Jul 9 (ST) Salvage efforts are underway to remove a barge with a tug boat carrying 22 tonnes of oil that had got into difficulties off the coast of Mannar. The barge named Atulya, towed by tug boat Avadh, had been en-route from The Maldives to India when it drifted to the Nadukuda coast in Mannar on Friday evening, in adverse weather. The barge later ran aground. The tug boat, consisting of nine crew members, made up of Indians and Indonesians, had suffered mechanical difficulties more..

Jul 9 (ST) The growing exodus of professionals and skilled workers to foreign countries will threaten the quality of services provided to the public, experts warn. Statistics reveal that the country�s heading towards a major brain drain with 14,307 professionals leaving the country last year compared with 2,957 professionals in 2020 and 8,373 in 2021. Majority of the professionals were between 30 years and 39 years of age. more..

Jul 9 (ST) Prez Wickremesinghe is set to make an official visit to China in October, his first to that country since becoming the Head of State last year. According to Govt sources his main role will be to look for new investments, reach trade agreements and resume funding for stalled projects. Expediting investments for Colombo Port Financial City and discussions with the Exim Bank on resuming funding for the Central Expressway�Kadwatha-Mirigama section�would be on the table for discussion more..

Jul 9 (Island) Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, addressed Parliament on Thursday, expressing his concerns about the Sri Lankan constitution and its failure to address the issue of corrupt Members of Parliament involved in gold smuggling. He argued that the current constitution had been manipulated by corrupt politicians for their own benefit, leaving it devoid of provisions to take action against MPs found guilty of smuggling contraband into the country. more..

Jul 9 (ST) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Thursday named a 14-member Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to probe the country�s financial bankruptcy. No sooner did he name its chairman, Sagara Kariyawasam, there was a howl of protests from the opposition. He is the General Secretary of the ruling SLPP. He is closely associated with the party founder Basil Rajapaksa. The latter served as Minister of Finance more..

Jul 10 (DM) July 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Black July, acknowledged as the most horrific episode of ethnic violence in Sri Lanka. Around 300-450 lives were lost, more than 40,000 people were reduced to refugee status and confined to camps, while thousands migrated seeking refugee status in the West laying foundation for Global Tamil Forum. It was claimed that Cyril Mathew, Minister of Industries and Technology at the time, played a role in initiating these actions. more..

Jul 10 (DM) Economists, including the Governor of the Central Bank tell us that inflation is down. (When the general price level rises, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services; inflation corresponds to a reduction in the purchasing power of money). The rupee depreciated by 78% against the US dollar between March and May 2022. After peaking at 69.8% in September, the annual inflation rate in our country fell to 12% in June 2023 from 25.2% in the prior month. more..

Jul 10 (TM) Three key projects related to power and energy, agriculture, and maritime affairs that are in the pipeline are likely to be finalised ahead of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s official visit to India on 21 July. It is learnt that the projects include electricity grid connectivity, a dairy development project with the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB), and the development of the Trincomalee Industrial Zone. more..

Jul 10 (TM) The passage of the domestic debt restructuring programme in Parliament on 1 July has now opened up a new set of challenges for Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Govt. Apart from creating awareness about the programme and pushing ahead with external debt restructuring talks, the Govt has to manage geopolitics as well. Following Foreign Minister Ali Sabry�s recent visit to China, the stage is now being set for Wickremesinghe�s first official visit to India, more..

Jul 10 (DM) 61-year-old Thangathurai was ruthlessly assassinated at the premises of Sri Shanmuga Hindu Ladies College in Rajavorathayam Street, Trincomalee by three trouser-clad youths who lobbed a grenade first and then fired 9mm pistols at close range. He was bidding farewell to a group of teachers and students after declaring open a new three-storeyed building block for the school that evening. Thangathurai had allocated funds extensively from the de-centralised budget more..

Jul 10 (TM) �When we speak of State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) restructuring, everyone assumes we are trying to divest everything, but the purpose of SOE restructuring is not necessarily divestment,� asserted State-Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit (SOERU) Head Suresh Shah. Shah emphasised that SOE restructuring was fundamentally about providing citizens with better quality goods & services more..

Jul 10 (TM) As Sri Lanka is completing a year since the peak of the economic crisis last year, the results of some of the long-term reform measures, which the post-Aragalaya govt introduced, are becoming apparent. Thanks to the reforms triggered by the economic crisis, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is no longer a loss-making state-owned Enterprise. In fact, so far this year (in the first six months), the CPC has made a staggering profit of Rs.70 billion. more..

Jul 10 (Island) Similarities between germs and power-hungry politicians far outnumber their dissimilarities, and one of them is their remarkable adaptability to hostile environments. As the former develop resistance to antibiotics and evolve as superbugs, so do the latter become resistant to ad hoc protests and unleash their dictatorial traits. Hence the need for pro-democracy groups to tread cautiously lest oppressive regimes should adapt themselves to agitations and devise ways more..

Jul 10 (ST) This week�s order of the Colombo High Court granting bail to comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya imprisoned under Section 3(1) of the much abused International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR Act, 2007) for commenting disrespectfully on Buddhism, is a fine example of legal rectitude if not basic judicial commonsense. The pages of the court order must be pinned up high in the offices of SL�s police command throughout the land. Perhaps (and only half in jest), more..

Jul 10 (Island) Addressing a meeting of company directors, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said: I hope that by September [2023] Sri Lanka will be able to shed its bankruptcy status. What does this statement of the president really mean? Does it give the impression that Sri Lanka is back on the right path under the direction of his regime? Or, does it simply imply that SL will re-start the repayment of foreign loans that were put on hold (so-called debt standstill) in July 2022? more..

Jul 10 (CI) It was a match that didn't matter, and yet SL drove their point home anyway. Stung, perhaps, by needing to qualify for the 2023 ODI World Cup, they kept their foot on the throttle despite having qualified, dismantling Netherlands by a 128-run margin in the qualifier final. Despite a late batting collapse where they lost their last 7 wickets for 53 runs, SL were always on top as their bowlers blew Netherlands away before the chase had more..

Jul 10 (ST) Off-spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe has been recalled to Sri Lanka�s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan starting on July 16 in Galle. Manasinghe, 23, was first included in the Test side in 2022 to face Australia in a two-match series but the former Nalandian failed to earn the national cap. The first of the two matches will begin next Sunday at Galle before the teams head to Colombo for the final match starting July 24 at the SSC ground. more..

Jul 10 (ST) Farmers in SL are likely to face a difficult year in 2024 as the Maha cultivating season is expected to be hit by a drought as predicted by scientists and weather experts likely to impact the country�s economy once again. With global scientists predicting the warmest year in 2024 SL�s Maha cultivating season is expected to be adversely impacted due to the onset of a drought due to the El Nino effect. �What is likely to happen is a weakening of the North East monsoon� more..

Jul 10 (ST) Sri Lanka is to enact new legislation to curb Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing practices and regulate fisheries resources management as one of the key requirements to regaining the GSP+ concessions from the European Union. The move to introduce fresh legislation to eliminate IUU fishing came in the wake of the new GSP Regulation expected to enter into force on Jan 1, 2024 for the next 10-year cycle. Countries such as SL which were among beneficiary countries more..

Jul 10 (SLN) The Navy apprehended 12 individuals on 7th and 8th July off Chalei and Chundikulam in Jaffna and Illuppukadawai in Mannar, while they were engaging in illegal fishing activities. During these special operations, the Navy also held 1870 illegally harvested sea cucumbers, unauthorized fishing gear and 04 dinghies used for these illegal acts. Navy conducts regular operations in the coastal and sea areas around the island in order to suppress illegal fishing activities more..

Jul 10 (FT) President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday invited foreign investors to favourably consider Sri Lanka based on what the country has achieved to restore stability via resolute actions in a year from its worst crises. Speaking at the Daily FT-ICC SL-SLID along with multiple partner�s organised-webinar titled �Is SL ready for investment?� Wickremesinghe briefly touched on key initiatives such as $ 3 billion more..

Jul 10 (AD) Minister Bandula Gunawardena has commented on the implementation of the Port Access Elevated Highway Project, highlighting that 30% of the project is yet to be completed. He stated that the project is expected to conclude by the end of September next year. He further added that an expenditure of USD 60.2 million will have to be incurred by the govt to conclude the entire project. A special inspection tour of the Port Access Elevated Highway Project more..

Jul 10 (EN) The Monetary Board of Central Bank has decided to change the policies of staff pensions funds, Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe as the agency came under fire from the public for paying high returns for its own staff. �The central banks EPF fund has there is policy on which there is formula year-end benefits,� Governor Weerasinghe said. �Lat year when the interest rates changed in an unusual way, unlike in a normal time, in an unusual time, it changed under the rule. more..

Jul 10 (FT) On the first anniversary of the people�s successful uprising SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva unleashed a scathing attack on Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his MPs. �Yes, there are no queues for fuel and gas at present, and there is some degree of economic stability that we admit, but it is temporary. Because, for economic stability to be sustainable there must be political stability, more..

Jul 10 (FT) Continuing his discussions with senior Indian private sector figures, Sri Lanka�s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda held a meeting in New Delhi with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Subhrakant Panda. Panda, who is also the Managing Director of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA), India�s foremost fully integrated producer of value-added ferro chrome, engaged in fruitful discussions with HC Moragoda. more..

Jul 10 (FT) Bangladesh�s apparel industry appears to be navigating the global downturn better than SL by achieving an over 5% growth in exports to $ 19.6 billion upto May whilst the latter is languishing with a 16% decline to $ 1.8 billion. In the US, where Bangladesh does not have any preferential trade terms, its exports are down by 12% to $ 3.4 billion whereas SL�s dip is severe at 25% to $ 746 million. �This would be because of pricing, as Bangladesh has the scale that SL doesn�t have,� more..

Jul 10 (EN) SL�s gross foreign exchange reserves dropped in June 2023 to US$ 3,468 million from a revised US% 3,491 million, in the wake of a flexible exchange rate panic. The confidence in the currency in forex markets were shattered as the rupee which appreciated to around 290 to the US dollar under an ad hoc peg arrangement suddenly reversed direction. Central Bank has operated monetary policy broadly supporting the rupee allowing a balance of payments surplus to develop. more..

Jul 10 (Island) Tourism State Minister Diana Gamage said in Colombo last week that Miss World Tourism 2023 which would take place in SL from July 20th to 30th would get participants from 40 countries, some of whom have little awareness about the country and would never visit it if not for the upcoming tourism event. �These countries will be sending their most exquisite representatives to vie for the coveted crown at the competition. Ministry of Tourism and Tourism Promotion Bureau more..

Jul 10 (AFP) SL offered an amnesty on Sunday for the return of historical treasures looted when protesters stormed the presidential palace a year ago, forcing then-leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee. Months of protests over SL�s worst economic crisis since gaining independence from Britain in 1948 culminated in thousands of people breaking into the palace on July 9, 2022. �Various valuable artefacts and archaeological items more..

Jul 10 (DM) SL-born Australian Gold Medalist Tania Van Heer revealed that she almost withdrew from the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, where she eventually won multiple medals, including Gold. Van Heer recalled that her position in the Australian team for the 1998 Commonwealth Games was challenged by Aboriginal Australian athlete Nova Maree Peris. Peris took the issue to court causing disharmony in the Australian team and drawing wide media coverage. more..

Jul 10 (FT) Urban Development Authority (UDA) on Friday signed an agreement to lease on long term the prestigious Visumpaya property, located at No. 25, Lillie Street, Colombo 2, to Azotels and Hunas Holdings PLC together with its Consortium. This visionary conglomerate has joined forces with the esteemed Adrian Zecha (owner of Azotels), the founder and inspiration behind Aman Luxury Resorts, to undertake the ambitious project of restoring this historic landmark. more..

Jul 10 (FT) SJB MP Mujibur Rahman over the weekend accused SLPP National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa and his supporters in Parliament of undermining the enactment of the newly proposed Anti-Corruption Bill. �Govt has proved yet again it has no genuine interest to bring in new legislation and punish the corrupt. First, they delayed tabling the Bill in Parliament. Now they are delaying the passing of the Bill. Who is exerting this undue pressure?,� Rahman asked. more..

Jul 10 (TM) IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, whose initial service extension expired on 26 June, was yesterday (09) granted another three-month service extension by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, subject to approval from the Constitutional Council (CC), the Presidential Media Division (PMD) stated. Wickramaratne�s return to the top constable�s seat comes following an unprecedented 14 day gap, where the157 year old Police service was for the first time without a leader. more..

Jul 10 (ST) As medical procurement controversies continue to plague the health sector, SPC instructed the regulator to waive still further registration for consignments of high-priced insulin from Ukraine to be purchased on an emergency basis without tender. Insulin orders - mainly for the country's increasing number of acute diabetic patients, are just one among scores of medications now being obtained for the public health more..

Jul 10 (FT) SL�s tourism industry has showcased an impressive rebound in the first half of 2023, with earnings reaching nearly $ 1 billion, along with steady growth in arrivals. Tourism earnings for the first six months amounted to $ 986.2 million, reflecting a substantial 45.1% increase compared to the same period last year, whilst June earnings stood at $ 158.4 million. The month of June witnessed a significant milestone for SL as tourist arrivals surpassed the 100,000 mark, more..

Jul 10 (AD) Eight persons have been reported dead while several others are injured after a passenger bus had collided on the Kotaleeya Bridge at Manampitiya and toppled into the river. A bus travelling from Polonnaruwa to Kattankudy has collided on the Kotaleeya Bridge at Manampitiya and toppled into the river, SSP Nihal Thalduwa said. Several passengers who were travelling in the bus have been injured following the accident and have been hospitalized, according to police. more..