Mar 13 (Island) MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage yesterday (12) said that a comprehensive inquiry was needed to identify those who manipulated the Immigration and Emigration data system to allow wanted men to leave the country. The former Minister said so responding to The Island query whether he intended to call for disciplinary action against Immigration and Emigration officers for turning him back at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) on Friday night. more..

Mar 13 (FT) Workers� remittances in Feb had doubled to $ 407.4 million from a year ago but have suffered a second consecutive Month-on-Month dip. After peaking to $ 476 million in Dec last year, workers� remittances have declined to $ 438 million in Jan this year and $ 407 million in Feb. In Feb last year, workers� remittances amounted to $ 205 million. In the first two months of this year, workers� remittances amounted to $ 845 million, up 82% from $ 464 million in corresponding period of 2022. more..

Mar 13 (AD) Special Investigation Unit of the SL Police has commenced a probe into the Chief Inspector of the Bandarawela Police, on the orders of the IGP. Accordingly, the probe has been launched with regard to the Inspector�s conduct pertaining to the arrest of the mother who recently abandoned her infant inside the restroom of a train, as his conduct had allegedly been against the instructions issued by the IGP. Inspector in question had allegedly breached IGP�s instructions, more..

Mar 13 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) stated that it should receive the postal ballot papers by 21 March in order to hold the postal voting related to the Local Govt (LG) elections on the scheduled dates (from 28 to 31 March), while the Dept of Govt Printing however, stated that they cannot be printed by the said date, even if the relevant financial allocations are received within the course of today (13), thereby more..

Mar 13 (AD) US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung has deemed the upcoming LG election critical for the island nation. Speaking at the 2023 National Law Conference hosted by Bar Association of SL (BASL) in Colombo, Ambassador Chung spoke on matters of varying concern, including SL�s longstanding relationship with America, the rule of law and judicial independence. Speaking on the shared interest of an independent judiciary being amongst several others on which the two countries built their more..

Mar 13 (DN) UNP Chairman, MP Vajira Abeywardena said that under the Essential Public Services Act No. 61 of 1979, all movable or immovable property of every person who commits an offence will be confiscated. Abeywardena who mentioned that Prez Wickremesinghe has signed a gazette notification making ports, airports and passenger transport services and related services essential services, also said that prior to engaging in unreasonable strikes, carrying out sabotage more..

Mar 13 (Island) Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said that there was no need to investigate the presence of persons in military uniform, armed with wooden sticks and iron roads as they never engaged the protesters during the incidents in Colombo on 07 March. Minister said so when The Island inquired whether a ministerial level investigation was underway into the Opposition�s allegations. The military never entered the scene, Alles said. more..

Mar 13 (FT) In the previous part, we discussed the positive features that have been introduced to the proposed central bank bill. In today�s part, we will look at some serious gaps in the new bill that will compromise the autonomy that has been granted to the new central bank under the new bill. Central Bank needs autonomy with respect to two main functions. One is the independence to carry out the policy of the bank concerning the monetary policy & policy relating to financial system stability. more..

Mar 13 (FT) Based on his immense hands-on experience in the financial sector, P.T. Sirisena who is a former Director of Bank Supervision of the Central Bank of SL and a former Adviser to the Republic of Maldives, has authored the book titled How to be a Wise Depositor to guide the public to make prudent investment decisions avoiding falling prey to dubious financial arrangements. This volume could be considered a pioneering contribution to disseminating the nitty-gritty of more..

Mar 13 (DM) A female govt officer in Padavi, Sripura was allegedly threatened by her ex-lover, who warned to release her nude photos to her husband if she did not pay him the ransom he demanded, police said. The suspect had also threatened that he would publish the pictures online to shame the govt officer if the monies were not transferred to him. Sripura police said the woman had filed a complaint in this regard. In her complaint, the victim said that since 2019, the woman had been forced to more..

Mar 13 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has congratulated his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for securing a historic third term as the President. SL Prez also commended the progress China has made under Xi�s leadership. While appreciating the support extended by China during the economic challenges facing SL, Wickremesinghe was also thankful for the financial assurances given by EXIM Bank of China, paving way for the final stage to secure a USD 2.9 billion bailout package under the IMF�s EFF. more..

Mar 13 (CI) At his best, this is an imperious batter. Compact, assured, supremely accomplished. Not a player in the vein of a Babar Azam, or even a Rohit Sharma, who both bat as if born into an obscene inheritance of talent. There are gifts for Williamson too; they are quickened by something else. But, last ball of a Test, the shadow of the Hagley Oval pavilion darkening a surface that still offers bounce and movement for the bowler, more..

Mar 13 (FT) Lanka Hospitals Corporation, has posted a profit before tax of Rs. 4 billion for the Financial Year ended 31 Dec 2022 compared to the Rs. 2.2 billion PBT reported in the corresponding period of the prior year. It had also reported a profit after tax of Rs. 3.2 billion in contrast to Rs. 2.23 billion reported in the prior year with a 47% growth in its EPS. The growth in profits attributable to a healthy operating profit and a high investment income as reflected in the Group financial more..

Mar 13 (DM) Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi was appointed recently as the President of SL-European Union Parliamentary Friendship Association (SL EUPFA). The special meeting to appoint the office bearers related to the 9th Parliament of the SL EUPFA was held in Parliament and was chaired by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana. Ambassador to European Union in SL Denis Chaibi, was present as the guest of honor and Parliament Secretary General Dhammika Dasanayake was also more..

Mar 13 (EN) Trade unions have threatened to cripple the economy if the government does not reverse IMF-backed reforms, with one SJB-affiliated union leader promising a total shutdown of power & energy, medical, banking and other vital sectors starting midnight March 14. Samagi Trade Union Collective Convenor Ananda Palitha said that if the govt does not revoke a newly increased progressive tax regime, lower interest rates more..

Mar 13 (PMD) Bar Association of SL (BASL) organized a felicitation ceremony at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo Yesterday, to honour those who have completed fifty years at the Bar. During the Felicitation Dinner, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has also completed fifty years at the Bar, was honoured and presented with a plaque by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. The Felicitation Dinner was organized by the BASL to honour 26 individuals who have served at more..

Mar 13 (CI) In their previous game, New Zealand became just the fourth team to win after following-on. Now, in Christchurch, against Sri Lanka, they produced another rollicking finish to a Test. The scenario: one over to go, eight runs to get for New Zealand, SL need three wickets (to keep their hopes of a place in the WTC final alive). Kane Williamson is holding the chase together with a hundred, and among those waiting in their dressing room is a hobbling birthday boy Neil Wagner. more..

Mar 13 (AD) Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha says if 2022 (2023) GCE A/L exam�s paper marking activities are delayed, the 2022 GCE O/L exam is most likely to be postponed further. He stated that the Department of Examinations requires at least a 3-month interval between the two exams. �If the paper marking [of A/L exam] continues to be put off, releasing the results will also be delayed further, causing a similar possible delay in holding the GCE O/L exam�, he said. more..

Mar 13 (Island) Govt Medical Officers Association (GMOA) said that about 40 public sector trade unions would resort to trade union action beginning today leading to a countrywide strike on 15 March. GMOA spokesperson Dr. Chamila Wijesinghe said that their major demand was the revision of new tax formula. Trade unions representing the power sector, ports, transport and banks have pledged their support for the countrywide action. Govt Medical Officers� Forum (GMOF) President more..

Mar 13 (Island) SJB Colombo Mayoral candidate Mujibur Rahuman says the second stage of a high profile project to postpone the scheduled LG polls is underway. He said so when The Island sought his response to the SLPP challenging an interim Supreme Court decision, pertaining to a fundamental rights petition, filed by SJB General Secretary, Ranjith Madduma Bandara, MP. �Obviously, the govt didn�t expect the SC more..

Mar 13 (AD) SL Customs has intercepted a stock of cocaine, worth nearly Rs. 17 million, at the BIA. The contraband had been smuggled in by a Macedonian national who arrived from Brazil. The suspect was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit of the Customs upon his arrival at the airport at around 8.30 a.m. this morning. He had first travelled to the Qatari capital Doha from Brazil before reaching Colombo on a flight belonging to Qatar Airways, according to Customs spokesperson. more..

Mar 13 (Island) SJB MP S.M. Marikkar, on Friday, in Parliament, warned govt officials not to be baited by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and fall for the latter�s deceptive ways. Marikkar said that the govt had got its MPs to claim that there were no funds for elections. The public officials had to have the interests of the people at heart, MP said. Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana must be prepared to a jail term for his actions under a future SJB govt, Marikkar said, more..

Mar 13 (TM) Hundred and twenty medicines which were in short supply in Sri Lanka are expected to be replenished over the next two weeks. The stock of medicines includes some in the essential category, which have been in low supply for several months. According to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, the new imports, facilitated under a Line of Credit (LOC) from India, are expected to ease the widespread shortages more..

Mar 13 (MFA) Minister Ali Sabry will participate in the 22nd Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM) at the Commonwealth Headquarters, Marlborough House, London on 15 March 2023. Prior to CFAMM, on 13 March Minister will attend the Commonwealth Day celebrations which also marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter that outlines the values and aspirations uniting the Commonwealth member countries. more..

Mar 13 (AD) Another discussion regarding the restructuring process of the CEB has taken place between Minister Kanchana Wijesekera and CEB trade unions last evening. All trade unions affiliated with the CEB have reportedly participated in the discussion held at the ministerial premises. Minister has made a lengthy explanation to the trade union representatives regarding the process of restructuring the CEB. Meanwhile, the trade unions have mentioned that they are in agreement more..

Mar 13 (AD) Three suspects have been arrested for attempting to assassinate the organized criminal gang member and drug dealer Manawaduge Asanka alias Parippuwa by opening fire at him in the Kotuwila area of Wellampitiya. Police Hq said that the suspects were arrested in relation to an investigation carried out by Wellampitiya Police. Accordingly, two of the suspects were taken into custody on charges of aiding, abetting and planning to commit the murder, while the driver more..

Mar 13 (EN) Exporters and importers say the cancelling of a gazette on shipping charges will expose shippers to high costs and may hurt export competitiveness as well as pushing up import costs. �This piece of legislature has helped importers and exporters from anti-competitive practices which have been carried out by service providers for several years,� SL Shippers� Council said. �The rescinding of the Gazette has created a ripple effect, which will lead to SL�s Imports and Exports becoming more..

Mar 13 (TM) A notable reduction of the income earned from toll roads around the country has been observed by RDA during the past several months. Sources at the Ministry of Highways said on terms of anonymity that the 96 km-long Matara-Hambantota stretch of the expressway, which was built at a cost of around Rs. 225 billion, had recorded the lowest income over the past few months. more..

Mar 13 (AD) The Colombo Chief Magistrate�s Court has issued a warrant for MP Wimal Weerawansa to be arrested and presented before the courts for failing to attend a hearing. The order was given when a case filed by Cinnamon Gardens Police against a group of individuals including the MP was called today for a hearing. The relevant case was filed on the charges of causing public inconvenience by blocking the roads around the UN Compound at Thummulla, Colombo when then-UN more..

Mar 13 (DM) The appreciation of the rupee against the US Dollar was an artificial situation that has been created with a political agenda, former JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti said. He said that the myth that the rupee has appreciated was not made towards the strengthening of the economy but with a political motive. "The myth that the rupee has appreciated is being spread so as to decide whether to hold the election or not, manage possible people's uproar in the future and to hoodwink the people," more..

Mar 13 (EN) China�s Sinopec has pledged to invest in SL�s southern district of Hambantota at a meeting with the island nation�s prez, Ranil Wickremesinghe, PMD said. The move comes as Beijing is looking to consolidate investments in the island nation�s ports and energy sector amid increasing security concerns raised by the island nation�s immediate neighbour India and the US. Wickremesinghe under the previous govt more..

Mar 13 (TM) SJB MP Eran Wickremeratne, stressed that elections must be held on time, and that it is not the prerogative of an Executive to make decisions in that regard. Referring to various factors that delayed the LG election, which was slated to be held on 9 March, he urged the Govt to uphold democracy, instead of employing various tactics to further delay the LG election. He made these remarks in response to the claim made by SLPP MP Premanath Dolawatta that the recent interim order more..

Mar 13 (Reuters) The SL govt raised 110.44 billion rupees through a bond sale on Monday, far short of its 180 billion-rupee target, with the central bank saying it rejecting almost all bids for the two-year paper on offer in the sale. The central bank accepted offers for only 441 million rupees for the two-year paper versus a target of 70 billion rupees ($219 million), despite traders having bid at market levels. Earlier in the day traders predicted that cut-offs � the lowest price or highest yield at which more..

Mar 14 (DM) Major trade unions, student unions and a number of political parties are up in arms over the recently revised income tax structure of the country. Under the proposed tax revision, persons drawing up to Rs.100,000 do not pay taxes. Those receiving up to Rs. 141,667 pay approximately Rs. 2,500 (6%) per month. Persons receiving an income up to 266,667 are subject to a 24% tax amounting to Rs. 25,000/- per month and only those receiving over Rs. 750,000/- per month are subject to more..

Mar 14 (CT) Sudden, unexpected elevation to lofty heights is a dangerous predicament. It can invest the cleverest of people with a large dose of hubris. Hubris is really a Greek idea. Hubris is not pride or arrogance. It is really what we call cockiness. Ancient Greeks believed that hubris invited the wrath of gods. When in power, leaders with hubris tend to rely on their instincts and abilities of one-upmanship instead of objective information and realistic analysis. more..