Oct 30 (TM) Cabinet Spokesperson Vijitha Herath assured that while the Cabinet of Ministers is committed to fulfilling salary-related promises, a concrete increase will only be feasible starting next year. He confirmed that no funds have been allocated to increase salaries for public sector employees, contrary to the previous Govt�s announcements. Herath cited findings from a report by Udaya R. Seneviratne, indicating that more..

Oct 31 (DM) Tomorrow, we move into November � a crucial month owing to SL�s General Elections scheduled for the 14th. Most independent analysts believe that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake�s National People�s Power (NPP) will win at least a simple majority if not more. But other parties such as Sajith Premadasa�s Samagi Jana Balawegaya also believe the party could win a majority in Parliament. There is even talk among some politicians about impeaching the President. more..

Oct 31 (TM) Sri Lankan citizens and our digital domain have increasingly become vulnerable and today pose a security risk. This week, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) and the Defence Cyber Command issued warnings about the surge in fake messages being disseminated via social media and communication platforms, particularly WhatsApp. Many Sri Lankans who use WhatsApp platform have become victims of online scams and identity theft. more..

Oct 31 (DM) Embilipitiya Magistrate Court recently imposed an unprecedented fine of Rs. 116 million on two Russians who were caught while collecting specimens at the Sinharaja UNESCO World Heritage Site and Horton Plains National Park. Having arrested the two individuals following a tip-off Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) officials discovered over 230 specimens in the possession of these Russians. more..

Oct 31 (GV) SL stands at a critical juncture in its political and economic history. As the country prepares for the parliamentary elections on Nov 14 with Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake�s party, NPP, projected to make significant gains and expected to win, the direction of the nation�s governance hangs in the balance. If the NPP�s victory does come to fruition, it could mark the beginning of significant reforms aimed at rebuilding trust in political institutions, addressing corruption more..

Oct 31 (CT) SL�s archaeological heritage is a vital component of its identity and economic well-being. Therefore, it would be prudent for us to safeguard this rich tapestry of cultural and religious traditions during peacetime, which is a challenging task that demands urgent and sustained attention. As we reflect on the lessons from our history, it is crucial to consider what precautions must be put in place to protect our heritage from future threats. The end of the civil war in 2009 provided more..

Oct 31 (CT) International media highlighted last week that in a significant move to streamline the UK visa application process, the British govt has announced that VFS Global will take over visa services in 26 new countries across Africa, Europe, Middle East & Central Asia. The transition will take place between Sept 2024 and Jan 2025. This transition aims to enhance the visa application experience for applicants in these more..

Oct 31 (DN) The SL cricket team, led by Lahiru Madushanka, is ready to participate in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes tournament, which will take place from Nov 1 to 3 at the Tin Kwong Road Cricket Ground in Hong Kong. The 7-member SL team left for Hong Kong on Tuesday and will play their first game against Oman on Nov 1, followed by a match against Bangladesh on the same day. The team comprises all-rounders, including skipper Lahiru Madushanka, Dhananjaya Lakshan, and more..

Oct 31 (Island) Some studies have been conducted on the ill effects of the current economic crisis on the physical well-being of Sri Lankans. They have revealed an increase in malnutrition, especially among children. However, no such comprehensive study has been carried out to ascertain mental health issues caused or aggravated by the economic crisis and the resultant socio-political problems. A study published in Nature has revealed that brain networks differ in people battling depression, more..

Oct 31 (ST) In the last few years the country�s political parties have been imploding and exploding scattering their worthless like in the battlefields of old. But not too many moons ago, the aged and ageing leaders took their battles to the countryside and so the discarded and the career-seekers searching for new ways of amassing ill-gotten wealth scattered hither and thither into new political holes and lay- like scatter bombs about to blow up. One wakes up in the morning hoping to speak more..

Oct 31 (FT) The number 2-2-5 is a peculiar number. It adds up to 9 which is believed to be bad and unlucky and is kept away when starting something auspicious. When one dials 2-2-5 a message comes through the wire: �This number is exclusively for e-channeling. Please note you will be charged Rs. 20 plus tax for a minute.� And we pay Rs. 20 plus tax while listening to jingles and promotional material played by the service provider till we are connected to a customer care officer. more..

Oct 31 (TM) Criticising the Govt's decision to launch a fresh investigation into the 2021 MV X-Press Pearl maritime disaster in SL waters, environmental scientist and politician Dr. Ajantha Perera, one of the petitioners seeking compensation through the Supreme Court (SC) for the environmental damage caused, warned that the move would undo all progress made on the matter over the past few years. more..

Oct 31 (DM) Inflation in Colombo district fell further in October, marking the third consecutive month of easing, with both food and non-food prices declining amid the improved supply conditions and reduced administrative costs, according to the data from the Census and Statistics Dept. Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), the primary inflation gauge, recorded a year-on-year (YoY) decline of 0.8% in October, a sharper decrease than the 0.5% dip observed in September. more..

Oct 31 (CT) The upcoming parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka present an unprecedented opportunity for the people to reshape the political landscape. Since Anura Kumara Dissanayake assumed the presidency, Sri Lanka has witnessed significant transformations, despite the deeply entrenched issues that have plagued the country for decades. Under his leadership, the NPP has emerged as a beacon of hope, steering the country toward transparency, accountability, and equity. more..

Oct 31 (DM) The Planters� Association of Ceylon (PA) said that the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) have raised the festival advances for their workers, with the increase beginning ahead of this year�s Deepavali holiday. According to the PA, all RPC field workers will receive a festival advance of Rs.25,000, up 25 percent from the previous Rs.20,000, while the RPC staff will see an increase of 20 percent, bringing their advance from Rs.25,000 to Rs.30,000. more..

Oct 31 (EN) India has strongly reiterated not to use force on their fishermen in SL�s Northern seas,Indian High Commission in Colombo said after a joint meeting between top officials of the countries in Colombo. 6th meeting of the India-SL Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries was held on Tuesday in Colombo. The meeting comes weeks after deaths when the island nation�s navy attempted to stop poaching of Indian fishermen into SL�s Northern Seas where local fishermen have more..

Oct 31 (TM) The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) does not intend to challenge the appointments of former Senior DIG of Police - CID, Ravi Seneviratne as the Public Security Ministry's Secretary, and the former CID Director, retired SSP Shani Abeysekara as the Police Criminal Intelligence Analysis and Prevention Division's Director, it is learnt. Following Seneviratne and Abeysekara being implicated in report by Committee of Inquiry more..

Oct 31 (AD) Railway Station Masters have decided to temporarily call off their strike action from midnight today (30). The decision was taken due to the Deepavali festival which falls tomorrow (31), according to the Sri Lanka Railways Station Masters� Union. Railway Station Masters had resorted to trade union action by withdrawing from all ticketing duties from 4.30 p.m. today (30). However, the union had stated that there will be no disruptions to train services. more..

Oct 31 (DM) Despite pressure being mounted from the opposition, the new govt will consider any decision on the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) or the Anti-Terrorism Bill introduced by the previous govt only after the next Parliament convenes, a top source said. The govt has come under fire from former MP of ITAK M.A, Sumanthiran for invoking the PTA in dealing with the suspects arrested in connection with the security threat at Arugam Bay. more..

Oct 31 (DM) Diwali or Deepavali is one of the biggest and auspicious festivals celebrated by Hindus around the globe with ebullience. The festival of lights signifies peace and joy, the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Deepavali is one of the most symbolic Hindu festivals. All the communities in the country celebrate it with much grandeur. During this festival, people clean their homes, decorate every corner with lights, more..

Oct 31 (DN) �Our players made a good display despite losing the Asia Cup final, and this was the most thrilling Asia Cup final ever seen in the 13th edition of the series,� said SL Netball head coach P.D.N. Prasadi after returning home. �We missed the chance to win the Asian crown, but the way our players performed throughout the tournament was outstanding. We came to the final with an unbeaten record, having achieved seven back-to-back wins. The final was tough from the beginning more..

Oct 31 (USE) On Oct 30, U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung visited Buwanekaba Primary School in Maharagama, Colombo, to observe the implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded McGovern-Dole Int'l Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program as it expands into Colombo-area schools this month. During her visit, Ambassador Chung met with students, teachers, parents, and school meal providers who shared how this program is positively more..

Oct 31 (Island) Sri Lanka Athletics has made two key amendments to its constitution that will change the eligibility criteria for top posts of the governing body. Sri Lanka Athletics at a Special General Meeting, amended the constitution in a bid to stop total outsiders contesting for top posts of the track and field sports body. �Winning a top position at a national level competition at junior or senior category is a must to be eligible to run for top positions of Sri Lanka Athletics now,� more..

Oct 31 (DM) Sri Lanka Customs, one of the three main revenue generating arms of the Treasury, had achieved more than 80% of the stipulated revenue target of Rs.1.53 trillion for the year 2024 by end of October, with positive hopes of surpassing the aim before 2025. During the first ten months of 2024 up to October 28th the Customs had generated revenue of Rs.1.23 trillion and the officials are hopeful of the possibilities of surpassing the stipulated target by end of December this year. more..

Oct 31 (EN) Sri Lanka has generally seen anti-Indian sentiment rise close to its elections, but this has been notably absent in the run up to the general election on Nov 14. The most recent case when anti-Indian sentiment was whipped up was when India�s Adani group was to be awarded a Mannar wind power plant which came without a tender, ahead of the prez election. In June, 3 environmentalists and a Catholic Bishop filed more..

Oct 31 (AD) The Court of Appeal today (30) ordered to recall the arrest warrant issued by the Matale High Court against the Chairman of the Selection Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Tharanga over failure to appear before the court pertaining to a match-fixing case. The Court of Appeal had issued this order after considering an undertaking made by Upul Tharanga through his attorneys, stating that he would attend future hearings at the Matale High Court. more..

Oct 31 (CT) SL�s netball captain, Dulangi Wannithilake, expressed optimism following their runner-up finish at the Asian Netball C'ship 2024. Arriving at BIA after a strong performance in Bengaluru, India, Dulangi addressed the media, stating, �Fourteen teams participated this year. We were unbeaten in the group stage and won our semi-final, but unfortunately, we fell short in the final.� As defending champions, SL entered the tournament as favorites, winning all their group matches more..

Oct 31 (FT) SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) yesterday issued an alert to the public about the surge in fake messages being disseminated via social media and communication platforms, particularly WhatsApp. These deceptive messages are designed to fraudulently obtain personal and financial information by impersonating credible institutions, including banks, commercial organisations, and international bodies. Recent observations by CERT indicate that more..

Oct 31 (FT) International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the appointment of Sumathi Dharmawardena P.C. as the new Independent Chair of ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Dharmawardena replaces Sir Ronnie Flanagan who retired from the role after 14 years. Dharmawardena brings a wealth of experience including serving as an Additional Solicitor General at the AG's Dept of SL, in which he represents the Govt of SL, including the Ministry of Sport, in a variety of legal matters. more..

Oct 31 (AJ) SL�s new govt, led by left-leaning Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, will launch a fresh investigation into the handling of the MV X-Press Pearl cargo ship disaster that devastated marine life along swaths of the island nation�s coastline three years ago, a senior minister said. The announcement came amid allegations of corruption, delay tactics and mismanagement in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster, more..

Oct 31 (DM) PM Harini Amarasuriya recently claimed that the former Prez deliberately misled state employees by promising them a salary hike. She said that she had heard the former Prez claim he had increased the salaries of state employees and secured the necessary funds. She said the former President was lying, as he knows very well that the decision he had made cannot be implemented so easily. No one can simply decide to increase state employees' salaries overnight. more..

Oct 31 (DM) The govt must reveal the truth about whether Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayaka or the World Bank (WB) is being truthful regarding the USD 200 million loan obtained from the WB, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila said. Gammanpila condemned the statement made by Cabinet spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath, asserting that the current govt had not obtained any loans from any organization or institution. While denouncing the statement, more..

Oct 31 (Island) Police had so far arrested five candidates contesting the upcoming 14 Nov General Elections, along with 120 of their supporters over various breaches of election laws. Among those arrested were five candidates and 120 supporters. About 31 vehicles used by those contestants at the time of transgression were also taken into custody. Additionally, the police have removed over 500,000 posters illicitly put up by candidates. more..