Sept 27 (DM) The separation occurred soon after the cessation of the war. In the immediate aftermath of the end of the war, the Rajapaksas had nothing short of praise and flattery for General Sarath Fonseka, the man who led his forces to a victorious end of the most destructive conflict between the Govt forces and the LTTE militants.   There is no dispute about, who gave military leadership to the soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The astute leadership qualities of General Fonseka, more..

Sept 27 (DM) The boy born to an anglophile Christian aristocratic family on January 8, 1899, was given the name, West Ridgway after the Governor of Ceylon and his God father, Sir Joseph West Ridgeway. He was affectionately called Solla, by family elders and Banda or SWRD by political colleagues and the press.   West Ridgeway joined Christ Church College, Oxford in 1919. A year later, studying Classics for his Bachelor’s degree, he shared with Anthony Eden more..

Sept 27 (DM) MP and COPE Chairman Sunil Handunnetti responded to questions posed to him on the dragging on of the CB Bond scam and the developments in the political scene. Following are excerpts of the interview. Q: CEO of Perpetual Treasuries Kasun Palisena, had stated that Arjun Aloysius had lied to the COPE Committee. Isn’t it apparent that the COPE Committee report contains this type of fabrications? more..

Sept 27 (ST) More than 16 months after severe flooding devastated Kolonnawa on the outskirts of Colombo, some 17,000 families are still awaiting compensation, while Govt officials, the state insurance fund, and politicians blame each other for the delays and missteps. Divisional secretaries claim they do not know the addresses of claimants and the state insurance fund claims it handed over the money to local govt officials. more..

Sept 27 (DM) Among the merry pack at Temple Trees in the final days of the Rajapaksa regime, on whom would you place an honest gentleman’s tag! Say Lalith Weeratunga, a worthy recipient.   The image of a gentleman is hard to locate but once found, grows in stature to acquire another, the honour of Mr. Clean. To this day he can be certified as an honest gentleman, in a diminishing world of such kindred spirits. more..

Sep 27 (SL) The battle for the Stafford Sri Lankan School in Doha continued last week with officials of the school meeting several Ministers and officials in Colombo. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Qatar ASP Liyanage was recently summoned by the Foreign Ministry to be questioned over reports of attempts to close the Stafford Sri Lankan School in Doha. Last week officials of the school met the Foreign Minister and Education Minister more..

Sep 27 (Island) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that he and President Sirisena were ready to talk to the members of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka on the issues pertaining to the last week’s passing of the Provincial Council Election (Amendment) Bill in Parliament. PM said so in response to a question raised by JO MP Dinesh Gunawardena, who demanded to know what the govt thought of more..

Sep 27 (DM) Initial investigations into the incident at Gannoruwa where 250 female students of a primary school were lined up along the road and display an osari pota had revealed that the parties concerned may have committed offences under the Penal Code, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) said. NCPA Chairperson Marini de Livera said that she had directed NCPA ASP Merril Ranjan to conduct further investigations into more..

Sep 27 (DM) The wife of the Tele drama actor giving evidence at the inquest held, said that her husband was having an affair with a another woman and due to an issue that had developed among the two, her husband had allegedly committed suicide. The deceased identified as Dasun Nishan De Silva (29) a popular Tele drama actor had been a resident at 30/2 Kanthota, Nittambuwa. The wife in her evidence stated that they were married more..

Sep 27 (DM) The presence of Rohingya Muslims who had fled Myanmar was questioned in Parliament today. Opposition MP Jayantha Samaraweera who raised a question on the issue said a camp comprising of Rohingya Muslims who had come down from Myanmar has been set up near Mirihana. “We would like to know what actions the govt would take in regard to Extradition Laws,” the MP questioned. more..

Sep 27 (CG) Sri Lankan delegation had talks with EU Commissioner Christos Stylanides in Brussels. Delegation included Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana and Deputy Minister of Policy Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harsha de Silva. “Had a series of very successful meetings with Senior EU officials. Here with Minister Thilak Marapana and officials with Christos Stylanides EU Commissioner,” more..

Sep 27 (NR) Seven suspects arrested over the rape and murder of Vidya Sivaloganthan have been sentenced to death by a Trial at Bar at the Jaffna High Court. The three-bench Trial-at-bar include Jaffna High Court Judge Manickavasagar Ilancheliyan, Vavuniya High Court Judge Balendran Shashi Mahendran and Trincomalee High Court Judge Annalingam Premashankar. more..

Sep 27 (CT) Govt is thinking of passing an Ease of Doing Business Act (EDBA), similar to that of Thailand's. This was said by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at an international securities conference that opened in Colombo last week. The proposed EDBA is an obvious move to attract much needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country which is under 1% of GDP currently. In fact, PM, also referred to the country's high foreign debt situation, where foreign debt repayments more..

Sep 27 (FT) The interim report of the steering committee was presented to the Constitutional Assembly on 21 Sept. One can argue that when drafting the new constitution, there is more emphasis and prominence given to the concept of devolution of power. There is hardly any focus on sustainable development as a goal in drafting the new constitution.  As for the constitution-making process, the President Maithripala Sirisena has told the Constitutional Assembly more..

Sep 27 (EN) Central bank wanted the property sector to have sustained growth and there was no intention to stifle the sector, Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said. Sri Lanka had low interest rates up to 2015 and excessive money printing from then on which pushed up asset prices and generated balance of payments crisis, until Governor Coomaraswamy tightened policy and engaged in consistent signalling to stabilize the credit system. "We are trying to find out by more..

Sep 27 (Island) The Joint Opposition (JO) asked the govt why it was still keeping, in the Order Book of Parliament, the 20th Amendment Bill,which it claimed to have withdrawn, Joint Opposition Group and MEP Leader Dinesh Gunawardena demanded to know from the govt whether it would not withdraw it in keeping with its promise to the House. "The govt the other day informed this House that it would withdraw the bill. But, it is still there in the Order Book. more..

Sep 27 (CT) Minister S.B. Dissanayake said that, SLFP had already chosen candidates for the LG elections and the Party has given priority to youth and the female candidates when giving them nominations, for LG polls. "They are of exemplary conduct and are qualified," he assured. He further said corrupt politicians have joined the JO as the SLFP refused to give them nominations. He said that those political groups that split from more..

Sep 27 (DM) A leading company has reportedly imported a latest model jeep worth Rs. one billion for an affluent citizen in our country. Official documents show the name of a nonentity as the lucky owner of the luxury vehicle described as a Class Mercedes Benz. However, the general opinion of the interested parties is that the real owner is an invisible character who could be either a leading businessman or a powerful politician. The prized vehicle is now parked in a Customs-owned more..

Sep 27 (CT) Deputy Speaker Thilanga Sumathipala announced in Parliament, that special security arrangements would be in place in and around Parliament for the 70th anniversary celebrations. of the introduction of parliamentary democracy to the country. Deputy Speaker said, "I wish to inform all MPs that the following security arrangements will be implemented in connection with the special sitting of Parliament to be held on Tuesday (3) at 2:30 p.m. to commemorate the 70th anniversary since more..

Sep 27 (AD) Association of SL Restaurant Owners says that the maximum retail prices of certain food items and beverages will increase, in line with the recent hike of LP gas cylinder prices.  Accordingly the price of a cup of Plain Tea will be increased to Rs 20 while the price of a cup of Milk Tea will be increased to Rs 40. Meanwhile the price of a packet of lunch (fish) will be increased to Rs 130 and price of a hopper more..

Sep 27 (NR) Govt has decided to introduce an online database system for paddy and rice stocks with the objective of granting ease of access to any official or the public at any given time. In a statement Policy Development Office said every year the govt makes efforts to stabilize the price of paddy and rice. However owing to non-availability of comprehensive information, success in this regard is limited. Statement noted accordingly establishing a computerized digital MIS system more..

Sep 27 (DN) A Money Laundering case filed against three accused including controversial drug dealer Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda and his wife was today fixed for Dec 14 by Colombo High Court. Meanwhile, the court was informed that the Attorney General is to announce his stance regarding appointing a caretaker to look into the properties belonging to Wele Suda's wife. The AG had filed indictments against three accused for laundering of black money more..

Sep 27 (DM) In Dambulla, worms had been discovered in the bodies of about twenty residents, and they had been removed by specialist doctors of the Dambulla base hospital. The worms removed from various parts of bodies of humans are said to be three to five inches in length. In two small children these worms were found in their chests and lower abdomen. Up to yesterday the doctors performed these operation in removing more..

Sep 27 (DN) Former Sabaragamuwa Province Chief Minister Maheepala Herath yesterday said that he is against the policy of usurping the powers given to provincial councils. Addressing the last session of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council, Herath said that he likes to be a provincial councillor than a parliamentarian. The tenure of the sixth Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council expired yesterday. The UPFA won the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council in 2012 gaining 28 seats. more..

Sep 27 (NR) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe says it is the responsibility of political parties and religious leaders to support govt initiatives to build the country. Addressing an the summit for the creation of a sustainable tourism industry, Premier said the proposed new Constitution includes several positive features. PM added during discussions they focused on several basics. A unitary state, human rights that is flawless, to give priority to Buddhism, to protect the rights of other religions, more..

Sep 27 (AFP) SL govt slammed a group of radical Buddhist monks who attacked Rohingya refugees on the island as animals, pledging action against police who failed to protect them. Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the govt condemned Tuesday's storming of a UN safe house where 31 Rohingya refugees, including 16 children and seven women, had been given shelter. "As a Buddhist I am ashamed at what happened," more..

Sep 27 (DN) The government has proposed to employ members of Samurdhi beneficiary families to guard unprotected railway crossings. The proposal approved by Cabinet this week is to be a short term measure until the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation completes the project of installing signal lights and alarms at all unprotected crossings.   At present there are 687 unprotected crossings which have been entrusted to the police to provide security. more..

Sep 27 (TOI) A 50-member fishermen team from Tamil Nadu has left for Sri Lanka to salvage seven of the 42 fishing boats released by the island nation. They sailed from Mandapam Coast Guard Station on Wednesday morning and were likely to reach Karainagar by evening, fisheries officials said. The entire salvage mission is coordinated with the support of Indian high commission in Jaffna and the SL navy. Team sailing in seven fishing trawlers will tow seven boats which are anchored at more..

Sep 27 (CI) Is there a fixture in Test cricket that is as neighbourly, as peaceable, quite as friction-free, as a series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka? No two sets of fans are likelier to party together. In fact, following these teams' most-recent meeting in the Champions Trophy, hordes of Pakistan supporters were seen boogieing to papare outside the ground, at Cardiff. At a time when online exchanges are becoming ever spikier, more..

Sep 27 (DN) Minister Mangala Samaraweera today condemned in the strongest terms, the Buddhist monk led mob attack on Rohingya refugees under UNHCR protection in Mount Lavina. He said, “I condemn these actions not only as the Minister in-charge of media, but also as a Buddhist who is proud of the fact that Buddhism is a religion of non violence and compassion.” “In fact, this is not the first time Sri Lanka has given temporary shelter to such refugees,” he said in a video statement. more..

Sep 27 (Island) A photographic exhibition, organised to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China, and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, was held in the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural City of Pingyao in Shanxi Province, China from 19th to 25th Sept. Pingyao is renowned for its two historical Buddhist temple complexes Zhen Gu and Shuang Lin, and and for the military fortress, more..

Sep 27 (PSL) President Maithripala Sirisena says the assistance of the international community has been received for the development process of Sri Lanka as a result of the ensured political stability in the country, and emphasized that he will not allow any room to occur corruption, fraud or irregularities within the development process. President made these remarks participating in programmes held in Badulla district, today. more..

Sep 27 (Island) Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV), in a letter sent to President Sirisena has requested him to secure the Support of National Delimitation Commission for the delimitation process regarding the Provincial Councils.  The following is the full text of the letter sent by Manjula Gajanayake, national coordinator, CMEV to President: We intend to draw your attention towards several significant points in relation to provincial council amendment bill more..

Sep 27 (USE) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded approximately LKR 97 million ($625,000) to three local organizations to recycle municipal waste in the western coastal belt and Galle district. Three organizations, Janathakshan, Sevanatha, and the Sri Lanka Centre for Development Facilitation, will help communities partner with local govt to prevent improperly disposed of plastic and polythene waste from entering marine environments.  more..

Sep 27 (DM) Rulers of the nation should follow the advice of the Maha Nayaka Theras and the Maha Sanga as a whole when running the country, Most Venerable Mahanayaka Thera of Amarapura Nakaya Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera said. Thera came up with this remark during his anusasana at a Sangika Dhana held at the Temple Trees for thousand monks in order to invoke blessings on the country. more..

Sep 28 (DN) The Nagaswaram music is said to be originated in the south India temples. It is considered as an auspicious music in Tamil Hindu tradition. Nagaswaram is often referred to as Nadaswaram. It is considered as a divine instrument. Till today, the temples and religious bodies of south India and Tamil Hindu population all over the world provide full patronage and preserve this classical musical tradition. It belongs to the variety of wind instruments. more..

Sep 28 (CT) I have been served with a CHARGE SHEET (SC/Rule/1/2016) dated 11th Aug 2017 by the Registrar of the Supreme Court on the premise of a complaint made by Vijith Malalgoda, the former President of the Court of Appeal and now a Judge in the SC. In view of the said Charge Sheet which apparently has the objective of imposing sanctions on a lawyer who has done his utmost best to restore the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, to stop intimidation of judges more..

Sep 28 (SO) The formulation of a new Gazette setting out the revised traffic fines is currently in the pipeline, set to come into force by the end of this month. The move, which is a result of a 2017 budget proposal will see traffic fines relating to several identified serious offences revised to a thumping Rs 25,000 while fines for a number of other offences have been revised as well. According to Dr Sisira Kodagoda, Chairman, National more..

Sep 28 (DN) SWRD Bandaranaike, the chairman of the party and Prime Minister, interrupted his speech to honour the monk who arrived late; then he walked up to him to pay his obeisance to the man who conspired and lured the assassination four and a half months later. The troubled 7th annual conference was held on May 16 and 17, 1959, at Kurunegala 58 years ago, under the auspices of founder Bandaranaike. The factional struggles and ideological clashes within the coalition of more..