Feb 22 (DM) Govt refuted any plans to provide the Galle Face Aragalaya site where the GotaGoGama agitation was held, to establish a casino. Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said the govt had not taken any decision to provide the Aragalaya site to establish a casino as alleged by NPP MP Vijitha Herath. He said a proposal had been received from Barl Investment Ltd for a mixed investment project at Baladaksha Mawatha, Col 3 and that an MoU had been signed with investor on Feb16, 2024. more..

Feb 22 (DM) Central Bank announced yesterday its intention to shift focus on inflation from the near term to medium term, citing the latter�s greater relevance for the decision-making processes. This strategic adjustment, according to the monetary authority, aims to address the inherent lag in transmission that limits the immediate impact of policy decisions on near-term inflation outcomes. Explaining the rationale behind this shift, a senior official of the Central Bank highlighted more..

Feb 21 (TM) This week a suspect was arrested in Mannar, while transporting nearly 650 sticks of commercial grade gelignite explosives (also known as WaterGel) in a passenger bus. Yes, you heard that correctly. Incident and a string of reports over the last year of other such instances points to a serious leakage of commercial explosives from quarries. This should raise alarm bells not only in the security establishment, but also among conservationists, fishermen & marine scientists. more..

Feb 21 (CT) One is not born with wisdom. He or she might be born with talent that needs to be sharpened and refined. One could be born with uncommon personality and charisma; yet personality and charisma need to be developed and shaped in accordance with identified qualities and nuanced aspects of other characteristics. Skill is a totally different story altogether. Skills have to be learnt and acquired. These qualities with which almost each and every human is associated with more..

Feb 21 (CT) In a notable diplomatic engagement, Israel�s Minister of Transport and Road Safety, Brig. Gen. Miri Regev, met with Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe to strengthen bilateral cooperation with SL. The discussions centered on critical issues, including the safe return of Israeli hostages, with Prez Wickremesinghe reaffirming Sri Lanka�s steadfast commitment to ensuring their well-being. Amid the ongoing tensions in Gaza, more..

Feb 21 (DM) Govt must consider the plight of mothers and fathers who are struggling to send their children to school and complete the basic education of their offspring. General Secretary of the CTU, Joseph Stalin has been quoted in the media stating that the dropout and the absenteeism rate in schools is high and alarming at present; despite such figures not having reached their peak as yet. The once in a lifetime opportunity children get spend a 13-year-period in school is now threatened. more..

Feb 21 (ST) From the 10th to the 12th of February, the Colombo Public Library, central to the bustling city, was filled with eager young minds and spirited adults, as the Ceylon Literary Festival enjoyed a promising inaugural outing. With a tranquil and inviting atmosphere as well as vibrant decorations that hung from the trees and tents, the ambience was wonderfully fitting for a literary event. The audiences, invested in the sessions, were treated to stimulating discussions across the panels more..

Feb 21 (CT) For over a decade, Litro Gas Lanka Company, a leading player in SL�s energy sector, has been under scrutiny for its procurement practices. Since 2010, a perplexing pattern has emerged, revealing that Litro Lanka consistently opted to purchase gas at higher prices, defying recommendations set forth by the Tender Board. Despite the availability of lower-priced alternatives in the market, it is alleged that Litro Gas more..

Feb 21 (TM) Air pollution results in approximately seven million premature deaths across the world annually, impacts respiratory health, leads to missed work and school days, and affects children�s lung development. These are some notable impacts of air pollution. Every year the number of public health warnings that are issued from countries like India, Singapore, Thailand, and even SL seem to be increasing, with some cities even asking employees to work from home to avoid exposure to air more..

Feb 21 (SO) SL is currently experiencing the worst ever economic crisis since independence and it is the general belief of many economic analysts that the root cause for it goes back to many decades and all successive govts should be held responsibile for the present economic situation in the country. We were a colony of the British Empire for over thirteen decades and won independence in 1948 under the leadership of D.S. Senanayake. By the time we won independence, we were a debt free nation. more..

Feb 23 (ST) The govt is to curtail bureaucratic red tape and cumbersome paper work in cross-border trade making import and export procedure easier for businesses, with the establishment of a Single Window (SW) for trade as a national priority, Finance Ministry announced. This new system will be implemented as a single entry point for submission of documents and data requirements by the traders on their cross border trade flows (Imports, Exports and transshipments) to the border trade, more..

Feb 23 (Island) Humanity in War: Frontline photography since 1860, an ICRC publication that dealt with wars and conflicts, included two photographs of SL�s war against separatist terrorists. The Island recently received a 247-page book from Ruwanthi Jayasundare, Head of Communication at the International Committee of the Red Cross � ICRC, Colombo. One of the pictures taken in 2007, in the eastern Batticaloa district, depicted the scene in a camp for the displaced. more..

Feb 23 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday saw its first ever net foreign inflow for 2024 as it ended a shortened week marginally higher. Upto Wednesday, CSE had seen net foreign outflow of Rs. 3.3 billion and yesterday net inflow amounted to Rs. 211.6 million with net foreign buying most in JKH at Rs. 365.7 million. First Capital said foreign investors turning net buyers yesterday was after nearly 2 months. more..

Feb 23 (CT) Wanindu Hasaranga has risen one place to second on the latest T20I rankings for bowlers with England counterpart Adil Rashid the only player in front of him while also jumping seven spots to second on the updated list for T20I all-rounders. SL have dominated the majority of the white-ball series against Afghanistan, with star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga in fine form during the opening two matches of the T20I component of the series. Hasaranga became just the second more..

Feb 23 (DN) 25 athletes out of 58 in the National High Performance Programme Pool, known as Road to Paris 2024, are para-sports athletes. This makes up 43% of the total number. SL Department of Sports Development has given recognition to para sports in Sri Lanka. The country has won medals in every Paralympic Games since 2012 London, 2016 Rio, and 2021 Tokyo. In para athletics, athletes include Dinesh Priyantha for javelin throw F46, Samitha Dulan for javelin F44, more..

Feb 23 (NW) The fallout from SL�s narrow defeat to Afghanistan continues, with captain Wanindu Hasaranga now facing disciplinary action from the ICC for his criticism of umpire Lindal Hannibal over the controversial call in the final over. According to reports, Hannibal lodged a complaint with the match referee regarding Hasaranga�s conduct. Hasaranga�s conduct has resulted in a Level 2 charge against him under the ICC Code of Conduct. With two demerit points already accrued more..

Feb 23 (CT) Monetary Policy Report (MPR) for Feb 2024, presented by the Central Bank of SL (CBSL), is a vital guide for understanding the direction and reasoning behind any nation�s monetary policy. In the case of SL, it is doubly so, as complex elements interact to drive the heavily indebted, ailing economy. MPR details the adjustments undertaken by CBSL via its monetary policy and clarifies how policy has been eased since June 2023. Response to the existing economic circumstances, more..

Feb 23 (TM) Recent reports which claim that Sri Lanka is likely to entrust India�s Adani Group with the management of three SL airports, including the country�s foremost Airport, BIA in Katunayake, are false, according to the Airport & Aviation Services (SL) (Pte) Ltd (AASL). �That is a lie. No such talks are underway. As the AASL Chairman, I am not aware of such a discussion and the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry more..

Feb 23 (FT) Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa this week said that if corrective measures are not implemented to address the numerous shortcomings within the Online Safety Act, the opposition will be compelled to initiate a No Confidence Motion against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Premadasa said the approval of the Online Safety Bill in Parliament was illegal. Premadasa claimed that the bill was passed by disregarding the rulings and directives of the Supreme Court in at least more..

Feb 23 (FT) US Ambassador to SL Julie Chung has extended a warm invitation to Hollywood actor Jason Momoa, known for his advocacy for environmental conservation, to witness SL�s mangrove restoration efforts and explore its vibrant marine ecosystem. �Hey #JasonMomoa, your admiration and @UNEP support for SL�s environmental efforts and using your voice to increase awareness of the urgency to #SaveOurOcean is inspiring! As US Ambassador to SL, I invite you to come experience more..

Feb 23 (Island) Committee on Public Finance (COPF) told officials from the Ministry of Finance that the state was suffering a substantial revenue loss due to a delay in imposing VAT on foreign digital and software providers. COPF Chairman Harsha de Silva, MP, said that had also created an unequal playing field for domestic digital and software providers. Even local travel booking agents were subject to VAT, while websites such as more..

Feb 23 (PMD) Mrs. Diana Gamage, Minister of State for Tourism emphasized the critical role of nightlife in driving economic growth, citing it as a cornerstone of the night economy. She underscored that the night economy accounts for a substantial 70% of a country�s revenue, illustrating its significant contribution to national finances. Highlighting the importance of nightlife, the State Minister pointed out that the night time is when people typically engage in activities such as more..

Feb 23 (FT) Land Valuation Indicator (LVI) for Colombo District indicated a slowdown on a year-on-year basis, recording a growth rate of 7.1% during the second half of 2023. Central Bank said this slowdown could be observed in all sub-indicators of LVI, namely Residential, Commercial and Industrial LVIs which recorded annual increases of 8.8%, 6.7% and 5.9%, respectively. LVI indicated a deceleration on semi-annual basis as well registering a moderate growth of growth of 2.1% during more..

Feb 23 (DM) Depat of Meteorology yesterday assured that Sri Lanka is not facing a heatwave threat though it has adviced people in some areas to be vigilant. "Heat index does not indicate a rise in temperature alone. It actually refers to the level to which the people feel the heat. People feel uncomfortable when their perspiration does not get absorbed by the atmosphere. Perspiration or sweat does not get absorbed by the atmosphere when the humidity level is high," he said. more..

Feb 23 (Island) Mystery Mansion of Malwana is in the news again. Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe visited the supposedly ownerless palazzo, or rather the skeletal outlines thereof, the other day, and declared that it would be used to house a state institution after being renovated. The stately structure suffered an arson attack at the hands of violent protesters in 2022. Rebuilding project will be a drain on the public purse. The story of the Mystery Mansion has all the ingredients for more..

Feb 23 (DM) SL�s banking sector is on the edge of following the govt�s decision to suspend parate execution rights. This move, seen as caving to pressure from debt evaders� intense lobbying, is raising concerns about the sector�s ability to support economic recovery. �The banks believe that this is an unnecessary intervention that will weaken the strength of banks to perform their role in supporting the economic sectors more..

Feb 23 (TM) Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said that it has been granted the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to proceed with the programme of transferring the ownership of State owned housing schemes to its dwellers. When contacted, the Secretary to the Ministry Wijesekara Sathyananda said that while the Ministry has halted the collection of rent from the respective owners from 31 Dec of last year (2023), they will have to settle the dues in payments up to more..

Feb 23 (FT) Interim Secretariat for Truth and Reconciliation Mechanism recently presented a copy of the draft Truth and Reconciliation Bill to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiri and Malwathu chapters. Interim Secretariat Director General Dr. Asanga Gunawansa led the delegation. Most Venerable Thibbatuwe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatu chapter and Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratana Thera of the Asgiri Chapter agreed to review the draft bill jointly more..

Feb 23 (DM) In a bid to address the rising issue of cattle theft plaguing the dairy farmers nationwide, Police have initiated a special programme under Yukthiya operation, with the support of intelligence units, to crack down on cattle thieves. Dairy farmers raising cows all over the country had complained that their cows were being stolen by cattle thieves on various occasions. They said that various requests were also received from govt officials in relevant fields in this regard. more..

Feb 23 (TM) Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs Dinesh Gunawardena said that it is most regrettable that not a single Supreme Court (SC) verdict has been delivered in the Sinhala language so far. He also emphasised the imperative need to prevent the alleged attempts by interested parties to push Sinhala into the pile of abandoned and extinct languages. He stated this at an International Mother Language Day event on Wednesday (21). more..

Feb 23 (DM) The problems relating to drugs are not the only issue in the health sector, and both the former and incumbent health ministers have been prone to viewing health matters narrowly, focusing primarily on drug-related issues, Deputy Director of the National Hospital Colombo (NHC) Dr. Rukshan Bellana said. He said that when considering health issues, the incumbent and former Health Minister walk on a single track. more..

Feb 23 (Island) The New Alliance consisting of SLPP MPs backing Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe will hold its second public rally tomorrow (24) at Hyde Park Corner commencing at 2 pm. Two cabinet ministers, including the Education Minister who is also Leader of the House Susil Premjayantha will address the gathering. The New Alliance launched its campaign last month from the JaEla electorate, where speakers assured the group would stand for measures to strengthen the economy. more..

Feb 23 (DN) Over Rs 1 trillion circulated outside the banking system in the 3rd quarter 2023 and that causes 1.5% waste to the country�s GDP Channa De Silva told the launch of JustPay and PayMe apps event held in Colombo on Tuesday. He said the problem was Rs 835 billion or 75% of cash in circulation is outside the banking system and 25% is in the banks. He said this 75% that sits outside the banking system does not generate transactions or economic value. more..

Feb 23 (CT) Doctors have pointed out that the SL public, grappling with economic hardships and poverty, has now fallen prey to quacks due to inadequacies and loopholes in the laws, as well as a shortage of human resources to track and pursue them. According to the GMOA, it has been revealed through various surveys conducted in the past, the country had over 40,000 quacks. GMOA Media Committee Member Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe more..

Feb 24 (TM) In 2023, CSF was invited to provide inputs and comments to the proposed National Education Policy Framework 2023-2048, as a member of the Expert Committee and specifically as part of the Core Group on ICT/ AI Integration. A key focus of the new education framework was the role that digital transformation could play in enhancing the education system of the country, and this was a key area of focus in our inputs and comments during the process. more..