Aug 2 (CT) �A nation�s resources can be assets which are already being used and those which are yet to be exploited. The most important asset of a nation is definitely its human resource because it is the basis for all others. If a nation does not have good human resource base consisting of intelligent and rational persons in crucial places, especially where decisions are taken, such a nation can be called a doomed one for the simple reason that it does not have any basis for the future. more..

Aug 2 (DN) A 13 year-old boy died after getting choked by the ropes of a swing in Anbupuram in Mulankavil, Killinochchi Police said. The child had been staying at home as the term tests were over and he had been playing with the swing while his mother had gone to the Killinochchi hospital. A person passing by the the house had seen the child unconscious and entangled in the swing. He had cut the rope and immediately taken him to the hospital. However, doctors at Mulankavil hospital said more..

Aug 2 (ST) Geoffrey Bawa Memorial lecture given annually to mark the legendary architect�s birthday � July 23 (it would have been his 99th this year) has always been delivered by an architect of particular eminence. On Thursday, July 26 at the SL Foundation Institute the architect who took the podium was one whose singular creativity has been recognised not just in the Arab world, but globally. Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil is regarded more..

Aug 2 (Island) "Sri Lanka has come a long way in a short space of time. With an economy that is growing and a robust economic plan for sustainable growth, people�s lives and their roles in the society are being changed significantly. This has brought new opportunities for women to draw on their unique talents increasing their participation in the country's development." PM Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement in a message issued on the upcoming Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. more..

Aug 2 (Island) Hey, You Human, I know Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) got independence in 1948. I am sure Bandula Jayasekara wasn't born then and wasn't even thought of. However, thanks to the efforts of SL freedom fighters he was born under an Independent Sky, though that sky is made bloody by many politicians of Independent Sri Lanka making you people dependent at every corner. That is a different story altogether. Though Bandula Jayasekara was born much later, I Bandula, more..

Aug 2 (CI) Angelo Mathews put it bluntly: "We were a bunch of school kids when it came to today's fielding." Niroshan Dickwella said basically the same thing, but with a little more subtlety, drawing attention to the many "mistakes" that led to Sri Lanka's 10th straight loss to South Africa, and their second loss in this series. Sri Lanka had begun shakily with the bat, losing two wickets in the second over - bowled by Lungi Ngidi. more..

Aug 2 (DN) Sri Lanka selectors have included right-arm leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for the second 4-day unofficial test match between Sri Lanka Emerging team and South Africa Emerging team scheduled to begin today at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Hambantota. This is Vandersay�s first game since being sent home early on the tour of West Indies in June before the third and final Test on a disciplinary breach. He was later after an inquiry punished with a one-year suspended more..

Aug 2 (DN) A writ petition seeking a declaration that the election of 23 candidates elected to the Maharagama Urban Council under an independent group (motorcycle symbol) is invalid was yesterday withdrawn by the petitioner himself. When the Petition came up before Court of Appeal President, Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Arjuna Obeysekara, the Counsel appearing for the petitioner informed court that his client has decided to withdraw the petition since more..

>Aug 2 (Island) South Africa chased successfully for the second time in the series, and on this occasion under lights, after their bowlers kept Sri Lanka under 250 in an innings that never really got going. As was the case in the first ODI, South Africa's attack won the match in the first half, when they restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total. The six-man visiting attack was impressive as a collective but South Africa will be more..

Aug 2 (FT) The Film Exhibitors Association of SL called for a new system of distribution under the purview of the National Film Corporation (NFC), insisting that importers cannot override the industry rules and regulations. Responding to the article published in the Daily FT titled Film industry fears blackout over political interference, Association denied allegations of Ministerial interferences to the cinema trade, while clarifying it as an act of justice by the NFC. more..

Aug 2 (FT) Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Ltd., (CPSTL) has strongly condemned the action of the Ceylon Petroleum Bowser Owners Association, which recently threatened to disrupt island-wide transportation of fuel without negotiation with CPSTL. CPSTL said the threat by the association to halt fuel distribution, demanding an increase in the transportation allowance, is a move to hold the country�s energy security at ransom and that it does not recognize the body as a responsible more..

Aug 2 (Island) The US embassy in Colombo sent The Island a statement that reiterated US commitment to ensure the full implementation of the 2015 UNHRC Resolution 30/1 on SL in spite of the superpower finding fault with the Geneva-based UNHRC in June 2018. That statement was in response to The Island query: Against the backdrop of Geneva body addressing accountability issues and taking tangible more..

Aug 2 (CT) Sri Lanka exported apparels worth more than US$ 2.39 billion during the first six months of this year, posting a growth of 5% from US$ 2.28 billion recorded during the same period of last year, as exports in May posted double-digit growth. According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), the country exported apparel worth US$ 427 million during June this year, up 12.7% compared to US$ 381 million a year ago. Apparel exports to US in June had increased 3.77% during more..

Aug 2 (DN) Afghanistan which packs over US $ 3 trillion in identified natural resources has issued an open call to Sri Lankan business sector to visit them, prospect and reap benefits. �I found out those Sri Lankan miners to be well skilled� said Ambassador of Afghanistan to Sri Lanka Munir Ghiasy in Colombo. Ambassador Ghiasy was addressing Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen during his courtesy call on Minister Bathiudeen in Colombo. more..

Aug 2 (PTI) Minister Mangala Samaraweera raised taxes on the popular small Japanese hybrid cars, a policy reversal which could benefit smaller Indian car manufacturers without a hybrid variant. In the revision, Samaraweera slapped a minimum duty of 1.25 million rupees on any hybrid car with an engine capacity of less than 1,000 cubic centimetres, meaning previous duty of rs. 825,000 on a Suzuki Wagon R will now be 1.25 mil. more..

Aug 2 (CT) A landmark joint meeting to discuss a number of maritime industry-related issues was held recently, initiated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) with the members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) and members of Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators (SLAVO), a press release stated. The meeting is also recorded the first of its kind in the history of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. The meeting was co-chaired by more..

Aug 2 (DM) A top security authority had the other day secured an audience with a very high authority to air a grievance for early redress. His complaint was that a certain political heavyweight has made it a habit to interfere in the administrative affairs in his office. �This person blatantly meddles not only with appointments, transfers and promotions but also with disciplinary inquiries in my office. He has become a veritable nuisance,� the security chief had told the high authority. more..

Aug 2 (CT) A massive load of confiscated drugs running into thousands of kilos, have been in the custody of the Govt Analyst�s Department for years, as legal processing of drug-related cases go on for years (five to 10) without a final judgment. According to the existing law of the country, these drugs cannot be destroyed until the Court gives a final judgement, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) more..

Aug 2 (GT) Sri Lanka is betting big on Indian visitors as the island nation is expecting a 20 per cent growth in arrival of travellers to 2.4 million in the current year, an official said in Kolkata. �Last year, about two million int'l visitors travelled to Sri Lanka and we expect it to reach 2.4 million this year. Of two million visitors, there were over three lakh Indians,� SL Convention Bureau�s Chairman Kumar De Silva said on the sidelines of an interactive session organised by MCCI. more..

Aug 2 (CT) When one thinks SL cricket, one thinks Sanath Jayasuriya. In fact, such was the impact of the left-handed opener that he literally gave the term aggression a new meaning. Having played a bevy of cricket in the opening position, Jayasuriya�s world acclaim came when he redefined opening batting not just in ODIs, but also in Test matches. The southpaw would eventually play 110 Test matches and 445 ODIs for his country, something that only the likes of Kumar Sangakkara more..

Aug 2 (FT) Shared held by Emirates in SriLankan Airlines worth $ 53 million were transferred to People�s Bank, National Savings Bank (NSB), and the EPF after its nationalisation in 2010 without Cabinet approval, PCoI heard. PCoI was provided documents pertaining to the purchase of shares under the reacquisition of the airline from Emirates by SriLankan Airlines Company Secretary Dalrene Thirukumar. Several problems pertaining to more..

Aug 2 (Island) Disabled police commandos have complained to President Maithripala Sirisena against Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka�s recent claim that the STF is an asylum. President of the STF Wounded Warriors Association T.P.K.S. Niranjana has, in a letter to Prez Sirisena, pointed out how the war winning Army Chief had defamed the elite force while being under the protection of the same force. The association alleged that Fonseka was trying to shield those corrupt elements loyal to him. more..

Aug 2 (DN) The govt has given priority to develop the tourism industry which can bring valuable foreign exchange in to the country. Galle has been recognised as a key area for extensive development, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Speaking at the opening of the Le Grand Galle by Asia Leisure and with Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan at Kaluwella Galle on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said the Galle region will also be transformed as a pre-eminent hub of sports activities in Asia. more..

Aug 2 (DM) The first batch of the SAITM students, who were absorbed to the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KUD) for the MBBS Degree, had been instructed to pay around six million rupees as course fee for a period of five years. A parent of a SAITM student informed that they were informed this when they attended at the interviews today at the KDU premises in Ratmalana. more..

Aug 2 (DM) In the wake of mounting pressure from the Opposition to conduct elections to the Provincial Councils, Elections Commission had sought a meeting with the MPs of the UPFA sitting in the Opposition. Around 70 UPFA MPs sit in the Opposition under the banner of the JO. These UPFA MPs have demanded the elections be conducted as early as possible. Against the backdrop, EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya is reported to have sought to meet with these UPFA MPs more..

Aug 2 (Island) Police commandos arrested a heroin dealer believed to be a close associate of Minister Sarath Fonseka during a raid carried out in the Minuwangoda police area in the early hours of yesterday. The STF recovered eight grammes of heroin and two grammes of a banned substance known as ice. A senior police official identified the arrested person as Aruna Attanayake alias police. The police commandos apprehended the wanted man allegedly involved in heroin distribution more..

Aug 2 (DM) The incumbent Govt would carry Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa�s concept of Trace City and would move towards implementing its second and third phase, Deputy Minister Dr Harsha De Silva said. Dr De Silva said that the concept should and would be taken forward so that knowledge-based, highly competitive employment opportunities would be created. more..

Aug 2 (DM) Agriculture has been a part if not the heart of Sri Lanka�s civilization for thousands of years. But in recent decades, the excessive use of imported chemical fertilisers, pesticides and weedicide has created a crisis where most people most of the time take a little poison with their meals. Experts say this is largely because the soil has been polluted by the excessive use of imported chemicals and even the ground water is known to have been poisoned. more..

Aug 2 (DM) Monks have played pivotal roles in shaping the political face of Sri Lanka. From the times of the great kings to the many prime ministers and presidents who ruled this island, the opinion, more than the advice, of the Buddhist clergy has carried weight. Those country leaders who apposed the views of Buddhist monks or ignored their presence soon learned from their mistakes. One such leader was the late Ranasinghe Premadasa who initially ignored Ven Galboda Gnanissara more..

Aug 2 (ST) At a time when news regarding the country�s prison system is more grim than good, an event held this week at the Prisons� Headquarters in Colombo highlighted how some of the rehabilitation programmes that have been introduced are reaping positive results. One of these included the launch of a book containing 100 poems penned by prisoners, the first time such a venture has been undertaken. more..

Aug 2 (CT) Dollar has reached its highest against the Sri Lanka Rupee, in financial history. It is alarming and is set to reach even higher, within the next couple of months. Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services are rising and consequently, the purchasing power of the currency is falling. As a result of this, the tax hikes are also common. Usually the temporary political remedy and more..

Aug 2 (Island) This weekend�s National Athletics Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo is likely to provide clues to Asian Games medal prospects as the track and field sport prepares to break the Games� jinx that had befallen over it since the likes of Rohan Pradeep, Prasanna Amarasekara and Olympic medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe won their last at the quadrennial event way back in 2006. Athletics remains country�s highest medal more..

Aug 2 (DM) The country is virtually in an election mood. The representatives of the main political forces talk about the presidential elections and their candidates. Against this backdrop, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Vasantha Senanayake in an interview with Daily Mirror, shares his views on the candidate to be fielded by the UNP. He is also critical of the foreign policy of the govt. Q: Recently, at a political event in Polonnaruwa, more..

Aug 2 (DM) Govt�s selective approach towards the implementation of the death penalty on a certain category of convicted criminals was absurd, JO said. Professor G.L. Peiris said the Prez declared that the convicts who were sentenced to death for drug trafficking and still continue to traffic drugs from inside the prison would be executed. �However, there was a notable case where a drug smuggler conspired and more..

Aug 2 (DM) The US is committed to working with civil society, international organizations, and SL govt to combat trafficking in persons in the country, a diplomat of the US Embassy on Monday said. Robert Hilton, Charg� d�Affaires of the US Embassy said this while delivering a speech at an event organised by International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Colombo in view of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. more..

Aug 2 (DN) Everyone should get-together to the make the Singapore - SL Free Trade Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) a success, irrespective of political differences without spreading unfounded fears, State Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said. He said that undue fears have been created among the people about the Singapore - SL Free Trade Agreeement by those who are in opposition. more..

Aug 2 (PMD) President Maithripala Sirisena says a comprehensive programme will be launched to attain balanced development in the country ,eliminating the disparities in the development of regions of the country, which has resulted due to the development that was limited to some parts of the country during the past era. President made these remarks participating in a ceremony to open the newly constructed more..

Aug 2 (NR) The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Medical Council Professor Colvin Gunaratne has tendered his letter of resignation from his post as Chairman. When inquired by NewsRadio Professor Gunaratne said the letter of resignation was directed to the Minister of Health Dr. Rajitha Senaratne today. Professor Gunaratne noted the resignation letter is effective as of the 31st of July 2018. more..

Aug 2 (DM) Salaries of ministers, deputy ministers, state ministers and all MPs are likely to be increased by approximately 215% to be on par with the recent salary increase given to judges, parliament sources said. The need to increase salaries had come up for discussion at the party leaders meeting held on July 17 attended by JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, JO Parliament Group Leader Dinesh Gunawardane, more..