Apr 28 (DN) Constitution of a country is said to be the basic law of the country. Constitution is also said to be the document that sets out the relationship between the three main organs of the State, that is, the legislature, executive and the judiciary. Constitution is also seen to be the agreement between the state and its’ citizens as to how the citizens are to be governed. The State is the most powerful institution with powerful repressive arms, the armed forces, the police, more..

Apr 28 (Island) I walked around in Batticaloa meeting and speaking to people. Most people have stories to share. Some elderly women told me how former chief minister Pillayan who is now happily or unhappily boarded at the Sri Lanka prisons or the govt boarding house these days took revenge from the people living in a village (I cant remember the name now) They said Pillayan took revenge because the villagers didn't vote for him, he refused to build roads in that village. more..

Apr 28 (SO) Renewable energy is the only option to overcome power cuts and blackouts. Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) Keerthi Wickramaratne was optimistic that the only way out of this issue was to make a gradual switch to renewable sources of energy. He said although initial costs in setting up renewable energy power plants were high, it is as costly as some claim. more..

Apr 28 (DN) The stench emanating from the Beira Lake seem to deter those visiting the Floating Market except for a brave few who are in dire need to spend their time unnoticed and undisturbed. Many shops though occupied, lacked any shopper. The market which was declared open with much pomp and pageantry two years ago, has lost much of its glamour. The market which was transformed in to a small night bazaar in the years gone by, has been reduced to a loitering ground for beggars, more..

Apr 28 (Island) PHU leader and Joint Opposition firebrand Udaya Gammanpila has challenged newly appointed IGP Pujith Jayasundara to arrest Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan for forcibly entering an army camp in Kilinochchi on April 16. Gammanpila is being very naïve. The IGP cannot do so for obvious reasons. Sampanthan is a member of the Constitutional Council (CC) which selected Jayasundara as the IGP without following any procedure or rules, which, to begin with, more..

Apr 28 (GV) The Govt’s controversial 65,000 housing project in the North and East continues to come under heavy criticism with the latest call for review of the entire project by the TNA. A team of experts, all faculty members from the University of Moratuwa has recently released a preliminary report of their comparison of the proposed steel houses by ArcelorMittal to constructed block wall houses, following a two day visit to Jaffna in April 2016. The three experts are engineers more..

Apr 28 (CT) Sri Lanka will be sans some of their key players when they battle it out in the Asia Rugby Championship which is scheduled to be held in Malaysia next month. Kandy Sports Club's league winning trio of scrum half Srinath Sooriyabandara, wing three quarter Vishvamithra Jayasinghe and full back Richard Dharmapala are all unavailable for selection as these players are currently overseas. National Selection Committee Chairman, Michael Jayasekara confirmed that these players more..

Apr 28 (CI) Rookie batsmen Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjaya de Silva have been named in Sri Lanka's Test squad to tour England, in which Lahiru Thirimanne has also found a place. Also included are wicketkeeper-batsmen Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella. The 17-man squad features 10 batsmen, five pacemen and two spin bowlers. Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal more..

Apr 28 (Island) SL elected a new President, full of promise of reforms, of re-democratizing SL, of correcting the wrongs of the past, of making govt more people friendly, of resolving long outstanding issues of inclusivity and tolerance towards minorities, and reforming the economy from a crony capitalist one to a social market economy. Winning coalition overthrew an entrenched incumbent administration, which had successfully, if somewhat brutally, crushed a concerted armed rebellion more..

Apr 28 (NP) We had to settle for paw prints in the powdery dirt of a potholed road and not the leopard itself. Of course, it’s a bit much to expect to see one of the iconic big cats in the wild. We were hoping for just that, though, during our jeep safari at Yala National Park on the east coast of Sri Lanka. About an hour into our three-hour ride, the driver pulled the jeep to a halt and began speaking excitedly in Sinhala and gesticulating towards a tree-line about 200 metres away. more..

Apr 28 (CNBC) In today's world of Instagram and fast fashion, Sri Lanka's garment exporters have found a nice niche thanks to their design-to-deliver supply chain. But the industry could get caught out by challenges from a fast-changing global trade environment. With the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact — of which SL is not a signatory — on the horizon, competition from TPP signatories such as more..

Apr 28 (CT) How many times have we given up our ambitions without actually putting up a true fight to accomplish them? How many times have we refused to even take one single step forward, believing our future hopes and expectations will remain as they are, forever unfulfilled and unrealized? As a true academic enthusiast who never wanted to give up his passion towards Chemistry, Janaka Prasad Kaviraj refused to give up even when the odds were stacked up against him. more..

Apr 28 (CT) The Sri Lanka Navy is continuing its investigation into Yoshitha Rajapaksa, a former Naval officer and a son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Military Spokesman Brigadier Jayanath Jayaweera said. "The investigation is two pronged. One aspect of the investigation is to determine whether Yoshitha Rajapaksa had the necessary qualifications to join the Navy as an Officer Cadet. The Navy wants to determine whether the correct procedure had been followed. more..

Apr 28 (Island) Sri Lanka's vehicle prices are expected to increase substantially from May 2 due to the increase in VAT. This VAT hike would have a major impact on vehicle sales, chairman, Vehicle Importers Association Indika Merinchige said. "Although it is still not clear as to how much the increase will be, prices will be definitely increased many fold, he said. There was uncertainty in the local automobile market. more..

Apr 28 (DM) Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said yesterday that construction work on two out of four proposed domestic airports would be commenced this year in Bandarawela and Palavi. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva visited the Nayabadda Estate in Bandarawela where one of airports is to be constructed. The airport, with a run-way length of 1.5km and a width of 20 metres, is to be constructed at a cost of Rs.1.3 billion. It would also include a small terminal building more..

Apr 28 (FT) A 5-member delegation from one of China’s oldest and largest think-tanks, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), undertaking a three-day visit to Sri Lanka, held discussions with Milinda Moragoda, founder of Pathfinder Foundation (PF), and senior officials of foundation on 27 April. Following the conclusion of discussions, the two institutions signed a MoU to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation through collaborative institutional relations. more..

Apr 28 (CNBC) Seven years after the end of a devastating civil war, Sri Lanka's northern province lags behind the rest of the country on economic development, and the catch-up process is proving long and tough. The UN estimates about 40,000 people were killed in the 26-year civil war between the govt and a separatist group, the LTTE. International observers accuse both factions of human rights abuses during the conflict, more..

Apr 28 (Island) The Joint Opposition yesterday urged the govt to conduct an impartial investigation into the complaint lodged with the Police by Army Commander Lt. General Krishantha de Silva against Opposition and TNA leader R. Sampanthan for forcibly entering an army camp in Kilinochchi on April 16 with a group of others. MP Dullas Alahapperuma said according to their information, the police had been advised by top govt politicians to hush up the investigation. more..

Apr 28 (CT) Sashi Weerawansa, wife of NFF Leader and former Minister, Wimal Weerawansa, was questioned by the CIABOC for up to three hours yesterday. A spokesman for CIABOC said, she was questioned in connection with a complaint made to the Commission relating to alleged illegal acquisition of assets by her husband, former Minister Wimal Weerawansa. Meanwhile, the PRECIFAC also questioned Sashi Weerawansa regarding the former Minister's assets a few months ago. more..

Apr 28 (DN) The much awaited US$ 500 million Stage 2 development of the BIA will get underway soon. It is expected to be completed by end 2017. The tender for the Package B – Remote Apron and Taxiways will be announced shortly in the print media. The airport will be partially closed from January 2017 for urgent runway repairs. The airport will be closed for about six hours from 9 a.m. for a period of three months. more..

Apr 28 (DN) The CID has commenced an investigation into an incident where an Italian pilot had been defrauded to the tune of nearly Rs. 6.8 million by a Sri Lankan after promising that he will make arrangements to extend foreign pilot’s service term at the Mihin Lanka Airline. When the case came up before Colombo Fort Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne, further magisterial inquiry into the matter was fixed for May 4. The CID told Court that suspect Anton Wilbert Warnasuriya had allegedly more..

Apr 28 (Island) The UNP would face a split soon as PM Wickremesinghe was sidelining the party’s Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa and his backers, State Minister Dilan Perera hinted. He told the media that the PM was giving top positions within the party to Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam and Minister Sagala Ratnayake at the expense of Premadasa. The TNA and the EPDP were also likely to suffer splits. An SLMC heavyweight was trying to leave the party, Perera stressed. more..

Apr 28 (FT) Cabinet gave approval for the Treasury to absorb Rs.461 billion total liabilities of SriLankan Airlines and make it more attractive to an international partner as the govt continues on its efforts to form a joint venture. The national carrier’s total debt was calculated at Rs. 461 billion or $3.2 billion, which also includes payments from a $2.3 billion deal with Airbus for eight A350 aircraft entered into by the previous govt. more..

Apr 28 (Island) A ground breaking MoU to promote international academic research cooperation in the field of science and biotechnology was inked between Japan and SL on 19th April at the Board Room of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri J'pura (USJP) with the participation of a distinguished gathering of academics from Japan, SL and India. The MoU was signed between the USJP and National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), more..

Apr 28 (CT) Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weerathunga, wanted by Sri Lanka for alleged commission of serious financial crimes, was still using a diplomatic passport issued by the previous regime statements of his assets and liabilities and given no justifiable explanation for his lapse. The former minister who has been released on bail was present in Court when the five connected Cases were called for hearings. more..

Apr 28 (DM) Cabinet has given green light to legalise criteria or guidelines issued by Elections Commissioner during elections to be complied by print & electronic media, Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said. Proposal had been made by PM. Criteria or the guidelines would be Gazetted and passed in Parliament as a resolution for compliance by electronic or print media and activists, to ensure free & fair referendum or an election. more..

Apr 28 (FT) President Sirisena appealed for patience and collective effort from people to realise and strengthen Yahapalanaya noting that for a prosperous future path the existing road with potholes must be borne with. Speaking the language of a constructer, President said to rebuild a road with potholes, one has to start from and trek the same road whilst improvements are being made. This he said can be a possible explanation as to why people perceive that the Yahapalanaya govt more..

Apr 28 (EN) Sri Lanka cannot grow with short term fiscal and monetary push, the country's central bank said, after nearly a year such both policies drove the country into the arms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The budget deficit grew to 7.4% of gross domestic product in 2015, up from 5.7% in 2014, with the bulk of it financed domestically. About 80 billion rupees was printed at the year end according to central bank data, in the 12-months to Oct 2015 it was around Rs. 191 billion. more..

Apr 28 (DM) The Opposition Leader did not try to forcibly enter the army camp, but entered a private land the Army was illegally occupying in Kilinochchi, TNA Spokesman M. A Sumanthiran said. Addressing a press briefing to clarify allegation that the Opposition Leader had entered an Army camp forcibly, Mr. Sumanthiran said it was the Army that was illegally occupying the private properties in the area. more..

Apr 28 (Island) Alleging that a section of the media had thrown their weight behind his predecessor whom he described as an uncompromising and scheming person, President Sirisena alleged that the media seemed to be wanting an authoritarian ruler again. Addressing the proprietors, top management as well as journalists from both public and private media at the President’s House, President said he was surprised and sorry about the way some media organisations had backed more..

Apr 28 (CT) President Maithripala Sirisena vowed he will not allow, support or even acknowledge any proposal that would jeopardise the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Addressing the heads of media institutions at President's House he said anybody could pass any resolution, but it is the govt that has to endorse them. He made these remarks when journalists asked about the resolution passed by the Northern Provincial Council calling for a federal solution. more..

Apr 28 (FT) President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday fired on all cylinders at MP and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, exposing the latter’s past ill-doings and sinister intentions and warned any comeback bid for an oppressive and corrupt rule would be a pipe-dream and strongly thwarted. The stage for Sirisena’s scathing attack on his former boss-turned-nemesis whom he defeated at the presidential poll more..

Apr 28 (DM) As we prepare for what is perhaps the most party politicised May Day in recent decades, it is significant that today is the World Day for safety and health at work. Even at this late stage we hope that party political leaders -- specially the SLFP led UPFA which seems to be split down the middle -- will be able to refocus attention on workers’ rights and the dignity of labour instead of trying to whip up racial or religious tension. The main SLFP led UPFA under President Maithripala Sirisena is more..

Apr 28 (DM) Ragging is back in the news. Several articles have appeared recently, including one by columnist Ranga Jayasuriya who wrote about his own experiences as a rag victim at university. His experience vis-a-vis a Vice Chancellor rang a bell as I recalled, what a friend told me some time back. As someone who graduated with a geology degree from the University of Peradeniya in the 1980s, he told me that the worst raggers usually became Vice-Chancellors. more..

Apr 28 (SL) Kumar Guneratnam has been a citizen of Sri Lanka by descent. He studied at Kegalla St. Mary’s College and Pinnawala Central College and subsequently was selected to the Engineering Faculty of University of Peradeniya. From the year 1982 he has been engaged in active politics and around 1982 he was an active member of the JVP and as such was a senior member of its Central Committee more..

Apr 28 (DM) Danuna Thilakaratne, the son-in-law of Minister Sarath Fonseka, today lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission (HRC) against Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, claiming that the minister had refused to release the monies that were contained in his bank accounts that were frozen as a result of him being named as a suspect in a case brought against Hi-Corp, even after he was acquitted. more..

Apr 28 (ST) The focus of May Day rallies and processions by the main parties and unions will be the SLFP rally in Galle and the Joint Opposition meeting – to be attended by former president Mahinda Rajapaksa – in Kirulapone. Parties are busy preparing banners, cut-outs, posters, floats and musical bands to celebrate May Day. The UNP rally will take place at Campbell Park, Borella, with the procession setting off at more..

Apr 28 (DM) Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan said that in the past it was not the Tamil people who wanted federalism but the Sinhalese and it was these politicians’ actions which made Tamil people to think of federalism. Responding to allegations made against him on his visit to an Army camp the opposition leader said that he never visited an Army camp and that some politicians were attempting to raise communal disharmony. more..

Apr 28 (Island) The UNP-led govt was using the issue of the SLFP and the Joint Opposition (JO) holding two separate May Day rallies in Galle and Kirulapone to cover up its failures and rackets, former Minister and SLFP Vice President Dullas Alahapperuma said. He the JO would hold a separate May Day rally in Kirulapone to protect the true values of the SLFP as well as the UPFA. The UPFA had promised in its election manifesto, more..