Feb 13 (CT) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa�s Govt is intensifying its witch hunt against journalists just two months after assuming power in a prez election. SL Foreign Service officer Gihan Indragupta who is the spouse of New York Times Colombo reporter and former Sunday Observer Editor Dharisha Bastians has been summarily recalled to Colombo on the orders of Prez Rajapaksa. Colombo Telegraph learns that the Govt is hoping more..

Feb 13 (GV) When talking about conflicts around land in eastern Sri Lanka, explanations based on ethnic identity spring to mind. Sri Lanka�s ethnic majority, for example, is seen as having the right to cultivate their ancient lands in Gal Oya, or they are seen as occupying the traditional homelands of Tamil-speaking people. Such arguments are rooted in the notion that the powerful State has expanded its control over land through ethnicised colonisation. This notion, in turn, more..

Feb 13 (TM) On Independence Day, the presidential address touched on several topics, ranging from public administration and corruption to eradicating poverty in the country. Reforming the current system in order to promote an environment where Sri Lankans could thrive and prosper was a promise made � a large part of which was economic freedom. While the President veered clear of more controversial topics, this focus on reform was promising. more..

Feb 13 (CT) Minister of Mahaweli Development, Roshan Ranasinghe, says the SLFP must not be allowed to contest under the SLPP, and to bargain for positions. "I challenge them to contest the parliamentary election alone," he said. Q: Are you satisfied with the way the new Prez governs the country? A: The way the country is governed is excellent and practical. Prez proposed a programme that can be practically implemented. more..

Feb 13 (DM) Pride of the Nation was historically displayed on 4th February, with the Tri Forces and Police taking pride of place!!! Seventy-two years of Independence are indeed cause for celebration but the question is with the country in such economic and political chaos, did it warrant a celebration of the caliber put on display? After all, the people of a country, any country, are a Nation�s Pride and if they aren�t, they should be! Since I want to comment lucidly on the fallacy of our Independence, more..

Feb 13 (DM) In so many ways, the outbreak of the Coronavirus is probably the first global health disaster of the social media age. The virus outbreak, its spread and all the quirky cures that have come up � drinking alcohol excessively kills the virus was one of the best � all come out first on the web. Li Wenliang, the doctor from Wuhan who first warned colleagues of the virus in December did so an online message board. His later run-ins with the Chinese authorities who wanted to silence him more..

Feb 13 (DT) Island republics can advantageously secure global outreach as well as serve as spearheads in international competition. Growing dependence over maritime trade and its efficacy to serve as a trading nerve center renders all maritime transactions as part of a broader Sea Lines of Communications Matrix. In this arrangement, global powers aim to gather support from allies that have enhanced littoral potential. Between the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and more..

Feb 13 (Island) It looks as if the national military were the only efficient institution in this country. Hardly anything important gets done without the involvement of the armed forces. Having defeated terrorism, the army now performs civilian functions as well. Public health officers are dependent on soldiers to carry out their dengue eradication programmes. The coastal conservation authorities are in a slumber, and the army has to clean the beaches. (Navy is running turtle hatcheries!) more..

Feb 13 (FT) SL apparel industry yesterday called for a number of measures from the Govt, including electronic documentation, e-commerce mechanisms, law reforms, and the introduction of a relatively new model of business enhancing offshore activities. At the SL Apparel Export Association�s AGM, SLAEA Chairman Rehan Lakhany said the measures were important in boosting the industry, more..

Feb 13 (Island) The time has arrived for us to think of potential negative consequences of the unbridled and unrestrained attacks made on the judiciary consequent to the release of the Ranjan Ramanayake audio clips to the mass media . Many of these attacks have been made by politicians whose primary objective is to gain political mileage at the expense of fundamental values that underlie the judicial system. The distinctive feature of these attacks have been its intensely political more..

Feb 13 (Island) Reflecting a strong turnaround in Q3 profits for the year 2019/20, the Singer Group reported consolidated profit after tax of Rs. 341.4 million, compared to Rs.17.4 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The mainstays of this significant improvement was due to growth across key product categories as a result of targeted marketing efforts, an improvement in gross margins as well as a reduction in the Group�s finance costs. more..

Feb 13 (DN) All-rounder Thisara Perera who at the beginning of the year joined the Gajaba Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army as a Major has been recalled to the Sri Lanka cricket squad of 20 named for the ODI and T20I series against West Indies starting later this month. The West Indies ODI cricket team led by hard hitting all-rounder Kieron Pollard arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday for a series of 3 ODIs and 2 T20Is. more..

Feb 13 (ST) Govt�s action in abolishing the Debt Repayment Levy (DRL) with effect from Jan 1 this year could inflict Rs. 20 billion in losses in tax revenue affecting the debt sustainability exercise of the country, tax consultants said. However they noted that the banks will gain from this action and it can pass the benefit to customers as they will have cash in hand. The local banking sector welcomed the move stating that that it is a respite for them at a time when the Govt�s relief packages more..

Feb 13 (ST) SL Volleyball Federation (SLVB) will implement a model it created, following the junior structures of world�s top ranked countries, when the 20th DSI Supersport Volleyball Championship begins for 2020 from March. This was revealed by A.S. Nalaka, the General Secretary of SLVB, at the launch of the 20th DSI Supersport Volleyball Championship 2020 in Colombo on Thursday. �We have come a long way with this competition, and SLVB is really keen to bring up a system more..

Feb 13 (FT) Depositors and employees of beleaguered The Finance Company (TFC) appealed for the President and the PM to intervene and revive the ailing entity, faulting the Central Bank for what they termed as inadequate and irresponsible oversight in the last decade, and outlining plans to stage a protest at Galle Face on Friday. A coalition of TFC employees and depositors yesterday told reporters that they were facing more..

Feb 13 (FT) Colombo Chamber of Commerce (CCC) yesterday commended the Govt�s decision to remove Withholding Tax (WHT) to ease doing business of micro, small, and medium enterprises. CCC President Saranga Wijeyrathne, commenting on the move of the Govt to remove WHT on salaries, interest, rent, and dividends, noted it was a progressive step for micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) of the country. Commenting on the subject, CCC Treasurer more..

Feb 13 (DN) Chairman of the Tea Exporters Association Sanjaya Herath yesterday advocated that the Colombo Tea Auction should be automated like in other tea producing and exporting countries such as India and Kenya. �The use of technology is important in both the tea manufacturing and export sectors. The automation of the Colombo Tea Auction should be done as soon as possible, which should slash the procurement costs for the exporters, Herath said. more..

Feb 13 (AD) Israel has stated that it is ready to strengthen bilateral relationships with Sri Lanka especially by providing its well-developed technological capabilities to the various sectors of the economy. This was mentioned during a meeting between Israeli Ambassador to Sri Lanka Resident in New Delhi, Mr. Ron Malka and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (12). more..

Feb 13 (Island) The Upali Group, its employees and sales agents have made arrangements to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the disappearance of their founder, Upali Wijewardene, with religious ceremonies and blood donation campaigns. A special bodhi pooja will be held at the Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya at 6 p.m. Alms will be offered to the Maha Sangha at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya. Ten needy children from the Helena Wijewardene Maha Vidyalaya, more..

Feb 13 (Island) The 300 MW West Coast Power Plant at Kerawalapitiya stopped operating on February 3 as it ran out of fuel. It had 1,500 tonnes of bonded fuel belonging to the CPC, but could not make use of it without approval, according to a senior official. The plant, however, had secured 4,000 tonnes of fuel sufficient for two to three days. The private combined cycle generator was shut down for want of fuel on Feb 3, leading to 2 to 2.5 hour power cuts in most parts of the country. more..

Feb 13 (DM) Following the awareness campaigns conducted regarding the harmful effects caused by milk powder to all organs of the human body, those milk powder companies had increased their promotion costs ten times than before, GMOA Secretary Dr. Haritha Aluthge said. He said the profits gained by milk powder importing companies have become low. "Now those companies have to consider their more..

Feb 13 (IPS) Sri Lanka is well recognised as a leader in gender-equal education in the developing world; World Bank statistics show that primary and secondary school enrollments and completion rates are similar for girls and boys, while girls have higher enrollment and retention rates in upper secondary and tertiary education. SL also appears to do relatively well in terms of gender representation in the broad field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. more..

Feb 13 (ST) Under ILO rules, the minimum age for children to engage in mild work is between 14 to 15 years of age. Likewise for anyone to be involved in a hazardous occupation, he or she MUST be over the age of 18 years. Unfortunately among poorer sections world-wide this rule is often observed in the breach. Children from our fisher community are among those to whom these ILO rules do not apply. Young children often join their parents to draw in the catch, beach incoming boats and separate more..

Feb 13 (FT) Attorney General Dappula De Livera yesterday said he had neither the power nor the authority to stop cases that were pending within any court even though some cases may be under investigation by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) probing political victimisation. The AG was responding to a letter from Acting IGP Chandana Wickremaratne seeking advice from the AG on the procedure for investigations more..

Feb 13 (DM) Referring to the incident in which the Gampaha District Forest Officer rejected the proposal to construct a playground at the Kadolkele mangrove in Negombo, Environment and Wildlife Minister S.M. Chandrasena said State Minister Sanath Nishantha Perera would have been ignorant of the Wildlife Protection Act when dealing with the situation. Addressing a news briefing, he said the approach taken by the District Forest Officer to tackle the situation was commendable. more..

Feb 13 (CT) Minister of Information and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana has decided to implement royalty payments for songs broadcast on radio and other electronic media with effect from 1 March. He said the relevant Gazette Notification will be issued for this purpose. Under the Intellectual Property Act, it has been agreed to pay royalty for the publication of songs, and since 1 March, the singer, writer and musician will be entitled to that payment. more..

Feb 13 (DM) The tremor of the 5.4 magnitude earthquake which struck the North Indian Ocean last morning was felt by the people in Galle, Matara and Colombo districts, the DMC said. The earthquake shook the North Indian Ocean at 2.34 am yesterday at a depth of 10 km from the surface and there was no apparent Tsunami threat to the country. The location was identified as 5.14 Latitude North and 83.48 Longitude East near more..

Feb 13 (FT) The monthly income of 95 bus depots out of a total of 107 depots belonging to the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has increased to Rs. 4,500,000 per depot, the Passenger Transport Management Ministry said in a statement yesterday. While the remaining 12 depots are making losses, a number of suggestions for improvements have been made at a meeting between SLTB officials and Passenger Transport Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Tuesday. more..

Feb 13 (Island) Mulaitivu Magistrate S. Lenin Kumar, ordered a police investigation following the detection of human skeletal remains in a site near Mankulam Hospital yesterday. A group of construction workers carryng out excavations found some pieces of metal. Suspecting that the area may contain unexploded ordnance including landmines, they alerted the police. A de-mining team that began clearing the area found human bones. The area was cordoned off by the Police, who reported the find to more..

Feb 13 (TM) State Minister Sanath Nishantha called a press conference today (12) to respond to a video that has gone viral on social media. The video depicts a Forest Department officer refusing to allocate mangrove land in Negombo for the construction of a play ground for children of the fishing community. Nishantha told reporters that the issue arose when he called a meeting to inquire into the progress of more..

Feb 13 (DM) India is likely to respond positively to the request by PM Mahinda Rajapaksa to grant a moratorium for the repayment of loans obtained. PM made this request during his bilateral talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi last week. The Indian govt can respond to it after obtaining Cabinet approval only. Sri Lanka�s outstanding loan component from India including interest is US$ 962 million. Debt service payment due for this year with interest is US$ 169.7 million. more..

Feb 13 (DM) In a bid to face the impending power crisis, the cabinet approval has been granted for emergency purchase of 100 MWs for six months and another 128 MWs for a year on a memo submitted by Power, Energy and Commuter Transport Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Minister Amaraweera has appraised the cabinet on the prevailing drought in the country and the fast receding water levels at main reservoirs that had affected the hydro power generation. more..

Feb 13 (Island) A Simmering controversy over massive kickbacks received by former CEO of SriLankan Airlines Kapila Chandrasena and his wife Priyanka Wijenayaka to influence the acquisition of 10 airbuses and leasing of four other aircraft and the subsequent termination of the leasing agreements for three aircraft, A 350-900, has taken a new turn with a revelation that the then Minister Kabir Hashim informed the Cabinet more..

Feb 13 (DM) Hard on the heels of the Forensic Audit Reports on the CB Bond Scams covering two time slots -- one during the tenure of then CB governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, from July 1, 2006 to Jan 9, 2015 under Mahinda Rajapaksa govt and the other during the tenure of then CB governor Arjuna Mahendran, from Jan 26, 2015 to June 30, 2016 under the Maithripala-Ranil govt -- comes the controversial Airbus Deal with one no less sordid or repugnant than the other. more..

Feb 13 (DM) Yes, ragging has now become an act of cruelty and sadism committed by some of the senior students of SL Universities on newly admitted students. Often overseen, it appears helplessly or intentionally, by the University administrations. Jaffna University senior students in Kilinochchi have taken sadism against their juniors to such disgraceful levels that their victims, as a means of escape, have resorted to commit suicide or to abandon their dreams of higher education. more..

Feb 13 (DM) A YouTube video going viral on social media has a state official going one-on-one with a politician. Well, not exactly one-on-one because the politician had in his corner what could be assumed was a section of his constituency. Not exactly in the corner. They were in the ring, so to speak. It was a discussion about encroachments. The politician, Sanath Nishantha Perera (MP, Puttalam District, UPFA) is the State Minister more..

Feb 13 (DM) The UNP is hit by another political storm these days triggering fears whether the grand old party of Sri Lanka is teetering on the brink of another major split on the scale of the debacle that it experienced in 1990 when its stalwarts Gamini Dissanayake and Lalith Athulathmudali defected from the party and caused a dent in its traditional vote base. The present crisis has been exacerbated after the Elections Commission recognized more..

Feb 13 (FT) Indicating that former Prez Sirisena could face challenges in getting nominations from the SLPP, State Minister Keheliya Rambukwella claimed that they were considering the statement made by Sirisena that he would retire to Polonnaruwa after completing his presidential term and therefore were unsure of him contesting the polls. Minister referred to the statement he claimed former Prez Sirisena had made in more..

Feb 13 (ST) A young woman who was seriously injured when an unauthorised pandal put up to welcome then Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa collapsed in Maharagama will never walk again, doctors have confirmed. Meanwhile, the victim alleges that those responsible for erecting the pandal are now threatening her not to file legal action against them. Sulari Laknima (27) from Rathgama, Galle, had come to more..