Jul 15 (EN) SL�s average coconut prices fell 5.67% to 48,743 rupees for a 1000 nuts at an auction at the second auction in July down 11.8% from a mid-June peak, official data showed. The highest price was 54,100 rupees for 1,000 nuts, down from 57,900 and the lowest 43,000 rupees down from 45000 at the auction conducted by SL�s Coconut Development Authority on July 09. Buyers offered 1,572,828nuts at the auction and sold 1,035,731 nuts. Sri Lanka�s coconut prices have picked up steadily more..

Jul 15 (DM) It is not necessary to impose a lock-down in the country in a situation where the COVID-19 is not widespread, Director General of Health Services, Dr Anil Jasinghe today. �The virus is only confined to some areas,� he said and added that a lock-down has been imposed in certain areas in Rajanganaya where an instructor employed at the East Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centretested positive for COVID-19. more..

Jul 15 (AD) Colombo High Court today acquitted the third defendant in the case of killing of 27 inmates during the prison clashes at Welikada Prison in 2012. The case was taken up before the 3-judge bench of Colombo High Court, consisting of Judges Gihan Kulatunga, Pradeep Hettiarachchi and Manjula Thilakaratne. Speaking on behalf of the Attorney General, Deputy Solicitor General Dilan Rathnayake informed the court that evidence against the defendant in question, more..

Jul 15 (Island) Investigations have revealed that the LTTE cadre who succumbed to injuries caused by a bomb explosion in a house at Iyakachchai, Pallai is responsible for at least three previous bomb explosions and other criminal activities. It has been revealed that the ex-Tiger cadre was paid over Rs. 400,000, which was deposited in his bank account. The suspect had been assembling a bomb to explode on the Black Tiger Day to commemorate their suicide bombers. more..

Jul 15 (Island) PHU leader and SLPP Colombo District candidate at the forthcoming parliamentary polls, Udaya Gammanpila said that SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) was the worst of three US agreements, the other being MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation- Compact) and ACSA (Access and Cross-Servicing Agreement). The ACSA, too, posed quite a danger when operationalized along with the SOFA, more..

Jul 15 (Island) Sri Lankan tea has gained great popularity within the United Kingdom�s National Health Service (NHS) thanks to the Conservative Friends of SL (CFSL) and Akbar Tea Company. When the British Govt imposed lockdown in the UK, Conservative Friends of Sri Lanka arranged for Akbar Premium Tea to be distributed in a massive scale to 23 hospitals, thanks to its volunteer members and well-wishers distributing Tea boxes, within lockdown rules and showcasing more..

Jul 15 (AD) Standard Chartered SL announced today that Brandix is the latest company to complete a drawdown from the Bank�s global USD1 billion COVID-19 financing commitment, underscoring its ongoing efforts to support local businesses in the pandemic response. Standard Chartered�s extension of USD12 million funding will assist the production switch to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across Brandix�s plants in Sri Lanka and India at a time when there is a drastic impact more..

Jul 15 (AP) For months he�s been anonymous, but now Prasad Dinesh, linked by SL authorities to nearly half of the country�s more than 2,600 coronavirus cases, is trying to clear his name, and shed some of the stigma of a heroin addiction at the root of his ordeal. Under Prez Rajapaksa, a former army lt colonel credited with helping end SL�s long civil war in 2009 with a brutal military campaign against separatists, more..

Jul 15 (AD) Two more foreign arrivals have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. They have been detected among recent returnees from UAE and Qatar. With the new cases, a total of 5 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the country. SL has reported a total of 2,670 virus-positive cases so far. Currently, 658 active cases are under medical care at selected hospitals across the island. Meanwhile, the number recoveries from the disease increased to 2,001 earlier today as more..

Jul 15 (RSF) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled by the way a SL police inspector reputedly close to the president was allowed to manhandle and threaten a newspaper photographer outside the courthouse where the inspector is being tried in connection with a prison massacre. This act of intimidation cannot go unpunished, RSF said. �Why are you taking my pictures and who you are to take my pictures?� Inspector Neomal Rangajeewa said as he grabbed Akila Jayawardane outside more..

Jul 15 (DM) PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila has proposed the creation of an index to rate the performance of ministers quarterly. Gammanpila, who is contesting the election from Colombo, said people are expecting a set of ministers who can execute duties well to be appointed under Prez Rajapaksa. "People have a right to know that the appointed ministers are performing well. Those who ill-perform more..

Jul 15 (AD) The Supreme Court has dismissed the Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed by two defendants in the case of the alleged abduction and forced disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. Three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Sisira de Abrew, Gamini Amarasekara and Yasantha Kodagoda delivered the verdict taking up the case earlier today. The FR petitions had been filed by Army Intelligence Officer Lieutenant Colonel Erantha Peiris and more..

Jul 15 (AFP) An image has been shared repeatedly on Facebook and WhatsApp alongside a claim it shows a list of COVID-19 preventive measures issued by Sri Lanka's Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH). The claim is false; the hospital said it did not issue the purported recommendations; SL health officials urged the public to �strictly adhere� to approved COVID-19 guidelines; the purported recommendations in the misleading posts have previously been debunked by health experts. more..

Jul 15 (AI) As much of the island was celebrating the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, senior lawyer and minority and civic rights activist Hejaaz Hizbullah got an unusual call from the Ministry of Health. They said they were worried he may have contracted COVID-19 and advised him to remain at home. Hejaaz had been in touch with the authorities about the pandemic. A day earlier he and others had written to the SL president about his govt�s more..

Jul 16 (GV) The ruling SLPP handsomely won November�s prez election with 52% of the popular vote and is accordingly the clear favourite and front runner to secure victory at the forthcoming general elections to Parliament. Further politically consolidating its premier position has been the post-election development where the political opposition has badly fragmented. A UNP faction led by former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe grabbed the party name and symbol and decamped from the new more..

Jul 16 (CT) Kandakadu COVID-19 Cluster, in the five days to the 24 hours ended as at 10 a.m. on Tuesday (14) has registered 518 patients thus far, according to the Epidemiology Unit (EpU). Kandakadu is the second COVID-19 Cluster after the Welisara Navy Camp Cluster, which during the reference period has registered 950 patients thus far, with the last reported case recorded on Friday (10), which date, paradoxically gave birth to the Kandakadu Cluster according to EpU records more..

Jul 16 (DM) Daily Mirror spoke to Minister Bandula Gunawardena on the economy and how the country would be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Q: Sri Lanka has never defaulted her debt service commitments up to now. But UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe says that it is impossible for the govt to raise US$ 3 billion for 2020 (Rs.550 billion) in the midst of the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. more..

Jul 16 (CT) The Editor of Eethalaya � a monthly news magazine � was interrogated by the CID for four hours over the publication of a report regarding the 2009 murder of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge. Srilal Priyantha who penned the article published in the magazine in 2017 was summoned to the CID on July 13th and questioned for several hours regarding how he obtained information for the report. Sources said that CID officials repeatedly questioned journalist more..

Jul 16 (CT) Kumar Sangakkara is undoubtedly an exceptional person. He had an impressive school career in Trinity College, Kandy where he was Head Prefect and recipient of the coveted Ryde Gold Medal as best all-rounder in 1996 and also the The Trinity Lion for sports. Although he was selected to the Faculty of Law of the Uni of Colombo, he had to abandon his law studies due to cricketing commitments. Perhaps the country has been deprived of the services of an outstanding more..

Jul 16 (DM) Renowned economist, banker and former State Minister Eran Wickramaratne who is on the national list of the SJB said that the govt by hiding important economic information and trying to find short-sighted answers to financial crisis like printing money in a massive way was heading for an economic disaster. Q: Starting with the economy, your govt had to face major economic issues with the Easter Sunday terrorist attack more..

Jul 16 (DM) The detection of more than 300 COVID19-infected patients, the largest in a single day, at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre at Welikanda in the Polonnaruwa District is a wake-up call to all Sri Lankans that the deadly virus is continuing to spread its tentacles across the country and that complacency is not an option. The Health authorities continue to underscore the importance of constant vigilance and the strict adherence to health guidelines, such as more..

Jul 16 (DM) Sajith Premadasa, as the leader of SJB, would theoretically be the party�s PM candidate. SJB, a breakaway faction of the UNP is embroiled in a legal battle with The Mother Party regarding the membership of the renegades. Allegations about doctored documents pertaining to registration are not helping the party either. Legal wrangles aside, the SJB was forced to bat on a sticky wicket. Leader of the coalition was routed at prez election when he contested on UNP ticket. more..

Jul 16 (Island) We have been hearing lengthy and, at times learned, discussions on Treaties in the last few months, especially in the lead up to the Prez election. This rich discourse, occasionally not well informed, has not ceased. Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC) was the main focus of many and generated a highly charged range of views, including a fast unto death, (thankfully, it was called off at the last moment), and the Free Trade Agreement with Singapore also featured prominently more..

Jul 16 (Island) Serious concern has been expressed in some quarters about the Rajapaksa govt�s increasing dependence on the military to have civilian functions performed. Extraordinary situations, however, arise where the military has to be deployed to support public officials. The current national health emergency is a case in point. The govt drew heavy criticism for involving the military in the country�s battle against COVID-19, but it was a wise move. more..

Jul 16 (FT) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wants to purchase four helicopters � to train Lankan pilots engaged in peacekeeping missions in Africa. On 8 July, the Cabinet gave its consent to a helicopter deal that is likely to cost the country millions of dollars. In the meantime, frontline health workers, who risked their lives in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, are being rewarded with pay cuts. more..

Jul 16 (DN) Former SL cricketer Mahela Jayawardena has been elected cricket committee Chairman at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) during their Annual General Meeting held at the club premises last Tuesday. After serving an uninterrupted period of one decade as the Chairman, Samantha Dodanwela opted to step down to give way to his younger colleague Mahela Jayawardena. SSC, a club with a history of over 12 decades has produced some outstanding more..

Jul 16 (CT) For the first time SL Rugby officials have been elevated to the status of a trainer by World Rugby. Following a continuous development programme held recently, WR has recommended Dilroy Fernando and Nihal Viper Gunaratne for accreditation as Trainers. Fernando is an Educator in the Field of Match Officials since 2002 and has delivered programmes across Asian rugby. Gunaratne is an Educator for Coaching since 2007 and has licensed many coaches from SL. more..

Jul 16 (Island) Ministry of Education will scrap competitions for lower age categories from the schools sports calender from next year according to sources. By doing so, the authorities are aiming at discouraging event specific training at lower age categories. Event specific training at lower age categories has been cited by experts as the reason for average or below par performances at senior level specially in track and field sports. more..

Jul 16 (ST) Now living in Canada, Angelo Santiago made his triumphant debut in table tennis in 1968 when he steered his alma mater St. Benedict�s College, Colombo to annex the Junior Schools Championship and the Seniors title the following year. In 1969 Angelo proved his supremacy amongst the schoolboys in the country in outclassing Dammika Gunaratne of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda to win the coveted title. In recognition, he was selected to lead the schools team more..

Jul 16 (DN) How will the Sri Lankan Sports cope up the post Covid-19 and it was elaborated by Jaswar Umar, Secretary of Football Federation of SL (FFSL) to Daily News at a discussion held recently. Sri Lankan domestic sports have played a pivotal role in the entertainment industry up to a certain extent. During this period Rugby, Football and Basketball are some other games, which attract a considerable number of spectators to witness and cheer the local boys, played in a short time span. more..

Jul 16 (FT) Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) yesterday said they were being unfairly maligned, and called for wide ranging legal and regulatory reforms for the industry, including institutional consolidation, a special investigation unit to minimise unregistered companies, provincial financial ombudsmen, and macro-prudential policies more suited for the sector. Finance Houses Association (FHA), more..

Jul 16 (FT) LMD-Nielsen Business Confidence Index (BCI) improved for the first time this year, climbing seven notches to register 96 in June. LMD points out that this places the index higher than a year ago (81) following the Easter Sunday attacks although it remains 21 basis points below its average for the last 12 months. Nielsen�s Director � Consumer Insights Therica Miyanadeniya notes in the latest edition of the magazine that �optimism is on the rise once again and sentiment is positive as more..

Jul 16 (DN) Govt has decided to base the electricity bills for March, April and May on the rate applied in the bill issued for February or the minimum bill received afterwards, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said yesterday. Accordingly, the consumers will be charged the February electricity bill value for each of the months of March, April and May ignoring the amounts indicated in the bills received for these three months when the country was in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic. more..

Jul 16 (DM) Whist stating that another prolonged lockdown will kill Sri Lanka�s economy, former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed that political parties, health experts and other bodies discuss the Public Health Emergency Bill proposed by some opposition parties and enact as soon as new Parliament meet. He came up with is proposal while addressing an election rally in Biyagama yesterday. more..

Jul 16 (ST) DIMO Agribusinesses, the agriculture arm of DIMO, recently officially unveiled its third Agri Techno Park in Lindula establishing its presence in the upcountry region. Located on the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya main road, this 25 acre multi-purpose property is equipped with tea plantation, cultivation tunnels, mushroom and vegetable production/processing facilities, a well-equipped tissue culture laboratory as well as dry and cold storage, DIMO said in a media release. more..

Jul 16 (DM) Acting Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka has agreed to fully support Sri Lanka�s bid to obtain US$ 1.1 billion from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under a proposed special SWAP facility to strengthen the country�s foreign reserves. Central Bank (CB) Governor, Prof. W.D. Lakshman yesterday met with the Acting High Commissioner of India to SL, Vinod K. Jacob to discuss the progress of proposed special SWAP facility of US$ 1.1 billion between Reserve Bank of India and CB. more..

Jul 16 (CT) Three new members have assumed duties as serving members of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of SL (CBSL), pursuant to being appointed to the Board by the President, under section 8(2)(c) of the Monetary Law Act with the approval of the Constitutional Council. Sanjeeva Jayawardena, President�s Counsel, was appointed as a Member of the Monetary Board of the CBSL with effect from 26 Feb 2020, more..

Jul 16 (EN) Sri Lanka�s medical profession is being urged by its peers to act as if there is community transmission of the COVID 19 virus to prevent a calamitous outcome. The Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) in a statement issued yesterday July 14 says the increase in the number of Coronavirus patients and their geographical distribution �compels us to suspect that there is imminent or established community transmission� of COVID 19. more..

Jul 16 (DM) Colombo National Hospital�s (CNH) Burns and Reconstructive Surgical Unit, which was empty during the COVID-19 pandemic, has filled with patients again, the Head of the Surgical Unit Consultant Surgeon Dr. Dulip Perera said. He said that the increasing number of patients with burns has become a social issue. He said 11 patients are currently being treated at the Burns Treatment Unit. �It is tragic that six of them are women. If it's a male patient, cause could have been an accident. more..