June 15 (CT) Northern Provincial Councillor M.K. Sivajilingam said that a stern warning must be issued this time at the 32nd UNHRC Session to SL Govt that they must not prolong the period over another nine months, but must immediately form a delegation to set up an international mechanism. "In South Africa the situation was different, since the country already obtained and adopted a long lasting political more..

June 15 (IPS) The UN marks today as the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Abuse of older people is either an act of commission or of omission, which may be either intentional or unintentional. The abuse may be physical, psychological, financial or other material maltreatment. It is increasingly seen as a problem that is likely to grow as many countries rapidly experiences an ageing population. With a global population of people aged 60 years and older more likely to double, more..

June 15 (DN) In ancient cultures flooding was perceived as blessing in disguise because it was the main transportation method of fertilizers free of charge for agriculture activities in temporary submergence areas called flood plains. After moving people into flood plains because of shortage of space for settlement, flood phenomena transforms to a curse for human. Deciding to settle down in flood prone area is a gamble. However there are modern technologies available to win in this more..

June 15 (SO) Northern Province CM says TNA never supported the LTTE ideology of separatism but it is the duty of the govt to recognise the individuality of the Tamil people in bringing a lasting solution. Critisising US Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power who undertook a visit to the North recently, he said Norwegians understood the woes of Tamil people. Power was more intent on geo-political interests of her govt, more..

June 15 (DM) Portuguese missionaries introduced the Catholicism to Sri Lanka in the mid 16th century. Therefore it could be presumed that the devotion to St. Anthony was introduced to our ancestors by the Franciscan missionaries who first arrived in SL in 1543. This presumption is supported in the chronicles of the period of Portuguese expansions, where St. Anthony is identified as the Portuguese Saint. It is further supported by the records belonging to the period of Dutch occupation, more..

June 15 (Island) Dr. Sarath Amunugama once cast a nasty barb at the JVP. Scoffing at Rathu Sahodarayas� lack of knowledge of dismal science aka economics, he asked whether they were capable of running even a suruttu (cigar) kiosk. Many endorsed his assessment of the JVP at that time. But, a few years on, the outfit has called his judgment into question; it has demonstrated its business acumen! JVP member Lal Kantha revealed a novel way of promoting SL�s exports. more..

June 15 (DM) Coconut oil contains around 92% of saturated fats. Although coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids (In the form of triglycerides) most of them (70%) are short and medium chain fatty acids. Coconut oil is the major source of Lauric acid among vegetable oils. Lauric acid has its own beneficial properties and around 45-50% of total fatty acids in coconut oil, is Lauric acid. Coconut oil plays a major role in day to day lives of Sri Lankans as a food and a non-food item due more..

June 15 (ST) A tug-of-war is taking place between the Education Ministry and the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) on a age group issue to be implemented for the 2016 Schools Relay Carnival scheduled to be held on the third week of June at Mahinda Rajapaksa Sports Complex. As the AASL combinded with the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association had scheduled the schools relay carnival to be worked off on June 23, 24 and 25 for Boys and Girls Under 16, 18, 20 and more..

June 15 (DM) Sri Lanka has been ranked by the Committee to Protect Journalists� Impunity Index as the 4th worst country in the world for attacks on journalists that go unsolved. There are only a handful of journalists, like Freddy Gamage, the editor of regional newspaper Meepura, who will even risk their lives for the right to information and media freedom in the country. Though right to information is an integral part of our Constitution, more..

June 15 (Island) Close on the heels of former Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi�s assassination on the night of May 21, 1991, in Tamil Nadu, the then govt of India sought Sri Lanka�s assistance to verify the identity of the woman suicide bomber Dhanu (not her real name) as well as that of Pakiachandran alias Sivarasan, the leader of joint LTTE-Indian team tasked to carry out the operation. Then President R Premadasa�s govt swiftly responded to India�s request for assistance. more..

June 15 (ST) Pugilist, Rtd. DIG Sumith Liyanage, a member of the Ceylon Boxing Team to the 1960 Rome Olympics, remembers the legendary Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Marcellous Clay Jr, winning the Light Heavyweight Gold medal at the same Olympics. The glare of the spotlights focusing on a gladiators ring, 20�� X 20�� square, a canvas covered board for a floor that would be kissed many times by the vanquished pugilists. A brash, vociferous, 18-year-old, oozing more..

June 15 (FT) Insurance claims from the disastrous floods in May are piling up, with the industry gearing up to pay an estimated Rs.16.5 billion, topping the amount disbursed after the tragic 2004 tsunami. National Insurance Trust Fund Chairman Manjula de Silva said the insurance claims supported by the industry after the tsunami, nearly 12 years ago, amounted to about Rs. 15 billion. more..

June 15 (DN) The media has to play a vital role in promoting corruption free society, said Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka. He was addressing the Certificates Awarding Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Media Training Institute. Minister also said that having professional training is important to a journalist to pass correct information to the public. "The demand for journalists has seen an increase in our society since journalism is a dignified profession," he said. more..

June 15 (DN) Sri Lanka�s sensational teenage motor racing rider Aaron Gunawardena who turns 13 this month has been included in the Suzuki team running for the Asian Championship. This is the first time a Sri Lankan rider has got a break in an international circuit Suzuki, the Japanese marque introduced its own Asian series that runs in conjunction with the FIM Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) and Aaron will be part of the Suzuki team running for the Asian Championship. more..

June 15 (ST) Amidst considerable concerns of local jewellers, SL is taking a major step towards liberalising gold imports by introducing some procedural simplifications & changing regulations in the coming days. Removal of gold import restrictions is on the cards and the end result for gold investors is an increase in demand for the yellow metal, Finance Ministry claimed but local jewellers were of the view that it will lead to more..

June 15 (Island) Grand Oriental Hotel has made all arrangements to hold its 6th annual Jaffna Food Festival from June 17-26 at the Harbour Room � the Hotel's famous international restaurant which has an exquisite ambiance and a scenic view of the Colombo harbour. Raazan, an authentic chef from Jaffna who has an excellent knowledge and experience will be in Colombo to prepare all the dishes for Food Festival with a rainbow of aromatic spices, herbs & indigenous ingredients. more..

June 15 (FT) Mireka Capital Land has signed an agreement with the BoI for the development of its commercial complex at Havelock City. Havelock City, the largest integrated mixed-use real estate development project undertaken in Sri Lanka, has both commercial and residential components. Upon completion the commercial complex of Havelock City will consist of an office tower and a shopping mall. Office tower, which will be an iconic landmark in the vicinity, is designed to provide more..

June 15 (DM) Even India wouldn�t have got to know facts about its history if Mahawansa was not written, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said. He made this remark when a copy of the latest volume of Mahawansa, the chronicle of Sri Lankan history was presented to him by its editorial team led by Professor Chandra Wickramage at Temple Trees. The Asoka Chakra which is depicted in the Indian flag is sketched in the Mahawansa as more..

June 15 (FT) Sri Lankan LGBT community on Tuesday held a candlelight vigil to commemorate the victims of the recent Orlando shooting and attacks on LGBT activists in Bangladesh. The vigil held at the Goethe institute was organised by Equal Ground � a non-profit that campaigns for the rights of the LGBT community in SL. Equal Ground Executive Director Rosanna Flamer Caldera said, �This candle light vigil is in support of those not only in Orlando but also for our activist friends more..

June 15 (DN) Google Loon Project which promises to deliver cheap, high-speed internet to all, is the darling of all, and as the govt goes ahead with its implementation, the balloon seems to be running into a few practical storm clouds on the way. Project involves sending balloons into the stratosphere at a height of around 20km - safely above clouds, storms and commercial flights. The balloon carries a box of solar-powered electronics, which makes a radio link to a telecom network on the ground. more..

June 15 (IN) As a politician who was first elected to Govt in 1977, I have closely observed key political developments in the global landscape over the past 40 years or so. To name a few: the Chinese economic reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in 1978, which gradually integrated China into the world economy; the economic reforms in India of PM Narasimha Rao which led to India becoming an impressive regional power; more..

June 15 (CT) Govt has decided to award the construction of a 500 MW LNG Power Plant at Industrial Zone in Hambantota to China Machinery Engineering Cooperation (CEMC), which constructed Norochcholai Lak Vijaya Coal Power Plant. Govt will possibly make available an extent of 1,000 acres in Hambantota Industrial Zone for this project. Proposed plant is expected to be completed on schedule for use within the Hambantota Industrial Zone. CEMC will sell its surplus electricity more..

June 15 (OG) Northern most part of SL remains underdeveloped even though the 25 year civil war ended in 2009. Conditions are very hard on the mainland near the city of Jaffna and harder on the surrounding islands. Access to the things we take for granted in the West is limited. When the opportunity presented to bid on a solar and wind power development project on the island of Eluvaitivu located 4km offshore from the Northern town of Kayts, Si Clean Energy didn�t hesitate. more..

June 15 (FT) Work on Sri Lanka�s long-awaited national Innovation Index, which is set to measure the Lankan innovation portfolio, began in Colombo yesterday, and the top UN agency tasked with world Intellectual Property (IP) development says many new IP projects have been earmarked for Colombo in future. Leading local and international IP and innovation experts began brainstorming SL�s innovation roadmap more..

June 15 (Island) European Commission which donated Euro 200,000 in humanitarian assistance to victims of the recent floods and landslides is to provide more assistance. A spokesperson for the European Unions (EU) Asia and Pacific office when asked if the expert from the European Commission�s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), who visited SL recently to undertake a needs assessment survey had recommended further aid, replied "There is a recommendation more..

June 15 (ITN) The Crimes Division has informed the judiciary that the Indian Police have arrested the kingpin in the local kidney racket and that inquiries are being carried out to determine whether there are any links between him and the seven Indian nationals that are in custody. The main suspect of the kidney racket Raj Kumar Rao has been arrested by the Indian Police and it is suspected that there he may have maintained links with the seven Indian nationals in Sri Lankan custody. more..

June 15 (AFP) An influential group of Sri Lankan academics and professionals Tuesday called on the president to remove the country's controversial central bank chief over long-running insider trading allegations. The powerful Anti-Corruption Front, credited with aiding President Maithripala Sirisena's election victory last year, said it would take to the streets if he did not terminate Arjuna Mahendran's governorship of the CB. more..

June 15 (Island) Captain Angelo Mathews has backed misfiring top order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne after he finished the Test series against England without a single half-century. Thirimanne managed just 87 runs in five innings with a top score of 22. Despite all the hype of Thirimanne�s superior technique and fine temperament, he was an utter failure as SL lost the series 2-0. Spinner Rangana Herath had better returns with the bat scoring 109 runs in five innings with a top score of 61. more..

June 15 (CT) Retired High Court Judge Kumara Sumithrapala has been appointed to investigate the circumstances linked to accusations brought against Mayor of the Moratuwa Municipal Council Samanlal Fernando by the Chief Minister of the WPC. A Chief Minister is vested with powers to bring allegations against a Mayor under Clause 2 of the Provincial Councils Charter. The probe will examine: Authorizing, without a formal agreement, by the Mayor of the Moratuwa MC to more..

June 15 (DN) Former Crimes OIC of Aluthgama police station, who had been named as a respondent in a Fundamental Rights violation petition over a police assault incident in Aluthgama, paid respect in oriental fashion and begged pardon from the petitioner in the Supreme Court. SC decided to terminate case proceeding pertaining to the petition after both parties expressed their willingness to settle the case. more..

June 15 (FT) Good governance activist Chandra Jayaratne has written to COPE Chairman MP Sunil Handunnetti over the alleged failure of primary dealers to honour contractual obligations in terms of associated control/regulatory failures and review of consequential socio-economic impact. Following is the text of Jayaratne�s letter which has been copied to President, PM, Finance Minister, Speaker, Secretary Finance, AG, Governor & Members of Monetary Board, Chairman SEC & media. more..

June 15 (Island) Against the backdrop of a section of influential professionals led by the GMOA stepping up protests against proposed Indo-Lanka Economic and Technology Cooperative Agreement (ETCA), several contentious issues are to be addressed at a conference on India - Sri Lanka relations in the 21st Century scheduled to be held tomorrow at BMICH. Engineers yesterday launched a petition at the CECB head office against the ETCA in support of the on-going campaign. more..

June 15 (Island) On-going battle between Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Customs officers took a new turn yesterday with Special Operations Unit (SOU) under the purview of minister busting a cocaine consignment of 91 kilos and 300 grams with a street value of over Rs. 2 billion. Sleuths of the SOU had been monitoring consignments that leave Orugodawatte cargo clearance yard inspected a sugar container more..

June 15 (DM) Even as details of the June 13, Orlando massacre were unfolding, the gunman responsible for the attack � a 29-year-old US citizen of Afghan origin -- Omar Mateen called 911 to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State while he was cold-bloodedly killing innocents at the Pulse a gay club. In fact just a few days earlier the ISIS called for such lone wolf attacks in the western countries and the U.S. Two weeks ago ISIS spokesman Abu Mohammad al-Adnani called on followers of more..

In an era where people live with no respect for humanity, it was indeed a privilege to witness individuals bringing out the true meaning of compassion without letting bravery remain as a mere tale. To admire the people who risked their lives to help others, the Foundation of Civilian Bravery in collaboration with Janashakthi Insurance PLC organised the 22nd National Civilian Bravery Awards ceremony recently. The ceremony was attended by Pakistan High Commissioner more..

June 15 (Island) Chairman of the Arts Council, University of Kelaniya, Prof. Patrick Ratnayake warns of dire consequences unless tangible measures are taken to eradicate ragging from universities. Comparing the environment at some universities to that of areas previously held by the LTTE, he stressed that those continuing to engage in ragging should be severely dealt with regardless of ongoing efforts to politicise the issue. more..

June 15 (SL) The delay in taking legal action against one of the accused for misappropriation of public funds during the previous regime, the once powerful former MP Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, has raised concern amongst law abiding citizens of the country. It is almost one and a half years since the good governance administration came into power promising to take legal action against all those who misappropriated public more..

June 15 (ST) A box of matches in hand, R.G. Dayawathie prepared to set alight a pile of leaves and twigs she had swept into a corner of her garden. It was then that she heard the crackers. �Crackers, at this time?� she remembers thinking. It was nearing sundown on Sunday. Perhaps a politician was visiting. �Yako, who is the politician that comes this way without an election in sight?� she wondered, bending to strike a match. more..

June 15 (DM) Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) ASP C.H. Chandrathilaka told Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya that their officers would be going to India to question T.R. Roy, who is thought to be the mastermind behind the illegal kidney transplant scam that has been taking place in both India and Sri Lanka. The ASP also requested the Magistrate to postpone the inquiry into the case for another date as more..