June 30 (CI) 1: Number of higher successful run-chases for England in ODIs than 308 in this match. Last year, they chased 350 against NZ. This was only their fifth win chasing targets of 300 or more. In the last ODI at The Oval, England lost by 13 runs chasing 379 runs in 46 overs (D/L method) against NZ. 162: Jason Roy's score in this match - second-highest by a England player in ODIs. He missed on breaking Robin Smith's record of 167 not out, against Australia in 1993, by six runs. more..

June 30 (Island) Asian Youth Championship medalist Chamal Kumarasiri of D.S. Senanayake College, Meerigama matched country's best triple jump performance so far this year at any level when he cleared the 16 metre barrier in the Under-19 triple jump on day two of the Western Province Schools Athletics Championship at Diyagama on Wednesday. The 18-year-old trained by H.W. Suresh Kumara (Sports Officer of Meerigama) cleared 16.07 metres, a personal best, more..

June 30 (CT) All 2nd Year Management and Commerce Faculty students have been suspended and barred from entering the premises of the South Eastern University. "University premises is made Out of bounds for all 291 second year students of the Faculty of Management and Commerce from 27June, until further notice, following the untoward ragging of first year students," Registrar Abdul Saththar said. more..

June 30 (CI) Sri Lanka had clearly resolved to try and push England a bit harder on a ground known for high scores but good intentions were no match for Jonny Bairstow's quick reactions in the second over. Danushka Gunathilaka dropped the ball down into the covers and immediately called his partner, Kusal Perera, through for one. Bairstow was far quicker off the mark - though Perera's running line was slightly obstructed by the bowler, Chris Woakes - and his scampering more..

June 30 (DM) Imported Japanese made vehicle prices would be increased again due to the currency rate increment of the Japanese Yen, Chairman of SL Vehicle Importers' Association Mahinda Sarathchandra said. �The exchange rate of the Japanese Yen had increased by 1.45 compared to the SL Rupee. As a result the price of vehicles imported from Japan would be increased in a price range of Rs. 300,000 to 400,000,� he said. Prices of motor cars, jeeps & vans would be increased. more..

June 30 (CI) Jason Roy lit up a gloomy evening in South London with a stunning matchwinning 162 - the second highest ODI score ever made by an England batsman - as Sri Lanka's best batting performance of the series was handed an inferiority complex by a relentless display of hard, clean hitting, allied to the sort of sharp running between the wickets that their own players couldn't come close to emulating. more..

June 30 (SLN) Naval personnel attached to Northern Naval Command arrested 9 local fishermen engaged in illegal fishing activities in two separate incidents yesterday (27). 3 persons who were harvesting sea cucumbers in the seas off Point Pedro, were apprehended by naval personnel attached to SLNS Uththara, located in Kankesanthurai. During the raid, a dinghy, 929 sea cucumbers, 10 oxygen cylinders, 2 diving masks, 2 pairs of diving fins were taken into custody. more..

June 30 (DN) The private sector needs to be prepared for trade policy changes that are set to take place and better information and insight will ensure that the private sector contribution to policy formation and trade agreement negotiations will be based on the understanding of the real values of the issues, re-elected Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Samantha Ranathunga said. �With the focus of the govt on improving the investment climate and trade liberalisation, we see more..

June 30 (CT) Speculation was rife late last evening that the rousing controversy-ridden Central Bank Governorship issue was settled with strong indication that Senior Deputy Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe would be replacing outgoing Governor Arjuna Mahendran almost immediately. Earlier in the day, President announced at an event at Girandurukotte that a new CB Governor would be appointed by noon yesterday to succeed more..

June 30 (DM) Suranga Ratnayake, Warden of Yala National Park has been transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Department's (WLCD) Head Office in Battaramulla with effect from today. Suranga Ratnayake was reported to have been harassed after he revealed to the media how political pressure was exerted on him and WLCD Director General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, causing the latter to resign. In a Daily Mirror article regarding the resignation of Suranga Ratnayake claimed that more..

June 30 (DN) Iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar did not find a place in Kumar Sangakkara's list of all-time XI while Rahul Dravid was the lone Indian in the team selected by the former SL skipper. Sangakkara believes Dravid, who is currently India A coach, will be the best to complement Mathews Hayden in the opening slot in the squad led by former SL batsman Aravinda de Silva. "Mathew Hayden will be at the top of the order facing the first ball and to complement him, I have got Rahul Dravid," more..

June 30 (FT) Joint Opposition vehemently denied UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Al Hussein�s annual report recommendation to restructure the tri forces and security units in Sri Lanka, to prosecute alleged war crimes and investigate the alleged use of cluster bombs. Former Minister G.L. Peiris said Hussein�s report was not just to provide directions and was the direct result of govt�s decision more..

June 30 (FT) Supreme Court yesterday reserved its order on the Fundamental Rights petition filed by Udaya Gammanpila challenging the decision to arrest and detain him on the alleged charges of fraud and forgery of documents to a foreigner The Bench comprising Chief Justice K. Sripavan and Justice Upaly Abeyrathne directed the parties to submit their Written Submission on or before Friday. Petitioner cited Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Inspector M.D.C.P. Gunathilake, more..

June 30 (FT) Supreme Court yesterday refused to grant leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights violation petition filed against the Eastern Province Chief Minister as well as the President concerning the incident where the Chief Minister had allegedly snubbed a Naval Officer at a school function at Sampoor. The bench comprising Chief Justice K. Sripavan and Justices Priyantha Jayawardane and Prasanna S. Jayawardane was of the view that the Petitioner has no locus standi more..

June 30 (DN) COPE yesterday unanimously accepting the Auditor General�s report, decided to fast track the investigations on CB Treasury Bonds controversy based on it. COPE member and JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the AG handed over copies of a concise report to all members when the COPE met at the Parliamentary Complex for a special meeting. However, some COPE members were also of the view that more..

June 30 (Island) The famous statue of St. Anthony in the Dalupotha Church in Negombo has been stolen in the early morning on Wednesday. The renowned statue was used for the blessing of devotees for several decades. CCTV camera recordings show that a person entering the church around 1am and breaking the structure and removing the statue. Church leaders suspect that the statue was stolen to take away the gold chains on it. more..

June 30 (DN) Health Ministry is now trying to find out whether it is possible to import the vaccine against dengue, Denvaxia to be used in SL. A French company produces Denvaxia which has been used since 2015 in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, The Philippines, Colombia etc. Those countries have been using the vaccine with successful results. Dr. Udaya Relapanawa said they will find out whether SL has adequate funds to import this vaccine whether the vaccine will be effective in SL. more..

June 30 (ENS) Minister Mangala Samaraweera, told the UNHRC, that the Lankan armed forces will release, by 2018, all lands they had seized from civilians during the 30 year war. �Last week the military released another 701 acres of land to the District Secretary of Jaffna, out of which, 201.3 acres were handed over to their original owners on 25th June. Govt has clearly instructed military that all the land obtained more..

June 30 (Hindu) Despite an increase in the incidence of mass sexual violence, there has been a growing, deepening silence on how sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war even as ample supporting evidence exists, said Urvashi Butalia, founder of Zubaan at the Madras Institute of Developmental Studies (MIDS). She was speaking about Sexual Violence and Impunity in South Asia, a study coordinated by Zubaan and supported by the International Development Research Centre more..

June 30 (CG) Russia told the international community to keep its hands off Sri Lanka as the Govt looks to address the accountability issue on the war. Russian delegation at the UNHRC said that Sri Lanka should be allowed to address its domestic affairs without outside interference. However several other countries, including the US, Britain, Norway, Ghana and Macedonia said that Sri Lanka must show more progress on its commitments. The statements were made after more..

June 30 (Island) The govt will announce today the successor to Governor of the Central Bank Arjuna Mahendran, who is under a cloud. Mahendran�s term expires today. Speculation was rife yesterday that President Maithripala Sirisena would appoint an acting Governor by last evening. However, a discussion between President and PM at the Central Bank Governor�s office yesterday ended inconclusively. more..

June 30 (CT) Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan and former President Rajapaksa will receive official residences in the coming weeks, Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said. Sampanthan wanted an apartment on the first floor, because of his age and had rejected a number of residences he was shown. "But I am sure we can arrange an appropriate residence for him soon," he said. Meanwhile, official residence of Mahinda Rajapaksa is being renovated and is to be completed in the coming weeks. more..

June 30 (EN) President and PM are known to mingle freely with crowds with minimal security at former war zones, but when it comes to visiting the Central Bank, it is a whole new Bond game. President and PM made an unannounced visit to Central Bank Wednesday as controversial Governor Arjuna Mahendran's term came to a close. Even the presidential photographer was initially kept out of the closed-door meeting at an upper floor of the Bank while reporters were firmly told to stay away more..

June 30 (FT) President Sirisena announced from his official Twitter account yesterday that a new Central Bank Governor would be appointed over the next few hours, ending weeks of suspense and political deadlock about the potential reappointment of the controversial incumbent, Arjuna Mahendran. But the announcement only sparked more drama and hectic guessing games, as social media & political circles buzzed with speculation about new appointee more..

June 30 (DM) Traditionally, UNP does not possess lasting power in governing and it is historically proved. Juggling with democracy J.R. Jayewardene proved the exception when he disenfranchised his prime rival Sirima Bandaranaike from contesting at elections. Then extended the term of a Parliament where he held a 5/6th majority for another six years without holding elections. Those parliamentarians were given an automatic 12- year term without facing an election. more..

June 30 (CT) UNHRC has at its 32nd session in Geneva earlier this week expressed its appreciation of the report by Rights Commissioner Prince Zeid Zeid Al-Hussein on Sri Lanka. The Council has specifically noted with appreciation the High Commissioner's report on Sri Lanka to its 30th session, including the findings and conclusions of the comprehensive investigation undertaken by OHCHR, and encouraged govt of SL to implement the recommendations contained therein. more..

June 30 (SL) Following Tuesday�s cabinet decision to suspend the architectural consultation contract offered to Muditha Jayakody Associates (Pvt) Ltd. (MJAPL) for the Akuregoda Defence Headquarters, questions have now been raised as to when the Govt of Sri Lanka is to recover the overpaid consultancy fees from MJAPL. Muditha Jayakody who is alleged to be a close associate of the Rajapaksa family was offered the main more..

June 30 (ST) State institutions and banks will have access to selected data to verify the identity of citizens when they make use of the new electronic national identity card that will replace the existing identity card introduced more than 40 years ago. Sarath Kumara, Commissioner General of the Department of Registration of Persons, said certain information on the data base would be accessible to state institutions via a network more..

June 30 (ITN) All arrangements are in place for the opening of a television studio with the highest clarity for the first time in the local electronic communication history, within ITN premises at Wickremasinghepura. The opening of this full High Definition Television Studio tomorrow will take place under the patronage of PM Ranil Wickremasinghe. This is the first time that such a full HD television studio has been constructed in more..

June 30 (DN) The govt is discussing ways to change the VAT, heeding to the appeals of the the public by increasing the VAT threshold on the wholesale businesses subjected to the VAT, said Minister Gayantha Karunathilake. He also said that there is an organized attempt to spread baseless rumours about the VAT to the country. He added that President, PM are discussing with Finance Minister to chanege VAT in a manner more..

June 30 (CT) The Women's and Children's Affairs Ministry, in its plans for early childhood development in the country, is expected to introduce a National Childhood Development Draft Bill, by the end of this year for Parliamentary approval. Minister Chandrani Bandara told the media Tuesday that an island-wide survey will be conducted in order to ascertain the status of Early Childhood Development Centres and more..

June 30 (Island) Federation of National Organisations (FNO) sought an explanation from the govt regarding the TNA declaration that there had been a tripartite agreement on the inclusion of foreign judges and other international experts in the proposed war crimes court. Addressing Congressional Caucus for Ethnic and Religious Freedom in SL on June 14, TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran named Govt of SL, US & TNA more..

June 30 (Island) Joint Opposition announced that it would launch a four-day protest march against the govt on July 28 from Kandy and reach Colombo on August 01. UPFA MP Dullas Alahaperuma, UPFA MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara, former Ministers A.H.M. Azwer, G. L. Peiris and Prof. Tissa Vitharana urged intellectuals, members of the public, businessmen and all others to join the campaign against the govt. more..

June 30 (LBO) The World Bank has approved a US$ 125 million credit from the International Development Association to assist Sri Lanka in modernizing its agriculture sector. Project will be implemented through Ministry of Primary Industries, Ministry of Agriculture, and five participating provinces, including the Northern, Eastern, Central, North-Central and Uva Provinces. Sri Lanka�s agricultural sector is at a strategic cross-road. more..

June 30 (Island) FSP Convenor Pubudu Jayagoda said the UNP and the JVP were playing a dubious game and when they were in the Opposition both parties had vehemently objected to the then govt's plan to legislate for biometrics to be obtained when amending the Registration of Persons Act, but today they were supporting it. When UNP was in the Opposition present Deputy Minister Eran Wickramaratne had been more..

June 30 (DN) A new nursing faculty will be built in Sri Lanka at a cost of Rs. 12.5 billion according to a promise by Health Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne during the last general election, Minister�s Media Secretary Nipun Ekanayake said. Govt has allocated Rs. 2.5 billion for the project. Assistance of foreign countries will also be taken for the project. Arrangements will also be made to train SL nurses at Inje University, South Korea, more..

June 30 (DM) With Britain still reeling financially and politically in the aftermath of the vote to quit the EU, SL also needs to reflect on what happened in this once-mighty empire and take the right lessons from it. According to most analysts, Britain�s PM David Cameron has put himself and his country in a difficult situation mainly because he made the fundamental blunder of putting the party before the country. For decades the ruling Conservative Party has been split down the middle on EU issue. more..

June 30 (Island) The existing shortage of tamed elephants will affect the conducting of the Kandy Annual Esala Perahera, Basnayaka Nilame of Sri Maha Natha Devale of Kandy, Attorney Gayan Heenkenda said at a meeting to discuss arrangements for the annual pageant. Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela announcing the Esala Perahera programme said the erection of "Kap" heralding the commencement of the pageant would take place on August 3. more..

June 30 (Island) Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka would strictly exercise its powers to eradicate torture, especially in police custody as complaints regarding such incidents had increased even seven years after the war ended, Chairperson of the HRCSL Dr. Deepika Udagama said. Addressing the media, she said 413 complaints regarding torture in govt institutions had been received by HRCSL during 2015. Dr. Udagama said 53 complaints had been received so far this year. more..