Feb 13 (ST) The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Electoral Reforms has reached agreement on reducing the number of representatives in local councils. Two key issues that all political parties coming before the PSC stated were that there were too many local level representatives and no party that took control of a local council could maintain a stable grip on power under the current system, said PSC member and SLPP General Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam. more..

Feb 13 (ST) For the ruling SLPP-led coalition, now battling the country�s worst economic crisis, the week has seen some significant, if not worrying, developments. One is related to the visit to India by Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris and the events that unfolded. Both India and Sri Lanka issued official statements after the three-day event, but a meaningful lot seems to have been left unsaid in them. more..

Feb 14 (DM) Hardly a day passes these days without news media publishing in emblazoned headlines that our government has managed to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in loans from India or that China has provided us another billion dollar loan. Equally big news is that we have managed to secure a loan swap with Bangladesh or with Pakistan. Not long ago media informed us that the Chinese were providing us with mega loans for projects in Hambantota. more..

Feb 14 (DM) A public rally called Podujana Rally was held on Feb 9 in Anuradhapura, with the participation of the Prez and PM; while health authorities maintained stoic silence and Law and Order appeared to be in deep slumber. Filling public parks as a show of strength ended when the Galle Face overflowed by NPP/JVP in Oct 2019, could only muster a meager 3% a month later. When SJB launched people to streets a couple of months ago, they, the powers that be, along with more..

Feb 14 (ST) Given the Govt�s accusation that opposition parties and trade unions are spreading COVID-19 through public protests, ruling SLPP decision to hold a public rally in A'pura in the midst of another COVID wave is likely to attract criticism of hypocrisy. SLPP MP Rajika Wickramasinghe continued to make a connection between public protests and the spreading of COVID-19. She claimed such public protests were only more..

Feb 14 (ST) My dear Ranjan, I thought I must write to you because a few weeks ago there was a lot of talk about you being given a presidential pardon and being released from jail on Independence Day. Nothing came out of it. That means that you remain behind bars for the foreseeable future and you are not independent at all. I am not sure whether you are happy on unhappy about not being pardoned. We remember that, when you were sent to prison, you were quite defiant about it and said that, more..

Feb 14 (ST) Articles in the Surcharge Tax Bill that pave the way for the imposition of a 25% levy on Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employee Trust Fund (ETF) attracted controversy this week, with the SJB demanding a parliamentary debate on the matter. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised issue on Wednesday when Labour Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva was in attendance. EPF is the largest fund in the country with Rs. 3 trillion in deposits and Rs. 250 billion in profits, more..

Feb 14 (SO) Although food and clothing have previously been identified as the individual�s basic needs, it is clear from the health sector reports that medicines are also now one of those basic needs. Medicines are just as crucial to human life. Although healthy resources are a great benefit, there is an urgent need for medicines and food as more and more communicable and non-communicable diseases are in the country. more..

Feb 14 (CT) Although everyone seems to talk about it, Cryptocurrencies, or crypto for short, are still more a phenomenon than a facet of our daily lives. You all must have stumbled on an online article about Bitcoin, Ethereum, dogecoin, etc or a friend at work who cannot stop talking about their cryptowallet or you could be someone who has invested in crypto already. But, as innovative as a digitalised currency sounds, the fact is that society is slow to embrace this technology speaks volumes. more..

Feb 14 (TM) Article 13(5) of the Constitution recognises the fundamental right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, unless the burden of proof is placed on the accused, as a part of the due process and the right to a fair trial. Unfortunately, Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen was not afforded the presumption of guilt and he instead endured a trial by media and was convicted in the court of public opinion. This was when, whilst serving at the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital as a senior house officer, more..

Feb 14 (Island) Unable to handle trade union disputes democratically, the govt has taken a leaf out of the late President J.R. Jayewardene�s draconian rule book. Adopting his jackboot tactics, it has invoked a 1979 law to ban trade union action in the health and power sectors. One should not be so na�ve as to think it is the latest trade union battle in the health sector that has prompted the govt to emulate the Old Fox. The Health Ministry could have solved the ongoing strike within a few hours. more..

Feb 14 (Island) This piece is all about getting ready for elections. God forbid� no, no, no and no� not the insignificant as well as totally worthless Local Govt and Provincial Govt Elections. It is all about the elections that really matter; the Prez Election and the General Election, which are due in a few years� time. Many who read this article may think that I need to have my head examined as there are over two years for those elections. But the truth is that although the said elections are way off, more..

Feb 14 (TM) Vaccination plays an integral part in the battle against Covid-19, and it is still the best solution scientists have come up with to control the pandemic. However, the role of vaccines has changed during the past two years � firstly, it was said that vaccination can prevent Covid-19 infections, and secondly, it was said that vaccines can prevent Covid-19-related deaths. Now, experts say that a booster dose is necessary to more..

Feb 14 (FT) SL�s total COVID-19 case count rose to 628,116 with 2,312 COVID-19 patients detected over the weekend. 1,150 persons from the New Year cluster tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. The previous day, 1,160 persons from the New Year cluster and two SL overseas arrivals tested positive for the virus. 6,325 PCR tests and 3,676 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Saturday. A total of 522,522 patients from the New Year cluster, 82,785 patients from the Peliyagoda cluster, more..

Feb 14 (FT) Health officials confirmed 31 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday and the country�s COVID-19 death toll has risen to 15,808. 21 COVID-19 fatalities confirmed on Saturday were over 60 years, eight were between 30 and 59 years, and two were below 30 years. 76.25% of the total COVID-19 fatalities are over 60 years, 22.46% of the fatalities are between 30 and 59 years, and 1.29% of the fatalities are below 30 years. 20 COVID-19 fatalities confirmed on Saturday were male & 11 were female. more..

Feb 14 (CI) There's no way Sri Lanka had a shot in this, right? With four overs left, they were five down needing 50. With three overs left, they were six down needing 46. Pathum Nissanka was playing the best innings of his T20 international career, but that career was only 14 matches old. But with the help of Wanindu Hasaranga, Nissanka lurched Sri Lanka forward in the 18th over, bowled by Pat Cummins. Hasaranga hit two fours more..

Feb 14 (CI) SL were allowed only four fielders outside the 30-yard circle for the final over of Australia's innings in the second T20I in Sydney, as they became the first men's side to be penalised under the ICC's new over-rates rules for T20Is. Under the new system, teams have to begin the final over of the innings by the 85th minute since the start of the innings. As SL had not done so, captain Dasun Shanaka was asked to move one of the five fielders he would have stationed on more..

Feb 14 (AD) Minister Basil Rajapaksa is expected to visit India once again within the next two weeks to finalize the agreements on the financial assistance extended by the neighboring nation. Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said that Finance Minister�s recent visit to India for talks was highly successful and delivered fruitful results for the country. He said that India�s has pledged USD 2.4 billion in financial assistance to SL and that Minister Basil Rajapaksa had created the foundation for this during his last visit. more..

Feb 14 (CT) A fine innings from Pabasara Waduge and Dhananjaya Lakshan over powered Dhananjaya de Silva�s 109* as Galle registered an 8 wicket win (D/L method) over Jaffna in the rain hit 17th Match of the National Super League Limited Over Tournament played at Pallekele int'l cricket stadium yesterday. Batting first Jaffna were off to a steady start as Lahiru Thirimanne and Sadeera Samarawickrama added 55 run partnership for the first wicket. Despite the steady start Galle bowlers struck back more..

Feb 14 (ST) Sri Lanka has never won a long jump medal at the Asian Games but if Sarangi Silva can replicate her yesterday�s performance of 6.65m, Sri Lanka could create history at this year�s Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. At the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Bui Thi Thu Thao of Vietnam clinched the gold medal with a leap of 6.55m, 10cm less than what Sarangi cleared to renew her own national record, lighting up the final days play of the 3-day selection trial for more..

Feb 14 (FT) Sri Lanka�s love for imports remains irresistible as confirmed by CB�s latest data with value in 2021 rising to highest in three years and December figure reaching an all-time record. Imports in 2021 rose by 28.5% or $ 4.6 billion to $ 20.6 billion from $ 16 billion in 2020 with December notching up a record high value of $ 2.2 billion, up sharply by 47%. The all-time highest imports figure was $ 22.2 billion in 2018 more..

Feb 14 (EN) A cabinet subcommittee has been appointed to further SL�s renewable energy agenda, Prez Rajapaksa said. Rajapaksa said the ADB has provided expertise in renewable energy in the form of two advisors. �When we strive for change, there will always be challenges that get in the way. There are many challenges in the way of renewable energy. It is amid those challenges that I�m trying to take this initiative forward,� he said. Prez said CEB has said it is difficult to balance the grid. more..

Feb 14 (ST) Sri Lanka�s mounting inflation paired with an artificially restricted exchange rate have put value added exports on the back foot amid rising fears that these will become unprofitable in less than six months, officials in the industry said. The Sri Lanka rupee is now at an artificial price of 203 against the US dollar. With all goods and services rising in price according to the black market exchange rate exporters say their input costs have exponentially augmented. more..

Feb 14 (AD) Former President Maithripala Sirisena says that despite 12 years passing since the end of the conflict, Sri Lanka has still not found a firm power-sharing mechanism or fulfilled total reconciliation as expected by int'l standards. He said this while delivering the keynote address at the 2022 World Summit for Peace on the Korean Peninsula which was held in Seoul, South Korea. Former SL Prez attended the summit more..

Feb 14 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 67,407 persons on Saturday and 26.97% of the total population has received all three vaccine doses to date. 76.25% of the total population has received the first dose and 63.66% of the total population has received the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 16,811,958 persons have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 14,037,188 persons have received the second dose as well. 6,123,834 have received booster dose. more..

Feb 14 (AD) SL cricketers Chamika Karunaratne and Bhanuka Rajapaksa have also been sold to franchises at the 2022 IPL Auction. The fast-bowling allrounder Chamika Karunaratne has been sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 50 Lakh. Meanwhile batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been sold to Punjab Kings for INR 50 Lakh. This brings the total number of SL players picked up by franchises in the 2022 IPL Auction so far to five. Earlier today, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was sold more..

Feb 14 (ST) The govt has held talks with gas companies with a view to paying compensation to victims of the several cylinder explosions that shook the nation last year, but the two companies are yet to respond. Consumer Protection State Ministry said Litro Gas and Laugfs had been told that victims of more than 800 cylinder explosions should be sufficiently compensated. �We have told them to look into the extent of damage caused including loss of lives, injuries and damage to property and more..

Feb 14 (FT) Top industry experts will tomorrow highlight new opportunities in the fast-growing sectors of agribusiness, dairy and fisheries at a full day forum organised by the Daily FT and Colombo University MBA Alumni Association. Private and public sector leaders will share key insights at the forum titled Knock Knock 2022, the annual management conference of the Colombo Uni. MBAA at Hilton Colombo. Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal will keynote the forum whilst more..

Feb 14 (TM) The CEB is formulating a plan of action on how to meet the national electricity demand over the coming months, and a review of the plan will be carried out with the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) tomorrow, where the need for daily power outages, or load shedding, will also be discussed. �We do not know yet whether we will go for daily power outages. We are compiling a programme on how to meet the demand more..

Feb 14 (DM) Govt Nursing Officers' Association (GNOA) said they would go to the Int'l Court against the govt for suppressing their right to strike. GNOA President Saman Rathnapriya said they were already taking necessary action to file a case in the int'l court. He said they had a right to stage a strike in terms of Trade Union Ordinance in SL and international laws such as the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention No. 98 and the Freedom of Association and Protection of more..

Feb 14 (CT) Some political parties divide communities for their own benefit, claimed the Jathika Janatha Balawegaya (JJB). Addressing a public meeting in Kurunegala, JJB Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said there is no future for a society where there is disunity among communities. �Though the public has elected 255 MPs, there was no one to talk on their behalf and be the voice of the people because the 20th Amendment has turned them into puppets who agree with anything� more..

Feb 14 (DM) In an interview to The Indian Express, foreign minister G L Peiris said India and SL had reached a high point in their relations, and that concerns about the Chinese presence in his country had been consigned to the past. Peiris, who was in Delhi from Feb 6-8, said the fishermen�s issue � Indian fishermen trespassing in SL waters and getting arrested � was now a serious flashpoint in ties with India. more..

Feb 14 (CT) The Govt is causing significant damage as a result of following the advice of certain crooks, thus all leaders should exercise caution in this regard, so said Colombo University Chancellor Ven. Murutthettuwe Ananda Thera. He was speaking at a meeting with Environment Minister, Mahinda Amaraweeraat the Narahenpita Abhayarama Temple. Minister Amaraweera visited the Abhayaramaya seeking the blessings of Ven. Ananda Thera on his birthday. more..

Feb 14 (CT) A 28 per cent increase in Samurdhi benefits will be given to beneficiaries from today (14), State Minister Shehan Semasinghe said. The Govt expects to spend Rs65,000 million to provide allowances to Samurdhi beneficiaries for 2022, Semasinghe said. Accordingly, a family unit that got Rs 3,500 will receive an allowance of Rs 4,500, a family that got Rs 2,500 will receive an allowance of Rs 3,200 and a family unit that got Rs1,500 will get an allowance of Rs1, 900 the Minister said. more..

Feb 14 (TM) Despite the declaration of the public health service as an essential service last Friday, the strike action launched by health sector non-medical trade unions continued over the weekend and completed its seventh day yesterday. CMLS President Ravi Kumudesh said that even though Govt Nursing Officers� Association (GNOA) had decided to suspend the strike following enjoining orders being issued on them by more..

Feb 14 (FT) Like many countries, Sri Lanka faced the COVID-19 pandemic having no contingency or being prepared for its economic fallout. Since we did not have our own guidelines, we then proceeded to blindly follow whatever the developed North did. Sri Lanka proceeded to close the only functioning airport even to transit passengers and cargo which led to a disastrous situation with the travel and tourism industry. Airlines then suspended their flights to and through Sri Lanka. more..

Feb 14 (DM) The CEB has had two rounds of talks with the Indian Govt and the IOC to obtain fuel directly for the CEB and are waiting for a response, a spokesman for the CEB said. If the Indian govt consented to supply fuel to the CEB, it could be done through the CEB or the IOC. �All discussions were held via the Indian High Commission in Colombo,� CEB Spokesman A.R. Navamani said. Meanwhile, Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana in an optimistic tone, said the govt expects more..