Nov 2 (AD) Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC) has decided to reduce fuel prices with effect from midnight today (02). Accordingly, the price of Lanka Auto Diesel will be reduced by Rs 11 per litre while the price of Petrol (Octane 92) is to be reduced by Rs 2. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs yesterday (01) announced that the CPC fuel prices would be brought down. The CPC fuel price reduction was implemented with effect from midnight yesterday. more..

Nov 2 (CT) In lieu of the sudden turn of events, valid questions have been raised about the current turbulent political clime from among the citizenry. Many international media outlets on Monday penned articles concerning the situation with hawkish headlines saying the country is expecting bloodshed which sadly shows that the world (The West in particular) is anticipating chaos in our small island nation, tell tale signs of shaken confidence in Asia’s oldest democracy, but should we give the more..

Nov 2 (FT) I am not often wrong. But when I err, I sometimes do so in spades. Sorry, but Homer nodded in his last column on many legal grounds. However, a Mistake does not become a Sin until or unless one refuses to acknowledge and rectify albeit inadvertent transgression. Therefore, with due apologies to my legal-eagle critics, let me at least attempt to set myself right and also set the record straight. In my column published on Wednesday (31), I made several erroneous assertions more..

Nov 2 (NR) Minister of Foreign Affairs Sarath Amunugama says there was no justification for Travel Advisories issued by a several countries, since there have been no incidents of violence or disruption in the country following the recent events. Issuing a statement the Foreign Affairs Minister said the Tourism industry has not been subject to any inconvenience adding the Govt was fully committed to safeguarding and improving of the tourism industry. more..

Nov 2 (AD) UNP MP Champika Ranawaka is currently at the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development, despite the appointing of a new Cabinet. Photographs and videos uploaded on the official social media accounts of the former minister shows him carrying out duties after arriving at the ministry today. The previous Cabinet of Ministers, in which Ranawaka had served as Minister of Megapolis and more..

Nov 2 (Island) Some people who had obtained appointments under an illegal govt were attempting to evict Ranil Wickremesinghe from Temple Trees, MP Sagala Ratnayaka, chief of staff of Wickremesinghe said in a statement. "They have removed the official staff of Ranil Wickremesinghe, the legitimate PM of SL. They are also trying to evict him from his official residence by force," he said. Ratnayaka said that all the appointments, given by the Sirisena- Rajapaksa administration more..

Nov 2 (Xinhua) Sri Lanka's support for the Belt and Road Initiative is a clear indication that SL-China relations will only be further strengthened, an expert said on Friday. Director General of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka Asanga Abeyagoonasekera said that Sri Lanka with its geo-strategic position will be a super-connector in the Indian Ocean and on the maritime silk road. Proposed by China in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative refers to more..

Nov 2 (AD) Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today ordered the CID to arrest Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne and to produce him before the court. Fort Magistrate Ranga Dissanayake ordered the CID to arrest the Mr Wijegunaratne on or before Dec 9 and to produce him before the court. The former Navy Commander is accused of aiding and abetting Lieutenant Commander more..

Nov 2 (DM) Global Sri Lanka Forum (GSLF), today urged the International community not to interfere in Sri Lankan domestic affairs and condemned the recent statements made by USA, UK and European union as a gross violation of UN resolution A/RES/20/2131 of 21 Dec 1965 adopted by the General Assembly, which Declared on the Inadmissibility of Intervention in the Domestic Affairs of States and the Protection of Their Independence and Sovereignty. more..

Nov 2 (Island) National Unity Teachers’ Association (NUTA) in a media release issued yesterday said that foreign interference in the domestic affairs of SL must be stopped forthwith. Following is the text of the NUTA statement issued by Prof Channa Jayasumana. On the 26th of Oct, President Sirisena replaced the Ranil Wickremesinghe with Mahinda Rajapaksa as the PM, under a constitutional prerogative conferred on him as the President, Head of State and Head of Cabinet of Ministers. more..

Nov 2 (Reuters) European Union will consider stripping Sri Lanka of its duty-free access if it backs off commitments on rights, EU ambassador said, amid worries stoked by the president’s replacing of the elected premier by a wartime nationalist. The European Union is worried the return of Mahinda Rajapaksa, as PM, could derail halting progress made toward national reconciliation following a war with ethnic more..

Nov 2 (CT) The country’s foreign reserves have been blown by US$ 791.89 million (Rs 137,614 million) in the four market days to yesterday since the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Premier which took place after the close of markets on Friday, followed by his appointment as Finance Minister as well. This haemorrhage of the country’s foreign reserves is due to a combination of foreign investors exiting from the country’s Treasury Bond market, Govt of SL meeting huge import bills more..

Nov 2 (DN) Colombo Chief Magistrate Lanka Jayaratne remanded National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) Chairman M.K. Muthuvinayagam and his accomplice Kadiresu Sivanesan, who were arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe from a businessman. The Bribery Commission alleged that the NLDB Chairman had demanded Rs.1.2 million from a businessman to expedite the lease of a restaurant at the Malsiripura NLDB farm, which had later been more..

Nov 2 (AD) A new Cabinet Minister and a new Deputy Minister were sworn in before President Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today. PM Mahinda Rajapaksa and several UPFA MPs also arrived at the Presidential Secretariat for the ceremony. A member of the UNP and an MP of the TNA took oath as a minister and deputy minister respectively. UNP MP S.B. Nawinne has been appointed as the Minister of more..

Nov 2 (DN) State of Palestine and the Sultanate of Oman have sent letters of congratulations and well wishes to PM Mahinda Rajapaksa through the foreign missions affirming their country’s commitment and faith in his leadership. In a letter signed by representative to the State of Palestine Zuhair H. Dar Zaid congratulated the former President for taking office as the PM. They said that they were confident that under the PM’s able leadership, he will pave the way forward to more..

Nov 2 (DN) A money laundering case filed against three accused including drug dealer Gampola Vidanage Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda and his wife was yesterday fixed for December 13 by the Colombo High Court. The court was informed through defence counsel Anura Meddegoda PC that the first accused, the wife of Samantha Kumara alias Wele Suda is ready for a settlement. High Court Judge Vikum Kaluarachchi fixed the case for Dec 13 to be taken up as a calling date. more..

Nov 2 (DN) The UNP today handed over a no-confidence motion against PM Mahinda Rajapaksa. UNP MP Lakhsman Kiriella said that he signed the motion as the Leader of the House before handing it over to the Speaker. He said the motion states that, “In terms of Articles 46(1) and 48 of the Constitution, the Office of PM becomes vacant only if he dies, resigns, ceases to be a MP (by removal or otherwise), or if the Govt's Policy statement more..

Nov 2 (DM) Nov 16 remains to be the Parliament's scheduled reconvening date and not Nov 7 as claimed by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, the govt said today. Govt spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said the President has not yet issued a gazette changing the reconvening date. “Speaker cannot change this date. Only the President can do so and no gazette notice on any change in the dates has been issued so far,” he said. Meanwhile, he said the resolution signed by 119 MPs and submitted to more..

Nov 2 (DM) During the meeting held between UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday, the duo have discussed measures to be taken to avoid any chaos, Mr. Rajapaksa’s Spokesperson Milinda Rajapaksha said. Measures to avoid negative perceptions from the international community that could unexpectedly erupt in the face of the prevailing volatile situation, were also discussed. Milinda said Mr. Rajapaksa went to Temple Trees as a nominee of more..

Nov 2 (EN) Western Province retained its dominance in the economy in 2017 but its share reduced as other provinces, some considered lagging regions, contributed a bigger share, narrowing regional disparity, the central bank said. Provincial Gross Domestic Product (PGDP) shows that the Western Province continued to account for the largest share of the country’s nominal GDP, it said in a statement. But its share slipped to 37.2% in 2017 more..

Nov 2 (CG) President Sirisena says he spoke to UN Secretary General António Guterres last evening on the political crisis in the country. Sirisena said that he assured the UN Secretary General the appointment of the new PM was done in keeping with the Constitution of SL. “I had a very successful telephone conversation with UN Secretary General António Guterres last evening. I assured him that the appointment of the new PM has been done in keeping with the Constitution of Sri Lanka,” more..

Nov 2 (DM) The Special Trial-at-Bar yesterday dismissed a request by the defense to put off the trial until the Appeal Court order on the jurisdiction of the special trial-at-bar to conduct the trial against former president’s chief of staff Gamini Senarath and three others. The 3-Judge Bench comprising Sampath Wijeratne, Sampath Abeykoon and Champa Janaki Rajaratna fixed the trial to be conducted on a day-to-day basis from Nov 7 onwards. The four accused were indicted more..

Nov 2 (AD) The JVP says that it will only extend its support to immediately reconvene the Parliament and that it will not support either Ranil Wickremesinghe or Mahinda Rajapaksa. JVP MP Vijitha Herath stated that an incorrect news report had been published on the website of a local newspaper claiming that the JVP is going to support Ranil Wickremesinghe. “This news report is completely false. more..

Nov 3 (SO) Ratnapura, known as Minipura or City of Gems is my adopted hometown. After the lapse of a year, I am back in Ratnapura to explore the city and get a glimpse of the culture, history and life of the people in this region. However, this time around, I had a specific purpose. Recently, I came across an invitation through the Facebook page of the Ratnapura Mini-Gem Museum which said, a ceremony would be organised by the Mayor of the Ratnapura MC, to commemorate more..

Nov 3 (DN) There is a big debate going on about the Prez Sirisena’s decision to prorogue the Parliament of SL. Apparently foreign parties and missions too are getting involved in the commotion, according to the reports in circulation. It is prudent to examine this in more detail because of the underlying controversy. In the original (1978) Constitution, before it was amended last under the 19th Amendment, the governing provision for the prorogation of Parliament read as follows; more..

Nov 3 (SO) As dawn breaks over the village of Anthoniyarpuram, Mannar, we could see a tiny footpath leading down to the lagoon. Unlike before, the little village is at peace now; morning sunbeams make dancing patterns on the sand, and palmyrah trees sway in the soft breeze. A decade ago, this was a region marked by violence and loss. Residents fled the war, returning years later to find their homes entirely altered. more..

Nov 3 (CT) Before Basil shoved Mahinda Samarasinghe aside and took full control of Resettlement as well as everything else in the North, I had had much to do there as Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights, even after I ceased to be head of the Peace Secretariat. As noted, it was that Ministry that dealt officially with the United Nations and other aid agencies with regard to the Common Humanitarian Action Plan, and it was in terms of this more..

Nov 3 (CT) TNA as the main Opposition Party is faced with a difficult situation of being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea in the current crisis situation in the politics of SL. The TNA’s role was very significant in ousting Rajapaksa regime in Jan 2015 and creating a unique Govt under the banner of good governance bringing together the main National parties, the UNP and the SLFP. It was for the first time in the political history of SL, TNA a prominent political alliance more..

Nov 3 (Roar) When former journalist and social worker Sharmila Seyyid (32) published her first book of poetry, Siragu Mulaitha Penn, in 2012, little did she know that it would decisively change her life. Translating to The Women Who Grew Wings, the collection touched on women’s struggles — and included a piece about legalising sex work. In Aug 2012, former Minister Rauff Hakeem was at the book launch. more..

Nov 3 (Island) Partisan politics has eaten into the vitals of SL society like a cancer and hardly spared any institution. Almost everyone chooses to view any issue through the prism of his or her political convictions. This fact has become patently clear, today, with professionals and intellectuals being divided on the root causes of the current crisis. Some of the aforesaid influential sections of the society, once, shamelessly, rooted for the Rajapaksa govt, turning a blind eye to more..

Nov 3 (GV) On Oct 26, news broke that the UPFA had withdrawn from the coalition govt. Shortly after, SLPP MP Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn in as PM by Prez Sirisena. PM Ranil Wickremesinghe refused to vacate his post. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa contended that they commanded the majority vote. However, before a floor vote could be called, Prez Sirisena prorogued Parliament. The events on Oct 26 has led to protests from citizens, rival political parties and legal analysts, more..

Nov 3 (CT) The rise of Nagananda Kodituwakku to the national forefront has been rapid. With his rhetoric to rid society of corruption, the general public have naturally turned to him as a true knight in shining armour. It is in this hope that the people of this country eagerly followed what was said and done by Mr. Kodituwakku. To many he came across a man of principle and vision to end corruption. However, some had doubts as to what his true motive was and who his true puppeteer was. more..

Nov 3 (Island) Since Prez Sirisena officially dismissed his own hand-picked PM Ranil Wickremesinghe last Friday and installed his bête-noir Mahinda Rajapaksa in his place, more than the surprise element inherent in this action, there have been endless debates as to whether President acted according to the Constitution or not. Interestingly, the EU, USA, Britain, India and a few other countries have even urged SL leaders to follow the Constitution as if they were the guardians or more..

Nov 3 (DM) Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli known as Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527) was an Italian diplomat, writer, historian and political philosopher who is regarded by some as the father of modern political science. His most famous work was the political treatise The Prince which gained notoriety because it supposedly justified duplicity and a cynical disregard for morality as acceptable means to achieve more..

Nov 3 (SO) The bazaar in Colombo 11 extends to cover many cross roads. In this crowded domain of enterprising traders you can find almost anything. To those of us who relish our rice and curry, a serving of dried fish deep fried would certainly enhance our spicy indulgence. On a previous occasion I have written about the dried fish industry in Negombo, but the dried fish traders on Keyzer Street represent the produce from every coastal region of Sri Lanka, and some parts of Asia! more..

Nov 3 (Island) DFCC Bank, the largest entity within the DFCC Group recorded an increase in Profit before tax and Profit after tax of 11% and 1% respectively compared to the previous corresponding period after adjusting for the exceptional gain from sale of Commercial Bank equity shares reported in the previous period, despite substantially higher impairment and taxation provisions. However, the reported Profit before tax of LKR 3,792 million and a Profit after Tax more..

Nov 3 (Island) Many are remembering fairy tales with stories of the crooked to understand what’s happening in politics and governance in SL today. But one doesn’t need fairy tales or any other legends to describe the key players in today’s drama. The first reality is to never call Maithripala Sirisena as a former Common Candidate anymore. He was and remains a Conman Candidate. Not a Podu Apekshaka, but a Pacha Apekshaka! more..

Nov 3 (Island) In the past unavoidable circumstances such as political unrest, inclement weather, under-prepared wickets have forced authorities to shift games elsewhere. But the second Test between SL and England could be shifted from Pallekele to Colombo for one of the strangest reasons – lack of rooms in Kandy. The second Test is scheduled from the 14th to 18th of Nov at Pallekele, but now SLC is seriously contemplating to move the game to RPS in Colombo after more..