Aug 12 (CT) Abductions, rape, drugs, and murders seem to be the order of the day. Not a day passes without a report of an abduction of a teenager. Civic minded people in this country wonder who will be the next victim. The biggest menace in the country is the scourge of drugs. Whenever a drug related crime is reported in the media, politicians and civic organization make a hue and cry to apprehend the culprits. However, their cry lasts only for a week. Meanwhile, if a supporter of a politician more..

Aug 12 (CT) MP and President's Counsel, Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, says the President and the PM have clearly stated that the new Constitution will not take away the foremost place given to Buddhism. Q: Why do we need a new Constitution at this moment? A: The 1978 Constitution was engineered to concentrate power in the hands of a single individual. However, this power has already been diluted. more..

Aug 12 (CT) Politics is a dirty game. Why is it so categorized? Because it is a game mostly played by wicked players.�These players have no heart or compassion for the large numbers who elevated them to the position.�Those down trodden and oppressed majorities are paying a high price to watch the dirty game of politics.�The electors� expectations to free them from bondages and social miseries are shattered by the nefarious political game players.� more..

Aug 12 (NS) Everyone, at some point in their lives, has a change of heart. Some are lucky enough to get a new lease of life at some point. But usually, these are mere phrases that are used to describe a change in thought process, or a shift in lifestyles, jobs, or sometimes perspectives. But there are those, who get a new lease of life thanks to a change of heart, literally. Pushpa Kumari, a young mother from A'pura who had to undergo life-saving emergency surgery was one such person. more..

Aug 12 (GV) August 2017 marks 150 years of tea production in Sri Lanka. To mark this anniversary, there have been several celebratory activities and events planned throughout the year, including a Global Tea Party, International Tea Convention and a charity auction. While there has been much reported in the media around these events, there has been little mention of the tea plantation workers without whose contribution more..

Aug 12 (CT) Six gangsters of the Jaffna's sword wielding notorious Ava group with their leader were arrested in Colombo a few days ago and they have been remanded till 22 August when they were produced before the Jaffna Magistrate. The crackdown on Ava group was intensified following the sword attack on two Police personnel in Kokuvil in Jaffna two weeks ago. IGP Pujith Jayasundara made directives by visiting Jaffna on curbing the Ava menace soon after the incident and more..

Aug 12 (Island) The govt is desperately trying to gain some political mileage out of Ravi Karunanayake�s resignation as Foreign Minister over the penthouse controversy related to the bond scams. It says it has ushered in a new political culture. One is intrigued. It would have been justified in making that claim if it had got the first bond scam probed way back in 2015 and brought the racketeers responsible for it to justice. Instead, it went all out to cover it up albeit in vain. more..

Aug 12 (DN) A policy seminar on Halting Destructive Fishing in the North, organised by the Universities of Jaffna, Colombo and Ruhuna and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), was held on July 14 in Jaffna. The seminar revealed the pervasive practices of destructive fishing in Northern waters, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of fishing households in the Northern coastal areas and the sustainability of marine and lagoon ecosystems. The first session of the seminar was more..

Aug 12 (Island) R. Sampanthan is a man I respect as a Tamil elder. He is working with the national unity govt to solve the problems of the Tamils �lands occupied by the military, being administered in a language we do not understand, being arrested and tortured arbitrarily on mere suspicion using the Prevention of Terrorism Act, using that PTA to arrest Tamils on supposed suspicion and then exacting bribes to free us and in the alternative exacting confessions under torture and more..

Aug 12 (Island) Let�s hope the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Lotteries, Ravi Karunanayake, will not be blissfully ignorant of having ushered in a new culture, with his resignation from office, with all those quotations from the scriptures of different faiths. And what is this new culture Ravi K has ushered in, as stated by the PM and his party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe? Could it be the culture of ministerial resignations? more..

Aug 12 (Island) Law is written into the very fabric and rhythm of the universe. Our very being is fashioned according to the laws of nature. Those human beings born not according to the normal pattern, though endowed with human dignity and right, are deemed abnormal, disabled, mentally restricted, autistic, incapacitated, dysfunctional, deaf, dumb, blind and not quite in order. In civilized society, they are improved, educated, enabled and empowered to take their due place in society more..

Aug 12 (NS) Former combatants of the LTTE were linked to recent incidents of unrest in the North, giving rise to fresh speculations of an LTTE-regrouping in the North. Claims that these former cadres, some rehabilitated, are involved raise more questions than concerns over the progress of the govt, and of the country in moving towards reconciliation. Former cadres have a crucial role to play in the country�s reconciliation process, and the country has a duty to accept them. more..

Aug 12 (Island) Sri Lanka are quite formidable at home and only once have been whitewashed. Ricky Ponting in his first series as captain achieved the milestone when he handed SL a 3-0 drubbing in Shane Warne�s return series after a drug ban in 2004. Australia were ranked number one at that stage and virtually nothing was impossible for the invincibles as they won everywhere. Similarly, India are ranked number one in Tests and more..

Aug 12 (DM) The official launch of the celebrated brand Toni&Guy, the world-renowned hairdressing brand in Colombo, took place recently with the participation of International Artistic Director and Educational Director for Japan and Southern Hemisphere Bill Watson and Artistic Director from the Toni&Guy Academy in London Stuart Matuska. Toni&Guy has spread its fashion influence throughout the world with over 500 salons established in 50 countries across the globe. more..

Aug 12 (CT) Campaigners for yahapalanaya, like me, are happy we prevailed over former Foreign Minister, Ravi Karunanayake. We salute Ravi for his decision, which (even reluctantly done) was the most honourable thing to do. Yahapalanaya activists like us are not there to fight for personalities or parties. We fight for good governance in our country for the simple reason that law and order and accountability on the part of political and other critical players in the public domain more..

Aug 12 (AD) Police Headquarters released CCTV footage of the bank robbery which took place in Attidiya, to the media in order to seek help in identifying the suspects.� Two men attempting to rob a private bank in Attidiya took the life of one security officer and severely injured another when they had reportedly opened fire at the security officers whilst robbing the bank.� The injured officer is currently more..

Aug 12 (Island) Waruna Lakshan competing in the men�s javelin throw could clear only a distance of 73.16 metres at the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the London Stadium in London on Thursday. He cleared that distance in his first attempt before failing at the next two throws in the qualifying round. It was a disappointing performance by the athlete who had cleared 82.19 metres in April at Diyagama. Meanwhile, Nimali Liyanarachchi who competed in the women�s 800 metres more..

Aug 12 (FT) Supreme Court (SC) declared this week that advocating for a federal form of govt within the existing state could not be considered as advocating separatism and that the ITAK does not, support, espouse, promote, finance, encourage or advocate the establishment of a separate state within the territory of Sri Lanka as envisaged under Article 157A of the Constitution. Dismissing the petition filed by Don Chandrasoma of Kelaniya who sought a Court order declaring that more..

Aug 12 (FT) Despite predicting a 4.7% growth for 2017, IMF in its latest report has flagged several vulnerabilities including public debt management, delays in energy pricing reforms and the need to possibly tighten rates further as key challenges for SL. In its latest Staff Country Report released on Friday, IMF gave a detailed analysis on SL economy and praised its resilience in 2016 and conceded that, where targets were missed, more..

Aug 12 (DM) Govt's Deputy Chief Whip Ajith P. Perera requested Speaker Karu Jayasuriya to take action against several joint opposition MPs whom he accused of undermining the dignity of Parliament. He said MP Priyankara Jayaratne had insulted the chair by sitting on the seat allocated to the Speaker while MP Prasanna Ranatunga did so by sitting on the seat allocated to the President Mahindananda Aluthgamage had rung the quorum bell after sittings were suspended on July 28. more..

Aug 12 (EN) Sri Lanka is ready to squeeze credit to real estate and construction to protect the banking system, the Central Bank has told the IMF. Sri Lanka has seen a property price boom due to low interest rates, with large volumes of money being printed by the Central Bank to keep down rates and generate a balance of payments crisis from 2015. Excessive exposure to property, especially commercial loans can lead to defaults, later expanding bad loans. more..

Aug 12 (MoD) SL Navy has established its new Hydrographic Office in Mattakkuliya. The new facility was declared open on Thursday during a ceremony graced by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. SL Navy Hydrographic Service teamed up with NARA on 21st June 2016, enabling both entities to enhance the ongoing nautical charting scheme for Sri Lanka in a more effective and efficient manner, more..

Aug 12 (Island) Investing over Rs. 750 million (US $ 5 mln) in technology hitherto unavailable in this country, Printcare has once again expanded its capabilities to provide their clients with unrivaled functionalities. "We have a history of innovation and a track record of introducing new technologies. These investments follow our rich history of knowing where the curve is going and staying ahead of it," said Krishna Ravindran, General Manager, Printcare PLC. more..

Aug 12 (DN) A new report published online yesterday, outlined the problems facing the sustainability of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular tourist attraction in the Central Province. According to a report prepared for the PM�s Office by a team appointed to examine the over-crowding at the Sigiriya World Heritage site, these problems include the overcrowding and tourism, lack of affordable overnight options for local visitors, wasp more..

Aug 12 (NS) National Institute of Language Education and Training which is tasked with teaching the two official languages to MPs, following approval to a proposal submitted by the Ministry of National Coexistence, Dialogue and Official Languages, confirmed that only 40 out of 225 MPs had registered for the classes and that the turn out for the introduction and orientation had been dismal to say the least. more..

Aug 12 (IE) These days, SL�s chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, by his own admission, dreads the word transition. With each passing defeat, the tenor, and the implication of the word acquires a gruffer tint. The fit-for-all tone is a readymade answer, accompanied by that wide smile. It�s not easy to replace legends like Mahela and Sanga, he would repeat. Somehow, he always misses the name of his contemporary, Muttiah Muralitharan. Rather, his successor Rangana Herath hasn�t more..

Aug 12 (DM) An evacuation order was issued by Eravur Magistrate�s Court following a request made by the Eravur Police, University�s Vice Chancellor said. A tense situation was prevailing at the Eastern University from Tuesday when a large group of students surrounded the university's administrative building Senate House and held it's VC captive, making a number demands. The students had ignored a request made by the police to release the VC and move out of the premises. more..

Aug 12 (Island) The TNA declared that it wouldn�t support the 20th�Amendment in its present form, under any circumstances, MP M.A. Sumanthiran said. TNA parliamentary group comprises 16 members, including two National List MPs. Asked whether the four-party coalition was having discussions with the govt regarding the 20th�Amendment that would vest in Parliament the powers of dissolved Provincial Council, more..

Aug 12 (CT) A protest campaign will be staged soon against the slashing of Samurdhi relief and depriving the official pension scheme that was provided by former President Rajapaksa. Secretary to the All Ceylon Samurdhi Development and Agricultural Research Products Assistant Officers Association (ACSDARPAOA) and representatives from the Western Provincial Council announced. "When the present govt came into power, they assured many promises to Samurdhi scheme. more..

Aug 12 (Island) Minister Thalatha Athukorale recently flayed the Land Reform Commission as a dormant institution full of fraud and corruption. She said in future all those who didn�t possess deeds for the lands they had and lived on for over two or three generations would be issued with deeds. She said Housing Minister Sajith Premadasa had visited the area and provided housing loans to 600 people in the District, 200 self-employment tool kits had also been presented. more..

Aug 12 (CT) ASG Yasantha Kodagoda�PC making a special statement before the Bond Commission said that people making allegations on how 8600 pages of data was derived were illiterate. Ravi Karunanayake in his resignation speech questioned as to how such a large volume of data was deciphered and accused the Attorney General of a conspiracy. �That is how 8600 pages were scanned & details found within 48 hrs. more..

Aug 12 (Hindu) India has expressed interest to operate Sri Lanka�s second international airport situated in Mattala, about 40 km from the southern town of Hambantota, where China has majority stake in a strategic port it built. SL govt earlier this week cleared Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva�s request for a committee to study the Indian govt�s proposal. India proposes to operate, manage, maintain and develop the airport through a joint venture, holding 70% of equity for 40 years. more..

Aug 12 (FT) Minister Faiszer Musthapha is spearheading an initiative to ensure hotels and restaurants in the Southern coast do not bar locals from patronising them. �I got to know that various local entrepreneurs engaged in the hospitality industry in the southern coastal area have published Foreigners Only boards in their beach resorts and have totally ignored local tourists. Each citizen has the privilege to visit any part of their country. No one has the legal authority to take away that right� more..

Aug 12 (Island) The US has been urged to ensure that Sri Lanka fully implemented the Geneva Resolution 30/1 co-sponsored by Colombo on Oct 1, 2015. The Geneva resolution has proposed setting up of a hybrid war crimes court including foreign judges among other things. A statement issued by the Office of the Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan quoted the veteran politician as having told a visiting delegation of US Congressmen more..

Aug 13 (SO) Historic moments are often bitter-sweet, even to those heroes of the moment. To his ministerial colleagues in govt, Ravi Karunanayake did the right thing, at the right time, for his party and, most importantly, for his country. For his political opponents, the departure from the cabinet of a political heavyweight is opportune advantage and, hence, a victory. To the citizenry, those who want such propriety, Mr. Karunanayaka�s resignation from his cabinet post was certainly the right thing more..

Aug 13 (SL) Propaganda ghouls have announced driving the Nth+1 last nail into the Yahapalanaya coffin but the govt is not dead as they may have wished and is quite alive and kicking. Most democratic governments have their debacles but they cannot be counted out. In the United States, six months in office,�President Donald Trump can�t get legislation through the Congress even though the Republican Party of which he is the president is in the majority. more..

Aug 13 (SO) Minister Harin Fernando says, Minister Ravi Karunanayake�s resignation is a classic precedent that has never been set by any law maker or a Govt, and is a novel practice established in Sri Lankan politics. Minister Fernando said, we should not however forget, this is the second such occasion, since Minister Tilak Marapana also resigned and his resignation was not given prominence even by the media, more..

Aug 13 (Island) The dust is finally settling on the many headline grabbing news breaks of recent days with Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake�s departure from the govt last week. He had few options; having learned the hard way that politics is a dirty game, he made a statement in parliament explaining his side of the story without bitterness or rancor saying he was doing what was best for his country and his party and undoubtedly himself. Karunanayake, like PM Wickremesinghe, more..

Aug 13 (CT) Philosophers, hedonists, idealists, et al have through the ages tried to sift this evil called crime in an effort to understand every single thread in its vast canvass and they find that crime is at best an invisible DNA element that runs in the blood of men and women born with that element. It's extensively pervasive in human nature, be it manifested as rape, graft, bribery and all manner of corruption, abduction, incest, whatever else that comes under the broad definition of crime. more..