Oct 21 (ST) The hideous sight of three former Presidents of Sri Lanka laughing their heads off on the national stage when invited by the country�s accounting professionals to speak on a corruption culture that brought the nation to ruinous bankruptcy in 2022 sums up exactly why the political parties that they lead have been resoundingly rejected by the people. No more and no less. Certainly there is nothing wrong with a pithy joke or two in addressing an audience. more..

Oct 21 (Island) PHU Leader and former MP Udaya Gammanpila is scheduled to release two vital probe committee reports pertaining to the Easter Sunday terror attacks, today. If things go as planned, the documents will be accessible online in a few hours. The annexures of the reports will be withheld as they contain sensitive information related to national security, Gammanpila has said. The reports at issue were prepared by two committees appointed by Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe. more..

Oct 21 (CI) A 137-run stand between Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka provided the base as SL comfortably chased down a DLS-adjusted target of 232 in Pallekele, to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Asalanka top-scored with a 71-ball 77, while Madushka finished with 69 off 54. Both departed unable to see the chase through, but considering the precarious position at which they had come together - 45 for 3 in the 7th over more..

Oct 21 (ST) Colombo International School�s (CIS) Mikhail Jayaweera, SL�s only male diver to qualify for the World Aquatic Junior Diving Championship, has once again grabbed attention by winning the Junior National title at the 48th National Diving Championship, organised by the SL Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU), concluded at the Air Force Swimming Pool Complex in Ratmalana. Mikhail, who was the sole diver representing his school, led CIS to secure the overall runners-up title in more..

Oct 21 (FT) The return of Zellers Chocolates aims to reshape SL�s premium chocolate market while reviving cherished memories from the past. Zellers stands as a pioneer in local craftsmanship and innovation, as fine chocolates have become a beloved indulgence and synonymous with amazing moments. Now, the brand aims to bring Sri Lankans world-class chocolates with a local twist, paying homage to the fond memories of time-honoured generations, while helping a whole new more..

Oct 21 (DM) SL has exceeded IMF�s annual primary surplus target with the primary surplus reaching estimated 2.1% of GDP during the first eight months of the year. According to Pre-Election Budgetary Position Report 2024 released by the Ministry of Finance last week, the primary balance notably improved to Rs. 648.8 billion in the first eight months of this year from Rs. 55 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. However, it was down from 3.7% of GDP recorded in the first half of this year. more..

Oct 21 (CI) Oct 20 can be written in big, bold letters, as one of NZ cricket's unforgettable dates. Hours after men's team recorded a famous Test win, their first in India in 36 years, the women's team delivered the country's maiden T20I World Cup in style in Dubai. As a nation of four million clocked in to work on Monday morning, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates - grandmas of the team as Bates laughed in jest - had just about finished theirs, getting their hands on Women's T20 WC trophy more..

Oct 21 (ST) An estimated 7,600 SL migrant workers and 126 SL UN peacekeepers are currently in Lebanon, with the situation escalating, but most workers are yet undecided whether to return home or remain in that country, which is under intense military bombardment by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). In Southern Lebanon, where SL soldiers are stationed as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), more..

Oct 21 (FT) At the recent BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, leaders from fashion associations across over 50 countries announced the formation of the BRICS International Fashion Federation, which includes Sri Lanka. This initiative aims to establish new centres of influence, strengthen international ties, improve industry sustainability, and provide emerging designers with opportunities to grow. Colombo Fashion Week (CFW) Managing Director Ajai V. Singh said: more..

Oct 21 (FT) Industries Minister Vijitha Herath last week underscored the critical role of the tea industry in driving economic growth, job creation and international recognition during his address at the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Herath called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to strengthen the sector, highlighting the importance of collaboration between tea factory owners, exporters, labourers and the Govt to ensure a prosperous future for the industry. more..

Oct 21 (CT) The NPP Govt has invited top telecommunications sector professional Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya to head the Govt-proposed digitalisation process under a new institutional framework, Govt sources said. The sources also said he is willing to accept the invitation and commence work next month. Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, CEO of Axiata Group�s Telecommunications Business, more..

Oct 21 (Island) St. Joseph Vaz�s College, Wennappuwa sprinter Vimansa Rajakaruna established a new national youth record in the 200 metres and Nannapurawa MV Bibila athlete Madushani Herath produced an outstanding long jump feat to hog the limelight on day three of the All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship in Colombo. Rajakaruna renewed the youth record with a feat of 21.42 seconds to win the Under 18 boys� 200 metres ahead of Shashintha Silva more..

Oct 21 (TM) Ceylon Teachers� Union (CTU) called for the immediate removal of the Commissioner General of Examinations due to recent incidents of examination fraud and the alleged failure to implement adequate measures in response. This demand was made by CTU President Priyantha Fernando. Fernando highlighted two extremely serious cases of examination fraud that have occurred under the current Commissioner General�s supervision. more..

Oct 21 (DN) SL�s top backstroke swimmer, Akalanka Peiris, has made a significant mark in int'l swimming by qualifying for the 2025 Singapore World Aquatic Championships. The 24-year-old, who is based in Australia, achieved the feat at the Australian Swimming Nationals held in Adelaide, where he set two new SL national records in the Men�s 50m and 100m backstroke events. In the Men�s 100m Backstroke event, Peiris clocked an impressive 53.47 sec, smashing his own previous record more..

Oct 21 (FT) Former SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar expressed deep concern over Sri Lanka�s recent decision not to sign the joint letter issued by 105 countries condemning Israel�s ban on UN Secretary-General Ant�nio Guterres from entering the country. He said the letter reaffirms the crucial role of the UN in mediating global conflicts and providing humanitarian assistance, particularly in the ongoing Middle East crisis, and reflects the growing international call for justice and peace. more..

Oct 21 (TM) The campaign expenditure reports of Prez candidates, submitted within the specified period, are to be displayed at Election Commission (EC) and District Secretariats (DS) while reports not submitted on time will be referred to the Police for further action, it is learnt. Under the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act, No. 3 of 2023, all Prez candidates were supposed to submit reports detailing their campaign expenditures, more..

Oct 21 (DM) A private secretary of former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte has been found dead in a house in the Katugastota area today (20). Police said he was found dead with gunshot injuries and that a firearm was also discovered near the body. Police are yet to determine whether the death was a suicide or a homicide. The deceased is a 49-year old resident of Werellagama in Katugastota while he had served as a private secretary to former State Minister Lohan Ratwatte. more..

Oct 21 (ST) SL was a signatory to a letter signed by 105 countries condemning Israel for banning UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering Israel, SL�s Ambassador to the UN, Mohan Peiris, said. SL Permanent Mission in New York (UN) had asked the Chilean mission that sponsored the letter in support of UN SG that their names be added to the letter circulated on Oct 11th and had been informed by Chilean mission that an updated version of the signatories would be released more..

Oct 21 (NW) Former Minister Manusha Nanayakkara criticized the current govt, accusing it of implementing reforms without proper understanding and relying heavily on loans. He contrasted this with former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe�s administration, which he claimed managed the country�s finances with foresight. He said the JVP would be remembered as the first political party to use deceit to gain power. He said, �JVP is trying to move up the election date because they know things more..

Oct 21 (FT) The Mount Lavinia District Court has ordered that the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2021 title be reinstated to Pushpika de Silva, following a legal dispute after the crown was stripped from her in 2022. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, follows a case filed by de Silva challenging the decision to remove her title. de Silva�s crown was initially revoked in 2022 after she alleged that corruption had prevented her from winning the global Mrs. World competition held in the US that same year. more..

Oct 21 (AD) Police investigations with regard to the three bodies found inside a two-storey house which was on fire in the Sinhapura area in Chilaw, are progressing on the suspicion of a possible homicide as one of the bodies was found with her throat slit. A 42-year-old man, his 40-year-old wife and their 15-year-old daughter were found dead inside the house after the fire was extinguished. Mother was found dead on more..

Oct 21 (TM) The Catholic Bishops Conference of SL (CBCSL) asked all parties including the Govt to stop using the Easter Sunday terror attacks for political gains and implement the recommendations contained in the reports that have already been released by the committees that investigated it. Former MP Udaya Gammanpila recently vowed to release two unpublished reports on the Easter Sunday attacks if the Govt fails to do so by today, and Minister Vijitha Herath challenged more..

Oct 21 (DN) Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau has confiscated a BMW and a Prado jeep, valued at approximately Rs. 60 million, from the residence of former Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena's son-in-law in Aniwatta, Kandy. The seizure took place following information received by the SSP in charge of the Kandy Division. Police said that no one in the house was able to make a legal claim regarding these vehicles and hence they were seized accordingly. more..

Oct 21 (TM) Leader of the PHU Udaya Gammanpila, announced his intention to release two unpublished reports related to the Easter Sunday attacks today, as the deadline he gave Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to make the reports public expires at 10 a.m. The reports, commissioned by former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, focus on the alleged involvement of SL�s intelligence services in relation to the 2019 attacks and more..

Oct 21 (FT) Last week, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded the Sveriges Riksbank (Central Bank of Sweden) instituted Nobel Memorial Prize for Economic Sciences to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson abbreviated as AJR. The citation said that they are being recognised for this high award for their breakthrough studies of how institutions are formed and how they affect prosperity. The first two are presently located at the MIT and the last one at the Uni of Chicago, more..

Oct 21 (FT) I am delighted to express my heartfelt congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD), a leader who has gained the trust and admiration of all Sri Lankans be it Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers and even the Estate community, by being elected as the Ninth Executive President and Commander-in-Chief of Sri Lanka with an overwhelming majority. President Dissanayake�s remarkable accomplishment lies in his ability to cast aside pomp and circumstance, choosing more..

Oct 21 (DM) Following a request from security chiefs for the removal of Fundamental Rights cases and arrest orders against officers tackling the rising underworld, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed the Attorney General to immediately intervene to address these allegations against such members of the law enforcement authorities. This was revealed when the National Security Council met last week, where they discussed the practical problems to combat the rising underworld more..

Oct 21 (AD) Three vehicles previously assigned for the use of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa have been returned to the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo. The vehicles returned today include an ambulance, a van and a double-cab. On Oct 1, the vehicles that had been brought to the Presidential Secretariat from various govt institutions, including Ministries and Departments, were returned to their respective agencies at the parking area near the secretariat. more..

Oct 21 (AD) A post mortem examinations have been conducted today with regard to the three bodies found inside a two-storey house which was on fire in the Sinhapura area in Chilaw yesterday. Accordingly, the autopsies have revealed that the deceased woman and her daughter had been murdered by slitting their throats before their bodies were set on fire. Chilaw General Hospital�s JMO had carried out the post-mortem exam more..

Oct 21 (EN) Sri Lanka is trying to find a solution to high costs of poultry feed amid import duties and trade controls for maize, which is keeping eggs and meat prices high, in a country which has high child malnutrition. To give unusually high profits to maize farmers and maize collectors, generally called the maize mafia, Sri Lanka has not only imposed 25 rupees a kilo import taxes (about 86 dollars a tonne), but also imposes quantity restrictions through a license raj. more..

Oct 21 (EN) SL�s Yala season rough rice crop is projected at 2.02 million metric tonnes with 488,957 hectares cultivated up to end August. The projection is up from 1.77mn metric tonnes based in July based on cultivation progress at the time. After the seed paddy requirement of 80,000 MT, and abut 120,000MT of wastage, about 1.82 million metric tonnes of paddy would be available for milling. After milling, about 1.24 million metric tonnes of rice would be available for consumption. more..

Oct 21 (FT) SJB Colombo district candidate S.M. Marikkar voiced strong criticism over the weekend against the current NPP Govt, highlighting their failure to deliver on key promises made during their election campaign. Marikkar expressed disappointment over the escalating cost of living and heavy tax burden faced by the public, while accusing the Govt of prioritising media campaigns over meaningful governance. more..

Oct 21 (NW) The Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith says attempts are being made to mislead the public regarding the investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks. Archbishop said a new group, including former govt officials and MPs, is now working to create confusion regarding the probe. �Among the two reports of the former govt, one contains the same recommendations that were made by the PCoI into the Easter attacks. more..

Oct 21 (EN) Sri Lanka saw foreign inflows into its govt securities for the fifth straight week ended on Oct 16, data showed. However, foreign exchange analysts said the demand for rupee-denominated govt securities has slowed after yields fell last week. SL witnessed 495 million rupees ($1,7 million at 1 US dollar = 295 LKR) inflow into govt securities in the week ended on Oct 16, but much lower than the previous week�s inflow of 6.9 billion rupees (($23.4 mln), the official data showed. more..

Oct 21 (FT) National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) led by former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has said the Govt should have consulted the organisation before abolishing the National People�s Council (NPC) proposed by it which was intended to function as a participatory democratic model promoting active public involvement. Following the election of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a decision was also taken by the Cabinet to dismantle the NPC Secretariat set up to implement more..