Apr 19 (FT) Cabinet cleared the implementation of the Agripreneurship Villages establishment project, marking the first phase of this ambitious endeavour in 2024. The significant initiative aimed at revolutionising the agricultural sector will select one village from each of the chosen Divisional Secretariat Areas to serve as the pilot site for Agripreneurship Villages. �These villages will serve as hubs of agricultural innovation, equipped with state-of-the-art technology & smart solutions more..

Apr 19 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday underscored a pivotal shift in the country�s economic trajectory led by the youth, noting the importance of propelling the country towards rapid development under their leadership. Speaking during the Let�s Start with Me Kandy District Youth Conference held at the Prez�s House in Kandy on Sunday, he outlined plans to introduce fundamental legislation essential for establishing a new more..

Apr 19 (FT) Court of Appeal yesterday suspended the allocation of 3500 quotas by the Hajj committee given to SL for the Hajj Pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia had granted a quota of 3500 pilgrims to the island for the upcoming Hajj in June. The Hajj committee was given discretion to allocate from the quota numbers of pilgrims to each travel operator. In a writ petition filed before the Court of Appeal a travel agent who was not granted any allocation said the process adopted by the Hajj committee was arbitrary. more..

Apr 19 (DM) Ahead of the prez election, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the govt members to restrict foreign travel as much as possible because their presence is required to undertake political work, an informed source said. The UNP led by the Prez is planning to ramp up political work in view of the election after the May Day rally. The party is planning to conduct the rally on a grand scale this year as a springboard for the launch of political work directly targeting the prez elections. more..

Apr 19 (Island) Colombo International Shoe Fair, hailed as the largest shoe fair in SL, is gearing up for its third stage commenced in Kurunegala. Initiated under the concept of Managing Director Kapila De Silva, Colombo International Shoe Fair has swiftly cemented its position as the largest and most eagerly anticipated shoe fair in SL. Its inception in Aug 2023 witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with over 500,000 eager customers flocking to explore the diverse offerings on display. more..

Apr 10 (AD) The Muslim community of SL will celebrate Eid-al-Fitr tomorrow (10), as the new crescent moon was sighted today (09). Accordingly, the Colombo Grand Mosque announced that Eid-al-Fitr (also known as Ramadan festival) for the year 2024 will be celebrated tomorrow. Eid al-Fitr is a festival of breaking the fast and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a religious holiday that is celebrated by Muslims from all over the world and involves a range of celebrations more..

Apr 10 (DM) Sri Lanka�s labour force participation rate hit a new low in 2023, the recently published Labour Force Survey (LFS) annual bulletin highlighted. In 2023, labour force participation rate declined to 48.6% from 49.8% recorded in 2022. Since 2021, labour force participation rate has remained below the 50% mark. The labour force participation rate is the percentage of population that is either working or actively looking for work. more..

Apr 10 (TM) The Ceylon Principals� Union (CPU) urged all principals and teachers not to pressurise parents unnecessarily in the midst of the economic crisis by collecting money for various events organised by schools. CPU General Secretary Piyasiri Fernando said that no one has the right to collect money unnecessarily from parents for certain events without consulting the parents regarding the expenses. Noting that events such as annual sports meets, concerts, and the Sinhala and Tamil more..

Apr 10 (DM) A meeting was held recently at the Transport Ministry to explore the feasibility of registering motorcycles with higher engine capacities. Commissioner General of the Dept of Motor Traffic Nishantha Weerasinghe said that a decision was made to draft a cabinet paper seeking approval from the cabinet of ministers. "We deliberated on the registration of existing illegally imported motorcycles with higher engine capacities through the DMT, with fines being imposed," more..

Apr 10 (TM) Election Commission (EC) is to declare the legality of the changes made to the SLFP including the appointment of the Party's Senior Vice President (VP), Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva as its Acting Chairperson during its Politburo meeting on Monday, after studying the relevant documents and the Party's constitution. Recent controversy associated with the SLFP took a new turn with the Election of de Silva as more..

Apr 10 (FT) Current media coverage in SL is heavily focused on the forthcoming Prez elections. Though officially not announced yet, it seems a foregone conclusion that the presidential poll would take place later this year. Several potential candidates ranging from incumbent prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to media magnate Dilith Jayaweera are tipped to be in the presidential fray. Adding to this uncertain state of affairs are recent attempts by vested interests to field a Hindu as more..

Apr 10 (FT) A recent conference convened by the International Development Economics Associates (IDEAs) network, titled African Debt Crisis and the International Financial Architecture, was held in Accra, Ghana from 27 to 29 March. It offered a stimulating platform for debate, tempered by the implicit background of the immeasurable suffering and equally heroic struggles Africa has witnessed. Participants were surrounded by reminders of Ghana�s role as both a key transit point more..

Apr 10 (PMD) Following customs and traditions, the Nekath Seettuwa, the table of auspicious times for this year�s Sinhala and Tamil New Year, was presented to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today. The table of auspicious times, duly prepared by the State Astrologers� Committee of the Dept of Cultural Affairs, was then presented to the Prez. Minister Vidura Wickremanayake presented the Nekath Seettuwa to the Prez in accordance with more..

Apr 10 (DM) State Minister of Primary Industries Chamara Sampath Dasanayake is alleged to have severely accused and threatened the Human Resources and Administration Assistant of the Lanka Phosphate Company H.D.V.K. Chandraratne in the presence of the officials of the Ministry and the company. The trade union Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya has informed the Minister that it will resort to trade union action in case of a recurrence of similar incidents in the future. more..

Apr 10 (FT) In a landmark move, Hambantota International Port (HIP) yesterday commenced its inaugural container transhipment service operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). MV MSC Ingrid made her maiden call at HIP, discharging a total of 500 plus TEUs of transhipment containers to be connected to a second carrier, MSC Sky 11 expected to call at the port on 16 April. The first shipment of containers consigned to more..

Apr 10 (DM) The four former Presidents who are in active politics should bow out for their own benefit and for the sake of the people, MP Dullas Alahapperuma said today. MP Alahapperuma said former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa should keep away from active politics. "Keeping away from politics is good for their own health and for the sake of the people. Public funds which are spent on them should not be used more..

Apr 10 (PMD) Islamic adherents worldwide engage in fasting for a month, guided by the noble intention of fostering personal growth and benefiting others. The Holy Quran underscores the importance of adhering to such virtuous practices from antiquity, illuminating the path towards righteousness and spiritual fulfillment. As the Sri Lankan Islamic community observes Ramadan this year, it coincides with a period of burgeoning progress and encouragement within the nation. more..

Apr 10 (DM) State Ministry of Home Affairs today declared April 15 as a Public (govt) holiday for all state employees, Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna said. He said that the decision was taken as the National Oil Anointing Ceremony falls on Monday (15). Meanwhile, State Minister Ashoka Priyantha earlier said several requests have been made by state officials and the public to declare Apr 15 as a public holiday more..

Apr 10 (CT) While predicting that the upcoming Prez Election is going to be held in a very heated atmosphere, PAFFREL has requested the Election Commission to make necessary arrangements urgently to invite international observers for this year�s election. �As per the constitutional provisions, it would be possible for us to form an idea about the date of declaration of the election. Therefore, there is no problem about inviting int'l observers, so that they get adequate time to prepare themselves. more..

Apr 10 (ICC) SL all-rounder Kamindu Mendis and former captain Angelo Mathews have progressed in the ICC Men�s Test Player Rankings after contributing to their team�s 192-run victory in Chattogram that helped complete a 2-0 win in the ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. Kamindu Mendis�s scores of 92 not out and nine have lifted him 18 places to 46th position in the batters� list while his three-wicket haul in the second innings sees him gain 46 slots and more..

Apr 10 (Island) Senior Vice President of the SLFP, Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, yesterday alleged that an attempt was being made to align the SLFP with the UNP ahead of the forthcoming Presidential poll. The move against former President and party leader Maithripala Sirisena was meant to politically weaken and then oust him, Prof. Piyadasa said. The one-time General Secretary of the SLFP, Piyadasa also acted as Chairman of the party during the Oct/Nov 2019 prez polls campaign. more..

Apr 10 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has affirmed his commitment to empowering the people and fortifying the economy by ensuring access to education, land, housing, and business opportunities. Stressing the importance of broadening economic participation, the Head of State highlighted its role in fostering a resilient national economy. These remarks were made on Tuesday (9) during his presence at the national event in Modara. As many as 294 units more..

Apr 10 (CT) The Govt should give priority to improving the facilities in State medical colleges in order to elevate their standards for the accreditation process, GMOA observed. GMOA Media Committee Member, Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe yesterday lamented that State run medical faculties in Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Uva and Wayamba would have to face the accreditation by the SLMC Accreditation Unit affiliated with more..

Apr 10 (CT) Prisons Dept has initiated a special programme to apprehend visitors attempting to smuggle in drugs and other prohibited substances to inmates. Commissioner Gamini B. Dissanayake warned that they will take maximum legal action against those arrested. The dept�s decision stems from the efforts of certain visitors, particularly during special occasions like New Year and Christmas, to conceal contraband within sweets and other food items intended for inmates, he added. more..

Apr 10 (DM) The participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa for a Presidential debate together with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake hosted by the Daily Mirror is uncertain with SJB Manager Nalin Banadara stating that it is unbelievable that Dissanayake has agreed to it. "It is unbelievable that Dissanayake has agreed for a debate with the Prez and Mr. Premadasa after declining to accept the challenge thrown at him by us, and more..

Apr 10 (DM) In the wake of the tragic death of Treasurer of the Public Health Inspectors' Union, Roshan Vithanage, Public Health Inspectors are in cold sweat hindering their ability to carry out responsibilities effectively. Roshan Kumara was shot dead at his house in Elpitiya in February leaving doubts of the motive behind his death. PHI union Head Upul Rohana said a significant number of PHIs feel insecure and fearful in the performance of their duties more..

Apr 10 (DM) Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) today emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean region, despite the absence of immediate terrorist threats within SL. Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said the SLAF is very much worried about the civilians, weaponizers and providing free navigation for naval craft in the Indian Ocean and that they need to address those issues. In response to a media query the necessity of maintaining fighter jets like more..

Apr 10 (EN) Sri Lanka Customs is seeking early declaration of cargo from this month, and will begin pre-arrival processing of import cargo as a pilot project from May, Additional Director General Sudatta Silva said. �It is still in the development stage,� Silva told EconomyNext. �If the pilot is successful, we would be able to launch by the end of June.� Currently cargo ships arriving in Sri Lanka must declare the cargo upon their arrival in territorial waters. more..

Apr 11 (TM) It is Avurudu season and Sri Lankans are heading �home� or back to their villages in droves. Despite the political turmoil and the economic crisis, Avurudu is a period of the year, everyone gathers together to celebrate what we have to be thankful for; family, community and shared aspirations for a better journey ahead. Given the cost of living, and the multiple crises we face each day, it is prudent to enjoy the festive period with an eye for caution. We should all work towards avoiding accidents and injuries. more..

Apr 11 (CT) We can hear these days the discussions of women�s rights and empowering women. These discussions are carried on a male centric point of view. The male point of view about women, marriage and sexuality in the medieval times and thereafter was backward. These attitudes were bred and promoted under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Church. Significant traits prescribed by men for women included chastity, silence, modesty, reticence, sobriety, and obedience. more..

Apr 11 (CT) Ayubowan, Namaskaar, Good Morning, It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Second Seminar on India-SL Defence Cooperation that we are organizing in Colombo. I thank you all for attending. My deep appreciation to the Hon. State Minister Mr. Tennekoon for his presence here today. I must also thank the Chief of Defence Staff of SL and the Commanders of the Air Force and Navy for their gracious presence.We value the support extended by the Ministry of Defence of SL. more..

Apr 11 (CT) In a nation rich with cultural heritage and traditions, SL stands at the forefront of reshaping its societal norms to embrace inclusivity. The recent announcement by State Minister Anupa Pasqual, renaming certain traditional New Year games underscores a crucial step towards fostering a more respectful and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities. However, while this initiative is a commendable leap forward, it serves as a poignant reminder of the myriad challenges more..

Apr 11 (ST) As though our nation does not have enough problems with conspiracies that remain vague and undisclosed and conspirators who remain unnamed, even the stars seem to be conspiring against us. For the first time in our memory, the galaxy of state-backed star-gazing astrologers are at each other�s throats, as it were, or tearing apart the charts that have tracked the movement of the stars, over the auspices times for our New Year celebrations next week. more..

Apr 11 (TM) With Indian PM Narendra Modi last week claiming that the Katchatheevu island on SL�s side of the maritime border had been callously given away by India�s Congress Party, foreign policy experts in SL are calling it an election gimmick, while it is learnt that SL has not received any form of official correspondence regarding the matter from India. On 31 March, PM Modi posted a Times of India article on X about a RTI reply documenting more..

Apr 11 (TM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s recent announcement appears to have put an end to the confusion over the sequence of national elections. He has said that no election will be held until the external debt restructuring process being carried out under the IMF assistance programme is completed and that this process will be over before the Prez Election, which is due later this year. Since the Prez has mentioned July as a deadline, he has given a clear message to those who have been demanding more..

Apr 11 (GV) During 30 protests between March 2022 and June 2023, SL�s law enforcement personnel did not adhere to international law and standards, using excessive force against peaceful protesters in at least 17 protests by using water cannon, tear gas and batons, according to a new investigative report by Amnesty International titled Ready to Suppress Any Protest SL: Unlawful Use of Weapons During Protests. AI conducted 39 interviews and examined 95 videos from social media more..