Dec 15 (Hindu) Speaking to The Hindu here, an assured and cool PM Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed confidence that the national govt he leads was on a good wicket and would be able to consolidate the political and economic gains made since January 2015. He said that the project of seeing through major constitutional change would succeed, and that, as part of that process, an enduring devolution-based solution to the Tamil question would be put in place. more..

Dec 15 (NR) SLMC says the appointment of a new General Secretary to the party will be delayed. High Command of SLMC convened last night under the patronage of SLMC Leader Minister Rauff Hakeem at the party headquarters, Darusalam. High command of the SLMC was scheduled to appoint a new General Secretary to the party. At present MP Hasan Ali is named as the General Secretary of the party however the SLMC has also appointed ACAM Mansoor as Secretary of the party. more..

Dec 15 (Island) For want of adequate facilities at state run hospitals, Sri Lanka hadn�t been largely successful in detecting breast cancer at an early stage, the media was told at a meeting called by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya at his residential office yesterday. The failure on the part of the public health system to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage due to lack of resources and the inability of vast majority of population more..

Dec 15 (NR) Colombo High Court today issued an open warrant for former senior member of the LTTE Emil Kanthan. The open warrant was issued over financial discrepancies at the Reconstruction and Development Agency or RADA during the term of UPFA led govt. The order was issued by Colombo High Court judge Sarojini Kusala Weerawardene. Emil Kanthan has been cited as the second defendant in the case pertaining to the misuse of 200 million rupees given to RADA in order to more..

Dec 15 (DM) Govt for some time had been buying bada-irungu (sorghum) from the farmers in Rajarata as a relief measure. �The authorities instructed a certain State-run enterprise to purchase bada-irungu harvested during the last season as usual after releasing the required funds for the purpose.� According to reliable information, only 30 metric tons of the grain has been purchased by the State-run enterprise, but billing figures are being cooked up to show that 51 metric tons of the stuff more..

Dec 15 (USE) At its quarterly meeting on December 13, 2016, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors selected Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso and Tunisia for new MCC compacts � five-year grants � to encourage economic growth and reduce poverty. �MCC�s considerable support is a major boost to our six decades of development partnership with the people of Sri Lanka,� said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap. more..

Dec 15 (PMD) President Maithripala Sirisena said the Govt is taking steps to provide ample resources and the requisite guidance in building the future generation of our country as human resources equipped with high professional and technical knowledge. He made these remarks participating at a ceremony to vest the newly built�Sri�Jinarathana Vocational and Higher Education Training�Institute�in�Hikkaduwa,�Seenigama with the students, today (14). more..

Dec 15 (CT) It is with grave concern that we note that the Budget for 2017 does a great injustice to the ordinary people of this country, the vast majority of its citizenry. Education in general, in all forms, primary, secondary and tertiary, has been the cornerstone of our democracy. It has meant mobility for many, made social justice its focal point and made our struggles vibrant. Any attack on free education is an attack on democracy. Our education policy is founded on the 1943 policy more..

Dec 15 (EN) Sri Lanka�s economy grew 4.1% in the third quarter of the year, with the industrial sector, propelled by a recovery in construction, having the fastest growth. GDP for the third quarter of 2016 (July, Aug, Sept) at constant (2010) price reached Rs. Million 2,270,171 from Rs. Million 2,181,275 a year ago. Services had the highest share of GDP, at 56%, followed by industry, at 30.5%, agriculture at 7.6% more..

Dec 15 (CT) An elephant at the Yala Wildlife Park has grabbed a handbag belonging to a foreign tourist yesterday and swallowed it. The elephant, who had come up to the jeep which the tourist was riding in to view the animals, had grabbed the bag in a sudden movement. The elephant had swallowed the tourist's bag when she shouted out in fear. Officials said that according to the tourist the bag had contained important documents and foreign currency as well. more..

Dec 15 (DN) The proposed contributory pension scheme for artists will be inaugurated on the anniversary of the completion of two years in office by President Maithripala Sirisena on Jan 8, 2017. Social Security Board Chairman Keerthi Mawellage said the pension scheme will be jointly implemented by the Cultural Affairs Department and the Social Security Board on the instruction of the Internal Affairs, North Western Development and Cultural Affairs Ministry to ensure more..

Dec 15 (DM) Elections to the local authorities would be held before March 31, Subject Minister Faiszer Musthapha said today. He said that the elections to provincial councils did not come under his purview. �Elections to the local authorities will be held soon after I receive the delimitation-committee report on Dec 27 or in any case before Dec 31. I will issue the gazette notification on the receipt of the report,� minister said. more..

Dec 15 (DM) A 17-year-old boy, who tried to cheat his father by staging an abduction drama and demanding that a sum of Rs.77.5 million be paid to his abductors to buy his release, was arrested yesterday by the Dankotuwa Police, along with two others. This student had recently sat for the GCE O/L exam. He had told his father he was abducted by an unknown gang in a white van and that he was being held by them until a ransom of Rs.77.5 million was paid in order to release him. more..

Dec 15 (DNA) The Centre has given its nod for participation of 100 fishermen pilgrims from Tamil Nadu in the Dec 23 consecration ceremony of St Antony's Church at Katchatheevu. The ceremony, scheduled earlier for Dec 7, was postponed by SL govt to Dec 23 following the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. As the Centre has granted permission to 100 fishermen from the state to attend the ceremony, the TN govt said it would make adequate arrangements for the pilgrims. more..

Dec 15 (DM) The China Merchant Company will absorb all workers of the Hambantota Port after the take over on January 7 next year, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. He told media that the Chinese company will absorb the workers under the existing conditions but would sign a fresh agreement with the workers later. Referring to the recent drama in the Port, PM said two companies had informed him that they needed more..

Dec 15 (DM) Minister Sarath Fonseka said the Navy Commander had not attacked a journalist but he had only pushed him away from the security circle and that everything had happened in an acceptable manner. He said Navy Commander had arrived at the port to assist in piloting the ship which was seized by the protestors and clad in the uniform required for that purpose. �It was reported in the media that the navy commander had arrived at the scene with a dress meant for sports. more..

Dec 15 (PTI) MDMK chief Vaiko urged PM Narendra Modi to use diplomatic channels to ensure the SL govt does not add tough penal provisions to a 1979 law that could affect the lives of Tamil fishermen crossing maritime borders. In a meeting with Modi, MDMK chief informed him how the amendment to the law- that regulates foreign fishing boats in Sri Lankan waters- could affect the lives of Tamil fishermen from India. "Lives of fishermen would be destroyed if the SL legislation is enacted. more..

Dec 15 (PSL) President Maithripala Srisena arrived at the Kualalumpur Int'l Airport this afternoon commencing his 3-day state visit to Malaysia. He was warmly received on arrival by Malaysian Human Resource Development Minister Dato Sri Richard Riot Anak Jaem and senior officials. Staff members of SL High Commission and their family members were also present at the Airport to welcome President Sirisena. more..

Dec 15 (HT) Nepal Under-19 cricket team on Thursday lost to Sri Lanka by one run during the Asian Cricket Council Youth Asia Cup 2016 at the�NCC. Even with Dipendra Singh Airee�s scintillating knock, Nepal were restricted to 226 runs in the last over. Airee made a stunning 90 runs from 99 balls, giving Nepal a hope to register the win in today�s match. However, Airee signed off with a�6�at 49.3 overs before Praveen Jayawickrama served a peach of a delivery to send him�back more..

Dec 15 (EN) Sri Lanka's purchasing managers index (PMI) for manufacturing and services expanded in Nov 2016, driven by employment and production, with expectations for manufacturing indicating an improvement for the next three months, the central bank said. The Manufacturing Sector PMI was 58.4 in November, an increase of 1.9 index points from October 2016 indicating that the manufacturing activities expanded in November compared to October, a statement said. more..

Dec 15 (AD) Employees of Magampura Port in Hambantota have decided to call off the trade union action launched by them 9 days ago and return to work today. The employees of Magampura Port Management Company have decided to end the strike and Satyagraha following discussion held with company�s management.�Some 480 temporary dock workers at the port in Hambantota have been on strike since Dec 6 more..

Dec 16 (GV) 10th December marks international human rights day. While we should respect, promote and protect human rights regardless of a special day, 10th December ideally should be when we revisit and reflect on our human rights obligations, their relevance and how best to fully realize them. On this day in 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), providing a common standard and facilitating members of int'l community to more..

Dec 16 (CT) The govt has decided to increase traffic fines to Rs 25000 for seven serious traffic offences � owning a vehicle driven by person without valid insurance, speeding, overtaking from the wrong side, driving without a valid driving license, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without a valid insurance, and Rail gate infractions. The police have been told to be stern with offenders. Minister Ravi Karunanayake said this initiative is aimed at reducing the number of more..

Dec 16 (DN) Despite the onset of the festive season, there appears to be no shortage of issues for the govt to deal with, as it found itself confronting challenges with regard to the conduct of the IGP and the Commander of the Navy. It was IGP Pujitha Jayasundera who made headlines first. He was caught on camera while attending a public function, taking a telephone call. During the telephone call, he addressed the caller as Sir more..

Dec 16 (DN) Non -violence against nature is a pillar of architect Thisara Thanapathy�s architectural practice. Arch World features Thanapathy, a voice for preserving the eco system and doing minimal harm to nature. �Considering suburban development, the land is being subdivided into small plots. Areas such as Thalawathugoda, Hokandara, Homagama and Kottawa a few years back were almost rural and the landscape was very nice with paddy fields, greenery and streams with fish. more..

Dec 16 (SO) Every day, the increasing number of deaths of children and youth in road crashes show that Sri Lanka needs to look at the road safety issues more critically. It must take measures to strengthen policies and laws with regard to road safety, especially to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users such as children and youth. Last year, 105 children between the ages of 1�15 years and 464 youths between 14 and 25 years died in road crashes. Three wheelers and motorbikes are more..

Dec 16 (CT) UPFA MP, Ranjith Soyza was of the view that the govt has shattered the aspirations of people, in the brief span of time since coming to power, MP said "Now the people have started to express their displeasure towards the govt in an unprecedented manner." Q: How do you see the current developments in politics? A: A: Well, people had high hopes when electing the current Good Governance Govt, headed by more..

Dec 16 (FT) It�s perfectly normal for humans to search for sex. Wanting to reproduce is an instinct hardwired to all animals. Whether you believe in creation or evolution, you exist thanks to reproduction. So suck it up (not sexually suggestive). Every year a bunch of people eagerly wait to see which country searched highest, the term sex on Google Search during that year. They reach climax when they see Sri Lanka on top of the list.�Newspapers write and anchors read more..

Dec 16 (Island) The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe govt is trying to gain a great deal of political mileage out of the recent cancellation of a nearly 200-year-old gazette issued by the then British Governor Robert Brownrigg, listing 19 Kandyan leaders including Keppetipola as traitors. President Maithripala Sirisena has, acting on a request from Minister Wijeydasa Rajapakshe, declared them all national heroes. Regrettably, no mention has been made of UNP MP Buddhika Pathirana, more..

Dec 16 (DM) A few years back during a BBC Session at the Galle Literary Festival clearly designed to rant and rave about rights abuse by Sri Lankan security forces, the late Sunila Abeysekera, one of the panelists spoke about the conflation of Tamils and the LTTE. The charge was that the Government had essentially marked all Tamils as either LTTErs or sympathizers of that terrorist organization. A question was put to her: �Who is indulging in conflation here? more..

Dec 16 (CT) With the latest UNHRC Resolution on Sri Lanka, which was also co-sponsored by the govt, the phrase Transitional Justice (TJ) has become meaningless in the local context. The need or importance of a participatory transitional justice process has been discussed in numerous forums at various lengths, levels and amongst different communities. Though certain elements are trying to undermine TJ as western driven influence and thereby alienate it from our context, more..

Dec 16 (ST) There was a time when Lankans would talk about the Hockey exploits of the Aluvihares and the Fernandos, and make meek attempts to compare with present standards. Yes, at one point, our strikers were missing the boards by long yardsticks. But, of late, though rather silently, it�s all coming back, as Lankan Hockey players gradually win international matches and are going places at international tournaments. more..

Dec 16 (FT) That famous presidential pronouncement two months ago, at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute qualified the applicability of the principle no one is above the law. It redefined independence of independent commissions.� On that day, this writer decided to refrain from writing and commenting on the performance of the current Govt. It was just as well. The rarely good, often bad and frequently ugly governance of the UNP-SLFP coalition led by the Maithri-Ranil duumvirate more..

Dec 16 (CI) Sweden isn't known for its cricketers. Or even its baseball players. It's a proud Scandinavian nation that gave the world Vikings, Abba, Volvo cars, and flat pack furniture. Not willow bats and leather balls. So the mystery deepens as to how a Swedish holidaymaker walked into a game of beach cricket in Sri Lanka, and started launching the local bowlers into the hotel pool. Earlier this month I was - working, I shall quickly add, not sipping cocktails by that pool watching sixes splash into more..

Dec 16 (NS) Minister Rajitha Senaratne suggested that the fine for creating a conducive environment for mosquito-breeding be increased to Rs, 25,000. Currently the fine is between Rs. 500 to 2000. Fine the Mayor and the deputy Mayor, said YK Hemantha, a resident form Maradana. �There is a Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to maintain the city. We pay taxes to CMC for cleaning roads, garbage, drainage & everything. more..

Dec 16 (CT) Looking at the Sri Lankan squad picked for South Africa confirms that the selector's job is never an easy task. Generally the job of a selector is dependent on both the positive and the negative aspects that govern a situation, and they should be mindful to maintain the correct balance when picking a squad. Obviously the selectors had the opportunity to pick the squad from a positive situation, where the selection options are healthy and good. Besides, one has to always assume that more..

Dec 16 (ST) A Public Enterprises Development Bill is to be presented in Parliament early next year to resurrect loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOE) and set up a Public Enterprise Board with top executives sourced from the private sector, a senior official said. The restructuring of SOEs would be done by way of a combination of restructuring and listing of non-strategic SOEs in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) as well as selling some of those assets, he revealed. more..