Feb 15 (DM) Despite widespread criticism especially by some media groups which obviously have some vested interests, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe � giving steady leadership to the heavily divided SLPP govt � is making steady progress in pulling Sri Lanka out of its worst ever economic and debt crisis. These moves come in an election year but some critics are alleging that the Prez might try to put off the elections by changing the Executive Presidential system of govt. more..

Feb 15 (TM) SL Air Force plans to become a more inclusive force by increasing the intake of women and minorities to the force structure in the future, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said yesterday. Responding to a question at a press conference regarding the upcoming 73rd anniversary of the SLAF (2 March), Air Marshal Rajapaksa said that the SLAF will endeavour to improve inclusivity of all communities as more..

Feb 15 (FT) National Namal Uyana Founder Vanavasi Rahula Thera has proposed the taxation of religious leaders and institutions in the country. In a statement to the media yesterday, the Thera emphasised that the Govt should impose taxes on places of worship and religious institutions, mirroring the taxation imposed on the country�s general public. �Religious leaders are merely millionaires who are going untaxed. They too should be taxed similarly to other citizens,� he said. more..

Feb 15 (EN) SL�s Treasury bill yields fell across maturities at Wednesday�s auction with all 135 billion rupees of bills sold, data from the state debt office showed. The 3-month yield fell 117 basis points to 9.79% with 30 billion rupees in bills offered and 38.35 billion sold. The 6-month yield fell 121 basis points to 9.86% with 45 billion rupees in bills offered 48 billion sold. The 12-month yield fell 71 basis points to 10.02%, with 60 billion rupees of bills offered and 48 billion rupees sold. more..

Feb 15 (FT) Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry chaired the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Rights at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday (13), with the participation of Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane and Govt officials representing 16-line Ministries and agencies. Minister Sabry highlighted that the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Standing Committee on Human Right demonstrates the commitment of Govt of SL to upholding more..

Feb 15 (ST) The Centre for Justice Sri Lanka (CJS) has filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal (CA) requesting that the court issue an order directing authorities to devise a programme to prevent deaths due to the human-elephant conflict in the Ampara district. In its writ petition filed by Attorney Nagananda Kodithuwakku, the CJS notes that 255 elephants and 78 people have been killed over the past five years in the Ampara district owing to the human-elephant conflict. more..

Feb 15 (Island) NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa says the proposed Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement (ETCA) with India should be examined in the context of India�s geopolitical strategy in respect of SL. Referring to a recent declaration by SLPP MP Rear Admiral (retd.) Sarath Weerasekera that the govt parliamentary group hadn�t been consulted on the proposed agreement discussed at any level more..

Feb 15 (Island) The Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism (ISTRM) faces a daunting challenge in securing support for the Bill for establishing a Commission for Truth, Unity and Reconciliation (CTUR). A meeting called by ISTRM, at the second floor of the Chartered Bank Building, on Feb 9, 2024, to garner support for the vital Bill, revealed the deep discontent among an influential section of the stakeholders. Former External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, MP more..

Feb 15 (TM) National Transport Commission (NTC) Act, No. 37 of 1991 is to be amended very soon to regulate school children�s transportation services, including high fares, and the new draft Bill is in its final stage, said the Chairman of the NTC, Shashi Welgama. When contacted to inquire whether steps have been taken by the NTC to regulate the school transportation services and their fares, Welgama said that under the current NTC Act, the NTC has no capability to regulate school transportation more..

Feb 15 (TM) While stating that he is not worried about the allegations made against him by 3 members of the Board of Directors of the NMRA who had tendered their resignation on Tuesday, NMRA Chairman Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said that the relevant authorities would however conduct an inquiry and find out if there is any truth to such allegations. Three NMRA Directors � attorney Manoj Gamage, Dr. Priyantha Serasinghe, and more..

Feb 15 (Island) Apropos Groundwork for Truth Unity and Reconciliation Commission underway, published in February 14th issue of The Island and also carried online, Canadian High Commission in Colombo has sent us the following response: The writer Shamindra Ferdinando reported that �In spite of the Canadian High Commissioner in Colombo Eric Walsh declaring Canadian support for the latest initiative (i.e. the Himalayan Declaration), Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, more..

Feb 15 (FT) It is most unfortunate that the bungling of national issues commenced with the greed for power by one of our most educated politicians in SL, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, in bringing the Sinhala Only bill into effect in Parliament after his victory in 1956. That caused the division in SL driving away some of the most educated and qualified public officers, including the Burgher population, to leave the country in search of better pastures. It reversed the economic and political stability we had. more..

Feb 15 (PMD) Dr. Tanaka Akihiko, Prez of Japan Int'l Cooperation Agency (JICA), called on Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, last evening (14). During the meeting, Dr. Akihiko expressed gratitude for Prez Wickremesinghe�s commitment to the economic reform program, acknowledging its challenging nature. In response, Prez Wickremesinghe emphasized his focus on ensuring the swift resumption of the investment projects, including the expansion of the BIA, the LRT, and the central expressway. more..

Feb 15 (DM) There is no constitutional provision to postpone Prez elections, former Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga said. Ms. Kumaratunga said this in response to a question raised by journalists after an event organized by the United Republic Front in Colombo last evening. However, she did declined to elaborate to a question raised by journalists on the assurance given by the Prez�s office recently that Prez elections will be held despite speculation that Executive Presidency is to be scrapped. more..

Feb 15 (DM) Criminal gang member Piyum Hasthika alias Piyuma, who was in hiding in Dubai, UAE, was repatriated to SL in the early hours of Thursday (15). He is reportedly the main accomplice of the notorious underworld figure and drug trafficker Salindu Gunaratne alias Kudu Salindu, who is also currently in the custody of the CID. According to the Public Security Ministry, Piyuma was brought back to the island by a special team of the CID. more..

Feb 15 (DM) Finance State Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya said funds will be allocated for the procurement of high-quality air rifles for farmers' organizations in the Kegalle district for the purpose of managing the toque monkey population. Minister told the media that his decision remains unchanged despite any potential impacts. He said that decentralized funds will be allocated for the procurement of air rifles for farmers' organizations. "The menace posed by monkeys has become more..

Feb 15 (AD) Acting IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon states that 42 Interpol Red Notices have been issued against criminals who have fled the country and are in connection with underworld activities and drug offences. Joining the event to declare open a new police checkpoint in front of the Colombo National Hospital, Tennakoon expressed that the relevant criminal suspects would be brought back to the island with the assistance of Interpol. Furthermore, he mentioned that more..

Feb 15 (TM) URF Leader and Opposition MP, Champika Ranawaka has called for the introduction of a system to evaluate public institutions, and audit public servants' performance in order to create an efficient public service. Launching the URF's manifesto, 'A united step for the country' yesterday, he said that steps should be taken to properly reform public institutions. �A management audit will identify the institutions that more..

Feb 15 (EN) The bid deadline for Litro Gas Lanka Limited and Litro Gas Terminal Lanka has been extended, State Owned Enterprises Restructuring Unit of Ministry of Finance said. In January, the Govt called for expressions of interest for the state-owned gas company to be submitted by Feb 16. This has been extended to March 1, 2024, SOERU told prospective bidders. �In relation to the Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) dated Jan 16 2024, to amend certain provisions of the REOI,� more..

Feb 15 (DN) PM Dinesh Gunawardena instructed officials not to wait for decentralized funds to perform simple jobs. He expressed these views at the Maharagama Regional Coordination Committee which was held today under the chairmanship of the PM. Speaking on this occasion the PM stated; �Today the country is in a very bad situation regarding drugs. Even you can be arrested at any time by the special unit that has been appointed. This is not a temporary welfare measure. more..

Feb 15 (TM) MP M.A. Sumanthiran, filed Fundamental Rights Application before the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the certification of the Online Safety Act No. 9 of 2024. Represented by Sinnadurai Sundaralingam and Balendra, Sumanthiran argued that the Act, purportedly certified by the Speaker of Parliament, was enacted in violation of constitutional provisions. The crux of the case revolves around the alleged discrepancies between the Act and the SC's determination, more..

Feb 15 (DM) All measures have been taken to start the new school term of 2025 at the beginning of January as usual, and the A/L exam relating to this year will be held before 2025, Minister Susil Premajayantha said. During a national event held yesterday at St. Anthony's Balika Maha Vidyalaya, where textbooks and school uniform materials were distributed among schoolchildren, the minister said that the A/L exam, originally scheduled for the previous yr, had been postponed by 5 weeks. more..

Feb 15 (DM) SL�s tourism sector is gearing up for a major transformation, as the authorities unveil an ambitious plan to make the country one of the world�s most dynamic and sought-after destinations. SL Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu announced yesterday that the SLTPB is set to enter into agreements with a consortium of global brands, both foreign and domestic, to sponsor and more..

Feb 15 (AD) OIC of the Kalpitiya Police Station has been interdicted by the National Police Commission over the alleged incident of sexually harassing a Woman Police Constable (WPC), SSP Nihal Thalduwa said. The suspected police OIC had surrendered to the Puttalam Magistrate�s Court through a lawyer in connection with the incident on Tuesday (13), after the Kuliyapitiya SSP had reported facts to the court and initiated an investigation. more..

Feb 15 (DM) SL�s attempt to secure an exemption from India on its ban on big onion exports has not materialized resulting in importers looking to other markets for purchases at higher costs. India's ban on the export of onions has driven up prices in countries like Sri Lanka. India, the world�s biggest exporter of onions, banned shipments on Dec 8, 2023 after domestic prices more than doubled in three months following a drop in production. India has taken the policy decision to contain inflation ahead of more..

Feb 15 (FT) SJB MP Imathiaz Bakeer Markar said the country is currently facing crises in democracy, and foreign and economic policy. The MP expressed concern that if the Govt opts to postpone elections, it would further jeopardise the country�s democracy and place it in a precarious position. MP made these remarks while speaking to the media in Kandy. �The country is in a vulnerable situation. Numerous external forces are attempting more..

Feb 15 (FT) SL�s beleaguered Govt, amidst fighting a faltering economy and battling to increase state revenue is now facing a barrage of criticism after bringing into law the Online Safety Act (OSA). Amnesty International SL called it an additional weapon in the hands of the Govt. Late last week SL�s Justice Minister acknowledged deficiencies and called for all-party consultations. Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) has issued a stark warning to the Prez � that the OSA was not more..

Feb 15 (CT) Supreme Court yesterday ordered the CEB and the Director General of the Department of Wildlife Conservation to immediately remove the electric fences erected by a monk in Nakolagane in Ehetuwewa, Kurunegala which have exacerbated the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) of the area. This order was given when a petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) that unlawful deforestation activity was being carried out by a Buddhist monk in a forest area of 4000 acres more..

Feb 15 (TM) Over 180 foreigners, including 43 Indians, have been deported by the Maldives over visa violations and drug offences. The highest number of deported foreigners include Bangladeshis (83) followed by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis. The move comes as Homeland Security is working alongside the Economy Ministry of Maldives in its efforts to curb illegal businesses from sprawling in the country. These include both registered and unregistered businesses, the minister noted. more..

Feb 15 (EN) Lands held by the State will be provided on a long-term lease to businesses with a focus on export activities, the Cabinet spokesman has said. �Large underutilized lands are to be given on long-term lease basis to investors with the potential to grow exportable crops, raise livestock farms for export and produce other exportable goods and services,� Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at a press briefing to announce Cabinet decisions on Tuesday (13). more..

Feb 15 (TRF) After years of scant rainfall in a remote region of SL, farmer Renuka Karunarathna's crops failed and as the family's income dwindled, her husband took his anger out on her, beating her so badly she had to go to a hospital. "I have got beaten up so many times," Karunarathna told said in her village of Sapumal Thenna in SL's North Central Province. "I suffer a lot." Domestic violence is a little-studied side effect of more..

Feb 15 (TM) Revealing that there is a possibility to reduce the electricity tariffs by 20-25% in the current situation, the Employees' Union of the Public Utilities Commission of SL (EUPUCSL) has urged the Commission's Chairman and other members to rectify their previous mistakes, and make independent decisions regarding the proposed tariff revision. In a letter addressed to the PUCSL Chairman and members, ECPUCSL General Secretary Roshan Weerasooriya had noted more..

Feb 15 (DM) Since Sri Lanka's economy is showing growth, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said they will support the construction of the second terminal of the Katunayake Airport after the financial restructuring process is implemented by the IMF. The decision was announced during a discussion between Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and a group of representatives, including JICA Institute Chairman Akihiko Tanaka at the Ministry. The discussion was about the resumption more..

Feb 15 (AD) Minister Kanchana Wijesekara says he has received an audit report from KPMG and CPSTL audit investigation officials saying they have found that more than 1.3 million entries on SAP data have been changed or deleted since 2010 and that most have occurred in 2022 during the height of SL�s fuel crisis. Minister said that the major findings of the forensic audit conducted by KPMG on the sales & distribution of petroleum products more..

Feb 15 (DM) In a bid to address the substantial financial outlay of over USD 500 million spent annually on importing medicines, Minister of Health and Industry, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, underscored the need for domestic production. He said this during a special discussion held with key officials from the Medical Supplies Division, the State Pharmaceutical Corporation and the National Medicines Regulatory Authority. The discussion, chaired by Dr. Pathirana, delved into critical issues surrounding more..

Feb 15 (AD) One of the six directors of the company OnmaxDT, who were arrested and later granted bail over allegations concerning the operating of a Pyramid scheme, has secretly fled the country. The investigation officers had revealed this to court when the case pertaining to the alleged financial fraud was taken up before the Colombo Magistrate�s Court today. Thus, the investigation officers have pointed out that the sixth suspect of the case, Dhananjaya Chamara had secretly left the country more..