Apr 25 (DM) The countrywide fuel distribution will be restored within today, Petroleum Resources Development Minister Chandima Weerakkody said. Minister said the CPC workers have abandoned their strike following a written assurance given by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, and will engage in their regular duties today. However, when contacted CPC Trade unions’ collective Media Spokesman Bandula Saman Kumara said at least three days will be needed to restore total distribution. more..

Apr 25 (NR) Minister Sajith Premadasa says a prime objective of the govt is solving housing issues by the year 2025. He said govt and private sector support is essential in order to achieve this objective. Minister said the govt is prepared not only to solve the housing issue but to also strengthen the public economy. Minister Premadasa said currently there are around 2.5 Million families in this country experiencing housing issues adding that it is the objective of the govt more..

Apr 25 (AD) Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon has resigned from his portfolio as Central Province Minister of Industries due to the removal of his father from the post of SLFP Dambulla Organiser. UPFA MPs Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, Lohan Ratwatte and PC member Anura Widanagamage have been removed from their respective positions as SLFP electoral organisers. President appointed 17 new electoral/district organizers more..

Apr 25 (NR) Lohan Ratwatte, who was removed from the post of seat organiser for Pathadumbara, says he will not be swayed by such action. Speaking to NewsRadio on losing the post Ratwatte said he will continue to work for the SLFP regardless. Ratwatte said he was appointed organiser by the true President of the SLFP Former President MP Mahinda Rajapaksa. He added he does not feel the true nature of the SLFP at present and called for an election to be held. more..

Apr 25 (Island) Colombo Municipal Council’s administrative work is being hindered due to interference from powerful govt politicians, CMC sources say. CMC loses millions of rupees monthly as the owners of the shops at Self-Employment Shopping Complexes do not pay their rent and when the CMC officials made inquiries they were threatened. "The shop owners are occupying the CMC property forcibly. Actually, they are being shielded by powerful politicians, more..

Apr 25 (DM) GMOA warned that they would resort to a major trade union action in early May in coalition with over eight trade unions including the University lecturers against the double standards shown by the Health Minister and Higher Education Minister with regards to the running of the SAITM. The GMOA warned that along with University lecturers they would withdraw from examiner duties of Examination for Registration to Practice more..

Apr 25 (PSL) The 15th and 16th phases of the Ranaviru Dudaru Scholarship Programme initiated to provide financial support for the education of needy children of the deceased/disabled personnel of Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Defense Force were implemented under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, today (25).    The Seva Vanitha Unit (SVU) of the Ministry of Defence, implemented the project. more..

Apr 25 (DM) Schools should limit assigning students for outdoor activities in the severe med-day heat that is currently prevailing in the country, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told school principals today when addressing a meeting at the Education Ministry. He said the they should pay attention to the students’ health and should instruct them to drink more water to remain dehydrated and added that students should be asked to wear caps and use umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. more..

Apr 25 (Hindu) PM Ranil Wickremsinghe arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for official meetings expected to finalise an MoU on developing energy and infrastructure projects in Trincomalee, as well as fast-tracking negotiations for the upgraded Free Trade Agreement —the ETCA — both of which face opposition in Sri Lanka. Mr. Wickremsinghe, whose visit is also expected to confirm a number of agreements more..

Apr 26 (CT) The birth anniversary of Thanthai Chelva falls on the 26th of this month.  Everyone has a duty to commemorate it. The most unfortunate thing is that, even important Tamil personalities refer  to him as the founder of the Federal Party. No one disputes it. But above everything he was the founder of the Tamil United Front, which name was changed as Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF). On the 14th of May 1972 the two great Tamil Political parties, All Ceylon Tamil Congress(ACTC) more..

Apr 26 (CT) Oh! my heavens how lucky we are to have such conscientious ministers, members of Parliament and C.M.C mayors who suddenly were awakened to the cries of the folks who were victims to be buried alive by the so called loving, faithful, dedicated politicians. This mountain of garbage at Meethotamulla was deliberately built with no concern for the health hazard it created for the poor but not for the unscrupulous politicians who with the help of the C.M.C. mayors and contractors  more..

Apr 26 (SO) Lowering the mandatory school starting age to four could trigger stress and anxiety among both, children and parents, according to some experts in the education sector. The National Education Commission (NEC) recently proposed that children be admitted to school at age 4+ and school education be truncated at Grade 12. Responding to this proposal, experts told the Sunday Observer that the new policy making decision should be an open discussion. more..

Apr 26 (FT) In 1969, Colombo Cold Stores, the popular supplier of dairy and other food items, marked its diamond jubilee by bringing out a short souvenir book titled Ceylon in our Times 1894-1969. While reporting various social/political/personal events of the 75 years, the book gives numerous snapshots of the people and the temper of the era; invaluable insights to the lives and thoughts of years gone by. For instance, ice was a novelty to the Ceylonese then, more..

Apr 26 (SL) The amendments made to the Policy and legal framework of the proposed SL Counter Terrorism Act (PLFCTA) has drawn concerns by some groups, including the former UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns. Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) and the University of Pretoria’s Institute for Int'l and Comparative Law in Africa (ICLA) are collaborating on the production of a joint paper reviewing the emerging draft of the PLFCTA. more..

Apr 26 (CT) NPC member Ananthi Sasitharan says tha TNA Leader R. Sampanthan has continued to remain silent while his people are facing various burning issues. "During the time of former President Rajapaksa, Leader Sampanthan had a discussion with him regarding missing persons and the then President agreed to release details of missing persons. At a certain stage of the discussion, he even said that he has some information, but until today more..

Apr 26 (CT) This week I want to dwell on the topic of T20 leagues and whether Sri Lanka should have one of its own. Having said that, let's not forget that Sri Lanka did have a league of its own some time ago under the brand SLPL, which only flattered to deceive. Sadly SL hasn't had anything close to a top T20 league in the country. I am sure after many controversies that surrounded the SLPL many were of the view that SL can afford to play its T20 cricket without a league by conducting more..

Apr 26 (DN) If things were a bit slow in the political world before the Sinhala and Tamil New year, a series of events that happened at a dizzying pace right after the New Year galvanized political figures representing every hue to point fingers at each other. The blame game began in earnest after the Meethotamulla tragedy, which grabbed the headlines for nearly two weeks. It was undoubtedly one of the biggest tragedies that SL experienced in peacetime apart from the Tsunami of 2004 more..

Apr 26 (Island) Japan is a predominantly Buddhist country and most of her people believe in nirvana. The generous Japanese taxpayers can rest assured that they will definitely attain the supreme bliss someday. (Non-Buddhists among them will go straight to heaven!) For, they have acquired enough merit all these years by helping the hapless Sri Lankans, who are exploited and cheated by a bunch of wily, greedy politicians who are helping themselves to public funds. more..

Apr 26 (Island) The following was prompted by the news story, appropriately headlined Punish perpetrators of war crimes, atrocities – NGO pack, in The Island of April 20, according to which, Akalanka Hettiarachchi, representing an NGO called Aluth Parapura (New Generation), stressed that all those who had perpetrated crimes during the war and post-conflict should be dealt forthwith. The young NGO activist was addressing the media during an event more..

Apr 26 (Roar) In Sri Lanka, even the best-laid arguments can be overturned by a single word or phrase: imperialist conspiracy, NGO karayas and diaspora’s haunt our political rhetoric. A phrase or an adjective, judiciously headlined, can still invalidate an opinion even while bullets are withheld. A speech that repeats a cliché enough times can license barbarism among vegetarians. The legacy of all the bad habits, precedents, more..

Apr 26 (Island) Undoubtedly, higher education is the only path to upward mobility for most of our youth. Thus, university admission is extremely competitive in SL and as such it remains a very sensitive national issue for many decades. Only about10% of those who sit GCE A/L are admitted to 14 state universities leaving out almost 90%. The fraction of students who are fortunate enough to receive free univ education comes to about 17% of those who qualify for univ admissions, more..

Apr 26 (Island) America’s longstanding strategic partner, Japan, is working overtime to induce Sri Lanka to their camp. Japan and Sri Lanka reached an agreement, on Comprehensive Partnership, in Oct 2015, within months after the change of Rajapaksa govt perceived to be very close to China. The change of govt in January 2015, paved the way for the Comprehensive Partnership and the growing US-SL relationship. Japan underscored the relationship a with high profile naval squadron more..

Apr 26 (CT) Gateway sprinter Sadeepa Henderson and Air Woman Nirmali Madushika dazzled the track setting new meet records in the 200m, while youngster Asmika Herath set her second record of the meet at the Junior National Athletics Championship continued at Diyagama yesterday. Sadeepa who lost the 200m earlier in the year to Dilmi Dahanayake in the circuit meets, got the better of Dilmi when it mattered at the Junior National's to clock 25.88 seconds to more..

Apr 26 (DN) Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara called upon a meeting with the Sri Lanka Tennis Association officials at the Sports Ministry yesterday to sort out the controversial sacking of Dutch coach Eric Pietersz by SLTA before his contract termination. Pietersz was contracted for two years by SLTA and his contract is due to expire at the end of Dec 2017. Pietersz was contracted for a national level program by SLTA and the problems erupted when SLTA decided to terminate more..

Apr 26 (CT) Twice- Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Chairman Daham Wimalasena believes that the current CPC strike, by the Unions against the proposal to develop the Trincomalee Tank Farm with India, is either politically motivated or it has been orchestrated through sheer ignorance. Daham Wimalasena was CPC Chairman in the late seventies during the J.R. Jayewardene Presidency. His second stint was in the abridged UNP Govt of PM Ranil Wickremesinghe with incumbent Speaker Karu Jayasuriya as more..

Apr 26 (FT) Global logistics giant Deutsche Post DHL Group is optimistic of Sri Lanka’s future and has committed to expanding in tandem with growth for which it believes better infrastructure, education and greater openness are crucial. “Sri Lanka is at the tipping point for South Asia, like what Singapore is for ASEAN. I am optimistic Sri Lanka can deliver on this potential,” Deutsche Post DHL Group CEO Frank Appel told the Daily FT more..

Apr 26 (DN) Nimali Liyanarachchi who gave a disappointing display in the 800 metres event of the Asian Grand Prix first leg in Jinhua is determined to make amends and win a medal in the second leg which will be worked off in Jiashen, Eastern China on April 27. Nimali finished a disappointing fifth with a time of 2 minutes 08:47 seconds in the first leg. It was a huge disappointment for Nimali who had won the 800 metres event in the Asian Grand Prix on three successive occasions. more..

Apr 26 (CT) Monetary Board of Central Bank plans to fill a vacant CB Deputy Governor position within few days, a Monetary Board member said. "We have already finalized the name after careful selection /interview process and we will announce it very shortly. There were no spaces for outsiders, as some newspaper stories mentioned, " he said. According to a source, he or she currently works as an Assistant Governor of the bank. There were three Deputy Governor posts in the bank. more..

Apr 26 (DM) NFF Media Spokesperson Mohammed Muzammil claimed today that they are in doubt whether the MoU to hand over the China Bay Oil Tank Farm in Trincomalee to India would be signed during the PM Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to India or not, despite PM's assurance that he would not sign. “A secret arrangement is underway to hand over the Trincomalee China Bay Oil Tank Farm to India by the Ranil Wickremesinghe’s govt after signing the MoU. more..

Apr 26 (FT) Asia Capital, in collaboration with Japanese foreign investor and partner Belluna Ltd, yesterday commenced building a $ 54 million, four-star business hotel along Marine Drive, Colombo 3, while envisaging an investment of $ 500 million in the tourism and real estate sectors within the next five years. 300-room, 27-floor Hotel is projected to be completed within three years and will be built by leading Japanese construction company Hazama Ando Corporation. more..

Apr 26 (Island) Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) recently welcomed the maiden call of CMA CGM Nabucco, the first vessel under the Ocean Alliance to call on the Port of Colombo. The vessel operated by CMA CGM was the first in a new weekly service attracted to Colombo by CICT this year, and will operate under the USEC 3 Columbus Suez service of the Ocean Alliance, the company said. "The introduction of this new service demonstrates how CICT continues to play the anchor role more..

Apr 26 (Island) Public litigation activist Nagananda Kodituwakku has told a 3-member bench of Supreme Court on Monday (24) that the govt made a deliberate attempt to deprive interested parties of an opportunity to challenge Foreign Exchange Bill within stipulated seven days by placing it on Order Paper of Parliament on Friday (7). Kodituwakku pointed out that as April 8,9,10, 13,14,15 and 16 were public holidays, they had to move court only on April 11 or 12. more..

Apr 26 (DN) Though free attendance invitations were offered to several public sector organisations to attend Lanka Business Online (LBO) infrastructure and digital summits, only a handful of state institutions responded, LBO Summit Curator Founder Lakshman Bandaranayake said. Speaking at the fifth LBO/LBR Brand Summit announcement launch press conference he said the UDA, RDA, SL Tourism and Ports Authority responded and gained knowledge from the summit. more..

Apr 26 (FT) Board of Investment (BOI) will ink a joint venture agreement next week with Surbana Jurong, an infrastructure and urban development subsidiary of Singapore’s State-owned investment vehicle Temasek Holdings, to develop a few select cities in Sri Lanka. “The BOI will be signing a joint venture agreement with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong to plan and change the outlook of Colombo, Trincomalee and Kandy cities. The joint venture agreement will be signed on 9 May, more..

Apr 26 (Island) The Joint Opposition (JO) urged the government to honour its promise to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) workers, who ended their strike on Monday night. Gampaha District MP Sisira Jayakody said the petroleum strike which crippled fuel distribution throughout the country had ended following an assurance given by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would not enter into an agreement with India on the Trincomalee oil tank farm. more..

Apr 26 (DM) The Tamil People’s Council (TPC) led by Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran has decided to stage a hartal in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces to compel the govt to resolve the concerns raised by the relatives of those gone missing during the armed conflict. Chief Minister said the govt had ignored the concerns of the relatives to trace those who had disappeared. Meanwhile, the trader associations in the North and East have refused to join the hartal. more..

Apr 26 (CT) Sri Lanka's first country session for exporters on the WTO (World Trade Organization) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) will commence in Colombo today (26), stated a press release issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. "The focus of the session will be to tell the private sector of the impact of TFA for Sri Lanka and more importantly involve them in going forward," said International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka (ICCSL) Chairman Keerthi Gunawardane. more..

Apr 26 (EN) A senior central banker had protested interference by ex-Governor Arjuna Mahendran in a 2015 bond auction, saying tender board member would have to go naked after following his orders, a commission of inquiry was told. Retired Assistant Governor C Karunathilake said he was member of a tender board that oversaw a bond auction on February 2015 where 10 times the volume of bonds offered at an auction was sold. A Presidential Commission is inquiring more..

Apr 26 (Island) Minister Rajitha Senaratne yesterday said the govt would hold a referendum before elections. He said the govt had to amend the existing Constitution first of all. The amendments proposed by constitutional committees appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena had to be submitted to the Supreme Court and thereafter they had to be approved by people at a referendum. Provincial Council and Pradeshiya Sabha elections could be held thereafter, he said. more..