Oct 26 (TM) Today�s The Daily Morning Sports interview page is dedicated to a man who lived almost a century, dedicating himself to sports until the last gasp, as they say � to what he loved. An inimitable icon who will always be remembered for his humbleness, great conversations, as well as inspiring stories from the heydays. Sumanthiran Navaratnam was born on 21 May 1925 in the little hamlet of Araly more..

Oct 26 (TM) The sexual abuse and exploitation of children has returned to the headlines this week with the alleged rape of a 15 year-old girl who was returning home in a private passenger bus running from Kurunegala to Nikagolla. Our society is quick to call for justice for such victims, who are often girls. However, few take the effort to effect meaningful change in society to raise awareness about sexual abuse, nor take action to mitigate the issue. It seems that society�s collective concisions shift more..

Oct 26 (Island) Some SLPP MPs are shedding copious tears for the public who are struggling to keep their heads above water. Prominent among them is former Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who is trying to absolve the SLPP of the blame for exponential increases in taxes and tariffs. Attributing the people�s economic woes to the IMF bailout conditions, he has reportedly lamented that no proper action has been taken to bring the cost of living to an affordable level; more..

Oct 26 (ST) Never in the history of independent SL has a single govt with such a short history and a dubious mandate, drawn up such a battery of obnoxious bills in such a short time to turn so many millions of people against it. That, friends, Sri Lankans and countrymen�to make a minor change to Mark Antony�s words�is not the end of this sordid story, written and scripted by a bunch of unknowns whose competence in legal drafting has raised questions among those qualified to judge. more..

Oct 26 (Island) Sri Lanka has recently embarked on an ambitious programme to widen the scope of opportunities in higher education. Several new state universities that have opened new faculties and private universities have also begun to get established in the country. Furthermore, there are overseas universities that have established branches or partner institutions in Sri Lanka, thus enabling a large number of young aspirants to enter higher education. more..

Oct 26 (Island) Asian Youth Championship medallist Thushen Silva shattered the national junior record in the pole vault as meet records continued to fall on day three of the All-Island Schools Games Athletics C'ship at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Maris Stella College Negombo jumper erased the meet record, national youth record and the national junior record as he cleared 4.90 metres to cement his place as one of the leading more..

Oct 26 (AD) The STF has arrested a close associate of the ill-famed underworld figure Kudu Salindu. The apprehension was made on Tuesday during an operation launched in Alubomulla, Panadura. STF officers impounded 1kg and 40g of �Ice� (crystal methamphetamine) worth Rs. 20 million from the possession of the suspect. The arrestee is reportedly a 31-year-old residing at Dikthuduwa Road in Panadura. He was identified as a close associate of notorious criminal gang member more..

Oct 26 (CI) It was the most brutal of one-twos. First came David Warner with the jab, then Glenn Maxwell with the lights out uppercut. A 104 from the opener had the Netherlands weary, but it was Maxwell's astonishing 106 from just 44 deliveries that administered the most devastating of knock-out blows. Australia posted 399 for 8, standing triumphantly at the halfway stage over floored opponents, who were unable to rise off the canvas, eventually succumbing to a chastening more..

Oct 26 (FT) National Policy and Action Plan on Migration for Employment in SL (2023-2027) was launched yesterday by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). It represents a significant step forward in the Govt�s approach to labour migration. It originates from the 2008 National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP), which received support from various stakeholders, both Governmental and non-Governmental, working together more..

Oct 26 (FT) In a strategic move aligned with their mission to attract cutting-edge digital and technology-driven Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Board of Investment (BOI) has unveiled its latest collaboration with Salus Safety Robotics Ltd, a subsidiary of South Korean power house Salus Safety Inc. With a robust three-decade legacy in the industry, Salus Safety Inc. brings a wealth of experience to this pioneering endeavour. Through collaborative efforts with local experts, more..

Oct 26 (FT) SJB, said that outcomes of both domestic and int'l debt restructuring mechanisms must be comparable, and the party will fight to ensure Sri Lankans, specifically the EPF Fund, will be the first to receive any benefits offered to int'l creditors should our economy grow above IMF predictions. SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, said the country still lacks the environment to achieve sustainable economic stability. more..

Oct 26 (Island) Former captain Angelo Mathews is expected to make a comeback today as SL take on England in their World Cup fixture here in Bangalore. Mathews wasn�t part of SL�s original squad but was drafted in as an injury replacement and now he is expected to feature in the playing eleven, possibly replacing Chamika Karunaratne. Training was optional for SL yesterday and Mathews was one of the two players to turn up for practices with the other being Dunith Wellalage. more..

Oct 26 (DN) I am ready to give my full effort to the SL team, and whatever they require, I am keen to provide support, said Angelo Mathews,� the new addition to the SL team for today�s match against England. �Matheesha Pathirana got injured and had to return home. I got the opportunity, but I wish him a quick recovery, as he is a valuable asset to our team in future. I was not in the original squad and I couldn�t control that. Now I have a chance here, and this is going to be my last World Cup. more..

Oct 26 (TM) The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing is to reportedly conduct a feasibility test in order to find the possibilities of addressing the issues that could arise with a rising urban population. A recent survey conducted by the National Physical Planning Department has revealed that the urban population in Sri Lanka has increased to 44.5%. The previous survey on urbanisation in Sri Lanka was conducted in 2012 more..

Oct 26 (EN) Top Sri Lanka financial professional Ravi Abeysuriya, passed away in hospital last night after a sudden illness, close acquaintances said. Abeysuriya was the first head of the Sri Lanka unit of Fitch Ratings. He was also the founder head of Amba Research in Sri Lanka, putting the county on the knowledge processing services map. Abeysuriya was also an educator who was instrumental in spreading financial literacy in the country. In addition to writing he also worked with more..

Oct 26 (USE) United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development�s (USAID) Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity, and Gunadamin Elephant House of Ceylon Cold Stores PLC (CCS) have solidified their alliance through a Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration aims to establish Sri Lanka�s inaugural plastic recyclable collection network and material recovery facility, led by women, emphasizing the separation and processing of recyclable materials. more..

Oct 26 (CT) A tense situation was reported yesterday in front of the Central Mail Exchange, on D.R. Wijeyawardene Mawatha in Colombo, when the weapon of a Police officer, attached to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB), had misfired while taking two suspects into custody. Speaking at a press conference held last evening, SSP Nihal Thalduwa said, a group of officers attached to the PNB took two individuals into custody when they arrived at the Central Mail Exchange to claim a parcel. more..

Oct 26 (DN) SL cricket team is ready to face England in their World Cup match scheduled for today, at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bangalore commencing at 2 pm. After their victory in the Netherlands game, SL team is approaching this match with increased confidence to maintain their winning streak. Experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews will strengthen the side for the first time in this World Cup. Mathews will included in place for all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne to fortify more..

Oct 26 (TM) In the wake of Sri Pada/Adam's Peak Chief Incumbent (Sri Padasthanadhipathi) Ven. Bengamuwe Dhammadinna Thera refusing to pay electricity bills for street lamps on three roads leading to it (Sri Pada), CEB � while emphasising that everyone should pay the related charges for using electricity � stated that the relevant regional unit of the CEB would take necessary action if the relevant bills were not paid. more..

Oct 26 (DN) SL made its presence known by winning four medals, propelling the nation to the 14th spot in the medals table on the fourth day of the fourth Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China on Wednesday. Adding to the two gold medals secured on day three, Sri Lanka clinched two silver medals and two bronze medals, bringing their total medal count to six. This achievement earned them the 14th rank among the participating Asian countries. Samitha Kodithuwakku emerged as more..

Oct 26 (CT) Doctors warned they would withdraw from ambulance services given to VIPs from 1 November, if the Govt failed to take measures to retain medical practitioners within the country. Secretary of the Govt Medical Officers� Association (GMOA), Dr. Haritha Aluthge, yesterday, warned that his outfit was set to launch trade union action to prod the Govt into coming up with a programme to provide equity and economic justice to medical officers remaining in the country. more..

Oct 26 (CT) In Anuradhapura, a cow that was known for its high milk yield in the region was recently stolen and slaughtered. This rare cow had been consistently providing an impressive 26 litres of milk every day, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said. Amaraweera, who announced an increase in the fine for cattle theft to Rs 1 million, with a one-year Rigorous Imprisonment (RI), said the Gampaha District has the highest number of cattle thefts in the country. more..

Oct 26 (DM) The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) which awaits collaborative research with the Chinese vessel Shi Yang 6 subject to approval by the Foreign Ministry said it had agreed for air-sea interaction survey with a focus on the water column of the Indian Ocean but not on the sea bottom given security sensitivity involved, a scientist said. Principal scientist of NARA K. Arulananthan said such research on water columns is to more..

Oct 26 (AP) A Chinese research ship docked at a SL port on Wednesday, likely adding to neighboring India's concerns about China�s growing influence in the Indian Ocean. The arrival of the Shi Yan 6 follows last year�s visit by a Chinese naval vessel. The latest ship was given permission to dock for replenishment at the port of Colombo, the Indian Ocean island's main port, from Wednesday until Oct. 28, said foreign ministry spokesman Kapila Fonseka. more..

Oct 26 (PMD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, addressing the 117th Anniversary of the Institution of Engineers, outlined plans for modernizing the Agriculture Ministry. He expressed his intention to seek external assistance to design a new Agricultural Ministry by studying how similar ministries function in countries like Thailand and Malaysia. He emphasized the need for a well-defined ministerial structure for progress. Prez also discussed the next stage of modernizing more..

Oct 26 (AD) The US has underscored that equal and equitable treatment for all creditors of SL is essential in the debt restructuring process. Ambassador of the US, Julie Chung stated this during a meeting with Governor of CB, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe today (25). She highlighted the need for fairness in the debt restructuring process and pointed out that transparency from every party involved is crucial. Chung reassured that the U.S. remains committed to an economic landscape that values more..

Oct 26 (TM) The Customs has launched an investigation into the validity and the use of the vehicle import licences issued by the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment for the benefit of migrant workers. This investigation was launched following a number of vehicles allegedly illegally imported using the aforementioned vehicle licences being seized by the Customs last week. Customs Spokesperson Seevali Arukgoda said that more..

Oct 26 (FT) I repose trust in the abiding democratic ethos of SL. It has never succumbed to dictatorship of the right or left, despite several civil wars. The endgame has always been electoral. This resilient electoral democracy has demonstrated a proclivity for social welfarism. Savage capitalism has never been sustainable here, nor has a foreign policy alien to the values of Nonalignment. I have been proudest of my country when it elected a leader from a non-elite background more..

Oct 26 (FT) Second tranche of the IMF's EFF was delayed as the country failed to meet some of the program targets including the Govt revenue target. This prompted the IMF in their latest review to reiterate the need to strengthen tax administration, remove tax exemptions, and actively eliminate tax evasion to ensure revenue is collected as per the program targets. This requires intense efforts by the Govt if the country is to achieve sustainable macroeconomic stability. more..

Oct 26 (CT) A group of residents of the Galle Fort and a section of businessmen, holding a special media briefing yesterday, alleged that the Galle Heritage Foundation (GHF) along with the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) has decided to levy USD 15 from all foreigners visiting the scenic Galle Fort. The residents of Galle Fort and businessmen of the area, opposing this decision taken by the GHF and the CCF, staged a protest demonstration at the Shri Sudarmalaya Temple at Galle Fort yesterday. more..

Oct 26 (AD) A total of 168 girls aged under 16 have reportedly been sexually abused in the country within the month of Sept 2023, State Minister Geetha Kumarasinghe revealed. Speaking to the media in this regard, She noted that of 168 cases of abuse, 22 of them resulted in child pregnancies. Thus, State Minister urged Police Dept to take strict actions in this regard, and further called for the highest possible punishment to be meted out to those found guilty of such crimes. more..

Oct 26 (TM) Officers of the CID told the Colombo Fort Magistrate�s Court on Tuesday that they have uncovered information about an alleged plot to execute a terrorist like attack, designed to aid the escape of organised crime and drug related crime suspect Nadun Chinthaka alias Harak Kata who is currently in custody. Accordingly, Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered the initiation of an investigation into the purported plot and called for a report on the findings. more..

Oct 26 (AD) General (Retd.) Lionel Balagalle, former Commander of the SL Army and Chief of Defence Staff, has passed away. Gen. Balagalle was aged 75 at the time of his demise. He took office as the 16th Army Commander in August 2000 and relinquished his duties four years later. Balagalle was appointed to the exalted military rank of the Chief of Defence Staff as the Head for Tri-Forces in Oct 2003. It was the first time a serving commander was made a Chief of the Armed Forces in SL. more..

Oct 26 (FT) 24-hour ultra-endurance international bicycle race, Race The Pearl is back with a collective of riders from the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, India and SL. Tour De France Stage Winner and Yellow Jersey Holder during 2013 Stages 2 and 3, Belgian Jan Bakelants, UCI Pro Race Winner Piotr Havik from the Netherlands, and Srinivas Gokulanathan who was the first Indian to complete Race Across America (RAAM), up the celebrity rider stakes in the race, more..

Oct 26 (TM) The Electricity Consumers' Association (ECA) stated that they are currently discussing the initiation of legal proceedings against the CEB latest electricity tariff hike, before the Supreme Court (SC), and that the relevant application would be filed soon. Following approval being granted by PUCSL, the CEB had raised the electricity tariffs by between 18% to 20%, with effect from 20 October. more..