Dec 5 (CT) The hearings of the inquest proceedings, into the deaths of 11 prisoners at the Mahara Prison on 29 Nov, is scheduled to be taken up again on 11 Dec at the Wattala/Welisara Magistrate�s Court, pending the Attorney General�s (AG�s) stance on preserving the physical evidence from destruction, especially the bodies of the deceased including the eight who have posthumously tested positive for COVID-19. more..

Dec 6 (Island) In this hi-tech era nobody will dispute the fact that computers eliminate manual drudgery, doing in seconds, or nanoseconds what humans would take hours, days, weeks and even months to perform. It is therefore no cause for surprise that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), responsible for collecting a large share of state revenue, decided to computerize. Better late than never, it can be said. The tax authorities some years ago bought an expensive Revenue Administration more..

Dec 6 (SO) The Coronavirus pandemic may be debilitating, but it does not pose an existential threat to humankind. The numbers certainly look grim (65 million infected, 1.5 million dead), but the good news is that the vaccines are coming, as we discussed in this space last week. It will take until 2024-25 for everyone on the planet to be vaccinated and herd immunity to set in. In the end, the Coronavirus may linger on just like the Flu, but its effect will be greatly diminished. more..

Dec 6 (SO) Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retd) Sarath Weerasekera said the Yahapalana Govt had weakened the national intelligence service to a great extent and took action against intelligence officers based on bogus charges, claims and complaints so that the intelligence units had virtually collapsed. In an interview with Sunday Observer, Minister said that was the very reason for the brutal terrorist attacks on Easter Sunday. more..

Dec 6 (CT) The Muslim community was flabbergasted to read a sweeping statement made by His Eminence the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith which hit the headlines in a local newspaper dated 04/12/2020. In bold letters it read, Easter Attacks, Sharia Law Played Major Part � Cardinal. The report inter alia, stated: �Muslims may consider Sharia Law important, but that does not mean it could be interpreted or introduced as the law of the country and more..

Dec 6 (CT) The Twentieth Amendment augured authoritarianism in Sri Lanka, but though it laid the constitutional framework manifestation has not yet been toxic yet. Democracy in Gotabaya�s Sri Lanka is not lethally imperilled as is India�s subverted democracy, nor is demolition of democratic institutions and electoral impartiality being attempted on a Trump and Republican�t Party scale. A cynic would say �It has not been necessary�. SL�s prez and govt retain overwhelming support; more..

Dec 6 (NIA) In our Foreign Affairs series, we are focusing on Sri Lanka and the country holds a key strategic location. And to talk about that, BW Businessworld speaks with the Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage. Foreign Secretary holds enormous experience as a veteran naval commander and this puts him firmly when looked at broadly from the security and defence aspects. more..

Dec 6 (ST) Prez Rajapaksa this week swore in a new batch of Supreme Court judges asking them to protect the integrity of the Judiciary, and assuring them the independence they require for the dispensation of justice. Coming as it does in the backdrop of legitimate questions on such speedy appointments coupled with a series of recent judgments freeing those currently in high office indicted with corruption charges, such assurances need more than mere words to generate more..

Dec 6 (ST) My dear Pavithradevi, I never thought I would be writing to you again this soon, having written to you for the first time only a few weeks ago- but then, these are extraordinary times, the world is in the grip of a deadly virus and you as our Minister of Health are in the thick of things, so it is not surprising that you are in the news. I don�t think you dislike that either. Why, we remember how you first made it to international headlines, hugging our very first corona virus victim, a Chinese tourist, more..

Dec 6 (SO) Minister Wimal Weerawansa condemned Opposition�s attempt to draw parallels between the Mahara prison riot and national security. He said if the Opposition is saying that national security is threatened based on this isolated incident, it is a joke. Minister told Parliament the riot at the Mahara prison was a planned incident and it was not a demand for PCR tests. He said that the rioters may have been under the influence of drugs that are usually prescribed for serious more..

Dec 6 (Island) Vallibel Finance continued to set the bar soaring with profits before tax (PBT) reaching a high of Rs. 890 Million for the first six months ending Sept 2020. Total assets crossed Rs. 52 billion growing by 4%; resulting in an impressive Balance Sheet, placing the company among Sri Lanka�s largest in terms of assets. �Vallibel Finance has shown its resilience, owing to prudent management skills and sustainable pursuit of growth. Nevertheless, we consistently remain more..

Dec 6 (ST) Sri Lanka is among the 13 countries that suggests names when it comes to naming tropical cyclones. This week�s cyclonic storm Burevi was suggested by the Maldives. India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently published a list of 169 names of tropical cyclones that would emerge in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea in April. Cyclones that form in basins across the world are named by the Regional Specialised more..

Dec 6 (GV) To mark International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Groundviews interviewed Dharini de Mel, a friend and philanthropist for persons with disabilities. Dharini�s introduction to supporting the disabled came quite by chance. Although she had no formal training in the sector, Dharini has decades of experience helping and supporting differently-abled persons. She has learnt along the way that they need to be respected and treated equally, and require emotional support as well as more..

Dec 6 (SO) Former SL fast bowler Chamila Gamage who is the bowling coach of the Dambulla Vikings at the LPL said that working with players from different countries is not an easy job as he has to build up skills to suit the mentality of all individual players. �As a coach I have to work within a limited time of two hours per practice session. Most players are technically sound but I have to look into their mental side of the preparation. They are all professional cricketers but they need advice on tactical more..

Dec 6 (CI) The Dambulla Viiking withstood game-changing innings from Danushka Gunathilaka and Azam Khan, as well as a host of dropped catches, to eventually secure a hard-fought nine run win - their fourth win of the tournament - and with it a place in the semi-finals of the Lanka Premier League. Having been set an imposing target of 208, at 47 for 2 in the sixth over, the Gladiators were in danger of falling behind more..

Dec 6 (DM) The SL Automobile Association in Japan (SLAAJ) requested the Govt to grant permission to import vehicles that they had purchased to fulfill orders before March 20. SLAAJ President Nishantha Meegalla said that all information relating to the purchased vehicles such as the chassis numbers had been submitted to the Japanese Embassy office. �About 1,364 vehicles are stuck at ports in Japan while paying demurrages for their parking arrears. It is a huge cost and a big loss for more..

Dec 6 (ST) Former SL fast bowler Chaminda Vaas believes that emerging left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has the potential of becoming a quality fast bowler in the future. Vaas, who has seen Madushanka�s development from close quarters, believes that he has the dedication and the commitment that a fast bowler requires to be successful in int'l cricket. Noting that Madushanka will have to learn to bowl against international players, Vaas feels the LPL will be an ideal more..

Dec 6 (CI) This was the least competitive match of the tournament so far. After the early overs, the Kandy Tuskers never seemed capable of producing a serious challenge to the Colombo Kings. The Kings chased down a target of 106 with 35 balls and seven wickets to spare.The Tuskers' strongest period in the game was their batting Powerplay. Their top-scorers of the tournament - Kusal Perera & Kusal Mendis - more..

Dec 6 (SO) Soil biodiversity is key to ensure food security, said FAO Representative for SL and the Maldives, Dr. Xuebing Sun in a statement to mark World Soil Day on Dec 5. �Soil is an ecological system and it is a finite resource, meaning its loss and degradation is not recoverable within a human lifespan. Conservation of soil biodiversity and soil organic carbon through sustainable farming practices is essential to improve soil health and agricultural productivity,� said Dr. Sun. more..

Dec 6 (ST) With the Lanka Premier League (LPL) being held successfully, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is now planning to host a national T10 league in February next year. The dates have been fixed for Feb 1-12. SLC has already called for tenders over event rights. However, the Executive Committee on Friday granted one more week for interest parties to submit their expression of interest. The details of the tournament are yet to be finalised but the board is confident of conducting it in February. more..

Dec 6 (TM) The Covid-19 pandemic, and its domino effect on markets across every industry, is continuing to constantly change annual economic traditions. This is especially the case when it comes to the Christmas season, one of the most lucrative holidays for retailers all over the world. December is annually earmarked by both consumers and retailers, for the higher frequency in the buying and selling of nonessential goods more..

Dec 6 (SO) The National Sports Selection Committee headed by Army Commander Lt Gen Shavendra Silva�s recommended seven-member new Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee has been ratified by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa. They will now take stock of all cricket selections including under-19 cricket and women�s teams for the next two years. The new selectors are Ashantha de Mel as the head of the seven member committee and the rest of the members are more..

Dec 6 (SO) The motor vehicle importers said they have no forum today to voice their concerns and that they are being sidelined by the authorities who have repeatedly turned down proposals for a way out of the current crisis. Vehicle Importers Association of Lanka (VIAL) President Indika Sampath Meerenchige said vehicle importers are left in the lurch as they have no place to express their views which have been ignored on several occasions. �We call on govt to create a forum for all industries more..

Dec 6 (TM) The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) recently revisited the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Govt of Sri Lanka and the Govt of Japan on 19 June 2019, which launched the Specified Skilled Workers Recruitment Programme (SSWRP). �In order for the candidates to secure jobs that are available, it is mandatory that they achieve a language proficiency of Level N4 more..

Dec 6 (Island) Claims that the country�s intelligence sector has been restored to its former level and revamped are mere fairy tales, former army commander and SJB MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka said in parliament. Participating in the third reading of the budget debate 2021 under the defence ministry expenditure heads, Fonseka said that it would take at least five to six years to re-streamline an intelligence service. For a complete overhaul and bringing it to optimum level, more..

Dec 6 (TM) This year�s state-sponsored Christmas mass is to be decorated in batik, handloom, and local crafts, the State Ministry for Batik, Handloom, and Local Apparel Products stated. State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara, during a recent visit paid to Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, proposed making arrangements to commemorate this year�s Christmas festivities with a touch of true Sri Lankan identity. During the discussion, Jayasekara suggested that more..

Dec 6 (DE) Although the recent series of riots in SL prisons (which claimed 11 lives) stemmed from the scare over the spread of the coronavirus, the violent agitation has wider and deeper roots, which if recognized and acted upon, could prevent further outbreaks of lawlessness. The history of violence in SL prisons shows that though the immediate causes vary, all are basically rooted in a deeper malaise afflicting the penal and more..

Dec 6 (TM) The prevailing pandemic has brought large changes across all sectors and Sri Lanka�s real estate market has been no exception. Like for many people out there, 2020 has so far been a big question mark in terms of financial stability for those engaged in the real estate industry. The pandemic and its unforeseen impacts � including frequent curfews, limited travel, job cuts, and wage reductions � have a profound negative impact on the country�s real estate market. more..

Dec 6 (MFA) At the outset, I thank H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the General Assembly for convening the Special Session in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as proposed by the Non Aligned Movement and Azerbaijan, Chair of the NAM. I convey my deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 Pandemic the greatest global health crisis to face humanity, and express appreciation to the frontline healthcare and essential services workers in more..

Dec 6 (AD) Bodies of two inmates who died in the recent unrest at Mahara Prison have been identified by their family members. The two inmates, who lived in Ja-Ela and Kiribathgoda, had been remanded over narcotics-related charges. A total of 11 inmates had died in the incident while 106 others and 02 prison officials sustained injuries. It was also revealed that 08 of the deceased inmates had been positive for Covid-19. more..

Dec 6 (SO) GMOA Secretary, Dr. Senal Fernandosaid that the Technical Committee of the Health Ministry should decide whether to permit private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients. He said prior to deciding, discussions should be held with all stakeholders considering all aspects. The final decision should be taken by the Technical Committee of the Health Ministry, he said. The General Committee of the GMOA will meet tomorrow to discuss Covid-19 situation in the country more..

Dec 6 (ST) On the dock MTD Walkers PLC�s problems has exacerbated after the capital market regulator slapped a fine on its directors for violating five rules relating to non-compliance and default. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) fined Rs.1.1 million compounding fee per director, per offence for breaching the listing rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and violating SEC rule number 6 in the SEC Act which captures the mentioned rule of CSE, official sources said. more..

Dec 6 (AD) Sri Lanka has witnessed 07 new Covid-19 related deaths, the Director-General of Health Services confirmed a short while ago. Five of the victims are from Bandaragama, Dematagoda, Colombo 13, Wellampitiya and the remaining two were identified as prison inmates. The new development brings the country�s Covid-19 death toll to 137, Epidemiology Unit data revealed. Details of the newly-reported victims are as follows: more..

Dec 6 (AD) Covid-19 infections registered in SL swept past the grim milestone of 27,000 as 501 more persons were tested positive today (05). 319 of the newly-identified patients are close contacts of earlier cases linked to the Peliyagoda fish market. The remaining 182 have been detected from the prison cluster. Total number of Covid-19 infections confirmed in the country to date now stands at 27,060. Recoveries from the virus meanwhile climbed to 20,090 earlier today, more..

Dec 6 (ST) The Finance Ministry will shortly seek Parliament�s approval to pass a wide range of concessions for the Colombo International Financial Centre (CIFC) coming up in the Chinese-built Colombo Port City, the Sunday Times learns. The concessions would be in addition to those to be granted by the Board of Investment (BOI) to the China Habour Engineering Company (CHEC) which is due to make an investment of US$ 1,001 million. The agreement is to be signed next week. more..

Dec 6 (ST) Some 145 years ago, the British who were ruling Ceylon, were constructing a breakwater in the Colombo Port, still the lifeline of the country from where most imports and exports pass. The metal rocks that form the bulwark to prevent high waves hitting ships from berthing came from the sweat and toil of prisoners. They had located a mountain of rock metal at Mahara, and thereafter positioned a prison adjacent to it. more..

Dec 7 (DM) The great Capitalist crisis in the making over decades has been pushed over the cliff by the Covid-19 pandemic, and its devastation is going to reshape societies. Indeed, as the world sinks under an economic depression, many social institutions built over decades if not centuries are likely to go through tremendous change. How will our ideas about universities change during these times of great social upheaval? Crises inevitably lead to change, and what will be the impact of more..

Dec 7 (TM) While the Burevi cyclone headed out of the country, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, mainly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, the other storms faced by the country in the form of Covid-19 and its challenges, including economic difficulties, continue to hit the nation. It is in this backdrop that Prez Rajapaksa is trying to steer the Govt through choppy seas. Many have been the challenges faced by the country, mainly due to the severe blow dealt by Covid-19 pandemic. more..

Dec 7 (TM) The newly appointed State Minister for Primary Healthcare, Epidemiology, and Covid-19 Control Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle spoke to on the priority areas she would deal with when addressing the many challenges posed by Covid-19. Q: Your new portfolio comes at a very crucial time to the country, with the spread of Covid-19. What are the priority areas identified by you? A: I am looking to improve rural healthcare more..