Feb 9 (Island) The recently concluded X30 Asia Cup conducted at the Sri Lanka Karting circuit concluded on a high note with accolades pouring in from across the world. The Commission Internationale de Karting / Federation Internationale De L�Automibile (CIK/FIA) accredited track is being hailed as the best in Asia and possibly, the world. The winner of the Veteran category and CEO of an international Bank in Malaysia Lung Nien Lee said, "I think it�s a world class circuit, I�ve been karting for over 7 yrs more..

Feb 9 (Island) Independent audit regulators from around the world will gather to share their expertise during the 12th Annual Inspection Workshop of the Int'l Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) in Colombo. SL Accounting and Auditing Standards Monitoring Board (SLAASMB) is hostingthe three-day forum which will be held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel from 20th of this month with the participation of over 110 professionals representing audit regulators from 40 countries more..

Feb 9 (ST) Akio Mimura was 11 when SL�s former President J.R. Jayewardena stood up for Japan at the San Francisco int'l peace conference in 1951. World War II had been over for six years and the allied powers had been deliberating how vanquished Japan would be punished. They wanted the country on its knees, paying reparations. Mr. Jayewardena, a minister in Mr. D.S. Senanayake�s govt, was the lone voice among 51 nations more..

Feb 9 (Island) Wetlands provide a variety of ecosystem services that would not be economically viable to provide by artificial means. Nearly 90% of these wetlands contribute to urban food supplies through the production of rice, vegetables, and dairy and poultry products as well as through fishing and gathering of native plants. One major function that wetlands fulfil is flood mitigation. With a capacity to store enough water to fill 27,000 Olympic-size swimming pools the Colombo wetlands more..

Feb 9 (Island) Port of Hambantota leased out in Dec 2017 to a company set up by China Merchants Port Holding Company (CMPHC) for a reported lease value of USD 1.12 billion for a 99 years lease. China Merchant Port Holding owning 85% of the company whilst it appears that SLPA, though not confirmed, holds the remaining share of 15%. Key words in the aforesaid deal are 99-year lease and 85% share; this means Chinese outfit has nearly full control of the port in terms of making all important more..

Feb 9 (FT) Bangladesh�s High Commissioner Riaz Hamid-ullah expressed confidence in finalising the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between with SL within the year, aimed at improving bilateral partnerships. �Bangladeshi Ministry is now in discussion with the Ministry of Development Strategies and Int'l Trade. We are now engaged in a joint study to determine scope, modalities & sectors of agreement.� more..

Feb 9 (FT) Lakshman J. Hewawasam, former Chairman and Director General of the Export Development Board (EDB) and Chairman, National Packaging Centre, passed away peacefully on 7th Feb 2018. He was 82 years old. An old boy of St.Thomas� College Guruthalawa/Mt.Lavinia, Hewawasam had served the country in senior government management positions for over 60 years. After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours from the University of Peradeniya, more..

Feb 9 (SLA) The customary Passing out Parade of the 12th Force Protection Company (FPC) for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNFIL) set to leave for Lebanon was held at the Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, (RHQ -SLSR) Ambepussa on Wedensday (7). Troops first presented a Guard Turn Out upon Major General Piyal Wickramaratne�s entry into the parade premises in accordance with military traditions. The Chief Guest of the event, more..

Feb 9 (DN) Eminent Scholar monk and indefatigable campaigner for peace and reconciliation Most. Ven. Professor Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera bade farewell to the nation, including his Sangha fraternity and faithful devotees yesterday proving the Buddhist doctrine of impermanence of life he expounded. Eminent Buddhist prelates, President, PM, Ministers, MPs and other eminent persons were among the gathering present more..

Feb 9 (Island) One cannot blame the primary dealer for doing this because the government it self paved the way for such corrupt practices when it commenced the treasury bond scheme in 1997, which I understand was done on the advice of visiting officials of an international financial institution. If the treasury wanted cash, couldn�t it have requested state banks or other financial institutions to advance the required amounts without having to go through brokers? more..

Feb 9 (Island) No sooner had the Foreign Ministry suspended Defence attach� of the Sri Lankan High Commission in London, Brig. Priyankara Fernando, for allegedly behaving in a threatening manner in front of a group of protesting LTTE activists than President Maithripala Sirisena intervened to reinstate him. Fernando, who stands accused of having made a throat-slitting gesture should thank tomorrow�s local govt polls and not his stars for his reinstatement. more..

Feb 9 (PTI) Lasith Malinga has hinted at possible retirement, saying that he is mentally done with international cricket now that his eventful IPL career is over. Malinga was yesterday appointed as bowling mentor of Mumbai Indians. He has been the core of Mumbai Indians winning combination in the last decade. He has donned the prestigious Mumbai Indians jersey in 110 matches of the 157 games the franchise more..

Feb 9 (Island) Retail investor activity at the CSE improved further yesterday due to corporate action taking place in several companies, such as, Swarnamahal Financial Services, Janashakthi and Softlogic Holdings. Swarnamahal Finance, one of the subsidiaries of Swarnamahal Group, is looking for potential investors, due to an acute financial crisis. The company is consulting with the Central Bank in order to infuse fresh capital by way of a right issue or issuance of new shares more..

Feb 9 (ST) Misaki Shimakawa is a university student from Japan who visited Sri Lanka last year as a member of a Japanese group of students. Groups of Japanese university students visit Sri Lanka every year. They interact with Sri Lankan university students and, carry out their study tours in Colombo and other parts of the country. As part of the study tour, they explore the socio-economic issues in Sri Lanka and prepare for seminar presentations once they get back to Japan. more..

Feb 9 (DM) The European Parliament has confirmed that Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Trinidad and Tobago were on the European Commission�s blacklist of countries at risk for acts of money-laundering. In a statement, European Parliament on Wednesday said despite intense efforts by some Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), they have failed to achieve the 376-vote absolute majority needed to reject more..

Feb 9 (FT) A MoU on cooperation in the field of science and technology between Sri Lanka and South Africa was signed on 31 Jan, in Pretoria at the Department of Science and Technology (DST), further strengthening the existing excellent relations between the two countries. On behalf of SL, the MoU was signed by Udaya Senevirathne, Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology and Research, and Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, signed on behalf of South Africa. more..

Feb 9 (FT) Court of Appeal yesterday re-fixed for 5 June the Writ Petition filed as public interest litigation on the alleged deforestation and illegal construction of housing project in the Northern Sanctuary of Wilpattu National Park. Bench comprised Justices Padman Surasena (President/CA) and Shiran Gooneratne. The Writ petition was filed by Centre for Environmental Justice (Guarantee) Ltd. citing Conservator General, Central Environmental Authority, Director General of Wildlife Dept, more..

Feb 9 (FT) Taking a break from his campaigning, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of putting Parliament at the centre of public finance, outlining intentions to establish a Parliamentary Debt Office. Addressing the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL members who had gathered for the induction ceremony of their 24th President Jagath Perera, PM emphasised the changes that had been introduced by more..

Feb 9 (CT) Record-breaking foreign investment in the SL stock market has continued into 2018, with Rs 4 billion in net foreign purchases during the month of January - a new record for the first month of any given year. The month recorded Rs 10.7 billion in foreign purchases in the market, while foreign investors made sales worth Rs 6.7 billion, which has established a record breaking start to the year in terms of net foreign purchases. In this interview released by the CSE, more..

Feb 9 (EN) Classical liberal economists have long argued that free trade leads to peace and economic nationalism and protectionism (which usually also involves minority oppression and ethno religions fascism) leads to soured international relations and war. Russian tactics to block imports Sri Lanka's tea over dubious allegations of 'beetles' is a case in point. Soon after President Maithripala Sirisena came to office, various lobbies began to persuade him to block imports, institute bans, more..

Feb 9 (FT) Central Bank yesterday issued a clarification on media reports on Govt debt recording and maintenance of accounts published yesterday based on comments by Auditor General Gamini Wijesinghe. It said the CB compiles and publishes Central Govt debt based on its database on the issuance of domestic debt and international commercial borrowings on behalf of the Govt and also the information it receives from more..

Feb 9 (Island) Police are not doing enough to protect the black tortoise (gal ibba) and the flapshell tortoise (kiri ibba) being slaughtered for the consumption of Chinese construction workers and tourists, says Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR). "Organised groups are collecting these two protected species as there is a high demand for them from Chinese construction workers and tourists. According to the Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) more..

Feb 9 (Island) A change of marketing strategy has helped Sri Lanka Cricket to a financial windfall as the board is set to earn a minimum of US$ 6.5 million (Rs. One billion) in profit with the selling of broadcasting and marketing rights for the upcoming tri-nation Nidhas Trophy tournament. The minimum amount projected is the highest revenue earned so far by SLC off a single event. Bangladesh and India are the two participating nations in the tournament that will be played from more..

Feb 9 (SL) Minister Mangala Samaraweera has filed a complaint with the CID over a forged letter with his signature. The letter, addressed to the British Tamils Forum, refers to the action taken by the Foreign Ministry earlier with regards to the conduct of a military officer at the SL High Commission in the UK. The forged letter has Samaraweera�s name and signature at the end and refers to him as the Foreign Minister although more..

Feb 9 (MX) A self-sustaining program that helps provide long-term protection for communities from dengue has been given the official go ahead in Sri Lanka today. Monash University's World Mosquito Program (WMP) is set to be rolled out in Sri Lanka following the signing of a Collaboration Agreement (CA) by Sri Lanka's Secretary, Ministry of Health (MoH), Janaka Sugathadasa at a ceremony in Colombo with Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson. more..

Feb 9 (DM) Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake said that they would not be conducting an inquiry the actions of the Defence Attache of the Sri Lankan High Commission in UK Brigadier Priyanka Fernando after he was spotted making a throat slitting gesture towards protesters who thronged the Embassy office in the UK. "On the day of the incident the protesters who were carrying LTTE flags had shouted slogans against the SL govt and sung songs in praise of Prabhakaran. more..

Feb 9 (Island) Embarrassed govt officials yesterday admitted that former SL ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga, detained in the UAE on Feb 4, was no longer in custody though the govt earlier claimed a seven-member team was on its way there to bring him back to Colombo. Govt said Weeratunga, a close relative of former Prez Rajapaksa was wanted in connection with investigations into MiG 27 deal more..

Feb 9 (DM) Whatever the results of the Local Council election tomorrow, one important factor is clear. The sovereign people, most of them now well informed largely because of high technology -- will no longer tolerate corrupt politicians. We hope those who are coming into politics will examine their conscience and ask whether they wish to sincerely, selflessly and sacrificially serve the country, people of all races and religions and bring about ethnic and religious unity in diversity. more..

Feb 9 (DM) Freedom: What a great idea it is! As we celebrated this Sunday Sri Lanka�s 70th freedom day, it is relevant to ask how free we are and what freedom meant to us then and today. Seventy years ago, when the Union Jack was brought down and the magnificent Lion flag was hoisted at Independence Square, the spirit of freedom came alive in the country�s collective psyche. However, between then and now, the spirit of freedom was lost and we remain a bonded nation once again � more..

Feb 9 (DM) Tomorrow Saturday, February 10, 15.8 million people have been called to vote at the long-delayed LG Elections to establish 341 councils. A half-hour after polls close, counting will begin at polling booths themselves for Ward representations. That result can be declared tomorrow evening itself, according to statements made by the Elections Commission. Ward level elected representation this time in LG bodies more..

Feb 9 (Roar) Earlier we brought you information on some Sri Lankan films that won awards overseas. But that doesn�t guarantee a friendly reception at home. In SL�s cinematic history, there have been occasions where the authorities deemed a film unsuitable for public viewing due to various reasons. The first SL film to be banned was Nalangana (Dancer) in 1960. Directed by L.S. Ramachandran, and starring more..

Feb 9 (ST) Underworld figures and crooks engaged in illegal activity are among those nominated by some political parties to contest the forthcoming LG elections tomorrow. �We have compiled a list of names of candidates and found that several underworld figures and corrupt businessmen engaged in illegal activity have been given nomination this time to contest the polls,� said the Executive Director of PAFFREL more..

Feb 9 (SL) A United Nations (UN) committee has urged Sri Lanka to ensure that all schools currently run by the military are transferred back under the Ministry of Education. The recommendation was made by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in its findings on Sri Lanka released on Thursday. The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child examined Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Panama, Seychelles, Spain, more..

Feb 9 (LBO) Auditor General�s Department has found out that 826 billion rupees received during Rajapaksa regime, had not been included in the financial statements. These off balance sheet items include certain debt balances of Puttalam Coal Power Plant, Hambanthota Port and Mattala Int'l Airport payable by the govt. AG�s latest report on the public debt management also identified a 487 billion rupees worth item as a failure more..

Feb 9 (FT) Sri Lanka can move forward in reconciliation if peace-loving Sinhalese and Tamil politicians work together, argue, and criticise without making racial remarks to hurt any ethnic group, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Dr. R. Theyvendran said. �Start open dialogues, and find a middle ground that is beneficial for all Sri Lankans, learn from past mistakes, and rise above more..

Feb 9 (DM) In a hard hitting letter to the two pro-LTTE British MPs, who demanded the withdrawal of Defence Attache Brigadier Priyankara Fernando�s diplomatic status, Minister Navin Dissanayake yesterday said Brigadier Fernando enjoys diplomatic immunity for actions performed within the embassy premises and that it was most disturbing and offensive to witness protesters being allowed to carry flags more..

Feb 9 (NR) The Attorney General�s Department today informed Court that it strongly opposes bail being granted to remanded Perpetual Treasuries Owner Arjun Aloysius and CEO Kasun Palisena. An official representing the Attorney General submitted a written document informing the Fort Magistrate�s Court of the Attorney General�s opposition in this regard. After consideration Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne, more..

Feb 9 (USDS) Good evening, what a tremendous pleasure and honor to be here celebrating the 70th national independence day here at the US Institute for Peace, in this beautiful venue, and with so many beautiful people. Thank you for your very kind words of introduction, Madame Charg�, you�ve done incredible work here, during an incredible time and I congratulate you, thank you. To Members of our Congress, more..

Feb 9 (Island) The new election results tabulation software is transparent, accurate and foolproof says Kelaniya University, Computing and Technology Faculty, Dean, Dr. Gamini Wijeratne. "The new system ensures the integrity of data as data entry can only be done at the district level. The system is not susceptible to hacking and is firewall and password protected." Asked why the task of tabulating election results handled by more..