Apr 19 (ST) In celebration of 125 years of cricket legacy between Wesley College and St. Benedict�s College, schools launched an annual Bens-Wesley cricket encounter, which becomes the latest addition to the local Big Match fleet. At a launched held on Wednesday at the Hilton Colombo amidst a gathering of schools administrations, old boys of both the schools and the other dignitaries. On this occasion, the prestigious shield and the cup were unveiled with the jerseys, more..

Apr 19 (Island) SL�s sovereignty has taken centre stage thanks to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) Bill. The Opposition and its allies are all out to scuttle it, claiming that it will severely undermine the country�s sovereignty, which the govt vows to protect at any cost. The UNP has joined others in challenging the Bill in the Supreme Court. This, it has done while seeking to justify its decision to appoint its leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to Parliament via the National List; more..

Apr 19 (GV) Days after the presidential election of 2010, the Rajapaksa siblings gathered to enjoy an evening of musical extravaganza. Organised by the state-owned ITN and titled Jaya Jayawe (Victory Victorious), the show was billed as a Musical tribute to the Heroes of the Nation. The evening began with a lullaby about how King Mihindu and his Chief General Gotabaya saved Mother Lanka from demons. more..

Apr 19 (CT) SriLankan Airlines is strengthening its presence in the North American and European markets through the expansion of its existing codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, with additional connections to serve various cities in these regions. This codeshare would expand across 10 cities in six countries covering Canada, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Scotland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Vipula Gunatilleka, CEO SriLankan Airlines said: �The expansion of our partnership with Qatar more..

Apr 19 (EN) Sri Lanka�s rupee has plunged to 199 to the US dollar in March as vehicle imports collapsed to almost nothing, official data showed as domestic credit driven by printed money, recovered. SL�s vehicle registrations fell to 3,556 units in March 2021 down from 13,219 units in March 2020 when a lockdown started and down from 34,475 units in January 2020. Motor car registrations fell to just 149 units in March 2020, down from 1,165 units a year earlier and 2,526 units in Jan 2020, more..

Apr 19 (FT) Central Bank on Friday adjusted regulations for the repatriation of export earnings for the second time this month, expanding the time given to exporters from two weeks to 30 days to convert 10% of their earnings into local currency. The monetary authority issuing a new gazette announced the change on Friday. CB earlier this month changed the mandatory requirement of converting 25% of exporter more..

Apr 19 (CT) Football history in Sri Lanka will be re-written with the launch of the high-profile Super League (featuring 10 elite clubs) from today, which will be SL�s first ever encounter with a domestic tournament where the quality of play at times will meet international standards. The Super League will go into the history books as the first ever semi-professional football league. After almost two years in the planning stage, the inaugural event will become country�s 2nd professional league more..

Apr 19 (FT) Movement restrictions were yesterday imposed in Thiththawalyaya, Kurunegala after several COVID-19 patients were detected in the area. After a businessman in the area tested positive for the virus, 72 of his contacts were subjected to testing and 29 COVID-19 positive persons were detected among them. �All houses have been quarantined and movement restrictions have been imposed with the use of Police roadblocks due to the high risk of persons getting infected with more..

Apr 19 (TM) The current SL national cricket players have agreed without much dispute to the novel performance-based paying scheme included in their annual contracts now on the discussion table at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). �They (the players) don�t have any issues on the (newly included) performance-wise scheme. Nothing on that,� confirmed Ashley de Silva who is SLC CEO and current Secretary of the Management more..

Apr 19 (DN) The touring Bangladesh Cricket Team wrapped up a successful Intra-Squad warm-up match in Katunayake yesterday, as they began their preparations for next week�s Test series against SL. After their batsmen had piled up 314 for six on the opening day, the Bangladesh bowlers got their act together well with a pleasing performance on day two. Left-arm seamer Taijul Islam was the most impressive as he captured three wickets for 38 during a controlled spell of bowling under more..

Apr 19 (Island) SL have competed well in patches in their recent outings in Test match cricket, but they have lacked the killer blow instinct. Too often we have seen, Mickey Arthur�s side doing all the hard work in a game and spoiling that all � often in a session. A dramatic collapse, dropped catches, poor reviews, injuries or lackluster bowling have hurt the team. The main issue they need to address is that lack of application by batsmen who have thrown it away with some brainless cricket. more..

Apr 19 (Island) There were local and foreign forces bent on thwarting SL�s development efforts, Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali Sabry said addressing the media on Port City Economic Commission Bill. �There are the people who want us to remain where we are,� Minister said. Minister Sabry said that the SL laws would apply to the Port City. If arbitration failed and two or more parties wanted to take legal action, more..

Apr 19 (FT) A total of 610 persons tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend and the number of COVID-19 positive persons detected in the island has risen to 96,796. 357 patients detected yesterday include 281 persons from sub-clusters related to the Peliyagoda cluster and six persons from the Prisons cluster. On Saturday, 200 persons from sub-clusters related to the Peliyagoda cluster, 46 SL returnees from abroad, four persons from the Prisons cluster, and three foreigners tested positive more..

Apr 19 (SLN) Christian Commemoration and Thanksgiving Service organized in connection with the 70th anniversary of the SL Navy was held at the Christ the King Chapel in Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee on 17th April 2021. The spiritual ceremony which was conducted by the clergy including the His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Christian Noel Emmanuel, Bishop of Trincomalee was presided over by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne. more..

Apr 19 (AD) Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith says that the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks were politically driven. He claims that the Eater attacks were not carried out over religious extremism but a group that attempted to strengthen their political power by using religious extremism as a pawn. Urging not to use religion, language, or race to harm another, the Archbishop of Colombo advised one to be free of more..

Apr 19 (Island) Sri Lanka will become a victim of the ongoing power struggle between China and the US and India for supremacy in the Indian ocean region if the proposed Colombo Port City went ahead as planned, says the JVP�s lawyers wing. Addressing the media at the Centre for Society and Religion in Colombo, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala said that the proposed Port City was a threat to national security as it would certainly raise security concerns for India, too. more..

Apr 19 (Island) There had been 52 deaths in 399 traffic accidents countrywide during the past five days. Starting from 6 am on April 13 to 6 am yesterday, there had been 399 accidents causing 52 deaths and injuring 669. Most of the fatalities had been due to head- on collisions. The highest number of deaths was among motorcyclists and pedestrians, DIG Rohana said, adding that 2,242 vehicles had been taken into custody over accidents and drunk driving during the five days. more..

Apr 19 (Island) Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says that the proposed Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill is consistent with the Constitution. Minister insists the Bill received the sanction of the Attorney General. He explained to the media the circumstances under which the incumbent govt had initiated the proposed Bill. He did so having briefed Ven. Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera as regards the current political developments, more..

Apr 19 (CB) Muttiah Muralitharan was admitted to a hospital in Chennai on Sunday (17) morning for cardiac treatment. Last heard, the Sri Lanka's cricket legend is doing fine and is totally out of danger. According to Sunrisers Hyderabad officials, Muralitharan went for a check-up and on the advice of the doctors he got himself treated immediately. The 49-year-old Lankan, the record holder of highest Test wickets with 800 scalps, is a mentor of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team. more..

Apr 19 (DN) The increase in exports to the pre-pandemic levels, the notable increase in workers� remittances and the relative stability in the domestic foreign exchange market supported Sri Lanka�s external sector in February 2021. The trade deficit in February 2021 broadly remained unchanged at the level reported a year ago. In the financial account, both foreign investment in the govt securities market and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) recorded net outflows in February 2021. more..

Apr 19 (CT) Second Term of all Govt schools will commence today, in compliance with instructions given by Health authorities, according to a Circular issued by the Ministry of Education. Taking into account the prevailing conditions regarding health care, Education Ministry has made necessary arrangements in the event of an emergency. Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera said until the Director General of Health submits new more..

Apr 19 (AD) SL Customs has informed the 02 remaining importers to re-export their coconut oil stocks containing carcinogens. Katana Refineries, one of the three importers whose oil stocks were found to contain an overdose of carcinogenic Aflatoxin, has re-exported its entire 105 metric tonnes of unrefined coconut oil back to Malaysia. Meanwhile, Ali Brother had brought down a total of 1513.7 metric tonnes of carcinogenic coconut oils in 04 containers and Edirisinghe Edible Oil more..

Apr 19 (NF) Kalyani Hewapathirana, Director of the Fisheries Operation Division of Ministry of Fisheries said the SL Mission in Myanmar communicated the decision to SL. Myanmar Prisons Department had pardoned and freed them from jails under a New Year amnesty program, which took place on Saturday. Earlier, SL govt has requested the Myanmar govt to release the detained SL fishermen and the Director of the Fisheries Operation Division said more information on the release more..

Apr 19 (FT) The SJB yesterday exposed serious flaws in the new Govt�s plans for the ambitious and multibillion dollar Port City project and called for inclusion of proper regulation to make it a success. SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told journalists yesterday there was an urgent need for credibility of legislation, financial regulation and clarity about checks and balances for attracting the anticipated high-end investors and more..

Apr 19 (DM) Govt says the proposed fake news law is currently being discussed by the Cabinet. Justice Minister Ali Sabry said that freedom of expression cannot be abused. He noted that countries like Singapore have a Prevention of Online Falsehood and Manipulation Act. The Justice Minister said that even Malaysia and India have controls over fake news. Ali Sabry said that the new online laws in Sri Lanka will ensure National security and unity among communities and public privacy are protected more..

Apr 19 (FT) Two deaths over the weekend in Galigamuwa due to alcohol poisoning once again highlights the need for stringent regulation and control over the quality of products and production. In addition to the deaths, one other person is in hospital in serious condition following a party at a residence. All three persons collapsed soon after consuming a toddy-like product, and two were pronounced dead upon admission to hospital. Police are conducting further investigations. more..

Apr 19 (CT) State Minister Ajith Nivard Cabraal told the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters yesterday that the Colombo Port City, which is under construction has been gazetted as a territory belonging to Sri Lanka and that all work there will be carried out according to the laws of this country. Minister visited the Chief Prelates on the instructions of Prez and PM yesterday and informed them how the Port City will operate. more..

Apr 19 (FT) Open University�s marketing guru Prof Nalin Abeysekera of Marketing in Sinhalese fame in a recent webinar hosted by Central Bank�s Centre for Banking Studies set the ground conditions for having a creative economy for the country�s future development. Delivering the opening remarks for the webinar, CB Governor Deshamanya Prof W.D. Lakshman called for a paradigm shift in the thinking of the economy today given the two external shocks � Easter Sunday bomb attack of 2019 and more..

Apr 19 (FT) It is hypocritical for a political coalition that demonised the then Govt and minorities by vigorously promoting the principle of one country, one law, to then propose to carve out the Port City development as a geographical area exempt from many of the laws and practices prevalent in the country. Those who sow the wind, reap the whirlwind. Because of this hypocrisy, the Govt has great difficulty doing what it knows is the right thing for the country. more..

Apr 19 (SLN) A special operation conducted by the Navy and Mannar Police in Muddalampiddi, Mulankavil today (18) led to the apprehension of 3 suspects with over 89kg of Kerala cannabis. As an extension of anti-drug operations conducted by SL Navy, the North Central Naval Command carried out this operation with the assistance of Mannar Police in Muddalampiddi area today. During the operation, the raiding party had searched a suspicious truck at Sippiaru Bridge and found over 89kg of more..

Apr 19 (AD) Minister of Education Prof G.L. Peiris announced that a decision has been taken to reopen all universities in SL on April 27. He said that the universities will be reopened for academic activities while strictly following health guidelines. However, he said that due to an issue existing with regard to reopening hostels, only third year and fourth year students will be brought in at the start. Classes for first year and second year students are expected to commence afterwards, the minister said, more..

Apr 19 (CI) Dilhara Lokuhettige, the former Sri Lanka allrounder, has been banned from all cricket for eight years by the ICC anti-corruption tribunal after being found guilty of breaching the ICC's anti-corruption code on three counts. Lokuhettige had been slapped with corruption charges in April 2019, five months after the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) had also charged him. The charges relate to the 2017 T10 tournament more..

Apr 19 (Island) Hemas Consumer, the leading manufacturer and distributor in Sri Lanka�s beauty and personal care sector has strengthened its portfolio of offerings in a groundbreaking partnership with the world�s number one beauty company, L�Or�al. With this partnership Hemas Consumer obtains distributor rights to leverage its sales network and innovative marketing approaches in taking L�Or�al�s wide range of beauty and personal care brands across Sri Lanka. more..

Apr 19 (AD) Themed Sri Lanka � Asia�s Next Growth Haven, the SL Investment Forum (SLIF) 2021 jointly organized by the Board of Investments (BOI), The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the Colombo Stock Exchange will kick off on the 7th of June 2021 on a virtual platform. SLIF 2021 will showcase to the world, SL�s attractiveness as an investment destination through the exposition of a blend of Mega Projects, Strategic Investment Initiatives, Private Equity Opportunities and more..

Apr 19 (CI) Sri Lanka are seventh in the Test rankings, and have not won a match against top-nine opposition since Aug 2019. Bangladesh are ranked ninth and are coming off a difficult 2-0 Test defeat at home to West Indies. ESPNcricinfo looks at some of the biggest challenges the two teams will attempt to overcome through the course of their two-Test series in Pallekele. To win in SL, spinners generally need to take a lot of wickets. more..

Apr 19 (DM) All Catholic Schools will be closed on Wednesday, April 21 as the country marks the second anniversary of the Easter Sunday terror attacks, the Church announced today. The announcement was made by a joint press conference held by Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Bishop of Chillaw Rev. Valance Mendis and Bishop of Galle Raymond Wickremesinghe where the church leaders announced what they intended doing to mark more..

Apr 19 (Island) SLPP lawmaker Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, PC, yesterday (18) said that he stood by the accusations he made in respect of the proposed Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill. The former Justice Minister emphasised that he had expressed concerns publicly regarding the planned project after carefully examining the proposed Bill. �In spite of a spate of statements issued by various govt spokespersons, I�m confident of the legal process scheduled to begin today. more..

Apr 19 (EN) In an apparent 180 on an explosive statement he had made yesterday, the head of SL�s Catholic church said today that he never intimated that the 2019 Easter bombings were politically motivated. Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith said that, contrary to media reports that he had blamed the attack on unnamed parties that used the perpetrators as pawns to strengthen their political power, more..