Feb 9 (DN) Kandy team led by Niroshan Dikwella once again came on top of the points table while they have obtained highest points of 20 with a net run rate of 1.719. They played five matches and won four and lost only to Colombo having three more matches to play. They have good chance to enter the final with their good form in all three departments. Kandy team coached by Malinda Warnapura have the services of Niroshan Dikwella who already scored 188 runs while more..

Feb 9 (FT) New opportunities in agribusiness, fairy and fishery will come under spotlight by a host of experts at the full-day forum on 15 February organised by the Daily FT and the University of Colombo MBA Alumni Association. Titled Knock Knock 2022, the annual management conference of the Colombo Uni. MBAA will bring together private and public sector experts in three dedicated sessions highlighting challenges and opportunities in agribusiness, dairy and fishery. more..

Feb 9 (CT) White ball skipper Dasun Shanaka, in an interaction on Tuesday, said Lasith Malinga�s appointment as the specialist bowling coach for SL�s senior men�s national team will help in enhancing the confidence of the squad in the Australia Series. �His appointment is a major boost for the team. He was a player who had numerous records behind his name; he has been in these situations earlier. more..

Feb 9 (Island) Sri Lankans remit around US $ 7.5 billion annually to Sri Lanka but due to some of them channeling these remittances through unauthorized money schemes, Sri Lanka loses US$ 2 billion of these funds. �This is the reason why the Central Bank introduced SL Remit, CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. �SL Remit is a very cost-effective App for Sri Lankan expats and increases remittances to the USD 9 billion mark, Governor Cabraal said at the launch of the new App. more..

Feb 9 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 70,917 persons on Monday and close to 40% of the population over 20 years has received all three vaccine doses. 16,794,917 persons have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 14,021,430 persons have received the second dose. The third dose has been administered to 5,841,518 persons. Second dose coverage among the population over 20 years is 95.2% while third dose coverage is 39.2%. more..

Feb 9 (CT) In a dramatic turn of events, Chandimal Jayasinghe, the National Director of Mrs Sri Lanka World has denounced the title held by Pushpika de Silva, who was crowned Mrs. Sri Lanka World 2021. Jayasinghe noted that the step had to be taken on serious disciplinary grounds and de Silva�s misconduct. The recent controversy surrounding de Silva, regarding the pageant has taken a toll not only in the local sphere more..

Feb 9 (Island) CEB top management yesterday said that their Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando would stay on as Chairman, because Prez Rajapaksa had refused to accept his letter of resignation tendered following the appointment of Dr. Rohantha Abeysekara as General Manager of CEB, under pressure from CEB Engineers� Union (CEBEU). Ferdinando previously appointed a retired senior engineer to the post in an acting capacity. Ferdinando had been asked to stay on and more..

Feb 9 (Island) The Central Bank has sold another significant slice of its dwindling gold reserves in January 2022 amidst an overall fall of its gross reserves, according to official data. The CBSL gold reserves were down to 92 mn US dollars in January 2022 from US$ 175 million in December, a sharp drop of 47%. CBSL also sold gold in December 2021. By end Dec 2021 SL had about 3.1 tonnes of gold. The latest sale is estimated to have brought gold holdings down to around 1.6 tonnes. more..

Feb 9 (FT) The Govt has decided to waive off the annual registration fee of all tourist establishments and individuals listed under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) for this year, extending the relief initiated in 2020 to revive the COVID-hit sector. Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the number of registered accommodation providers has increased by 39%. while the registration in the service providing entities have increased by 26% compared to 2019. more..

Feb 9 (FT) Colombo stock market has seen over Rs. 100 bil in value wiped off in two days as investor sentiment turned cautious amidst macro issues as well as prospects on companies. All Share Price Index yesterday fell by 2% or over 249 points and the S&P SL20 dipped by 2.6% or over 111 points. On Monday both indices declined by 1%. Turnover yesterday was Rs. 5.37 bil involving 188 mil shares. Market capitalisation was Rs. 5.629 tril down by Rs. 109 bil from Rs. 5.738 tril last Thursday. more..

Feb 9 (CT) The losses incurred by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) have more than doubled following Lanka IOC raising fuel prices last Monday, CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinghe said. He added if the prices for February remain unchanged for the entire month, CPC will incur a loss of Rs 48.30 per litre of diesel and Rs 15.68 per litre of petrol. He has informed this to Finance Ministry Secretary S.R. Attygalle in writing. more..

Feb 9 (DM) Indian PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit SL in March, Foreign Ministry sources said. Sources said that Modi is likely to visit Sri Lanka to attend the BIMSTEC Summit. Foreign Ministry sources also said that Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is likely to visit SL soon. The visits are seen as part of attempts by India to further strengthen its relationship with Sri Lanka. Ministers Basil Rajapaksa and G.L. Peiris have just concluded separate visits to New Delhi. more..

Feb 9 (FT) Health officials confirmed 35 COVID-19 fatalities on Monday, the highest number of fatalities confirmed in a day since mid-October 2021. 35 COVID-19 fatalities were confirmed on 10 Oct and the highest number confirmed in a day since then was on 22 Nov, when 31 COVID-19 fatalities were confirmed. The COVID-19 fatalities confirmed on Monday raise SL�s COVID-19 death toll to 15,656.28 fatalities confirmed on Monday were over the age of 60, while five fatalities were between more..

Feb 9 (DM) Pope Francis has offered support to the Catholic Church in SL in its fight for justice over the Easter Sunday attacks, Reverend Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said. Rev. Father Fernando said that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had written to the Pope mentioning his concerns on the investigations into the Easter Sunday attacks. Reverend Fernando said that Pope has responded offering support to do what is required. more..

Feb 9 (FT) The long-anticipated Animal Welfare Bill was published yesterday after years of campaigning by animal rights groups and activists to have a new law enacted to stop cruelty to animal and foster their welfare. Animal Welfare Bill will replace the over a century-old Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance and has provision for both imprisonment as well as fines those who commit the offence of cruelty to animals. Bill facilitates the appointment Govt veterinary surgeons as more..

Feb 9 (TM) Observing that it is ridiculous for the CIABOC to make contradictory statements before the court from time to time, Colombo High Court (HC) Permanent Trial-at-Bar yesterday queried whether the CIABOC could not take an independent decision without embarrassing witnesses, defendants, and the court. The case filed by CIABOC against Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage and two others for allegedly causing a loss to the Govt during Aluthgamage�s tenure more..

Feb 9 (FT) The Opposition yesterday slammed the inclusion of superannuation funds in the one-off 25% surcharge tax on profits saying it was robbing the working class, whilst the Govt said no final decision was made and the original legislation was passed during the previous Yahapalanaya regime. The SJB alleged the surcharge tax on EPF, ETF and Retirement Gratuity Fund (EGF) was shameful as it is akin to more..

Feb 9 (FT) Sri Lanka appears to be very much engrossed in a discussion of issues about evils that are hidden. Politicians, economists as well as quacks with the media are very much involved in this tangle. Today it has grown up to a level of even assuming proportions of divergences and difference of opinions conjectured to exist as conflicts among the government insiders. The subject at the centre of this issue is nothing but the IMF. Those like us with nothing to hide can view this situation more..

Feb 9 (MF) What happens when a country's foreign currency debt repayments go way up, and its foreign currency reserves go way down? Unfortunately, it's not a trick question: that country ends up staring in the face of defaulting on its debt. On Tuesday, several analysts told the Financial Times they think Sri Lanka -- which is mired in bills to pay -- is on the brink. An island nation off the southeast coast of India, Sri Lanka made its first venture into bond markets after a civil war ended in 2009, more..

Feb 9 (DM) The case filed against State Minister Nalaka Godahewa and two others, in connection with their alleged involvement in conspiring to misappropriate Rs. 5 million of funds belonging to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was today fixed for further trial by Colombo High Court. When the case came up before High Court Judge Amal Ranaraja, the matter was fixed for further trial on May 13. AG maintained that three accused SEC former chairman Nalaka Godahewa, more..

Feb 9 (AD) The deadline for submitting applications for 2021 (2022) GCE O/L exam has been extended once again. Accordingly, the closing date of the applications for the exam is now the 17th of February, the Commissioner-General of Examinations L.M.D. Dharmasena said. Private candidates can submit their applications online, through the official website of the department (www.doenets.lk), mobile app Exams Sri Lanka or via www.onlineexams.gov.lk/eic by following more..

Feb 9 (AD) The European Union (EU) has strongly urged SL to lift forthwith import restrictions that prevent many European products from entering the island nation�s market. This was conveyed during the 24th meeting of the EU-SL Joint Commission on Feb 8 in Brussels. A joint statement issued by the EU and SL said the meeting, which was held in a friendly and open atmosphere, reviewed bilateral relations more..

Feb 9 (FT) This article is based on the interview with Department of Govt Information Director General Mohan Samaranayake on Rising China and Lessons for SL. The interview series was launched by the Veemansa Initiative � an independent think tank in the areas of economic, political and social issues. Through this interview series, Veemansa brings about the views of intellectuals and experts on various dimensions of the miraculous development experience of China, by drawing lessons, more..

Feb 9 (Island) The Bio Conservation Society of SL (BCSL) in collaboration with the Rufford Foundation, conducted a three-day conference on biodiversity conservation at the Oak-ray Regency Hotel in Kandy last week. This conference was held under the theme �Let�s protect Sri Lankan Biodiversity � The Rufford second in-country conference � Sri Lanka� and facilitated more than 30 lectures and presentations of research findings. BCSL Chairman Dr. Lalith Ekanayake, in his opening remarks, more..

Feb 9 (AD) The island-wide strike launched by 18 trade unions in the health sector, including those affiliated with nursing, supplementary and paramedical services, entered its third consecutive day today. The indefinite strike action commenced at 7 a.m. Monday morning (7). It is based on multiple demands including transforming health professional services into closed services, increasing the special duty allowance to more..

Feb 9 (DM) Keerthi Ratnayake, a defence and political analyst attached to Lanka e-News was today ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate�s Court. Ratnayake was arrested for allegedly giving information to the Indian Embassy in Colombo concerning a possible terrorist attack. Colombo Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage ordered the release of the suspect on a surety bail of Rs.50,000. Defence Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma with Salomi Gunaratne with Radha more..

Feb 9 (DM) Coconut Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe has decided to step down from his post temporarily. He said that he is to hand over his resignation letter to the relevant authorities today. He also said that the investigation relating to the recent assault incident of the Ragama medical faculty undergrads is underway. Therefore, I have decided to resign from the post. I have been given an official vehicle from the CDA for my official work, he said. more..

Feb 9 (TM) Court has granted three-month permission for MP Rishad Bathiudeen to travel overseas, according to reports. MP Rishad Bathiudeen, who was in remand custody after being arrested under the PTA, was earlier granted bail by courts over two cases filed against him. Accordingly, the Fort Magistrate�s Court has ordered to release the former minister on bail with regard to the case filed against him in connection with the Easter Sunday terror attacks. more..

Feb 9 (EN) Sri Lanka is probing two cases where German women complained they had been raped police said, as the country re-opened for foreign visitors. In one case a tourist had been assaulted by her guide in the southern resort town of Tangalle. �The man then fled the scene. The tourist was extremely frightened and was admitted to hospital and was too scared even to stay in the hospital,� a police official said. It is not clear whether the perpetrator is a registered tour guide. more..

Feb 9 (ABP) Fisheries Minister Doughlas Devananda said that he has provided assurance to a senior DMK leader who spoke to him on behalf of TN Chief Minister MK Stalin over the phone to permit Indians for Katchatheevu festival. Minister also said that arrangements would be made for Indian devotees. Katchatheevu festival is set to take place on March 11 and 12. Katchatheevu festival pertains to the festivities held more..

Feb 9 (FP) At a time when the Sri Lankan government has sought and obtained Indian help to address the overwhelming forex crisis, the decision to auction 105 fishing trawlers and other vessels from Tamil Nadu and Karaikal enclave in the Union Territory of Puducherry has the potential to rock the same. Already, Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, to pressure Colombo into reversing the decision. more..

Feb 9 (CT) The flag carrier of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Airways, will commence operations to the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA) from 9 Feb 2022, and will commence weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Mattala every Wednesday. Airport & Aviation Services (SL) Limited met airline officers at the Air Service World Congress 2021 Forum held in Dubai last December and had extensive discussions with Uzbekistan Airways and as a result, airline will start operations at MRIA. more..

Feb 9 (Reuters) Sri Lanka's central bank said on Wednesday the country was committed to honouring all forthcoming debt obligations, adding that the island nation was not on the verge of a sovereign default. Sri Lanka is facing its worst financial crisis in decades, and foreign exchange reserves have fallen to $2.36 billion, according to Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data released earlier this week. more..

Feb 9 (CT) The Department of Prisons will not reinstate prison officials who have been interdicted for a variety of reasons until disciplinary inquiries or legal proceedings are completed. According to Prison Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake, attention will be paid to the matter because the continued retention of such officials will be detrimental to the Department�s well-being, and steps will be taken to terminate their service or impose severe penalties if found guilty. more..

Feb 9 (CT) The TNA is not demanding a separate state or promoting the division of the country, ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said in Parliament yesterday (8). He said the TNA only wanted the implementation of equal law in the country for all citizens and to guarantee the political rights of the people in the North and the East within a unitary status. �We do not want a separate country and we never want to divide the country. What we want is the repeal of the PTA to find more..

Feb 9 (DM) Sacristan (caretaker) of All Saints' Church in Borella arrested for allegedly planting a hand grenade inside the church was today ordered to be released from the case by Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya made this order following the AG's advise not to proceed legal action against the suspect. Francis Munindran alias Rajan, the seventh suspect of the case was arrested and detained at Colombo Crimes Division under PTA. more..