Aug 14 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has signed his nomination papers today to contest the upcoming Prez Election. He has signed the nomination papers at his political office in Flower Road, Colombo. PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Ali Sabry, Kanchana Wijesekera, Bandula Gunawardena and other govt MPs were also present on the occasion. On July 26, President�s Counsel Ronald Perera had placed bonds on behalf of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to contest more..

Aug 14 (DM) Entry into Sigiriya was suspended this afternoon by the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) after 70 local and foreign tourists were stung by wasps. Sigiriya Project Manager Thusitha Herath said senior official of the CCF said hundreds of tourists lost the opportunity to visit Sigiria today due to the danger of wasps. He said 26 foreign tourists and 13 local tourists had received injuries and were admitted to the emergency treatment unit of the Sigiriya Divisional Hospital. more..

Aug 14 (TM) SL�s income tax office overachieved its tax collection target for the second consecutive quarter as it collects Rs. 902 billion in the first half of 2024, the Committee on Ways and Means revealed. Accordingly, when the state revenue collection agencies met the Committee on Ways and Means last week, it was revealed that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) had collected Rs. 902 billion in the first half of the year while its target was Rs. 826 billion. more..

Aug 14 (AD) The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) faction led by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and the New Alliance today (14) launched a new alliance under the name Podujana Eksath Peramuna (People�s Alliance). Former minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa has been named as the leader of the new alliance. State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna has been appointed as the General Secretary, while State Minister Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has been appointed as the Treasurer. more..

Aug 14 (Island) With passenger ferry service from Nagapattinam to Kankesanthurai in Sri Lanka scheduled to resume on Aug 16, trade bodies and rail users� association in the Indian port town have reiterated their demand for introduction of more trains either from Karaikal or Velankanni to various destinations within the State for the benefit of local and overseas tourists. The report filed from Tirushi said: Rail services to key southern districts in the State and Bengaluru either from more..

Aug 14 (AD) A Fundamental Rights petition has been filed at the Supreme Court, requesting to issue an order to the Prez to appoint an Acting IGP. Attorney-at-Law R.S.P. Ranasuriya has submitted the FR petition to the Supreme Court. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Attorney General have been named as respondents in the petition. On July 24, the Supreme Court issued an interim order preventing Deshabandu Tennakoon from performing duties and functioning in the position of the IGP. more..

Aug 14 (EN) Parliament�s committee on high posts has approved the appointments of 6 new ambassadors, a high commissioner, 2 ministry secretaries and a chairman of a statutory body. Committee on High Posts approved S A P P Seram as ambassador of SL to Indonesia and R S K Azard as ambassador to Qatar. S K Gunasekara was appointed ambassador to Russian Federation, A S K Senaviratne to Egypt, N M Shaheed to Iran, Y K Gunasekara to Bahrain and Walpita Gamage was appointed high commissioner to NZ. more..

Aug 14 (Scroll) Approaching Lanka through the ages, tired of their days at sea, sailors would have stood on deck to gaze longingly at the emerging land. As their ships sailed closer, the pastel-hued ranges broke the horizon, misted and layered. As they drew nearer, they would have seen that before the mountains that rose through the cloud beds, the lush land flattened to the shoreline they sought. more..

Aug 14 (ANI) The Indian Army's K-9 squad is participating in the 10th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise Mitra Shakti. The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise Mitra Shakti began on August 12 at the Army Training School, Maduru Oya, SL. The Exercise will conclude on Aug 25. Indian contingent comprising 106 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of Rajputana Rifles along with personnel from other arms and services. more..

Aug 14 (Island) SL�s former Ambassador to Iran and ex-lawmaker M.M. Zuhair said that Saturday�s Israeli massacre of over 100 Palestinian civilians in a school sheltering them and a Mosque with the displaced at prayers in the same compound, must stand condemned as an inhuman atrocity on the helpless, by an American backed regime in the Middle East. Israel gave no advanced warning of the attack! The following is the text of statement issued by the former Senior State Counsel: more..

Aug 14 (EN) SL�s govt has proposed to the IMF an income tax relief by adjusting tax slabs, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s office said, as the tax burden has become a key topic in the prez election campaign. Prez election has been scheduled for Sept 21 and Prez Wickremesinghe is contesting in a broader independent coalition. Under the economic reforms committed to the IMF, Wickremesinghe�s administration raised the maximum limit of personal income tax to 36% from 24% more..

Aug 15 (CT) The recent surge in the number of candidates for SL�s upcoming prez election, which reached 40 by yesterday, raises critical concerns about the state of our democracy. This record-breaking figure, surpassing the 35 candidates of the 2019 election and potentially setting a new South Asian record, is not just a numerical anomaly; it is symptomatic of deeper issues that could undermine the electoral process. One of the most immediate consequences of such a crowded field more..

Aug 15 (DM) The Election Commission will be the centre of attention today as 40 candidates will be handing in their nominations for the Presidential Election of September 21. This is in the midst of crossovers, confusion and contradictions over who is really supporting whom and for what reason. In yesterday�s (14) lead story, the Daily Mirror highlighted that new alliances, crossovers and strategic realignments were gaining prominence ahead of the nominations. more..

Aug 15 (CT) The 2024 Prez Election is a much-discussed event, even more so than in previous years. This became evident when we collected information revealing that people from various social divisions hold differing opinions regarding this year�s Prez Election. It is apparent that the public has some understanding of the candidates running for the Presidency and their political platforms. However, it was also clear from their more..

Aug 15 (DM) Sri Lanka feels the need for a Prez Election much stronger than ever before. This is because, from the perception of the outside world, this could be SL�s last chance to escape from a debt-ridden situation and offer a ray of hope to both the youth, who have never voted before, and the children, who are still teenagers and attending school. From a Sri Lankan point of view, we still see the slave-like mentality of adults, who wish to trade their vote for favours from politicians. more..

Aug 15 (ST) If the arrogant and egotistic leaders of developing countries do not learn a clear lesson from the disgraceful fall of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Wazed, they too will end up fleeing for their lives or in search of places of exile. Our own Gotabaya Rajapaksa finally came home, probably because he was not welcome elsewhere for too long. If and when others are forced to flee, the single helicopter that Sheikh Hasina took to cross the border will hardly be enough to carry more..

Aug 15 (TM) At the crack of dawn, deep in the heart of the Vanni forests, a group of 38 women clad in olive green begin their high-risk and exhaustive work routine before the sun bakes the arid land. The soldiers, part of the first Sri Lanka Army (SLA) all-woman demining platoon, travel to their work site, using a cleared road that runs over a small dried-up reservoir, which can only be traversed by a 4x4 truck. more..

Aug 15 (GV) SL�s attempts to build an inclusive society through legislative moves that could result in greater equality for the minority LGBTIQ community have been met with opposition by the country�s religious leaders. They fear that doing so will threaten the culture and social values upheld in SL. The backlash comes in the wake of the Bill that calls for the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual relationships between consenting adults. In response to this, several prominent religious more..

Aug 15 (CT) There is near unanimity that the Prez System has failed. Every candidate has before election, solemnly promised to abolish this position, but all, following election, have suffered from a selective amnesia, which has allowed this pernicious system to continue. In plain terms, they have lied to the entire voting public. One has even been called �a compulsive liar�. This is simply not acceptable from those who project themselves as the leader or number one of the country. more..

Aug 15 (Island) All signs are that the upcoming prez poll and the next general election, which is expected to follow in quick succession, will take their toll on the country�s economic recovery process. The main prez candidates are ready to do things that are fraught with the danger of not only inhibiting economic recovery but also sending the economy back into a tailspin. The government, controlled by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Finance Minister, is playing Santa. more..

Aug 15 (TM) Since ancient times, the SL culture and heritage has been dependent predominantly upon the religious beliefs, philosophy and literature related to Buddhism which focuses on the wellbeing of all living creatures on earth. Children swaddled in their mother�s laps learn stories of Buddha through whispered tales in which elephants and tuskers had many highlights. The Buddha�s life story had many links to elephants and tuskers. The folk tales began with Queen Mahamaya�s cryptic dream more..

Aug 15 (FT) SLT-Mobitel is still awaiting speedy action from several stakeholders to get the visa system online, two weeks on since the Supreme Court ordered authorities to abandon the outsourced arrangement and revert to the previous status quo. SLT-Mobitel Chairman A.K.D.D.D. Arandara wrote to Dept of Immigration and Emigration Controller General I.S.H.J. Ilukpitiya notifying the urgency in support. more..

Aug 15 (FT) Cabinet on Monday approved the nomination of Colombo Marina Development Ltd, as a primary venture with strategic development status under the provisions of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act No. 11 of 2021. This designation will allow the company to receive specific incentives and encouragements pertinent to the project. As part of this initiative, four plots of land within the Colombo Port City area have been leased to Colombo Marina Development. more..

Aug 15 (FT) Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, together with its Member companies, represented SL at the BIMSTEC Business Summit held on 6-7 Aug in New Delhi. At the Special Ministerial Plenary at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), HC of SL to India Kshenuka Senewiratne, addressed the need for greater economic integration with the region, and the importance of establishing BIMSTEC FTA to foster regional prosperity. more..

Aug 15 (FT) The High Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistani community in Sri Lanka yesterday celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan with traditional fervour and resolve to make Pakistan a strong, dynamic, progressive, tolerant, and democratic Islamic welfare State. The High Commissioner of Pakistan in SL Major General (Retd) Faheem-Ul-Aziz HI (M) hoisted the national flag of Pakistan in an impressive ceremony at the Pakistan HC in Colombo. more..

Aug 15 (CI) The match officials involved in the tied first ODI of the recent SL-India series made the mistake of not taking the game to a Super Over as per the ICC's playing conditions. The on-field umpires Joel Wilson and Raveendra Wimalasiri, along with the match referee Ranjan Madugalle, TV umpire Paul Reiffel and fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, internally acknowledged having misinterpreted the ODI playing conditions, which state in case of a tie teams will contest more..

Aug 15 (TM) SL�s tourism industry stakeholder organisations have written to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe requesting the granting of a 30-day visa for tourists following mass cancellations caused by the temporary shutting down of the visa issuing platform. �We have so many cancellations and so many confirmations that aren�t arriving,� SL Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) committee member Imran Hassan said. more..

Aug 15 (FT) Hatton National Bank PLC posted a Profit Before Tax of Rs. 25.8 billion and a Profit After Tax of Rs. 15.4 billion during the six months ended June 2024. The Group recorded a consolidated PBT and PAT of Rs. 27.0 billion and Rs. 16.2 billion, respectively for the period. Commenting on the performance Chairman Nihal Jayawardene stated that: �Sri Lanka has come a long way since the devastating economic crisis, and has taken steady steps towards stabilisation. more..

Aug 15 (FT) Characteristically agile and proactive responses to market-specific dynamics have enabled the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group to achieve commendable growth in the first half of 2024, despite a reduced topline. The Group, comprising of SL�s biggest private sector bank, its subsidiaries and an associate, has reported a gross income of Rs. 163.12 billion for the six months ending 30 June 2024, a decline of 2.71% over the corresponding period of 2023. more..

Aug 15 (TM) Election Commission (EC) has indicated that the potential higher number of Prez candidates for the forthcoming Prez Election may drive the actual costs beyond the previously estimated Rs. 10 billion, with decisions to be made accordingly. As of yesterday, more than 30 potential Presidential candidates have deposited bail to contest the Prez Election to be held on 21 Sept. The EC recently stated that with the increase more..

Aug 15 (DN) Niroshan Dikwella (Kandy) Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Dambulla), Janith Liyanage (Jaffna), Charith Asalanka (Colombo) and Dunith Wellalage (Galle) will lead the sides at the T-10 cricket tournament which will be played from August 16 to 18 at Thurstan grounds and Bloomfield grounds. Sri Lanka Cricket is gearing up for an exciting sporting extravaganza with the much-anticipated �Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024� with this T-10 Cricket Tournament. This event, powered by Dialog, more..

Aug 15 (DN) Sri Lanka emerged as the top rowing team among South Asian countries, winning 10 gold medals and finishing third overall at the recently concluded Asian Rowing Indoor Championship held at Straits Quay Retail Marina, Penang, Malaysia. The Sri Lankan men�s and women�s teams achieved a remarkable feat, securing a total of 25 medals�10 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze�marking their highest medal tally in an international rowing competition. In the South Asian category, more..

Aug 15 (TP) England Lions managed to take upper hand on Day 1 of their four-day warmup game against Sri Lanka which commenced today (14th August) at Worcester. England Lions� skipper Lyndon James won the toss and invited Sri Lanka to take the first lease of the wicket. Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka opened the batting for the visitors and the duo managed to add 36 runs for the first wicket before the former was dismissed after making 26 runs. Two overs later, more..

Aug 15 (FT) Free Trade Zone Manufacturers Association (FTZMA) has called on the Finance Ministry to urgently approve and implement a proposed container clearing yard with a capacity of 3,000 containers. This project, recommended by a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) study, aims to address severe cargo congestion at the Colombo Port but has yet to receive the necessary green light from the ministry. The call for action follows a recent meeting between FTZMA representatives and more..

Aug 15 (FT) A fundamental rights petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court seeking a ruling that current Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is unfit to stand as a candidate in the upcoming Prez election. Petition was submitted by Attorney-at-Law Shan Ranasuriya before the Apex Court yesterday. Petitioner has alleged that since the President has deliberately violated the Constitution, it is inappropriate for him to be presented as more..

Aug 15 (Island) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila, MP said that the stipulated cash deposit of each prospective prez polls candidate should be increased to Rs 10 mn to discourage the despicable practice of fielding dummy candidates. He said that immediate action was required in this regard as the Election Commission pointed out that each candidate cost the taxpayer Rs 200 mn. MP said that though his party raised this issue on many occasions successive govts turned a blind eye. more..