Sep 4 (EN) Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the NPP, a leftist alliance dominated by the JVP, is the only common candidate who can defeat incumbent prez Ranil Wickremesinghe at a future poll, JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva said. He said there is no need to look for a common candidate. �If anyone says you need a common candidate to defeat Ranil Wickremesinghe, that person is already here" more..

Sep 4 (CT) Additional Surveyor General Sudath Perera assumed duties as the Surveyor General with effect from 30 Aug. He completed his primary education at Dharmapala Primary School, Gampaha and his secondary education at St. Mary�s College, Negombo and he is a Physical Science (Honours) Graduate from the Uni of Colombo. He joined the Teaching Service as a Mathematics Teacher for GCE A/L students at St. Peter�s College, Colombo 4 before joining the Survey Dept as more..

Sep 4 (DM) A 19-year-old Choon Paan seller arrested for allegedly uploading and sharing a threatening Facebook post on Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, was ordered to be remanded till Sept 8 after being produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. The suspect, a resident of Eppawala was arrested by the CID on suspicion ahead of the Prez's scheduled visit to the Thambuttegama and Eppawala areas on Sept 7. CID submitted to court that they were more..

Sep 5 (DM) It is a well-known fact now that the official figures of inflation and reality on the ground seem to be worlds apart, the former indicating a downward trend while the other does the other way around. In fact, the root cause of last year�s public unrest, except for the weeks-long and miles-long queues for fuel and cooking gas, is still in effect. One has to understand the huge scramble on the part of the members of the low-income stratum of society for the meagre amounts of money distributed more..

Sep 5 (DM) Conning people is an old art, and didn�t start with the pandemic, or Gota�s economic miracle which put most of us from the frying pan into the fire. Even in pre-2021 better times, all kinds of cons were practised on people. One smart young guy in a tie had appeared down our lane long ago when it wasn�t a highway but a simple gravel road. He had collected money from several households, claiming that he was from the RDA, which had plans to macadamize the lane. more..

Sep 5 (TM) In SL, one third of all boys fail their GCE O/L Exam and more than half of those who pass the O/L, fail their GCE A/L Exam. Meanwhile, 70% of SL boys have failed in their educational pursuits by the time they are 19-years-old. In State universities, most fields are dominated by women. The boys still dominate science, technology, engineering & mathematics (STEM), but women dominate health, education, administration, more..

Sep 5 (SLG) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is caught between a rock and a hard place, both externally and internally. Externally, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is getting turbulent with the big power confrontation between the US and its allies on the one hand, and China on the other. It threatens to spill over beyond Asia-Pacific. The sparring between the two global powers is turning bitter every day around Taiwan and accidental triggering of skirmish cannot be ruled out. more..

Sep 5 (DM) As Sri Lanka Police celebrated its 157th anniversary on Sept 3, one of the most experienced and qualified retired senior police officers, Gemunu Hapuhinna, writes about important measures to control crimes (including drug related underworld activities) and the Police Reward Fund and Police Savings Association- which could be used for the much needed welfare of the police officers and those in the lower ranks effectively if the funds are used effectively. more..

Sep 5 (TM) The use of elephants in traditional cultural practices, particularly in the iconic Kandy Perahera, has ignited a passionate debate in SL. Historians, environmentalists, and temple officials have weighed in on the matter, offering diverse perspectives on the cultural significance, animal welfare concerns, and the need for a balanced approach. Historian and Colombo Uni Lecturer Prof. Nirmal Dewasiri highlighted more..

Sep 5 (Island) A poor man who recently walked along a road, carrying a jackfruit, in Gampola, while Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s motorcade was passing through the area is reportedly in trouble. Media reports say the police have initiated an investigation, claiming that he did so by way of protest. Even if he had protested by carrying a jackfruit, the police should not have taken any action against him, for the people have a right to peaceful protest. Man did not pose a threat to anyone. more..

Sep 5 (TM) This week, the UK based media outlet Channel Four announced that it is planning to make some shocking revelations about the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks in a programme titled Sri Lanka�s Easter Bombings � Dispatches which is scheduled to be broadcast today (5). It has already sparked debate among the people, as the trailer broadcast, describes what it is about to reveal implicates an official inside the Sri Lankan Govt linked to the Easter Sunday attacks. more..

Sep 5 (ST) At long last, head of the National Medicine Regulatory Authority, Professor S.D. Jayaratne, has finally admitted that inferior drugs had been imported to the country and used at Govt hospitals. He said that hence forth Lanka would take advice from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the importation and regulation of medicines, he told reporters that the NMRA was conducting an investigation on each of the mystery deaths that had occurred in hospitals during last few months. more..

Sep 5 (Island) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the UN, has just stated that the warmest 13 years of average global temperatures have all occurred in the 15 years since 1997. That has contributed to extreme weather conditions that increase the intensity of droughts and heavy precipitation across the world, it said. �Our science is solid and it proves unequivocally that the world is warming and that this warming is due to human activities,� WMO Deputy Secretary- General more..

Sep 5 (CT) Another moment of potential confusion has arisen, with the probability of diplomatic tensions between SL and India over the arrival of another research ship from China in late October despite there being no official confirmation as yet. The ongoing geopolitical rivalry between India and China has already been impacting SL. Amid these dynamics, another vessel from China is a significant development: the media has reported that more..

Sep 5 (CT) As a general (and essential) practice and no-brainer, every official organisation is required to keep tabs on every function and transaction, made within its organisation, to protect itself and prevent future disputes with any other party at stake. This, a �101� lesson taught from the lowest grades at school, aimed to inculcate the habit of record-keeping and data collecting in students, it turns out, has not quite been followed by people serving the country on the highest level. more..

Sep 5 (ST) While it is obvious to those acquainted with the Sports Law that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) or, for that matter, any registered national sports body, is bound by the legislation, the thinking in some quarters is contradictory. A month ago, at a packed press conference during the second Test between SL and Pakistan at the SSC grounds, SLC President Shammi Silva claimed the institution that he heads was a private one and that its funds belong only to the membership. more..

Sep 5 (ST) SL authorities have decided that farmers be advised to cultivate paddy varieties harvested in a short term in a bid to overcome the El Nino effect. A number of state sector stakeholders involved in the agricultural process like Dept of Agriculture, Meteorological Dept, Irrigation Dept, Mahaweli Authority, two state fertiliser distribution companies, uni academics and other relevant parties met at Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday to discuss plans for the next cultivating season � Maha. more..

Sep 5 (SO) A prisoner�s rights activist yesterday called on the authorities to set up a rehabilitation program at the very earliest for drug users and minor offenders since these individuals are choking the country�s jails and warned that the situation could spiral out of control. Attorney-at-law Senaka Perera with the Committee for Protecting the Rights of Prisoner�s said it was a futile exercise for these people behind bars with other serious offenders because once they are released more..

Sep 5 (FT) Lawyers� Collective holding a public seminar yesterday called for the protection of the independence of the judiciary in SL. Addressing the seminar titled The Executive, democracy and the Judiciary Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne PC said while the judiciary operates on behalf of the State, it is imperative for it to function independently, distinct from both the legislative and executive branches of govt. more..

Sep 5 (CI) The Asia Cup matches previously scheduled in Colombo may be relocated to Hambantota, as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) scrambles to reduce the risk of matches being impacted due to rain. Hambantota typically receives significantly less rainfall in September than Colombo and Pallekele, which is why there is a push to move the matches there. However, there are logistical complications with moving matches to this venue on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. more..

Sep 5 (DN) Three countries SL, India and Nepal have got together to develop peace, encourage youth affairs and promote tourism when they organise Heartfulness Ride � (Trilateral Bike Expedition) which will be conducted in January 2024. The Bike ride will begin from Nepal Lumbini) through India covering most religious places Gorkpur, Kusinara ,Saranath, Weaishali, Nalanda, Buddhagaya, Rajgiri, Calcutta, Karakorum, Balashore, Ratnagiri, Odissa, Udayagiri, more..

Sep 5 (TM) Concerns have been raised over certain members of the committee appointed to recommend reforms with regard to the procurement of pharmaceutical drugs and to restructure the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). As per a decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers in July, a committee was recently appointed to examine matters, including the identification of impediments more..

Sep 5 (DN) SL promising shuttler Viren Nettasinghe put up a good display on the court at the XPORA Indonesia Int'l Challenge 2023, where he clinched the silver medal in a thrilling men�s singles final held in Indonesia recently. In the final game Viren Nettasinghe, who was seeded sixth in the competition, faced off against the formidable Indonesian shuttler Alwi Farhan. Despite a valiant effort, Nettasinghe the St. Peter�s Bambalapitiya shuttler ultimately succumbed to a scoreline more..

Sep 5 (FT) A high-level delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment R.P.A. Wimalaweera is currently in Indonesia for an in-depth 4-day study of the country�s social security system. The delegation specialises in understanding Indonesia�s Unemployment Insurance through its social protection arm, B.P.J.S. Ketenagakerjaan. This initiative is taken per the directives of Minister Manusha Nanayakkara in SL. more..

Sep 5 (DN) SL�s archer Sajeev de Silva clinched a silver medal in the team event at the 2023 WAA Joint Training � Asia Archery Challenge, which concluded last week at the prestigious Wonju Archery Centre in the Republic of Korea. Competing alongside archers from Chinese Taipei and Tajikistan, Sajeev Silva led his team, named Sniper, to an impressive second-place finish out of a field of 11 teams, securing the coveted silver medal. This outstanding achievement more..

Sep 5 (TM) Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs & Constitutional Reforms stated that the recovery of the fraudulently earned money deposited in foreign countries will commence within the next few days with the support of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During a meeting with the UNODC's South Asian Regional representative Marco Teixeira, subject Minister, Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said that with new anti-corruption legislation coming into force on 15 Sept, more..

Sep 5 (CT) State Intelligence Service (SIS) Director, Major General Suresh Salley, giving evidence before Colombo District Court Judge Sandun Vithana, yesterday, stated that releasing of derogatory statements via the Internet, when a case pertaining to the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks is yet being heard in Court, has dealt a severe blow to his public image and placed his professional life in danger. more..

Sep 5 (DM) The escalating trend of rising cancer rates in SL underscores the critical importance of proactive measures. Over the past years, incidence of cancer in SL has surged from 13,372 cases in 2005 to a staggering 31,848 cases in 2019, marking a significant surge of 138 percent. Globally cancer incidences have risen at similar rates. WHO and other leading international organizations have indicated early detection of cancer is one of the most effective strategies for fight against cancer. more..

Sep 5 (FT) Sri Lanka�s tourism industry continued its recovery in Aug 2023, welcoming 136,405 tourists despite the figure falling short of the monthly target of 149,075 as daily average numbers fell towards the latter part of the month. August arrivals were also lower than July arrivals of 143,039, making July the highest monthly arrivals so far in 2023. The latter part of August saw a sharp decline in the average daily influx of tourists, dropping from over 5,000 to end the month at 4,400. more..

Sep 5 (FT) Former Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal urged Central Bank of SL (CBSL) to follow its own advice on lowering interest rates. He said it is ironic that the CBSL is requesting commercial banks to reduce interest rates when they themselves are paying higher interest rates every week. �Just yesterday or two or three days ago, the Treasury bill rate went up to over 19%. When the Govt and CBSL on behalf the Govt is paying 19% they are asking the banks to reduce their lending rates. more..

Sep 5 (DM) Students from Colombo, Matara and Galle have obtained the best results in the island for the main four streams at the 2022 GCE Advanced Level examination that was released last evening. Accordingly, Pramodhi Bhashani Munasinghe of Sujatha Vidyalaya in Matara obtained the first place in the island in the Biological Science stream. Maneth Banula Perera of Royal College in Colombo has obtained the first place in the island in the Physical Science stream. more..

Sep 5 (DM) Following the Daily Mirror expose on May 8, under the heading KDU under Scrutiny, where allegations were levelled against Vice Chancellor Kotelawala Defence Uni, Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought for his resignation. As per the orders, Peiris tendered his resignation in June, but was allowed to carry out his duties until a suitable successor is appointed. more..

Sep 5 (DM) Health officials have made conflicting statements regarding the availability of contact lenses within the hospital system, as well as the potential for delays in surgeries. All Ceylon Nurses' union alleged that the surgeries in the hospital system are on the verge of coming to a halt as there is an acute shortage. Meanwhile, GMOA said there is a shortage of contact lenses even in the private sector, and thus, people are not in a position to buy owing to their exorbitant prices. more..

Sep 5 (Island) Newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche announced that funds amounting to USD 300 mn would be granted to Parliament. The announcement was made during a meeting between the top UN official here and Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on 1 Sept. Parliament quoted Franche as having said that the UN would provide over USD 300 mn in terms of a new co-operation framework for development programmes over the next 5 years. more..

Sep 5 (Island) Rebel SLPP group urged the ruling SLPP not to protect Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at the vote on no-faith motion against the Kandy District lawmaker. The vote would be held on Friday following a three-day debate, commencing on Wednesday. SLPP MP Prof. G.L. Peiris, on behalf of the dissident group, warned that those who voted against the motion would have to face drastic consequences. more..