Jul 12 (FT) Colombo stock market gained sharply yesterday buoyed by positive political developments influenced by Saturday's mass protest led by Aragalaya activists. The benchmark ASPI shot up by over 200 points or 3% whilst the active S&P SL20 Index gained by over 4%. Turnover however was relatively low at Rs. 811 million involving 53 million shares. Year to date the ASPI and S&P SL20 are down by over 40%. Asia Securities said the indices commenced the week on a buoyant note, more..

Jul 12 (Island) Nalanda College captained by Dineth Samaraweera registered their first win against arch rivals Ananda in more than six decades when they registered a historic nine wicket win at the 92nd Battle of the Maroons Big Match at the SSC on Monday. Nalanda came to the match as favourites and their Sri Lanka Under 19 pair Vinuja Ranpul and Raveen de Silva lived up to their reputation accounting for 13 wickets in the match. In reply to Nalanda�s 289 for nine wickets, more..

Jul 12 (CI) 1: Sri Lanka's win in Galle was their first-ever innings victory in Test cricket against Australia. It was also the first time Australia lost a Test by an innings since losing to South Africa in November 2016 at Hobart. 2: Previous instances of Australia losing a Test match in Asia by innings margin after batting first. They lost against India by an innings and 219 runs in Kolkata in 1998, and by a margin of an innings and 135 runs in Hyderabad in 2013. 12: for 177 Prabath Jayasuriya's match figures more..

Jul 12 (FT) Main Opposition SJB yesterday stressed the need for the new Govt to take urgent measures to combat corruption and ensure greater transparency. SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne said new law must be introduced to strengthen the process of asset declaration by all MPs and top Government officials. It must become mandatory for all elected officials to declare their assets to the Speaker whereby they become public documents, Wickramaratne added. more..

Jul 12 (FT) Central Bank Executive Officers� Union yesterday expressed its fullest support to the people�s movement held on 9 July against the futile regime, which should be directly responsible for destroying the SL economy, and as promised, emphasise that the failed Prez and PM must bow down to the people�s verdict and vacate their offices. Today, we as a country are experiencing the adverse consequences of more..

Jul 12 (EN) Sri Lanka�s bond markets were foxed after the state debt office rejected bids for 3-year bonds at yields over 31/32% but accepted up to 35 percent for 7 year bonds, market participants said. The debt office said 15 July 2029 bonds 7 � year bonds were sold at a weighted average yield of 26.51%. But bids of around 35% were accepted market participants taking the estimated cut-off to a sharply higher level. In Sri Lanka the debt office does not publish the cut-off. more..

Jul 12 (FT) Transparency International SL (TISL) in a statement said it salutes the citizens across SL for rising up amidst so many difficulties, claiming the sovereignty of the people to stand against corruption and bad governance. TISL appealed to the protestors who are currently occupying the Prez Secretariat, Presidential Residence and Temple Trees to exercise restraint, noting that these historic premises are invaluable public property that belong to all Sri Lankans and our future generations. more..

Jul 12 (TM) A vote for the next Prez will take place in Parliament on 20 July, while the country�s main Parliamentary Opposition, the SJB, hopes to nominate its Leader Sajith Premadasa for the position. In a statement issued following the party leaders� meeting held yesterday, the office of the Speaker of the House announced that following the resignation of Prez Rajapaksa tomorrow (13), Parliament will convene on 15 July, more..

Jul 12 (CT) The train fare hike, which was to come into effect from today, has been put off indefinitely, likely due to the paper shortage prevailing in the country. General Manager of SLR, Dhammika Jayasundara, said there is no set date for the publication of the relevant Gazette, and he suspects that this is due to the current paper shortage. However, he noted that they cannot predict whether the train fare hike will take place soon, despite the fact that it was scheduled for this month. more..

Jul 12 (TM) GotaGoGama activists are scheduled to meet political party leaders today (12) with the discussions expected to mainly focus on the formation of an interim Govt. The activists will however not meet leaders of the UNP and the SLPP. Meanwhile, an action plan articulating the purpose to be achieved by the historic people�s uprising launched on the demand that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Govt resign with immediate effect has been put forward by the said activists. more..

Jul 12 (AD) Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa has arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake early this morning (12) to leave the country. It is reported that Rajapaksa�s attempt was impeded after he was met with a strong protest at the airport. Meanwhile, the Immigration & Emigration Department�s officers attached to the Silk Route Departure, which provides dedicated services to the VIPs at the airport, have withdrawn from their duties from midnight yesterday. more..

Jul 12 (FT) Joint Chambers yesterday welcomed the announcements made by Prez Rajapaksa that he will resign on 13 July respecting the wishes of the citizens and the PM�s willingness to resign once an interim Govt is in place. In a statement The Chambers said the duo should submit their letters of resignation immediately in accordance with constitutional provisions clearing all doubts and paving the way for a smooth transition. �We also request the Speaker to step forward to fulfil more..

Jul 12 (TM) A multi-sectoral islandwide hartal-cum-strike protest campaign with the expected participation of over 1,000 trade unions (TUs) is to be conducted on Thursday (14) if Prez Rajapaksa does not step down as promised tomorrow (13). National Trade Union Co-ordinating Centre (TUCC) warned that if Prez Rajapaksa and the Govt do not step down tomorrow, an islandwide hartal will be conducted. more..

Jul 12 (CT) With the ongoing fuel crisis in the country, incidents involving theft of personal information using fake links have been reported to Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT). SLCERT in a special communique said that in this scenario, criminals request the individuals to get registered for a Token to receive fuel and steal your sensitive personal information (such as mobile phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, ID numbers) during fake registration more..

Jul 12 (TM) More than Rs. 5.7 billion would be needed in order to conduct a General Election, sources at the Election Commission (EC) told The Morning yesterday. �At the last General Election in August 2020, we spent Rs. 5.7 billion, so the budget would increase if we were to hold an election soon. Our costs are mostly allocated to the Ceylon Electricity Board, allowances for staff, the Sri Lanka Post, the Police, and printing costs,� an official at the Election Commission told The Morning. more..

Jul 12 (FT) The case related to the Russian aircraft which was grounded on 2 June on a court order granted by Justice Harsha Sethunge of the Commercial High Court, was taken up on 5 July for the interim injunction inquiry. Plaintiff who is the owner of the aircraft, Celestial Aviation Trading filed action seeking interim relief in the Commercial HC to preserve their aircraft which is the subject matter of the dispute with Aeroflot, until the determination of the arbitration instituted in London, more..

Jul 12 (Island) Two renewable energy projects by India�s Adani Group to generate 500 MW at a cost of USD 500 million will be further delayed due to conflicts of interest here. Minister Kanchana Wijesekera is keen to go ahead with the project. Director General (DG) of SL Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Sulakshana Jayawardana has tendered his abrupt resignation last week, furthere delaying the project. Director General had resigned as he was opposed to granting provisional more..

Jul 12 (FT) SL's trade deficit shrank for the fifth consecutive month in May aided by declining imports and healthy growth in exports. CB said the trade deficit in May was $ 404 m as against $ 716 m a year ago. The deficit in the first five months of 2022 was $ 3.5 b, down from $ 3.6 b in the corresponding period of last year. Imports in May amounted to $ 1.4 b, down by 10% YoY and in the first five months grew by 5% to $ 8.8 b. more..

Jul 12 (TM) Leader of the 43rd Brigade and SJB elected independent MP Champika Ranawaka stated that representatives from the aragalaya (struggle) have the ability to rightfully contest in an election and enter Parliament through the people�s vote in order to bring about the system change that they seek. He stated that if the people of this country need to dispose of all the 225 MPs currently in Parliament, they can do so by electing new peoples� representatives into the Govt at next election, more..

Jul 12 (ANI) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for dialogue to ensure a smooth transition of govt in Sri Lanka and find sustainable solutions to the economic crisis. "I stand in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka & call for dialogue to ensure a smooth transition of govt & to find sustainable solutions to the economic crisis," Guterres tweeted. "I condemn all acts of violence and call for those responsible to be held accountable," he added. more..

Jul 12 (BS) For years, SL�s Rajapaksa dynasty ruled the island nation with an iron fist, striking fear into political opponents, journalists and other perceived threats to their power. Now protesters are chasing them out of their homes, and out of power. Prez Rajapaksa, 73, is set to resign on Wednesday after months of street protests over surging prices and shortages of basic goods such as food or petrol. After spending his time holed up at more..

Jul 12 (FT) The situation is alarming. SL economy has contracted by 1.6% and the agriculture sector by 6.8% during the first quarter of 2022. In fact, the agriculture sector was growing at +6.4% during the first quarter of 2021. The most recent press release by the Dept of Census and Statistics (DCS) has stated that the lack of chemical fertilisers during the first quarter of 2022 had a direct and major impact on agricultural activities resulting in a significant decline in crop cultivation. more..

Jul 12 (SLN) The Navy took hold of over 225kg of Kerala cannabis, during special operations conducted in the beach area of Thewampiddi and Sand Banks in Mannar today (11). The operations also led to the apprehension of a suspect in connection to one of the incidents. The Navy conducts regular operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island with the aim of suppressing smuggling and illegal activities taking place via sea routes. more..

Jul 12 (AD) Ven Omalpe Sobitha Thero has requested the protesters who are occupying the Prez�s House, Presidential Secretariat and the Temple Trees to vacate the compounds once Gotabaya Rajapaksa steps down from the presidency. Addressing a special media briefing earlier today, he stressed that the safety of these premises needs to be ensured. He added that following the resignation of Prez Rajapaksa tomorrow as anticipated, the people of more..

Jul 12 (DM) Hundreds of army and air force troops have been deployed at the SL Rupavahanini Corporation and ITN, following information received that some groups from the Aragalaya were requesting for live coverage to deliver a statement to the nation tomorrow following Gotabaya Rajapaksa's resignation. Inside sources said that the management of both the SLRC and ITN had been approached by some protestor groups and had demanded for live coverage tomorrow more..

Jul 12 (AD) Former Minister Basil Rajapaksa has attempted to leave the country through the BIA in Katunayake early this morning. It is reported that Rajapaksa�s attempt was impeded after he was met with a strong protest at the airport. Meanwhile, the Immigration & Emigration Department�s officers attached to the Silk Route Lounge, which provides dedicated services to the VIPs at the airport, have withdrawn from more..

Jul 12 (EN) Border control officers have withdrawn from the VIP terminal at SL�s Colombo Airport, SL Immigration Officers Association said amid reports of top politicians attempting to leave the country. �Due to the crisis situation in the country, it has been decided to withdraw from activities at the Silk Route/CIP passenger clearance activities until further notice,� trade union said in a statement. Derana TV reported that former Minister Basil Rajapaksa had attempted to leave country more..

Jul 12 (FT) Speaker of Parliament announced to the nation on Saturday night that Prez Rajapaksa had informed him that he would be resigning from office on Wednesday 13 July. Following a meeting with party leaders held earlier that day at his official residence, the following course of action was announced: a) Prez and the PM will both resign on 13 July. b) Parliament will elect one of its members as the new Prez. c) Speaker will serve as Acting Prez until the new Prez assumes office. more..

Jul 12 (FT) Ideal Group Ltd. Group Marketing and Communications General Manager Iroshini Wijenayaka, was recently nominated as a Patron of the World Women Leadership Congress (WWLC), taking SL to the int'l limelight, yet again. Based in Mumbai, WWLC, honors the strategic and influential role of women leaders and annually organises the Women Leadership Awards to celebrate the outstanding leadership and achievements demonstrated by women leaders in region. more..

Jul 12 (NR) A host of SL and India stars have been big movers on the latest ICC Women�s ODI Player Rankings following the completion of their 3-match one-day series in Pallekele. While India registered a 3-0 series sweep during the dominant 50-over series, it was SL captain Chamari Athapaththu who made the biggest impression on the top 10 list for batters. Athapaththu scored a quickfire 44 in the final match of the series last week and that saw the talented 32-year-old rise two spots to eight more..

Jul 12 (EN) SL�s state owned Litro Gas Lanka Ltd hopes to eliminate the country�s cooking gas queues by July 31 and to maintain adequate stocks in the country till the end of October, Chairman Muditha Pieris said. The company commenced distribution on Monday (11) after a period of interruption due to SL�s inability to import stocks. �From [Tuesday July 12] morning we will be distributing 120,000 cylinders,� Peiris said. more..

Jul 12 (EN) Ministry of Agriculture said distribution of urea supplied by the govt of India will commence on Tuesday (12). Ministry spokesman Dharma Wanninayake said the consignment reached SL on July 9, was unloaded on July 10 and a quality inspection was conducted on Monday (11). During inspection, the urea held a biuret level of 0.9 which is suitable for cultivation and of appropriate quality, said Wanninayake. A trade certificate has also been issued after inspection, he said. more..

Jul 12 (TM) PM�s proposal to issue orders under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010 to increase the casino entrance fee from $ 100 to $ 200 has been approved by Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (4). Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe stated that PM Wickremesinghe, as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies, had presented a proposal to regularise the casino industry and to increase the entrance fee for casinos from current mandated limit of $100 to $200. more..

Jul 12 (AD) A motion has been filed with the Supreme Court seeking an order prohibiting former PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, former CBSL Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and several others from leaving the country. The motion was submitted in relation to a fundamental rights petition filed by the former Chairman of the CCC Chandra Jayaratne, requesting that an investigation be ordered more..

Jul 12 (TM) INSEE Cement has extended production of its Portland Composite Cement (PCC) to its Ruhunu Cement Plant, increasing production of the new SLS 1697 product to meet the growing demand of the local market. PCC is the result of years of research, and is a blended cement produced exclusively at the Puttalam integrated cement manufacturing facility earlier, to address the high carbon footprint of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), while also producing compressive strength more..