Feb 7 (DM) The overlooking of the country�s second senior most Judge Justice Deepali Wijesundara successively for promotion in judicial appointment has led to the Bar Association of SL (BASL) writing to Prez Sirisena to consider her for promotion. The letter dated Feb 5, 2018 by the Secretary of the BBASL Kaushalya Nawarathne annexes a petition signed by Lawyers of the Appellate and Original Courts calling more..

Feb 7 (Island) The EU has regular policy discussions, with the govt, covering all human rights issues and it holds a strong and principled position against the death penalty in all circumstances and for all cases and supports universal abolition, a spokesperson for the mission in Colombo says. The spokesperson said so when The Island asked the EU whether it would be taking up President Sirisena�s decision to resume more..

Feb 7 (CT) The Govt has decided to set up a Regulatory Commission to monitor the quality and standard of Degrees conferred by State and Private Universities. The Govt is seeking to enhance the standards of all Degrees conferred by these Universities and is attempting to bring Degrees conferred by both parties on par in the near future. The Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, M.M.P.K. Mayadunna said the draft Bill of more..

Feb 7 (DM) In the wake of the arrest of underworld drug kingpin Makandure Madush in Dubai, Anti-Corruption Force Operations Director Namal Kumara said he was ready to work as hangman to execute Makandure Madush or any other criminal sentenced to death. He said he was pleased and convinced with the positive remarks made by President Sirisena that he would implement death penalty in near future, more..

Feb 7 (Island) UPFA MP Dayasiri Jayasekera, told Parliament that Justice and Prison Reforms Minister Thalatha Atukorala had misled the House, on Tuesday, by claiming that the process of hanging of those sentenced to death for drug offences was stuck at the Presidential Secretariat. Raising a point of order, MP Jayasekera said that Minister Atukorale had told the House that Department of Attorney General had cleared more..

Feb 7 (EN) Speaker of parliament Karu Jayasuriya Thursday hit back at President Sirisena�s sweeping allegations against the Constitutional Council (CC) and the independent Human Rights Council (HRC). Jayasuriya, as chairman of the Constitutional Council, said Sirisena�s allegations that the CC had rejected 12 of his nominations to the superior courts was misleading. The president�s assertion that the CC was not recognizing more..

Feb 7 (DM) Minister Mangala Samaraweera defended his earlier decision to appoint the retired navy official Rear Admiral Dr. Shemal Fernando as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs (SLC), noting that the decision was taken to discipline a group of people he called port mafia, at SLC. He admitted that he was forced to withdraw the decision and reappoint P.S.M. Charles for the position due to SLC trade union actions, more..

Feb 7 (AD) The UNF has, reportedly, decided not to present the proposal for a national govt to the Parliament today. The decision was taken at a meeting held between the party leaders of UNF last night. However, during the special meeting of party leaders held last afternoon, minister Lakshman Kiriella had proposed to take up the debate on the proposal for forming a National Govt during today�s Parliament session, more..

Feb 7 (FT) Many people are talking about waste management. So much so it has become only a subject of talk shows! The City of Colombo is the prime focus and the centrepiece. It is seen as a debate that has been continuing for decades under different mayors as well as ministers in charge of environment representing various political parties. To our great dismay there is no tangible solution to this national problem in sight. Instead it has become the mausoleum of the swindlers and more..

Feb 7 (CT) Cross border cooperation among law enforcement agencies is possible, if, warm, diplomatic relations exist between the two countries in question. This newspaper, on the lead story of its yesterday�s edition, reported, that due to the cooperation between the local intelligence services and the Dubai Police, it was possible to arrest a local drug peddler and his associates at a Dubai hotel. The group arrested, in addition to peddling drugs are also wanted here in connection more..

Feb 7 (CT) Supreme Court Justice Priyantha Jayawardena today stepped down from the bench hearing the contempt of court case against former Chief Justice Sarath N Silva citing personal reasons. The case was taken up today before a three-judge bench comprising Jayawardena, Murdu Fernando and Gamini Amarasekera. As a result of Jayawardena withdrawal, the case against the former Chief Justice was postponed to May 08. Jayawardena was one of three judges who more..

Feb 7 (DN) SL govt with a Thai institute will introduce a prawn species that are resistant to diseases prevalent in the country. Experts said this species is resistant to other diseases not yet found in the country. So far, the species Monodon was reared in the country. However, it was affected by the White Spot Syndrome Virus and Monodon Baculo Virus for nearly two decades. Therefore, the industry was severely affected. Hence, the species Specific Pathogen Free Monodon is to be more..

Feb 7 (EN) Sri Lanka is to resume talks with the IMF in February when a team is due to visit, with the possibility of an another program also in the offing, officials said. Minister Managala Samaraweera said talks will resume with an IMF team that is due to visit Sri Lanka on February 14. Treasury Secretary R H S Samaratunga said talk will centre on an existing 3-year program which is due to end this year. more..

Feb 7 (Xinhua) The cooperation between China and SL under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative has not only brought tangible benefits to the two countries and two peoples, but also generated new opportunities for regional development, China's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan said. In a statement to mark the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and SL, Cheng said the relations between the two countries have withstood the test of history more..

Feb 7 (Island) Senior officials in charge of excavation of Mannar mass grave said that so far of the skeletal remains found, 26 were of children. By Feb 06, experts have so far unearthed skeletal remains belonging to 312 persons and 297 of them were removed from the grave for further investigations. Recently, selected samples were sent to a US testing facility for carbon testing. On site JMO Saminda Rajapaka said that results would be available within one week. more..

Feb 7 (LSE) After persistent allegations of mass atrocities committed during the long running civil war, a new SL Govt in 2015 pledged to the international community that it would establish an ambitious reform and transitional justice programme. Four years later, many victims in the country have lost hope. South African transitional justice expert Yasmin Sooka & former BBC Correspondent more..

Feb 7 (NR) A former Chairman of Kalutara PS Vidanapathiranage Lakshman has been sentenced to a 20 year rigorous imprisonment suspended to 5 years. The order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Kulathunga over a bribery charge. The case was filed against Lakshman on four charges for obtaining a bribe of Rs.3 million over a plot of land in Nagoda, Kalutara. The bribe was obtained in 2012. Magistrate today issuing the verdict ordered the suspect to pay more..

Feb 7 (CT) Chairpersons and Members of the Boards of Directors of institutions, under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research, were appointed at a ceremony held at the Ministry yesterday under the patronage of the Minister Sujeewa Senasinghe. Dr. A.M. Mubarak was appointed Chairman of the National Science Foundation while Professor Neluka Fernando, Prof. D. Weerakoon, Prof.Aloka Pathirana, and Ayanthi Gurusinghe were appointed as Members of more..

Feb 7 (DM) The young men who were arrested in Wanathawillluwa for possessing firearms and explosives have links to a certain group, State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene told Parliament. He came out with these details in response to a question as to what action the govt had taken against the suspects. �We have taken the matter seriously and I would like to say that police have searched the Latose Estate more..

Feb 7 (CT) President of the Chamber of Tourism and Industry A.M. Jaufar pledged to develop Arugam Bay in the Eastern Province further as an internationally popular tourist destination. The Chamber of Tourism and Industry of SL celebrated the 71st National Independence Day in Arugam Bay last Monday amidst a large gathering including the Regional Heads of all three Forces. M. Jaufar said that road development has taken place while the Ministry of Tourism has already approved more..

Feb 7 (GDI) Govt has received the Cabinet approval to allocate Rs. 5 billion to purchase the paddy from local farmers in the Maha season. The paddy harvesting for year 2018/2019 Maha season is scheduled to commence and the paddy purchasing program for the season is to be conducted under the direction of District Secretaries to maintain a stable price for paddy and a fair price for paddy farmers. Paddy Marketing Board and District Co-operative Societies will purchase paddy at a price of more..

Feb 7 (DM) Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the statement made by Deputy Minister Buddhika Pathirana saying that imported milk powder contained animal fat was totally false. He told parliament that tests conducted at local and international levels had proved that no harmful substances other than dairy fat were contained in imported milk powder. "The food safety division of the Health Ministry has conducted tests on more..

Feb 7 (NR) Minister of Public Administration Ranjith Madduma Bandara says efforts are currently underway to compile circulars required to take action against state workers who do not efficiently complete assigned tasks. Speaking during a media briefing today Minister said a programme to duly recognise efficient state sector employees will also be introduced. Minister noted the govt incurs a cost of Rs.800 billion annually to pay salaries and pensions for state employees. more..

Feb 7 (Island) SriLankan Catering operated a small restaurant at Mattala International Airport and if earned less than USD 600 a month during its existence, Nalaka Sanjeewa, Manager-Finance at SriLankan Catering told the PCoI on irregularities at SriLankan Airlines, SriLankan Catering and Mihin Lanka yesterday. "The kitchen never sold enough meals because there were only a few flights to Mattala and those were also in transit. Passengers rarely used our facilities," he said. more..

Feb 7 (DN) Western Province Governor Azath Salley has instructed the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to remove digital hoardings that would distract the motorists on the roads within the city limits. Such hoardings could contribute to more road accidents. The governor made this statement when he met with a delegation from the CMC, headed by its Commissioner V.A.K. Anura, comprising members of Advertising more..

Feb 7 (DM) Seven eateries at the Punchi Borella Junction in close proximity to the National Hospital were raided by the Colombo Municipality Council�s Health Department officials on Wednesday. Cinnamon Gardens and Borella area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Dr. Subash Mendis said the owners of all seven eateries were produced in courts as they have maintained the eateries violating food safety regulations. Two eateries had been shut down until the owners take measures to improve more..

Feb 7 (AD) Non-Cabinet Minister V. Radhakrishnan says he is ready to step down from his ministerial portfolio if the govt does not intervene to increase the daily basic wage of estate workers. Addressing a public meeting in Nuwara Eliya, minister said he does not accord with the decision to increase the estate workers� daily basic wage up to Rs 750. The estate workers are demanding an increase up to Rs 1000 and it necessary that the govt take measures in this regard, Minister pointed out. more..

Feb 7 (DM) Singer Amal Perera and actor Ryan Van Rooyen's brothers were arrested today by the STF officers during a raid carried out at their houses. The STF has searched Amal Perera�s house at Maharagama and actor Ryan Van Rooyen's house at Dehiwala following the duo�s arrest in Dubai. The STF said two empty cocaine pouches were recovered from Amal�s house. Amal Perera�s brother Sohan was arrested by STF. more..

Feb 7 (CT) The Jathika Janatha Viyapaaraya (National People�s Movement - NPM) announced the unveiling of a draft of a proposed new Constitution by April. General Secretary of the Vinivida (Transparent) organisation who is a Founder Member of the NPM, Eardley Abayaratna, speaking to Ceylon Today explained that putting an end to corruption would be a pipe dream when there is no law and order in the country, opining that a model new Constitution, not one based on more..

Feb 7 (AD) Several MPs were reportedly stuck inside an elevator at the Parliament Complex this morning. Around 12 MPs, who were on their way to attend today�s parliamentary session, were inside the elevator when it had suddenly come to an abrupt stop due to a technical fault and were stuck inside for several minutes. UPFA MP Wimal Weerawansa, who was among the group of MPs stuck inside the lift, had brought this incident to the attention of the Speaker during the parliament session. more..

Feb 7 (DM) Parliament was plunged into chaos this morning after Speaker Karu Jayasuriya made a statement regarding the Constitutional Council (CC) which he heads. The Speaker, in his address, dismissed several claims made by President Maithripala Sirisena. Chief Opposition Whip Mahinda Amaraweera said the remarks made by the Speaker on the Prez were not acceptable. more..

Feb 8 (DN) National elections maybe on the horizon but the focus of the govt -and President Maithripala Sirisena- last week shifted to the formation of another national govt while the move came in for sharp criticism from the collective opposition. The previous national govt that was in existence between the two major political parties, UNP and UPFA came to an end in October last year when the latter withdrew, triggering a fifty-one-day constitutional crisis. more..

Feb 8 (CT) President Maithripala Sirisena sounds adamant and seems to have taken a couple strides towards making capital punishment law in the country. Has been talking quite extensively about reintroducing capital punishment. Is this the right way forward? Atleast is it the correct way of arriving at critical and important decisions? In spasms? Upon arriving after an official visit from another country which had adopted drastic measures to combat the menace Prez is on high octane. more..

Feb 8 (Roar) The evening turned dark as rain clouds gathered ominously in the sky overhead. Despite the weather, *Dharshan smiled brightly as he welcomed us into his garden. Having no chairs, Dharshan hastily unrolled a mat over the dark, wiry grass and gestured for us to sit on it. A desultory puppy sniffed at our toes as a few angry raindrops hit the ground, causing Dharshan to cast a laughing look at the sky and more..

Feb 8 (CT) I made a statement before this August Assembly even on 25th January 2019 regarding the activities of the Constitutional Council. I informed on that occasion that I had tabled on 08.12.2016 in Parliament a report containing the guidelines followed by the Constitutional Council in submitting nominations for appointing members to the Independent Commissions laid down in Article 41 (b) of the Constitution and in approving the nominees sent to us by the President for more..

Feb 8 (CT) This is the time to appreciate the performance of political parties in the recent political upheaval. One commemoration staged at Anamaduwa headed by Karu Jayasuriya has been criticised for sectarianism. Among parties representing minority communities there are serious discussions into ethics of performance of various leaders because the last political upheaval divided the Sinhala people into two broad political groups based on the discussion on the Constitution. more..

Feb 8 (CT) The Govt has planned to provide 3,415 hectares (8,500 acres) of land in the lower part of the Mahaweli river valley-connected to the reserve network in the Kandakaduwa and Trikonamadu rainforests of Polonnaruwa District to the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka and those said lands to agricultural and livestock projects to large-scale companies, the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reforms (Monlar) said. more..

Feb 8 (DN) Keppapilavu residents began protesting opposite the Mullaitivu Security Force Headquarters (SFHQ-MLT) on Sunday, January 27, demanding that the military return the land which belongs to them. Villagers of Keppapilavu have been protesting for around two years demanding their land back, backed by certain Colombo-based NGOs. Based on a pledge made by President Maithripala Sirisena to return all military-held lands to their rightful owners by Dec 31, 2018, more..

Feb 8 (Island) Prior to the promulgation of the 19th Amendment, the President�s power to dissolve Parliament had been stated in Article 70(1) of the Constitution. Under this provision, President had the power to dissolve Parliament in the following circumstances. (a) If a General Election has been held consequent to a dissolution of Parliament by the President, President shall not thereafter dissolve Parliament until the expiration of a period of one year from the date of that General Election. more..