Jan 7 (MFA) During his courtesy call on PM of the Republic of Korea, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris raised the issue of increased employment opportunities in ROK for SL workers. Minister Peiris said that, at present, there are about 22,000 SL workers in South Korea, sending back to our country each year approximately US$ 520 million. While the return of SL workers to South Korea had been suspended because of COVID 19, Minister Peiris thanked the ROK Govt for permitting their return in stages, more..

Jan 8 (DM) The sacking of State Minister Susil Premajayantha from that post by Prez Rajapaksa on Jan 4 over a statement he had made seems to be message to the other dissidents within the govt as well. Prez referring to the Cabinet ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Vasudeva Nanayakkara who are openly criticizing the govt�s move to sell 40% of stakes in the Yugadanavi power plant in Kerawalapitiya to US-based company, had told the heads of media that more..

Jan 8 (ST) I woke up early this Thursday morning (Dec 30) with a splitting headache and wondered whether the New Year (two days away � January 1) would also be filled with headaches as the country lurched from one crisis to another. While contemplating my topic of discussion for the day, as if on cue, the phone rang. It was Karapincha Perera, the tea-kade gossip, not the right person to recommend a topic. However, in this context, he turned out to be refreshingly enlightening. more..

Jan 8 (DM) In a significant political move, seven political parties mainly representing the SL Tamils of the Northern and Eastern provinces have written a joint letter to Indian PM Narendra Modi, seeking his help to fully implement the provisions of the 13th amendment to the Constitution. As is well known the Provincial Councils scheme was a consequence of the 13th Constitutional Amendment. more..

Jan 8 (DM) For 2022 one of the world�s most important missions is the eradication or alleviation of poverty. At present it is known that about 10 super billionaires own or control about 70% of the world�s wealth and resources. This is created by the globalized capitalist market economic system which is designed to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. In a statement on the mission of alleviation or eradication of poverty the United Nations says we need to work on the principle of building more..

Jan 8 (TM) More than two and a half years after the Easter Sunday attacks, those affected by the attacks still live with a certain uncertainty about being delivered the justice they were promised for what happened to them, and remain unsatisfied about the actions taken against those involved in and aided and abetted in the attacks, and also against the bigwig politicians and the law enforcement authorities who failed to prevent it. Even though the powerful have been slowly forgotten more..

Jan 8 (CT) When State Minister Susil Premajayantha went to the Delkanda Pola last weekend and openly criticised the govt�s ongoing agri policies, no one, except those who carefully read between the lines, would have expected him to be immediately stripped of his portfolio as there had been many other State Ministers who voiced similar sentiments. Premajayantha said, the whole country was in trouble because the govt tried to do more..

Jan 8 (CT) Police Legal Division recently briefed all Police Stations to follow thorough investigations before filing action over complaints related to artistic creations and literature. This came after a request made to the IGP by the Free Media Movement regarding the arrest and prosecution of Shakthika Sathkumara under the Int'l Covenant and Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Wikipedia entry on freedom of speech defines it as the principle that supports the freedom of an individual or more..

Jan 8 (CT) It was almost 1 a.m.; I had just fallen into a deep sleep when I heard knocking at my front door. �Who is it at this time of the hour� I got out of bed grumbling. I opened the door and I couldn�t believe my eyes. It was Dr. N.M. Perera. �Comrade, at this time of the day.� Astonished I asked him not even inviting him to come in. �May I come in?� he asked, �It�s a bit chilly outside�. �Please do come in comrade and take a seat�. �May I make a cup of tea for you?� I said apologetically feeling guilty. more..

Jan 8 (Island) A govt in trouble becomes so paranoid that it sees more devils than vast hell can hold. This may explain why the current dispensation and its backers are concocting various conspiracy theories almost on a daily basis to cover up their failings, which are legion. Minister Johnston Fernando, has declared at a recent school function that there is more to gas explosions than meets the eye; he would have the public believe that there is a conspiracy behind these incidents. more..

Jan 8 (Island) Susil Premjayantha, Attorney�at-law, who had been in several previous Cabinets, has been relieved of his ministerial post for mentioning to journalists, at the Delkanda fair, that commodities are very expensive due to govt policy decisions. We are sorry about this. Minister of Finance promises relief in the way of monetary payments to certain categories. We are perturbed. It would be better to suffer deprivation in the short run and help the govt to get the country back to stability. more..

Jan 8 (CT) The issue of uncertainty surrounding multiple gas-related incidents, such as gas leaks, glass top cooker regulator blasts and damages, are the result of unprecedented malpractices and corrupt deals that appear to be taking the country for a ride unabatedly since 2010 and the major ruckus between Litro Gas and consumers reached boiling point when a hybrid 18-litre gas cylinder was introduced in Apr 2021 more..

Jan 8 (Island) The govt�s announcement that a new Constitution will be unveiled within the next few months is in keeping with one of the ten key policy commitments in the Prez�s election manifesto. This announcement has encouraged several prominent constitutional experts to express opinions relating to constitutional reforms, perhaps in the hope of influencing the ongoing constitution making process. However, at the fundamental level, all these opinions for governance boil down to a choice more..

Jan 8 (Island) Has the country become rudderless? This is the question one asks oneself when one sees widespread chaos. The political authority does not take responsibility for virtually anything and baulks at taking decisive action. The cooking gas shortage, which has lasted for weeks, is not likely to be over anytime soon. People have been calling upon the govt to make an intervention to sort out the problem, but to no avail. Perhaps, at this rate, it may not be necessary for the govt to have more..

Jan 8 (FT) Leading trade union leaders have called on the Govt to bring in a Budget Concessionary Bill to extend the Rs. 5,000 allowance to the private sector. This was suggested during a meeting convened by the Labour Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to discuss the payment of the Rs. 5,000 allowance to the private sector. SLFP-led SL Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya President Leslie Devendra appreciated the Minister for more..

Jan 8 (FT) The country is facing an acute shortage of flour amidst the foreign exchange crisis with many industries related to it being affected. The All Ceylon Bakery Owners� Association (ACBOA) yesterday said there will be an inevitable shortage of bakery products including bread in the near future. �People will not even be able to purchase a loaf of bread through queues in future because we don�t have wheat flour to make,� ACBOA President N.K. Jayawardane told the Daily FT. more..

Jan 8 (DM) Shares of Kapruka Holdings Limited (CODE: KPHL-N-0000) commenced trading on Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) yesterday. The shares have been listed on the Main Board of CSE under the Retailing sector. Occasion was marked with a special Bell Ringing Ceremony. Kapruka share closed at Rs22.30 yesterday, up Rs.6.90 or 44.81% from the offer price of Rs.15.40. Representing Kapruka Holdings Ltd, CEO Dulith Herath, Director Anuradha Herath and more..

Jan 8 (Island) Spinner Thareen Sanketh staked a claim to the best bowling analysis of the tournament, with a seven-wicket haul which included four wickets in four balls as De Mazenod registered their second consecutive victory of the Inter-School Under 17 Division I cricket tournament yesterday. In reply to De Mazenod�s 227 runs, Ananda Sastralaya were 55 for one wicket when Sanketh triggered a collapse, grabbing four wickets in consecutive balls in the 15th over. When Sanketh�s over ended more..

Jan 8 (DN) Suwanda Industries (Pvt) Ltd also more commonly known as Cycl Sri Lanka is the sole SL manufacturer of the world�s largest incense stick brand, Cycle Pure Agarbathi, and also the value addition arm of the world�s largest exporter of incense and fragrance products, N. Ranga Rao & Sons (NRRS). Cycle Sri Lanka provides employment to women and empowers them to build sustainable communities to provide for themselves and their families. more..

Jan 8 (FT) Lanka IOC Plc has described the deal on the Trinco oil tanks as historic and mutually beneficial to the two countries. �This is a historic moment for both the countries which will pave the way for unfolding numerous opportunities and further strengthening of strong bilateral relationship,� Lanka IOC Managing Director Manoj Gupta said. On Thursday, Lanka IOC participated in the signing of various agreements and documents more..

Jan 8 (DN) Sports Ministry is getting ready to make plans for the development of the National Junior athletes pool and they intend to focus on 2024 and 2028 tournaments. Minister Namal Rajapaksa said long-term plans are to commence first and main infrastructure facilities for the juniors is a very important area to look after their progress. We have to give more opportunities to take part in competitions to gain more experience for the juniors and measure their progress are more..

Jan 8 (CT) A top Police officer said that the two children aged 10 and 12, who had gone missing from their hometown of Kotadeniyawa for 44 days, before they were found in Mirigama last week, are to be sent to a children�s home after relevant submissions are made in Court, as they had refused to return home. Upon being questioned by the Police, the two minors said that they do not wish to go home due to the physical abuse by their mother. Police officer explained that this information more..

Jan 8 (FT) A Govt-to-Govt (G2G) agreement was signed with Myanmar yesterday to purchase 100,000 tons of rice, to maintain a buffer stock with immediate effect. MoU was signed by Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena and Myanmar Deputy Commerce Deputy Minister Dr. Pwint San. The rice stocks will be imported through State Trading Corporation (STC). The 100,000 tons of rice will be maintained as a buffer stock more..

Jan 8 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 30,669 persons on Thursday and 74.41% of the country�s population has received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The second dose of a COVID-19 has been administered to 64.44% of the population. Of the population over 20 years, 94.7% has received the first two doses and 28.9% has received the booster dose. Meanwhile, vaccination of children between 12 and 15 years began yesterday. Only one COVID-19 vaccine dose will be more..

Jan 8 (FT) The Colombo stock market finished a stellar week on a high note notwithstanding growing concerns over macro-economic stability and crisis on food and other essential items in the country. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL20 gained 8.63% and 7.60%, respectively, thereby producing the best first week of trading in a New Year in CSE�s history. Average daily turnover was a high Rs. 11.4 billion, improving from Rs. 6.5 billion in the previous week. more..

Jan 8 (CT) An in-match penalty for slow over rates in men�s and women�s Twenty20 Int'ls comes into effect this month, with the updated playing conditions also providing for an optional drinks interval midway through the innings in bilateral T20 int'l cricket. The over rate regulations are captured in clause 13.8 of the playing conditions (here), which stipulate that a fielding side must be in position to bowl the first ball of the final over of the innings by the scheduled or rescheduled time for more..

Jan 8 (GWR) Thimothy Shanon Jebaseelan (Sri Lanka/Australia) first attempted to break the record for the highest catch of a cricket ball in 2019. However, the only thing he broke was his finger, resulting in a trip to the hospital and the record attempt being abandoned. Fast forward to 2021 and Thimothy was finally ready to dust off his wicket-keeper gloves and try again. On 19 Nov 2021, Thimothy donned his protective gear and took to the centre of his local cricket field. more..

Jan 8 (DM) A state of confusion appears to have been created by the instructions issued to banks by the Central Bank with regard to conversion of bank balances of resident Sri Lankans who earn in dollars and Lankan migrant workers who remit money to their foreign currency bank accounts. Some claim that balances in their foreign currency accounts are being forcibly converted into SL rupees by banks citing new conversion more..

Jan 8 (Island) TNA MP Selvam Adaikalanathan has said the political parties representing the Tamil speaking people could not send a letter to Indian PM Narendra Modi asking for his assistance because MPs Mano Ganesan and Rauff Hakeem had not signed it. Last week, TNA leader R. Sampanthan announced that he would write to Indian PM Modi seeking the latter�s support to win the rights of all Tamil speaking people in the North and East of SL. He said that he would also seek Modi�s more..

Jan 8 (FT) Sri Lanka�s COVID-19 case count rose to 590,651 with the detection of 588 COVID-19 positive persons yesterday. The patients detected yesterday include 581 persons from the New Year cluster and seven overseas arrivals. On Thursday, 572 persons from the New Year cluster and 12 Sri Lankan overseas returnees tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Promotion Bureau states that 7,150 PCR tests and 5,406 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Thursday. more..

Jan 8 (Island) An agreements signed on Thursday night to develop the Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm as a joint venture between Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Lanka IOC was illegal and Sri Lankans should not accept them, Education Secretary of the FSP, Pubudu Jayagoda said. Jayagoda said that usually such agreements had three parts, � lease agreement, a modalities agreement and an agreement on more..

Jan 8 (Island) Advocata�s Bath Curry Indicator (BCI), which tracks the monthly changes in the retail price of food, recorded an increase of 15% from Nov 2021 to Dec 2021. Much of this increase is driven by rising prices of vegetables. 100g of Green Chillies at Rs18 increased to Rs 71. This is a 287% increase in just one month. Similarly, prices of Brinjals have increased by 51%, red onions by 40% and beans and tomatoes by 10%. Overall, since 2019, prices have almost doubled, more..

Jan 8 (FT) Central Bank has partly sold the country�s gold reserves as it battles the ongoing foreign exchange crisis. SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva tweeted saying CBSL has sold more than half of the country�s gold reserves, bringing it to $ 175.4 million at present from $ 382 million in mid-November. Citing latest CBSL data, the MP also said that there was no mention of whether the CNY 10 billion (accounted as equivalent to $ 1.5 billion) can be used for debt repayment. more..

Jan 8 (CT) The SLFP hinted that it would be leaving the SLPP-led coalition and will contest all the upcoming elections through a new alliance. Senior Vice President of SLFP, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa stated that those in the SLPP, who charge that coalition govts had collapsed due to differences with coalition partners, would do well to study the historical context. Prof. Piyadasa mentioned that a political rift more..

Jan 8 (FT) DOLLARS, Dollars, Dollars � why have we been eating Dollars for 73 years? Dollars of imported purported food, most of them made in factories, with lots of chemicals to add colour, flavour � so they look good and of course preservatives to prevent spoilage so they can be exported over long distances But what about SL? It is overflowing with real, natural food! Available almost everywhere. Believe it or not it�s even free for anyone who bothers to pick or pluck them, and more..

Jan 8 (FT) Today, I went by the grave. Not to weep or mourn. But to see who would still come... 13 years later. And who else would make the annual pilgrimage � even ironically � 7 years after the so-called revolution started. There were the usual suspects. A faithful chief organiser. That brace of speaker and prayer. The smattering of loving family and loyal friends. A stray dog. Candles, flowery or philosophical words, and lush wreaths. Not a few moist eyes behind more..