding month. The minimum monthly expenditure per person to fulfil the basic needs was recorded at Rs. 17,014 in Jan 2024, as opposed to Rs. 16,524 in Dec 2023. As per the official poverty line by district, Colombo recorded the highest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, which was at Rs. 18,350. more..

Sri Lanka must explore options to reduce prices of local graphite: Industry

Mar 28 (DM) The current prices of SL graphite are significantly high; key avenues can be explored to bring them down and one such is by reducing the depth of operation. The industry representatives stress that the high prices of local graphite are due to the depth of the deposits in the few operational mines within the country. “Reducing the depth of operation to 10-20m from the surface could considerably lower the cost of mining, which can be done by expanding mining operations to more..

Sri Lanka confident it will meet conditions for IMF funding soon

Mar 28 (BN) SL is hopeful it can resolve debt restructuring issues in the second quarter so it can get financing from the IMF because external creditors are all engaging positively, according to the South Asian nation’s junior finance minister. We are looking forward to a positive outcome of discussions taking place in London with SL’s bondholders, Shehan Semasinghe said on the sidelines of the Boao Forum in the southern more..

No private company authorised to issue SL visas: Immigration Chief

Mar 28 (DN) Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Illukpitiya yesterday said that no private company has been given authority to issue visa to foreign tourists entering the country. Illukpitiya when asked as to whether a private company has been delegated the authority to issue visa to foreign tourists entering the country said that VFS-IVS GBS companies are involved in processing the visa applications of tourists to department online. He said that this system will bring new impetus to more..

Japanese investor to revamp Pettah floating market

Mar 28 (FT) A Japanese investor has stepped up to breathe new life into Pettah’s floating market and spearhead the revamp to the iconic landmark underlining Sri Lanka’s position as a premier tourist destination. The MoU for project was signed by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Nimesh Herath and the Japanese investor Akira Hirose yesterday at UDA in Battaramulla. The total amount invested in the renovation is Rs. 300 million. The local partner is J&S Masters Ltd. more..

GoSL fights to stay calm as Indian fishermen cause more ripples

Mar 28 (DM) Reginald is a fisherman who has been battling sea waves for 20 years while being engaged in his job. He sees his present struggle being intensified compared to his past experiences. This struggle is not just for himself, but also for the well-being of his family, the headcount at home also includes three children. Not only Reginald, but also fishermen in the northern province are facing a severe crisis. more..

Britain stands firm on Sri Lanka travel advisory amidst calls for reform

Mar 28 (DM) Despite growing pressure to reform the travel Advisory on Sri Lanka, Britain on Tuesday said that its travel advice assessments are made by drawing on expert sources of information available to the govt and that they continue to keep Sri Lanka travel advise under close review. “The safety of British people is the main factor when determining our travel advice for all countries, including Sri Lanka. Our advice is designed to help British people make informed decisions more..

People’s Bank gross income expands by 16% to cross Rs. 450 b

Mar 28 (FT) People’s Bank announced the results for its year ended Dec 31, 2023 reporting total consolidated operating income and pre-tax profit of LKR 96.8 billion and LKR 19.3 billion, respectively. Reflecting high interest costs on term deposit funding, due to the high interest rate environment which prevailed during 2022 and early 2023 - and significant interest concessions extended to the customers for the ultimate benefit of the country - saw consolidated net interest income more..

දිනන්න පුදුම තරගයක්

Catholic Bishops Conference calls for change of governing system

Mar 28 (DM) Catholic Bishops Conference in its Easter message called for a change of the governing system in SL in order to find solutions to the social, economic and political crisis faced by the nation. "Easter is being cebrated at a time when the country is facing a severe social, political and economical crisis. It is essential to bring in a major change to the country's governing system to ease the people's suffering. It is the responsibility of all citizens to work towards bringing this change," more..

15-20 safari jeep drivers penalised every month

Mar 28 (CT) Yala National Park Warden Manoj Vidyaratne said between 15 and 20 safari jeep drivers, who take tourists to the park, are penalised for exceeding the speed limit every month. He mentioned that although the speed limit within the national park is set at 20 kmph, many jeep drivers have been observed driving at speeds exceeding this limit. Vidyaratne said over the past 3 months, the speed of jeep drivers has been consistently monitored using speed limit gauges installed more..

Fungal infections rapidly spreading countrywide

Mar 28 (CT) The rapid spread of Tinea, Dermatophyte fungal infections mainly in Anuradhapura and across SL, is largely attributed to the misuse of medications and the emergence of antifungal drug resistance, Dr. Hema Weerakoon of A'pura Teaching Hospital, said. Despite data collection indicating a numerical increase in reported cases compared to previous years, the prevalence of Tinea infections continues to rise more..

Egg production increasing by 600,000 per month amidst drop in feed cost

Mar 28 (Island) Egg production in SL is rapidly rising but the price of eggs will not increase until December, Secretary of All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association (ACEPA), Rathnasri Alahakoon says. The layer poultry farming had recovered from its slump in 2022 and that from late 2023, production has been increasing by 600,000 a month, Alahakoon said. “Actually, there is a risk of the price dropping Rs 30, which will be disastrous to the industry. We have asked the govt to include an egg more..

Keheliya Rambukwella further remanded

Mar 28 (AD) Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been further remanded until April 8 in connection the substandard IVIG vials procurement scandal. He was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Thursday afternoon (28). The other accused in the case are former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta, Additional Health Secretary Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Kapila Wickremenayake, more..

Sinopec to start work on refinery by June

Mar 28 (Reuters) The world's largest refiner, China's Sinopec (600028.SS), opens new tab, plans to start work on a refinery in Sri Lanka by June, power minister said, advancing a project earmarked as the biggest investment in the crisis-hit island nation. Sri Lanka is looking to attract investment in the battle to stabilise its economy and return to growth following a financial crisis caused by a severe shortfall of dollars in 2022 more..

Mullaitivu Health Services Director killed in road accident in Omanthai

Mar 28 (DM) Director of Health Services in Mullaitivu Dr. K. Akilendran died in a fatal road accident in Omanthai yesterday. Initial police investigations revealed that Dr. Akilendran was traveling from Mullaitivu to Vavuniya in a cab when a tipper, traveling from Vavuniya to Kilinochchi, collided head-on with the cab. Police suspect that the accident occurred when the tipper attempted to overtake a three-wheeler ahead of it. Doctor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Vavuniya more..

Exploring ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the Hambantota coast kicks off

Mar 28 (CT) US Ambassador to SL, Julie Chung, along with Heidi Hattenbach, Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, and Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, spearheaded an inspection dive to explore the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota. The US Embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has taken more..

පොහොට්ටුවට නාමලක් පිපෙයි

Namal takes over from Basil as SLPP national organiser

Mar 28 (CT) Hambantota District SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has been appointed national organiser of the SLPP at the Executive Committee meeting. The Executive Committee meeting took place last afternoon (27) at the official residence of former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa in Wijerama Mawatha. Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa previously held the post. Namal has been entrusted with SLPP organisational affairs including overseeing the upcoming elections, according to reports. more..

Sri Lanka’s enchanting beauty and rich heritage on the Pekoe Trail

Mar 28 (FT) Imagine a breath-taking journey through the lush heart of SL’s central highlands, where The Pekoe Trail, recognised by National Geographic as a must-visit destination in 2024, invites you on a vibrant exploration of nature, history, and culture. As the first walking and hiking trail within the Serendipity Trails concept, The Pekoe Trail offers adventurers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts over 300 kilometres of captivating landscapes, connecting the traveller more intimately more..

Legal action against Cabraal over 2012 Greek treasury bonds purchase

Mar 28 (AD) Legal action has been instituted against five individuals including former Governor of Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Ajith Nivard Cabraal, CIABOC says. Accordingly, Bribery Commission on March 26 instituted legal action in the Colombo High Court under Case No. HCB 271/2024 after concluding its investigations into a complaint filed by former MP Sujeewa Senasinghe. The complaint had been put forward against more..

Sri Lanka to halt midnight border tax amid corruption concerns

Mar 28 (EN) Cabinet have given approval to draft a bill to suspend the Special Commodity Levy, amid corruption concerns, following a proposal submitted Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said. The SCL is applied as a single tax, instead of the tax-on-tax effect seen when duty, CESS, PAL and VAT are applied on top of food imports in particular. But SCL is imposed overnight as people are sleeping, without any discussion in parliament, raising serious concerns about more..

Ven. Siridhamma Thera released from PTA charges

Mar 28 (DM) Colombo Chief Magistrate today ordered to release former Convenor of IUBF Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera from a case filed for allegedly committing offences under the PTA during the Aragalaya protests in 2022. Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis made this order considering the insufficient evidence against the suspect for charges under the PTA. Ven. Siridhamma Thera was produced before court on Nov 23, 2022 after being detained under more..

Gnanasara Thero sentenced to 4 years RI

Mar 28 (AD) BBS General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thero has been sentenced to four years of rigorous imprisonment for the defamatory comments made against Islam in late 2016. The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige today while imposing a fine of Rs. 100,000 on the monk. Gnanasara Thero is accused of making defamatory comments against Islam during more..

The digital road to heaven

Mar 28 (FT) Infrastructure development is a fundamental for economic growth. Any country seeking to improve its people’s lives must invest in infrastructure to ensure free and speedy movement of goods and services. Trade and commerce and therefore economic growth depend on such developments. So historically the road to economic heaven has been literally that – building of roads, and other infrastructure for free and easy movement of goods. This kind of development took yrs. more..

Sri Lanka Customs sets up internal affairs unit, detects bribery

Mar 28 (EN) Dept of Customs has set up an internal affairs unit, and two staff members have been detained over a bribery allegations, Additional Director General of Customs Sudatta Silva said. The two staffers have already been detained following a complaint by person from whom a bribe was demanded, he said. After a detection is made, the suspects would either face internal disciplinary action taken or in the case of a criminal matter like bribery, referred to the Bribery Commission, more..

පොහොට්ටුවට අපේක්ෂකයෙක් නෑ!

National Digital Economic Strategy 2030 takes shape

Mar 28 (FT) In a bid to propel Sri Lanka towards a digitally empowered future, the Cabinet of Ministers sanctioned the implementation of the National Economic Digital Strategy 2030. “The strategy aims to unlock new avenues for economic diversification, job creation and inclusive development,” Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. Recognising the imperative of a comprehensive digital economic strategy to steer the country towards higher revenue generation by 2048, more..

Why the JVP-NPP’s moderate leftist pink paradigm deserves a chance

Mar 28 (FT) Why Bharat Matters, matters. The new book by one of the world’s most outstanding and admired foreign ministers, India’s Dr. S. Jaishankar, makes clear the centrality of Ramayana mythology within Bharat as BJP’s India and BJP worldview. Cosmology dominates ideology. In an ambitious exegetical enterprise, Dr. Jaishankar strives to confer the (non-secular) Ramayana a methodological and intellectual status as a strategic text that is implicitly above Kautilya’s more..