Mar 20 (AD) Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it is closely following the prevailing situation in Haiti where the citizens are reeling from the spiral of violence that erupted after armed gangs took control of the capital city Port-au-Prince and other areas. The ministry asserted that it is in contact with companies operating in Haiti employing SL nationals. �The companies have confirmed that the [Sri Lankan] nationals are safe and away from the areas where there is ongoing unrest.� more..

Mar 20 (DM) A member of Viyath Maga who is now working with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is behind the move to prevent the implementation of the Adani Group�s wind power project, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said. Responding to a question raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Minister said former member of Viyath Maga Rohan Pethiyagoda is one of the persons who has come out against the proposed wind power project. �Professor Pethiyagoda is an advisor to more..

Mar 21 (Island) SLPP-UNP govt has suddenly woken up to the need to reform the parliamentary election system. The Cabinet has approved a proposal to that effect. This move has raised many an eyebrow because it has come ahead of the next presidential election due in six or seven months, and amidst speculation that a general election is likely to be conducted either before or immediately after the presidential contest. Election monitors and the Opposition have expressed fear that more..

Mar 21 (ST) Come Au�Sept 2024, songs like this Desmond de Silva classic will fill the election campaign trail. Here is a sample verse: Sumihiri paane padamata gahala; Heta marunath hithata sepai ada joli karala; Noka nobi looba kamata wasthu soyanne; Maruna data copen eke api nidiyanne; Hodata joli karapan�. Take some liquor to the right level; Even if I die tomorrow, I will be happy if I am able to have a jolly good time today /Even if you amass wealth without eating or more..

Mar 21 (DM) SLPP stalwart Basil Rajapaksa, who recently returned to the country in time to face a possible election heat, in an interview with the Daily Mirror said that following the collapse of the Gotabaya Rajapaksa Govt, he and his brother Gotabaya do not get into each other�s way. Basil also said that he had requested from Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe not to deal with SLPP members individually bypassing the party hierarchy. more..

Mar 21 (CT) Prior to Ceylon gaining Independence, Ceylon Tamils, firstly led by the Ramanathan brothers and later by G G Ponnambalam, would never have dreamed of an Executive Presidency as the head of the govt machinery. They were all well-cushioned in the comfort of the British Westminster system of governance in which they would have stood a chance to be part of the decisive bloc in the formation of a coalition govt in the event the winning Party did not secure an absolute majority more..

Mar 21 (CT) The mass resignation, starting with SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne�s departure from the COPE, sheds glaring light on the ailing state of oversight mechanisms within our parliamentary system. The departure of these MPs highlights the festering issues plaguing these committees, which are meant to serve as watchdogs over public finances and governance. At the heart of Wickramaratne�s resignation lies a deep-seated concern over the erosion of COPE�s efficacy. more..

Mar 21 (TM) As Sri Lankan commuters endure persistent train delays and inadequate facilities, it has become evident that the railway system reflects governmental incompetence over the course of many decades. In a significant revelation, National Audit Office (NAO) has brought to light a multitude of issues, exposing a tangled web of mismanagement, dubious procurement practices, and widespread corruption. more..

Mar 21 (CT) Sri Lanka has never lacked the attention of the international community, very often it gets featured in int'l media and indeed, it has been the subject of much talk worldwide. But it is very rarely that the reason behind is something good, unfortunately. It is really hurtful to recollect how many times the nation has been portrayed as a caricature in the global arena. And now, here is a new addition to the list; once again the international media has turned their cameras more..

Mar 21 (TM) With the eyes of the nation focused on Parliament, the no confidence motion (NCM) against the Speaker of the house, progresses. Govt's frenzy to defend the Speaker and the Opposition�s efforts to dethrone him makes for good theatre, for those who observe it. However, to the keen observer, it is clear that the house, SL�s arena of law making, has returned to its traditional culture of being more about political survival than the progression of the nation. Gone are calls for collective action, more..

Mar 21 (DM) Two appointments for top state positions have been challenged; one in a court of law and the other in Parliament. One is the appointment of Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP, which is challenged in Supreme Court by the Anti-corruption Unit of the SJB. The other is the appointment of politician Rohitha Abegunawardhana as the COPE Chairman against which MP Lakshman Kiriella has tabled a motion of no confidence to the Speaker, citing that the former�s more..

Mar 21 (Island) By the time Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa had arrived in Singapore in the second week of July 2022, a few days after fleeing SL, he firmly believed that then PM Ranil Wickremesinghe was the only person capable of restoring the rule of law in the country. In the chapter titled The Politics of Regime Change in the recently launched The Conspiracy that dealt with the circumstances leading to his ouster in July, 2022, Gotabaya Rajapaksa concedes recognizing the UNP leader as more..

Mar 21 (ST) A 100 MW solar power plant at Oddamawadi in Batticaloa has been approved, disregarding the Procurement Committee�s (PC) recommendation that a unit of power should be bought for USD 6.66 cents. Instead, a unit will be bought at USD 8.75 cents. The solar power plant contract will be awarded to Solar Forge Batticaloa based on a decision made by the Cabinet last week. The Sunday Times learns that due to more..

Mar 21 (DM) While Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe and the SLPP govt are focusing on elections amidst controversy and confusion over whether the General Election will be held before the Prez Election or the Executive Presidential system should be scrapped as the then-Prez candidate Chandrika Kumaratunga promised to do so but never did, the govt and the people need to focus more on vital issues such as the forests. Today, the UN marks the International Day of Forests. more..

Mar 21 (ST) Cleantech (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka�s leading provider of integrated waste management solutions, recently announced its partnership with CodeGen International for the responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) for companies Vega Innovations, Codegen, Elektrateq, and Voltmotive. It reinforces Cleantech�s commitment to offering environmentally friendly solutions for the IT industry and its ongoing pursuit of a more sustainable future for Sri Lanka, more..

Mar 21 (FT) The Court of Appeal granted an Interim Order suspending the Order given by the Commercial High Court of Colombo dated 15 Feb 2024 restraining Urban Development Authority (UDA) On�ally Holdings from interfering with the voting rights and other shareholder rights held by the majority shareholder, Lanka Reality Investment in On�ally Holdings, in any manner whatsoever. Lanka Reality Investment, the Petitioner submitted through the Petition to the Court of Appeal more..

Mar 21 (FT) JB Securities Managing Director Murtaza Jafferjee, CFA declared that the exit price on Expolanka Holdings Plc is extremely generous. His assessment is cited in the JB Securities research note on Expolanka Holdings�s de-listing offer to minority shareholders at Rs. 185 per share. As per JB Securities� prognosis, the loss-making Expolanka�s actual share value is between Rs. 44 and Rs. 66. Among key pointers listed by JB Securities were Expo�s comparator set more..

Mar 21 (CI) Wanindu Hasaranga's surprise return from retirement to the SL Test side was not a ploy to avoid the legspinner missing T20 World Cup games later this year, according to SLC. Hasaranga was suspended from international cricket after stacking up demerit points for showing dissent against an umpiring decision in Sri Lanka's defeat to Bangladesh on March 18. But immediately after the game and more..

Mar 21 (FT) Leading stock broker SC Securities is recommending the Expolanka Holdings Plc exit offer at Rs. 185 per share as favourable. �The Exit Offer of LKR 185 per share for EXPO provides a sizable premium to our fair value estimate of LKR 160,� SC Securities said in a research note. On March 1st 2024, EXPO made an announcement that its Board of Directors had resolved to de-list the ordinary voting shares of the company from the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). more..

Mar 21 (FT) Harpo's Cafes and Restaurants, with 19 years of experience in SL's hospitality industry, has extended its reach to Bangalore, India. As a quintessentially SL brand, Harpo�s is thrilled to introduce the vibrant flavors of SL cuisine to the Indian market through Salone Ceylon. Salone Ceylon showcases authentic SL dishes crafted by a team of SL chefs and management, ensuring the true essence of the cuisine. Menu offers a blend of traditional favorites & contemporary more..

Mar 21 (FT) US Govt has endorsed SL�s request for an additional 5-month extension of proceedings. Applauding SL�s efforts in its debt restructuring program and the strides made, the US views an extended stay as a reasonable measure aligned with US policy. In a letter addressed to US District Judge Denise L. Cote, the Dept of Justice affirmed SL�s strategic importance as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region more..

Mar 21 (FT) Key representatives of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country expressed appreciation for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for engaging in discussions concerning the economic crisis and its potential effects on the sector�s future growth. In a rare opportunity, amidst what some perceive as indifference from the country�s Central Bank and other authorities, MSMEs welcomed the chance to address their concerns with IMF officials. more..

Mar 21 (DN) St. Joseph�s College Maradana and St. Peter�s College Bambalapitiya two traditional rivals once again will meet in their 90th Battle of the Saints big match which is scheduled to be played on March 22 and 23 at the SSC, starting from 9.45a.m. Out of the 89 big matches fought for the Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Memorial Trophy, the Josephians lead the tally with 12 wins while St Peter�s have recorded 10 wins. St Peter�s having good cricketing history and has produced top cricketers more..

Mar 21 (Island) Dharmaraja captained by Dulara Bandulasena hold the edge when they meet Kingswood in the 117th Battle of the Maroons which starts at the Pallekelle Int'l Cricket Stadium on Friday. With seven outright victories under their belt, Dharmaraja are among the top teams this season. They ended up among the top four teams in their group at the end of the group stage in the Division I tier B tournament by virtue of the four outright wins in the league. They concluded the tournament more..

Mar 21 (ST) SL will import mid-sized, rose� onions from India as a temporary substitute for big onions, said Trade Ministry Secretary A.M.B. Attapattu. These onions are already available but are smaller and substandard in flavour in comparison to the big onions. They are sold at Rs. 350 per kilo at wholesale and Rs. 400 per kilo at retail. However, shipments of big onions are due from Turkey, China, and the Netherlands as per discussions on Thursday, but they will take time to arrive, more..

Mar 21 (TM) Foreign Affairs Ministry and Dept of Police seem to have differing positions on the issue of the nexus between the role played by designated defence attach�s attached to Lankan overseas diplomatic missions and their role in bilateral mutual assistance and cooperation in the criminal justice process including the extradition of suspects of crime. When questioned about the recent media reports of the lack of designated defence more..

Mar 21 (Island) It would take at least three weeks to clear the backlog of containers at the Colombo Port, Sanath Manjula, President of the Container Transport Owners Association (CTOA), said. Customs unions suspended their union action on Tuesday (19) night following a discussion with Finance Ministry officials and resumed clearing containers on Wednesday. About 5,000 containers had been stuck at the Colombo Port by 20 March due to the trade union action, Manjula said. more..

Mar 21 (AD) The first meeting of the COPE under the chairmanship of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana convened at the parliament complex on Tuesday (19) amidst a string of member resignations. As many as 10 COPE members � namely MPs Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Duminda Dissanayake, Eran Wickramaratne, Gamini Waleboda, Prof. Charitha Herath, Dayasiri Jayasekara, S. M. Marikkar, Hesha Withanage, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and Wasantha Yapa Bandara � have thus far quit more..

Mar 21 (DM) Wildlife Conservation Department has reported a total of 298 elephants falling victim to electrocution since 2018. They attributed the elephants' deaths to the installation of various obstacles and traps, including substandard electric fences intended to restrict the movement of wild animals or target wild elephants and other wildlife for lethal purposes. Reports indicate that 72 elephants were killed in 2023, followed by 50 in 2022, 66 in 2021, 31 in 2020, 41 in 2019, and 38 in 2018. more..

Mar 21 (AD) The elections are likely to get postponed if the proposals put forward to amend the parliamentary electoral system are not properly implemented, PAFFREL has said, raising concerns about the Cabinet of Ministers green-lighting a proposal in this regard. Acknowledging the need to revise the country�s electoral system, the executive director of the election watchdog Rohana Hettiarachchi, however, highlighted the importance of finalizing the delimitation process more..

Mar 21 (Island) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena may be able to stay in his position by mustering a majority to defeat the no-faith motion against him, but he would never be able to get re-elected, JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament. The level of abuse of power for personal gain by Speaker Abeywardena was unprecedented in Parliament history, Dissanayake said, participating in the debate more..

Mar 21 (Island) A hunger strike campaign will be initiated soon if Rohitha Abeygunawardena is not removed from the Chairman post of the COPE with immediate effect, says SJB Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara told Parliament. MP Bandara said yesterday: �The members of the COPE are resigning one by one. Already eight members have tendered their resignations. Their protest is a reflection of displeasure the public have against appointing Abeygunawardena to this position. more..

Mar 21 (TM) The FUTA said that the Treasury is yet to increase the proposed academic allowance given to university teachers and that instead, 25% of the basic salary has been added to the salary as an allowance. Earlier this year (2024), the Cabinet of Ministers green-lit President Ranil Wickremesinghe�s proposal seeking to increase the study allowance granted to university lecturers by 25%. It was decided that this allowance would be included in their January salary. more..

Mar 21 (FT) The CoPF recommended the Central Bank (CBSL) postpone the salary increase till an independent committee appointed by the Finance Minister submits a comprehensive review within four weeks. CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva submitting a report to Parliament on the recent CBSL salary hike acknowledged the independence granted to the CBSL in monetary policy under the new Act, more..

Mar 21 (FT) Prez Wickremesinghe�s first public political rally at Kuliyapitiya was odd. He delivered a zestful, even rollicking speech, remaining in the high spirits he displayed in the Mustang�s tent at the Royal-Thomian Big Match. He was rude and crude about his former lecturer at Colombo�s Faculty of Law, Prof. G.L. Peiris. He praised his pet members of the SJB, Dr. Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickramaratne. He insulted SJB leader Sajith Premadasa while pitching for SJB to join him. more..