Oct 27 (FT) In a recent meeting with the EDB Ornamental Advisory Committee, stakeholders highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive reforms across various aspects of ornamental fish exports to reach the industry�s full potential. Chaired by Ornamental Fish Advisory Committee Chairman Sathyendra Wijayapura, the consultation was attended by EDB Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard, as well as industry leaders from the Tropical Ornamental Fish Association. more..

Oct 27 (FT) The visa-free arrivals push for select seven countries aimed at boosting tourism has hit a snag with the scheme being delayed by several weeks. Contrary to earlier announcements by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando following Cabinet approval, Immigration and Emigration Department Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya said the implementation of this initiative will not take effect immediately, but is projected to be more..

Oct 27 (DM) Prof. Jayantha Jayawardane who was removed as the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) Vice President recently called for a reasonable hearing over his arbitrary removal. Prof. Jayantha Jayawardana said his removal was neither legal nor reasonable. �I was removed without a reasonable hearing and thus, the removal is an arbitrary decision by the Minister on the request of the SLMC President. The decision was also taken without the consent of the council members.� more..

Oct 27 (FT) In a world that is rapidly embracing digitalisation, the recent Daily FT-CICRA Cyber Security Summit CEO Forum shed light on why cybersecurity is poised to become the new crisis of the modern world. In an era marked by the rapid advance of technology, the digital revolution has become an unstoppable force. From how people communicate and work to how individuals shop and entertain, people�s lives are increasingly reliant on digital systems and networks. more..

Oct 27 (Island) SL�s Para Athletes, powered by Dialog Axiata, SL�s premier connectivity provider, have clinched six medals at the Asian Paralympic Games currently underway in China. These six medals comprise two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes, propelling Sri Lanka to the 15 th position in the medal standings as of Thursday. Nuwan Indika and Pradeep Somasiri secured the gold medals, while Samitha Dhulan and Janani Dhananjana claimed the silver medals. more..

Oct 27 (FT) Georgian business delegation paid a visit to the SL Export Development Board (EDB) recently, to enhance trading opportunities with the SL agricultural sector. EDB Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard welcomed the delegation and extended his appreciation for visiting SL to bolster commercial and business ties between the two countries. Georgia is SL�s 91st export destination and in 2022, SL�s exports value to Georgia was $ 5.02 million, representing a 22.45% increase more..

Oct 27 (TM) Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) has claimed that no member of the commission has accepted any bribe as was alleged by Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. CIABOC Chairperson retired SC Judge Justice Eva Wanasundara PC said that no such incident had been reported thus far and that therefore, an investigation into such would not be necessary. more..

Oct 27 (FT) Govt has issued an extraordinary Gazette notification upwardly revising the fees charged for the registration of persons and related services. The Gazette notification has been issued by Minister Tiran Alles under Section 52 of the Registration of Persons Act, No. 32 of 1968. Accordingly, the fee for the issuance of a certified copy of an NIC has been set at Rs. 1,000. Fees for the certification of authenticity of the particulars relating to an NIC were also revised. more..

Oct 27 (DN) The usage of the E-commerce platforms in SL is rapidly increasing and is expected to double from the current 2% to around 4% to 5% by 2025, said CCO Daraz SL, Oshan Ranatunga. He said that the shift towards the increase of e-commerce in Sri Lanka happened before the C-19 pandemic but it further increased during the C-19 time as many wanted to save time and transport costs. He said that today most people use e-commerce platforms for food delivery, more..

Oct 27 (Island) Jaffna International Trade Fair 2024, a transformative annual event that has played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and community development in SL�s Northern Province, is back with its 14th edition. Organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS) together with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Yarlpanam (CCIY), Jaffna Int'l Trade Fair 2024 will take place from Jan 19th to 21st, 2024, under the theme Your Gateway to the North. more..

Oct 27 (EN) Sri Lanka�s services exports grew steeply 55.6% to US$ 2,304 million, according to an estimated by Sri Lanka�s Export Development Board. Services exports estimated by the are made up of ICT/BPO, construction, financial services, transport and logistics. Last month the EDB said services exports up to August was up 1.2.9% to US$ 1,409 million, indicating an increase of US$ 985 million in the month of Sept, or rise of 39%. The reason for the sharp rise was not given. more..

Oct 27 (DM) Security surveillance has been beefed up islandwide to crack down on organized criminals, particularly in the Southern and Western Provinces, amid the escalating wave of killings and robberies across the country. A senior police officer told the Daily Mirror that the Sri Lanka Police have implemented both short-term and long-term measures to tackle criminals and organized criminals in the country. more..

Oct 27 (TM) While it is up to the Defence Ministry to decide whether to implement the Parliament�s Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on National Security�s recommendation to inform US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung to refrain from making remarks regarding the internal affairs of SL, the said SOC stated that their message has, however, reached the relevant parties. Said SOC had recently recommended the particular ministry to inform Ambassador Chung to refrain more..

Oct 27 (CT) Principals and teachers will hold protests in front of their respective schools Island -wide today (27) condemning the use of tear gas and water cannon to disperse a protest march by teachers in Pelawatte on Tuesday (24), General Secretary of Ceylon Teachers� Union (CTU) Joseph Stalin said. Stalin said, the protests will commence at 1.30 p.m. in front of schools across the country, with a commitment to ensuring that regular school hours and study times were not disrupted. more..

Oct 27 (TM) In the wake of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 docking at the Colombo Port on Wednesday, the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) is awaiting Foreign Affairs Ministry approval to conduct research with the Chinese vessel. Sources within the NARA said that the Ministry is yet to approve the request made by the NARA to allow the Shi Yan 6 to conduct research more..

Oct 27 (FT) Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) has for the third time in 14 months approved an electricity tariff hike by 18%, effective from 20 October. Whatever calculations and reasons the CEB and the PUCSL provide in justifying this third tariff hike, are only in relation to cost which means CEB expenses, never given in detail. For the consumer, my rough calculations show a cumulative increase in tariff of around 300% since Aug 2022, with one increase topping the other. more..

Oct 27 (FT) Budget proposals are to lay the basic foundation for transforming and reenergising an economy. What we need now are proposals for building a new economy suitable for the modern world, therefore the 2024 Budget proposals must be very different. It is therefore crucial for the Govt and policymakers to identify the low-hanging fruits which when reaped can help to jumpstart the recovery. In this article, we will explore the key areas the Govt can target for recovery. more..

Oct 27 (AD) The number of people, who were admitted to Colombo National Hospital after a massive fire engulfed a clothing store in Pettah this morning, has risen to 20. Six of the injured individuals are in critical condition, according to Dr. Indika Jagoda, director of Accident & Orthopedic Service Unit of Colombo National Hospital. The injured are reportedly aged between 18-25 years. A major fire broke out inside a clothing store located at 2nd Cross Street in Pettah more..

Oct 27 (DM) A new access road through Diyagama to the Horton Plains is to be opened tomorrow by the Dept of Wildlife Conservation. Park Warden said that the new road would be declared open by Minister of Wildlife and Forest Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Director General Chandana Suriyabandara. He said the road would be a natural pathway for tourists to walk or ride bicycles. Park Warden said entry of other vehicles into the access road would not be allowed under any circumstances. more..

Oct 27 (FT) It�s almost official or unofficially official! Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated publicly that the next Prez election would be held in 2024. Addressing the UNP�s Special convention held at the Sugathadasa Stadium on 21 Oct, the Prez outlined the timeline for upcoming elections in line with the constitutional provisions. He said Prez election would be held next year, followed by parliamentary elections. more..

Oct 27 (AD) A man has been arrested for operating a financial institute without a license from the Central Bank of SL (CBSL). The officers of Financial and Commercial Crimes Investigation Division arrested the 54-year-old on Thursday in the Kandy View Garden area. The suspect has swindled a whopping amount of money to the tune of Rs. 9.9 billion through this unapproved financial operation. He has served as the director and the shareholder of the aforesaid illegal financial institution. more..

Oct 27 (DM) Two young men were taken into custody for allegedly taking hostage a 16-month-old child and raping the mother. They were produced before Pugoda Magistrate Vishan Ekanayake and remanded till November 04. The suspects, aged 21 years and 23 years were identified as residents of Devapura and Pepiliyawala areas. Police told the court that another suspect wanted in connection with the incident had fled from the area and that he would be arrested soon. more..

Oct 27 (CI) The entire Sri Lankan team stood together, their collective gaze fixed on the giant screen. The next moment, as the magic word out flashed, euphoria broke out. Sadeera Samarawickrama broke out of the huddle and did his own imitation of the Imran Tahir sprint. Before his team-mates could catch him, Samarawickrama had run some 25 yards, towards the cover boundary, punching the air in jubilation. more..

Oct 27 (DM) A lawsuit filed by the fishing community demanding compensation from the owners, operator, and insurer of the vessel M.V. X-Press Pearl and the responsible authorities in SL for failure to discharge their duties to avoid X-Press Pearl Maritime Disaster was yesterday fixed for December 13 by the Colombo Commercial High Court. Seventy fishermen, the office bearers and trustees of the All Ceylon Fisher Folk Trade Union and other respective fisher folk societies more..

Oct 27 (CI) SLC has unveiled Lanka T10, their first ten-over competition to be played from Dec 12-23. The tournament will be held in Colombo, with the player auction to be conducted on Nov 10. There are also plans to also host a women's T10 league at the same time. While details about the women's league remain scant, the men's event will comprise six franchises named after iconic SL cities. All games will be played in Colombo, with player registrations already underway until Nov 5. more..

Oct 27 (FP) SL spinner Maheesh Theekshana said defending champions England underestimated his team in their key Cricket World Cup clash on Thursday. England were bundled out for 156 runs in 34 overs after deciding to bat. In reply, SL chased down the target with a massive 146 balls to spare. Jos Buttler�s England suffered their fourth defeat in five matches in the process and have very slim chances of making it through to the semi-finals. SL, meanwhile, with their second win more..

Oct 27 (DM) No scanner can scan inside the chest cavity (in the lungs or near the heart) of the Seetha elephant, Peradeniya University Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty Prof. Ashoka Dangolla said. He told the Daily Mirror that eight metal pieces were discovered inside the Seetha elephant's body following a scan. "The doctors attached to the Wildlife Dept and the Zoological Department found eight metal pieces inside the elephant," the professor said. more..

Oct 27 (EN) Govt workers in SL are demanding a 20,000 rupee increase in salaries amid increased living expenses consequent to an electricity tariff hike and other factors, against a backdrop of the state salary bill dipping by four percent in early 2023. Joint Development Officers� Association (JDOA) Secretary said that the collective of govt worker unions are currently engaged in trade union action around the country over this demand. more..

Oct 27 (DM) Fundamental Rights petition filed by award-winning writer Shakthika Sathkumara challenging his arrest and detention over an allegation that he had propagated religious hatred through a short story titled Ardha (Half) has been fixed for argument by the Supreme Court. On April 1, 2019, Sathkumara was arrested by Polgahawela police under the Penal Code and Int'l Covenant on Civil & Political Rights Act for allegedly propagating religious hatred through his literary work. more..

Oct 27 (DM) The Colombo High Court resumed recording evidence from the prosecution witnesses in a corruption case filed against two accused, including former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith Samarakoon. Bribery Commission had filed indictments before the Colombo High Court against former North Central Province Chief Minister S.M. Ranjith Samarakoon and his private secretary Shanthi Chandrasena, the spouse of former Minister more..

Oct 27 (Nikkei) Sri Lanka's cash-strapped govt is breathing slightly easier after a week that brought an agreement on more support from the IMF and a promise of no strings help from China. But the country still must climb out of bankruptcy, and Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe's administration must prepare a budget presentation for Nov. 13 that will likely highlight the difficulty of balancing financial constraints with public welfare. more..

Oct 27 (DN) While participating in the opening ceremony of the replaced dilapidated bridge at the Bambalapitiya railway station, Minister Bandula Gunawardana claimed that there are 30 dilapidated bridges around the country, and the RDA has estimated that more than Rs. 2,000 million is needed for their repairs to be completed. �Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the following economic crisis, none of these bridges can be repaired, no matter how badly they are damaged. more..

Oct 27 (Island) Dept of Wildlife has given up efforts to protect elephants in the country, Sajeewa Chamikara of the Movement for Land and Agricultural Reform (MONLAR) has said. Addressing a gathering at the launch of his book, Sanwardana Jawaramen bihikala Ali minis getuma (Human-Elephant Conflict: A Creation of the Development Racket), on Wednesday, Chamikara said successive govts had been trying to convince people that there were too many elephants in the country. more..

Oct 27 (PMD) Minister of Industry and Health, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, stated that due to the limited availability of land for industrial purposes in SL, the objective is to designate 1% of the nation�s total land area for industrial use. Furthermore, he pointed out that there was a remarkable opportunity to achieve a historic record in our country�s export earnings, with the potential to reach 13.1 billion dollars by the year 2022. Mr. Ramesh Pathirana made these remarks during his participation in a press conference more..

Oct 27 (FT) The ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great (ROKN 40th ETG: Escort Task Group) yesterday made a historic call at the Colombo Port. The port call was followed by a reception and was graced by Republic of Korea Ambassador Miyon Lee, Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the SL Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, dignitaries of foreign missions and other invitees. more..