Sep 26 (TM) This past weekend saw the conclusion of Season 9 of Derana Dream Star, SL�s hottest music reality tv show. This season saw Falan Andrea win the top spot competing against fellow finalists Gihan Bandara and Nuwandhika Senaratne. Falan Andrea was crowned winner at the grand finale of Derana Dream Star Season 9. Fresh off her big win, The Morning Brunch caught up with Andrea to talk about more..

Sep 26 (DM) While world attention is focused on the Covid-19 pandemic which thankfully is under control in SL though a second wave appears to be emerging in the US and some parts of Europe, less attention is being given to another threat that could destroy the world within minutes. This is the threat of nuclear weapons. While the nine countries which posses nuclear weapons have been negotiating non-proliferation treaties, the UN and others including Pope Francis have been repeatedly calling more..

Sep 26 (CT) The economic theorists have advocated, the supply and demand as the basic premise of market equilibrium having no room for exploitation, subject to all other things equal. However, COVID-19 pandemic made us learn the difficulty in keeping everything equal and the catastrophe it created across world and many facets of life. It was apparent that COVID-19 has dramatically changed our way of life, running businesses, trade deals between countries, more..

Sep 26 (DM) Sixty-one years ago on Sept 25, 1959 Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike (SWRDB) the PM of Sri Lanka known as Ceylon then was shot and seriously wounded by a Buddhist monk. Prime Minister SWRD Bandaranaike succumbed to his injuries and passed away the following day. Therefore Sept 26, 1959 got etched as an important date in the post-independence history annals of Sri Lanka. more..

Sep 26 (CT) The United Nations celebrated 75 years last week. In a video conference address to the UN High Level One-Day Conference in celebration of the occasion, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said, �We expect the United Nations not to interfere in the internal affairs of States.� Prez also said the partnership between the Member States and the UN as well as the sustainability of the UN can be achieved to the fullest by taking no country hostage for the benefit of a few. more..

Sep 26 (CT) Though the country is highly polarised based on party politics affinity, we are all in an agreement that the Easter Sunday attack which shocked the nation after the glorious victory over LTTE terrorism was due to the compromisation of national security or taking nation security lightly. When the Easter Sunday attack took place, the immediate question that arose was that who could be behind it, who the culprit could be, at the same time, SL was marking the tenth anniversary more..

Sep 26 (TM) Getting around Colombo safely is sadly something that most women cannot take for granted. On public transport, walking on the street, and even in taxis, women are often subjected to harassment and intimidation from men. Pink Drives is an exclusively female-driven ride-share app and taxi service. Operating on the same model as popular ride-share apps like Uber, PickMe, and Yogo, Pink Drives operates with one notable difference � all Pink Drives drivers are exclusively female. more..

Sep 26 (Island) Cynics pooh-poohed the SL Tourism Development Authority�s boastful claim that Sri Lanka was the Wonder of Asia. But we are convinced of the veracity of that slogan. In fact, this country is not just the Wonder of Asia; it is the Wonder of the World, for it survived the yahapalana govt without becoming a hotbed of ISIS terrorism. On seeing the shameful conduct of the former rulers and their erstwhile trusted lieutenants, blaming one another for their collective failure to more..

Sep 26 (NA) In his address to the high-level meeting of the UNGA on Sept 21 on: The Future We Want, the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism, Prez Rajapaksa asked the UN to place due emphasis on the sovereign equality of member states; observe non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states; and respect their territorial integrity. He also pointed out that partnerships between more..

Sep 26 (TM) Visiting Weligama for the first time since the curfew was lifted, the southern coastal city which was once constantly bustling with tourists looked quite different. Weligama, famous for its surfing, featuring family-friendly waves for surfers of any level of proficiency, and its picturesque beaches, has transformed rather drastically with the absence of tourists walking on the side of the road carrying their surfboards. While the town is missing the many visitors who kept the city alive, more..

Sep 26 (DM) In the mornings now the traffic on the left lane in Colombo areas moves painfully slowly. The word painfully is closely associated with life and politics in Sri Lanka. We as a nation have learned our lessons quite painfully; for example voting for a president like JR Jayewardene (JR) who created a powerful post for him called the executive president. That powerful position JR created for himself gave him wings and made him invincible or better untouchable. more..

Sep 26 (FT) Premier blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) is showing greater bullishness on the property sector committing Rs. 9 billion more to consolidate its dominant industry position in Colombo. JKH announced yesterday that its fully owned subsidiary JK Land Limited, acquired a 26.7% stake in Vauxhall Land Developments Limited (VLDL), an existing subsidiary cum joint venture with Finlays Colombo Ltd for Rs. 5.98 billion. more..

Sep 26 (Island) Aussies were in Galle for the first Test of the series in 2004 and Dean Jones joked in commentary. He said that it took him less than four hours from Singapore to Katunayake but five hours to get to Galle from Katunayake! He was driving home some pertinent points. Travel in Sri Lanka before the highway days was a nightmare. SLC did not raise objections with the television company that employed Jones nor did the Sports Ministry. His criticism was well taken by all and sundry. more..

Sep 26 (Island) President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL (CA Sri Lanka), Manil Jayesinghe recently continued to push companies in Sri Lanka to adopt integrated reporting and integrated thinking if companies were truly keen in remaining sustainable and successful in the long term. Jayesinghe urged companies and professionals to adopt the integrated reporting framework for their maximum benefit as it is an important stepping stone that will not only more..

Sep 26 (Island) The New constitution to be framed should abolish the provincial councils without thinking of holding elections to them, SLPP MP Genvindu Cumaratunga told parliament yesterday. Participating in a debate on the Financial Commission, MP said that the Commission had been introduced under the 13th Amendment resultant from the 1987 Indo-Lanka Peace Accord that had been forced on Sri Lanka by India. more..

Sep 26 (FT) Michael Appleton as New Zealand�s first resident High Commissioner to SL, the country�s Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced. The announcement was made over the Office website of the NZ Govt yesterday. �New Zealand is opening a post in Colombo in 2021 because we are ready to take our relationship with SL to a new level. In our current COVID world, it is more important than ever to have NZ diplomats in the field pursuing our national interest,� Peters said. more..

Sep 26 (DM) Pelwatte Dairy Industries, SL�s leading local dairy producer, is on a renewed mission to meet the domestic milk demand and uplift the socio-economic status of local dairy farmers. This comes in support of Prez Rajapaksa�s recent pledge to empower the local dairy industry and increase the domestic liquid milk production in the next decade. The govt�s National Policy Framework Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour is set to include short-term and long-term plans in collaboration with more..

Sep 26 (CT) SL Test and ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne is confident of a strong comeback to the international arena and said the team is well prepared for any upcoming series. This was revealed at a Media briefing on Thursday (24). Commenting on their preparations for the upcoming series the skipper said: �As players we can only keep practising at this moment. We were engaged in practices since April. more..

Sep 26 (DN) Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that 16 acres of land has been allocated for an elephant park so that elephants could roam free without being chained, and that construction was in its final stages. He said enclosures for elephants would also be constructed and renovated. �The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage will never be closed and steps will be taken to develop it in a proper manner in the future while protecting the rights of the animals,� Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. more..

Sep 26 (Island) Danusha Marine�s state of the art boat yard built with an investment of Rs. 300 million at Payagala was declared open by the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping U.D. Jayalal yesterday morning. The yard was completed early this year, but it was not possible to have an opening ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the management was compelled to commence operations to meet delivery deadlines and the first 20 meter multi day fishing vessel more..

Sep 26 (FT) The SJB claimed that the proposed 20th Amendment (20A) will erode the independence of the Judiciary. SJB MP Manusha Nanayakkara charged that the Govt was eroding judicial independence and laying the foundation to navigate around the laws of the land. Nanayakkara pointed out that the Retired Judges� Association (RJA) had expressed concerns about the proposed 20A, particularly in relation to more..

Sep 26 (AD) Plans are currently underway to construct a cycling path connecting many cities from Colombo Port City access to Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla, the govt announced. In a press release, Western Province Director of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Y.A.G.K. Gunatilleke the project aims to be beneficial to school children, employees, local and foreign tourists and professional cyclists and to create a safe environment for those who travel on bicycles. more..

Sep 26 (AD) Stern action will be taken against those who celebrate the death of the slain underworld figure Ratmalane Roha, says the Senior DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon. Dewamuni Rohana de Silva also known as �Ratmalane Roha� was killed in a shootout with the police at Kochchikade in Negombo on Wednesday night (23). The shootout had unfolded when the suspect was attempting to flee to India in a trawler. He had reportedly opened fire at police officers who had attempted to more..

Sep 26 (Island) Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila alleged that Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had suffered Rs 37 mn loss due to an abortive bid made by the state enterprise to enter the LPG (liquid petroleum gas) in 2008. He said that the CPC had made the attempt in violation of an agreement with Shell and Laugfs Gas to supply its entire output of LPG from the Sapugaskanda refinery to the above mentioned companies. more..

Sep 26 (FT) It�s official, the world�s biggest book sale is back in Sri Lanka! Taking an innovative approach, The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2020 will move to an online platform this year, The Readers Portal live for 24 hours a day from 1 to 4 Oct. The website was officially launched at a press briefing held in Colombo by ProRead Lanka Ltd. Director Nishan Wasalathanthri, along with Co-Founders of the Big Bad Wolf Books Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng as well as Big Bad Wolf Book Sale more..

Sep 26 (DM) The case involving the suspicious death of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen was adjudicated in the Colombo High Court yesterday as former Chief JMO of Colombo Prof. Ananda Samarasekera who was the suspect in this case, had passed away. HC Judge Manjula Thilakaratne considering the submission made by the counsel who appeared in court on behalf of the relatives of the former JMO asserted that Prof Ananda Samarasekera had passed away. more..

Sep 26 (DM) An oral question raised by SJB MP on Dr. Safi of the Kurunegala Hospital who was accused of sterilising Sinhalese women, caused heated arguments among ruling party and SJB MPs. Argument flared up when MP Wijesiri referred to Justice Minister Ali Sabri's attire. "We thought that people who belong to Viyath Maga would answer oral questions with responsibility. We thought they would do better. more..

Sep 26 (CT) Former Prez Sirisena and former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe are planning to make special revelations before the PCoI, probing Easter Sunday terror attacks, when they testify next month Sirisnea is scheduled to give evidence on 5 Oct, while Wickremesinghe is slated to do the same 24 hours later. To date, in most of the testimonies given before the Commission by various top officers of previous regime, serious allegations had been levelled against both Sirisena and Wickremesinghe. more..

Sep 26 (FT) The CAA last night announced a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for coconuts ranging from Rs. 60 to Rs. 70 per nut. The MRP has been imposed in 3 categories based on circumference of the nuts. Coconuts with circumference over 13 inches can be sold at Rs. 70 per nut, between 12-13 inches at Rs. 65 per nut and below 12 inches at Rs. 60 per nut. CAA said that no producer, distributor, or trader shall sell, expose, or offer for sale, or display for sale coconuts above the MRP. more..

Sep 26 (PMD) Prez Rajapaksa has directed the officials to treat all verbal orders issued for the common good of the people as circulars to be implemented. �Those who neglect this will face stern action� Prez added. He made these directives at the Discussion with Villagers forum which commenced today (25) at Velanwita village in Haldummulla, Badulla. �I expect public officials to consciously comprehend the problems of the people and more..

Sep 26 (DM) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva has been named as the Chairperson of the Finance Committee. This was announced by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella. However both Mr. Kiriella and Dr. de Silva said the committee is yet to be appointed though the latter's name has been sent to the Speaker. " My name is sent as per the standing orders under which it has been decided that an opposition MP is appointed to the chairmanship of Finance Committee" he said. more..

Sep 26 (CT) Supreme Court decided to remove legal powers vested with an Attorney-at-Law who had been convicted of soliciting a bribe of Rs 300,000 for not appearing in a legal case and then continuing to ignore appearing for the case, for a period of 7 years. A 3-Judge Bench of the SC comprising Justices Vijith K. Malalgoda, S. Thurairaja and Preethi Padman Surasena perused the case. Bench also ordered the convicted Attorney-at-Law to return the amount more..

Sep 26 (CT) Director General of SL Customs, Retired Maj Gen G.V. Ravipriya said they will soon be repatriating 21 waste containers that had arrived from the UK last year. A total of 263 waste containers came to SL, of which 130 (in 40 foot containers) had been cleared by the Hayleys Group and unloaded in the Katunayake EPZ. After the Court order, they have reloaded that waste into 330 containers (20 foot containers). more..

Sep 26 (FT) Today, 26 Sept 2020, is the 61st death anniversary of SL�s fourth PM S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. A gun and a bullet ended his life, but what really killed him was the unmitigated avarice of a person who was the opposite and a disgrace to the message of Buddha. That person was the Chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Temple, a businessman who knew no ethics nor morality, Mapitigama Buddharakkitha. It is not befitting to call this person a Buddhist Monk as he was anything but more..

Sep 26 (FT) Last week (15 Sept) International Democracy Day was celebrated and we in Sri Lanka also celebrated it with statements made by the PM and the Leader of the Opposition confirming SL�s commitment to democracy. But how deep and how widespread and how true is our commitment to democracy, besides voting periodically at elections? We are right in the middle of the first of a series of challenges that we will face. The 20th Amendment that is widely discussed does more than more..

Sep 26 (DM) Underworld figure Kosgoda Tharaka, who is remand custody has made a statement to the CID that a Prison Commissioner had allegedly received monetary gifts from notorious underworld criminal Makandure Madush, while Madush was staying in Dubai, Deputy Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris said. He made this statement before the Galle Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela yesterday when the case in relation to posing death threats on prison officials was taken up yesterday. more..

Sep 26 (AD) An individual has been arrested over the possession of heroin and Kerala Cannabis. The arrestee has been identified to be a math tuition class teacher from Modara area. Police have found 150 grams of heroin and 6 kilograms of cannabis on the suspects. The total worth of the narcotic drugs recovered from the suspects is nearly Rs 5.5 million. During preliminary investigations, the tuition teacher has revealed that he engaged in the racket to buy a luxury vehicle for his wife. more..

Sep 26 (AD) Four individuals including the sister of underworld drug trafficker Kudu Anju arrested over an attempt to celebrate the death of another underworld figure Ratmalane Roha, have been remanded. The arrestees were produced at the Mount Lavinia District Court earlier today (25) and were ordered to be remanded until Sept 28. Dewamuni Rohana de Silva also known as Ratmalane Roha was killed in a shootout more..