Feb 9 (TM) Sri Lanka�s slow drive to introduce economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and better anti-corruption policies to prevent a slide back to economic ruin, can only be ensured if the voters who turn out for the upcoming elections are more politically intelligent and better informed. With all that�s happened, SL can�t afford to chase patchwork populist solutions and put their faith in strongmen or the only one who can get it done fallacies, which have dominated politics. more..

Feb 9 (DM) The discovery of an elephant carcass in Giribawa on Feb 6 raised the total count of elephant deaths to 21 for this year. In 2023, Sri Lanka made history as the country with the highest number of elephant deaths, hitting a record high of 400 or more. Elephants are frequently at the receiving end of the ever-aggravating human-elephant conflict (HEC) that was created more than 50-60 years ago, when people moved into more..

Feb 9 (DM) The study of the history of bread in SL provides us with an interesting story. Despite SL homes trying to dissuade eating bread - stating that such foods invite disease early in life - the baked meal made of flour has held on to its place on the dining table despite fighting for survival amidst govt regulations imposed on bakery and restaurant owners. The present regulation is that a loaf of bread must weigh a minimum of 450 grams. This was made mandatory following a govt regulation more..

Feb 9 (CT) This week, corresponding with the 76th Independence Day of SL, was marked by important events in various economic and political fields. FTA between SL and Thailand, which was signed at the beginning of this week, is very significant for the country as it addresses issues that are core to its export sector-lack of both diversification in exports and destination mix. Govt Policy Statement delivered, by Prez Wickremesinghe and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake�s visit to India more..

Feb 9 (CT) The Supreme Court on Friday (2), delivering a landmark judgment on sexual harassment at work places, affirmed the importance of strictly adhering to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to which Sri Lanka is a signatory and ratified without any reservation. In the case of P.R.S.E. Corea vs SriLankan Airlines, heard before a Supreme Court Bench comprising more..

Feb 9 (CT) If you desire, if you want, a country with law and order; start with yourself. Do not give or take santhosams or bribes. Do not cut the lines on the road. Stand up for your rights. When the rule is broken, by anybody whosoever, expose him. If you see something, say something; don�t be silent. The social media is there for it. It is time that all the good people of the country seriously address the problems of the country and take matters into their hands. more..

Feb 9 (Island) Parliament is having a debate on the govt�s policy statement, presented by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday, but some MPs yesterday took up the recently-passed Online Safety Act (OSA). However, it turned out to be a welcome digression in that it shed light on serious flaws in the new law and the questionable manner in which the Online Safety Bill (OSB) had been rushed through Parliament. Dissident SLPP MP Gevindu Cumaratunga pointed out that AG had more..

Feb 9 (Island) We have watched on TV the parade of security vehicles with flashing lights; docilely trotting horses; luxury vehicles depositing VVIPs and spouses; march past of armed forces and police; crawling of outdated military vehicles and the kaleidoscopic splash of a well-choreographed cultural display of local styles of dancing. As usual, the students who sang the national anthem brought tears to Cass� eyes. She hoped the Prez hearkened unto the prophecy in the chant more..

Feb 9 (FT) Research Intelligence Unit (RIUNIT) with co-hosts Institute for Political Economy (IPE) this week held a webinar tackling SL's economic challenges through the lens of geopolitics, debt justice and the IMF. The first half explored international concerns, while the second focused on domestic/ internal vulnerabilities. This insightful event offered valuable alternative perspectives on SL's future economic strategy. RIUNIT and IPE welcomed a distinguished panel of more..

Feb 9 (FT) Minister Harin Fernando expressed optimism about SL Tourism�s efforts for a remarkable 2024, signifying the economic potential within the industry. He confirmed that the SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTB) is gearing up to launch the global promotion next month, SL � You�ll come back for more ending a 15-year hiatus. The 360-degree marketing blitz will commence in 11 strategic markets � India, UK, China, more..

Feb 9 (FT) Former financial services professional and formerly of HSBC Jehaan Ismail has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the Board of Bank of Ceylon. Jehaan counts over 40 years of extensive commercial and investment banking experience, mainly in Asia and also in countries in the Western Hemisphere and the Middle East. His experience ranges from managing boutique and full-service investment banks to managing corporate banking divisions, various country operations, more..

Feb 9 (CT) Sandali Weerasinghe and Imalka Mendis scored half centuries to lay the foundation for Dambulla Women�s comprehensive 5-wicket victory over Kandy Women in their second match of the NSL Women�s limited over tournament 2024, which took place at Colts Ground yesterday. Dambulla chose to field after winning the toss, and their decision paid immediate dividends when they managed to dismiss Kandy openers Imesha Dulani (5) and Shikari de Silva (3) within more..

Feb 9 (FT) The newly signed SL-Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will come under spotlight by an experts panel on 15 Feb at an evening forum jointly organised by SL Thailand Business Council and Daily FT. The forum will feature the Prez�s Senior Economic Advisor R.H.S. Samaratunga, International Trade Chief Negotiator of the Office K.J. Weerasinghe, Finance Ministry Director General Trade and Investment Policy K.A. Vimalenthirarajah and CCC Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa. more..

Feb 9 (DM) To propel Sri Lanka towards a healthier future, ensure sustainable food practices and foster mindful eating habits for the wellbeing of generations to come, a transformative shift in our approach to food labelling is imperative. An impactful and cost-effective solution is the immediate implementation of mandatory �calorific value� display on all edible items, spanning processed, locally grown and imported foods and beverages. This initiative�s benefits extend beyond individual health to more..

Feb 9 (CI) Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out of Sri Lanka's 16-member ODI squad to face Afghanistan. Shanaka's is one of three omissions from the squad that was named for the series against Zimbabwe last month. Attacking middle-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando and legpsinner Jeffrey Vandersay are the other two to miss out, with allrounder Chamika Karunaratne and opening batter more..

Feb 9 (CT) Following the islandwide special operation launched on Wednesday (7) by SL Police, 42 suspects have been arrested for sexually harassing children and women in public transport. 4-hour-long operation, which was conducted between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. by Police officers clad in civvies, was carried out on the instructions of Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Police said that along with the 42 suspects who were arrested, five pickpockets were also arrested. more..

Feb 9 (ST) The govt has decided to increase fines and prison terms for 68 offences listed under the Penal Code. Accordingly, the Rs 100 fine that had earlier been imposed for some offences has been increased to above Rs1,000. The Cabinet approved a draft amendment submitted by Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe to increase fines and prison terms for these offences. The amended fines and prison terms will not apply to offences committed prior to the regulations coming into effect. more..

Feb 9 (TM) Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) asserted that CMC has not increased the charges for allocating land plots for the urn-based burial of the ashes of dead persons in the Colombo City area. This was in response to media reports claiming that CMC has significantly increased its charges to allocate lands for the burial of the ashes of dead persons, which are generally two square feet in size. more..

Feb 9 (TM) Within a span of nine years, the environmental damage taking place in Nakolagane in the Galgamuwa-Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretariat area of the Kurunegala District has expanded from a mere 15-20 acres to 1,500, acres, causing considerable socio ecological impact on the area�s wildlife and residents. Rainforest Protectors of SL has claimed that 750 acres of the 2,700 acres of nindagama lands (Buddhist temporalities) belonging to the Nakolagane Rajamaha Viharaya more..

Feb 9 (DM) The visit of NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake�s visit to India is a welcome move and it is expected that his party will work with the present govt, UNP MP and Chairman Vajira Abeywardena said today. �It is good for the NPP leader to work with world leaders,� MP Abeywardena said. �We hope that the NPP will contribute towards formulating national policies which will revive the nation. It is not something new for the JVP led NPP to work towards formulating national policies. more..

Feb 9 (ST) A former municipal council member has sought the president�s intervention to reduce crematorium charges, which the council raised recently. In his appeal to the President, Alfred Sampath urged him to suspend the Colombo Municipal Council�s decision to increase the charges by tenfold, from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 15,000 for Colombo residents and from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 25,000 for others. He said poor people were unable to afford such high crematorium charges and more..

Feb 9 (FT) Govt revenue in January has shot up 25% higher than the target to Rs. 274 billion aided by increased VAT in addition to widen coverage, State Minister Ranjith Siymabalapitiya told Parliament. He highlighted that the Customs Dept also exceeded its target of Rs. 114 billion for January, achieving Rs. 121 billion, marking an 11% increase over the estimated revenue. Moreover, the Excise Department reported revenue of Rs. 14 billion, surpassing the target of Rs. 12 billion, more..

Feb 9 (TM) In the wake of the CEB trade unions (TUs) demanding the reinstatement of suspended CEB workers, the CEB said that any possible reinstatement will be done only according to the standard procedures, and not because of trade union pressure. CEB Workers� Union (CEBWU) launched a protest in front of the CEB head office on Wednesday (7), demanding the reinstatement of the CEB workers who more..

Feb 9 (DN) SL won three more bronze medals, two in swimming and one in diving, bringing the country�s total bronze count to seven at the end of the second day of the BIMSTEC Youth Aquatic Sports Championship held at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukerjee Swimming Sports Complex in New Delhi, India yesterday. Amaiah Rasool of St. Bridget�s Convent won SL�s first bronze medal in the girls� 200m butterfly with a time of 2:43.61. In diving, Vinudi Kankanamge from Visakha more..

Feb 9 (AN) Relations between Saudi Arabia and SL are based on common values, mutual respect, support and non interference according to Colombo�s ambassador in Riyadh, Pakeer Mohideen Amza. Speaking at a reception on the 76th anniversary of SL�s Independence, he said: �SL-Saudi Arabia relations date back to several centuries. SL was a pivotal point in the historic silk route which was used extensively by the Arab traders. In ancient times Arabs called more..

Feb 9 (FT) Civil society organisations (CSOs) engaged in the co-creation of third National Action Plan have collectively decided to withdraw from the Open Govt Partnership (OGP) in SL. The move is to express their opposition to the recent actions of the Govt, specifically the purported passage of the Online Safety Act and attempts to introduce a draconian anti-terrorism law despite widespread public resistance. CSOs are concerned that these actions of govt are aimed at suppressing more..

Feb 9 (FT) The Monetary Policy Board, at its meeting on Wednesday decided to relax the restrictions imposed on the Standing Facilities to Licenced Commercial Banks (LCBs) under Open Market Operations (OMOs). The Central Bank said yesterday with effect from the reserve maintenance period commencing 16 February, the restriction on the SLF will be removed and the restriction on SDF will be relaxed from five times to ten times during a calendar month. more..

Feb 9 (Island) SLPP dissident MP Gevindu Cumaratunga told Parliament that the Online Safety Bill (OSB) had been rushed through Parliament with no heed for the Standing Orders pertaining to passing new legislations. MP said so after govt MP Jayantha Weerasinghe raised a privilege issue alleging that his privileges as an MP had been breached by a Sinhala newspaper report that said the Opposition was seeking to delay more..

Feb 9 (CI) SL might have won three of their last five ODIs against Afghanistan, and even hold an overall win-loss record of 7-4, but the two teams head into this three-match series on completely different trajectories. Afghanistan are building. Their next major ODI tournament is right around the corner - 2025 Champions Trophy. They have a side brimming with potential and energy, just screaming to be harnessed and let loose. They left last year's ODI WC with wins over 3 former champions more..

Feb 9 (PTI) Sri Lanka is likely to extend visa exemption status for India after March to keep attracting travellers from the country and encourage repeat visits, Tourism and Lands, Minister Harin Fernando said on Thursday. "India is our number one source market and tourists from India helped our country on its path of recovery from the recent crisis we faced," Fernando said in a session at OTM 2024. Sri Lanka facilitated visa-free entry for Indian travellers from Dec 2023 to March. more..

Feb 9 (EN) Sri Lanka�s central bank has bought 113 million US dollars from forex markets in Dec 2023, taking the total collected in the year to 1.895 billion US dollars, backed by deflationary policy, official data shows. The central bank allowed rates to go up from April 2022, in the first step to correcting a balance of payments crisis, triggered by rates cuts enforced with aggressive open market operations involving multiple liquidity tools. more..

Feb 9 (FT) The heading of this article is inspired by the title of Milan Kundera�s novel The Unbearable Lightness of Being. That novel was set in the eventful Prague spring period of the then undivided Czechoslovakia. This article is about an octogenarian Tamil political leader who tries to cling on to power selfishly without stepping down gracefully. The party leader I am referring to is Somasundaram Senathirajah known popularly as Maavai Senathirajah and/or Maavai. more..

Feb 9 (FT) A week and a month already gone by this new year, marking the closing of Independence Day celebrations on 4 Feb was the JVP leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake with MP Vijitha Herath leaving with two others to New Delhi, officially invited for mutual discussions by the External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar. This incidentally is not the first official invitation to the JVP leadership from New Delhi. The first on behalf of the New Delhi Govt was extended by the Indian HC in Colombo more..

Feb 9 (AD) Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has decided to press charges against a total of 232 bakery and shop owners who sold loaves of bread with below-par weight and failed to display the prices. On Feb 2, the CAA published an Extraordinary Gazette stipulating a standard weight for a loaf of bread, Accordingly, the standard weight of a loaf of bread was set as 450g with an allowed deficiency of 13.5g while a standard weight of 225g with a 9g deficiency was stipulated for more..

Feb 9 (Island) The Upali Group of Companies, its employees and sales agents, countrywide, have made arrangements to invoke blessings on its founder, Upali Wijewardene, who disappeared in his Lear jet 41 years ago. Bodhi Pooja, Pahan Pooja and an alms-giving will be held, in his memory, on Feb. 13 (Tuesday). A special Bodhi Pooja will be held at the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya at 6 p.m. on February 13. With the blessings of Prof. Ven. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkhitha Thera, more..