Jan 8 (FT) PM Mahinda Rajapaksa has advised UDA to expedite constructions of the vegetable wholesale and retail market complex of Peliyagoda (Manning Market) and hand over it to the public. The constructions of this Manning Market have been expedited now, and UDA expects to complete constructions and hand over this project to the public in the middle of this year. The fish wholesale market was shifted to Peliyagoda more..

Jan 8 (AD) A recording of a controversial telephone conversation between MP Ranjan Ramanayake and former Director of the CID Shani Abeysekara has been released to the media. This conversation is transpired to be a conspiracy to remove the former Army Intelligence Chief Brigadier Suresh Salley, who is alleged to have been a hindrance to investigations. In contrast to the subject of the conversation, the duo admits to former more..

Jan 8 (AD) SriLankan Airlines has altered the route of its Colombo-London-Colombo flights to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq with immediate effect. This measure was implemented as a precautionary measure, due to the prevailing unsettled situation in the Persian Gulf region. SriLankan Airlines says it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with relevant national and international authorities, with the safety of more..

Jan 8 (NR) MP Athuraliye Rathana Thera presented a Private Member Bill to repeal the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act, No.13 of 1951. The thera also tabled a separate Bill to amend the Marriages (General) Ordinance, No.19 of 1907. Commenting on his decision to present a Bill to amend the Marriages Ordinance, MP noted the presentation of the Bill will help establish a safe environment for all communities in SL. more..

Jan 8 (CT) Recordings allegedly taken from the residence of UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake have revealed that they contain conversations held between him and judges, CID and senior Police officers relating to court proceedings and as well as promotions for judges. The gist of these arguments, apparently places Ramanayake as well as those he is said to have spoken to, in serious violation of professional etiquette, bordering on criminal complicity in issues pertaining to legal and more..

Jan 8 (AD) An overseas travel ban has been imposed on former Director of the CID Shani Abeysekara. The order was delivered by the Nugegoda Magistrate today (08) after taking into consideration a request made by the CCD. National Police Commission yesterday said that Shani Abeysekara was interdicted with immediate effect, pending an inquiry into the recordings of phone conversations between the police officer and former State Minister Ranjan Ramanayake. more..

Jan 8 (FT) I didn’t get a new year’s greeting from the President this year. But I’m not complaining because it’s rather reassuring that our Chief Executive won’t stoop to conquer, unlike many of his presidential predecessors. Since our new Head of State didn’t abuse the hospitality of national or private telecom providers to bombard his electorate as well as his political enemies, it bodes well for the nation at large. Perhaps that’s part of what business is raving about? more..

Jan 8 (EN) Avirate, a Sri Lanka-based fashion label, said it will continue global expansions after signing a supply chain improvement partnership with EFL 3PL, a unit of the logistics group Expolanka Plc. “EFL 3PL is the right fit for our business, as they are not only equipped with the best infrastructure in the region, but also have the experience and resourcefulness to be able to respond to our brand’s ever-changing business needs,” Asim Younoos, CEO of Aviraté said. more..

Jan 8 (AD) The UNP today called on the govt to appoint a Parliamentary Select Committee to inquire into the controversial phone call recordings of MP Ranjan Ramanayake. “If anyone has committed a wrongdoing, acted outside the law or influenced the judicial system, punish them regardless of their position,” UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said. He said that the UNP will also be taking a decision on the matter more..

Jan 8 (AD) US Embassy in SL has issued a security alert for its citizens living in the country, warning them of security risks that may follow heightened tension in the Middle East. “There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad.” “Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed,” it said. The embassy told Americans in the SL to keep a low profile, be aware of surroundings, more..

Jan 8 (DN) Information and Communication Technology and Higher Education, Technology and Innovation Minister Bandula Gunawardena said a decision was taken to conduct a practical test in addition to the Z-Score marks only for the entry to the Visual and Performing Arts University on a temporary basis. Minister arrived at this decision following a discussion with IUSF representatives and the Students Union of the Visual and Performing Arts Uni at the Higher Education Ministry. more..

Jan 8 (PMD) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa directed officials to grant approval for properly prepared housing and small-scale business construction plans within a day. Rigid regulations and time consuming process of approving construction plans pose great difficulties to the public. Hence, it is a responsibility of the govt to minimize the hardships faced by the people by simplifying existing rules and regulations more..

Jan 8 (CI) Sri Lanka allrounder Isuru Udana has been sidelined from the team's must-win third T20I against India in Pune on Friday with a back injury. The 31-year had injured himself during India's chase in the second T20I on Tuesday night, while attempting to stop the ball at short third man. Udana immediately hobbled off the field and did not return to take the ball. Udana's injury depleted Sri Lanka's attack although Dasun Shanaka stepped in and bowled four tidy overs, giving up 26 runs. more..

Jan 8 (EN) Leader of the House Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the govt has been unable to provide economic relief to the people as promised in their election manifesto as the vote on account has limited govt expenditure till April 2020. “A vote on account limits all expenditure within the parameters of the vote on account,” he told Parliament. Prez Rajapaksa and PM Rajapaksa introduced tax concensions, said Gunawardena, to boost an ailing economy that saw only a 2.5% growth rate. more..

Jan 8 (AD) Attorney General has filed a revision application against the chief magistrate’s order granting bail to MP Rajitha Senaratne, says AG’s Coordinating Officer. On Dec 19, Senaratne had filed an anticipatory bail application seeking the prevention of his arrest, which was rejected by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. The following day he lodge another anticipatory bail application, however, four days later more..

Jan 8 (AD) The first lunar eclipse due for this year will occur on Jan 10th night, when the shadow of the Earth falls on the Moon, said Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Director of Astronomy & Space Science Unit, at Colombo Uni. Lunar eclipses occur on full moon days when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, which results in obstructing some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon. This is a penumbral type of lunar eclipse occurring around the mid night between Jan 10 and 11. more..

Jan 8 (DM) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a telephone conversation with Australian PM Scott Morrison expressed his empathy to Australians as they battle one of the worst bushfires in history. Bushfires in Australia at this time of the year are quite a natural occurrence. However, the extent of the damage and the rage of the fires this year are quite severe and have already claimed the lives of over 30 Australians – including lives of rescue workers. It is feared that lives of more..

Jan 8 (CI) Both Sri Lanka and their new coach Mickey Arthur weren't supposed to be facing the tough questions from the press in Indore on Tuesday night. Zimbabwe had been slated to tour India and Arthur was in line to coach defending champions Central Stags in the ongoing Super Smash T20 competition in New Zealand. But here they are, 0-1 behind. This is Arthur's first T20I series as Sri Lanka's coach, and more..

Jan 8 (PMD) Singapore Law and Home Affairs Minister Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam who was on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka called on Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prez and Minister Shanmugam broadly discussed on a range of issues of importance to the two countries. The discussions that took place at the Presidential Secretariat mainly centered on improving bilateral relations in areas of trade and investment. They also touched on regional concerns, especially in terms of more..

Jan 8 (CT) The National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection (NMCRP), issuing a Media release, stated that the Govt should urgently probe racketeers, who tend to fleece scores of pilgrims, who annually trek to pay homage at the Sri Pada site. The NMCRP stated that a State-owned land close to the Sri Pada site had been given on a tender valued at Rs 1 million, for a period of five months, to put up trade stalls, to serve pilgrims arriving at the site of worship. more..

Jan 8 (DN) While appreciating the efforts of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to reduce unnecessary costs, it is also pertinent that it is done practically, Filed Marshal MP Sarath Fonseka said. Joining the debate on the Prez’s Policy Statement in Parliament, he found fault with the President for cancelling the Presidential Guard of Honour assigned to the latter before delivering the Policy Statement in Parliament on Jan 3. more..

Jan 8 (AD) MP Ranjan Ramanayake today filed a motion pertaining to the disclosure of telephone recordings, which were seized by the police during his arrest, to the media. Attorney-at-Law Asha Kahawatte, who represents the former deputy minister, lodged the motion before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court on behalf of her client. She stated that the court was informed of the questionability of how these recordings were made public through media platforms. more..

Jan 8 (RN) Driver’s license applicants have noted an improvement in services rendered by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Werahera since the President’s surprise inspection tour there, Transport Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. In a media statement issued this morning, Amaraweera said he was able to confirm this when he attended the DMV’s progress review meeting yesterday. Comments were made by members of the public visiting the DMV, more..

Jan 8 (ICC) Zimbabwe Cricket announced a two-Test series against Sri Lanka, to be played in Harare later this month, marking a return to the long format for the African nation. Zimbabwe last played a Test match in Nov 2018, when they toured Bangladesh for a two-match series, and coach Lalchand Rajput welcomed the assignment and backed his charges to seize the opportunity. more..

Jan 8 (DD) Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena will reach New Delhi tonight on a two-day official visit to India. The minister, leading a high level delegation, will arrive late evening on his first visit abroad since he took over as foreign minister last November after formation of new govt under Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He will have delegation level meeting with External affairs minister Dr. S. Jaishankar tomorrow during which a gamut of bilateral issues will come up for discussion. more..

Jan 8 (DM) UNP parliamentary group will make a final decision on the future of the party including the leadership, Party General Secretary Gayantha Karunatilleke said today. He told a press conference that the parliamentary group will come up with a final decision with regard to the party at today’s meeting after considering all different ideologies that have come up pertaining to the leadership. “Some wants a leader who could win the confidence of the majority community while more..

Jan 8 (EN) The Central Bank said it was developing a cost based benchmark interest rate to price loans, hoping unusually that it will improve competition. “Establishing a sound benchmark interest rate for the banking sector, which reflects actual cost of funds, has become vital given the deficiencies of the existing benchmark interest rates,” central bank said in a roadmap for monetary policy in 2020. more..

Jan 9 (CT) Yes it appears that the very same political game played by two Oligarchy teams have started as usual with dog and pony media shows to mislead and divert the attention of the real stakeholders of the Presidential election held in November 2019; unsuspecting 12.5 Million voters in Sri Lanka. Somewhat mysterious and hilarious drama episodes have been staged recently with careful dialogue and precise choreography involving local and foreign participants, more..

Jan 9 (CT) Few years ago I came across something that may seem relatively unique to us Sri Lankans, a bar owned and run by a monk. Deviant as I am, I was overjoyed by the fact this is going to make some people’s minds explode. So I rushed in to see what the whole hype is about, I mean typically bars are a place to hang-out and let loose. Why would people want to drink in front of a judgmental monk??? I was in for awkward self-revelation, it turned out that I was the judgmental one. more..

Jan 9 (Roar) Although he grew up in Sri Lanka, Razeen Sally (54) and his family left the country having experienced increasing tensions, against the setting of a rising civil war. Decades later, a renowned academic and professor, Sally returned to Sri Lanka as a political and economic advisor. In 2009, he began his journey as a traveller, rediscovering a country with which he shared deep personal connections: a country that was, more..

Jan 9 (DM) If a group of Sri Lankans are asked why they sing the national anthem there could be several answers. Some might not be able to remember all the words in the anthem, but now there is a drive by the majority to initiate a debate to ensure that Sri Lanka Matha is sung only in Sinhala at celebrated events like National Independence Day. 72 Independence Day celebrations are fast approaching and the govt is in a spot having to make a statement about more..

Jan 9 (Island) Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, taking part in the parliamentary debate on the govt policy statement, the other day, faulted military officer turned President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa (GR), for having scrapped a guard of honour, which was to be held to mark the inauguration of the current parliamentary session. He said the tradition had to be respected as a guard of honour symbolised the dignity of the President and Parliament. more..

Jan 9 (SO) Newly appointed Northern Province Governor P.S.M. Charles, who is an impeccable senior public servant says she is looking forward to listen to the people and work with provincial leaders to develop the region. “The bitterness between provincial councils and the central government can only hamper the development of the area and people’s wellbeing,” she said, adding that, “ You can’t do politics in development more..

Jan 9 (SO) In the year 2014, when Sajith Premadasa tried to overthrow Ranil Wickremesinghe as leader of the UNP, I wrote the following observation on dynastic politics (Sajith Premadasa’s move(s) in the now defunct The Nation newspaper). Dynastic aspiration is something prevalent across the board and at all levels. We see it in local govt bodies, provincial elections and even within political parties. It can’t be the political fascination of the powerful or those who crave power. more..

Jan 9 (DM) The potency of the amendment and the dangers of despotism that it could avert were evidently shown in the manner the Constitutional Coup came to a conclusion with the Supreme Court deciding that the President could not dissolve the Parliament as and when he pleased, as was the case prior to its introduction. Yet at the same time those who wanted the same tyrannical executive presidency at the helm of governance pointed out that it deprived the ruling govt of stability, more..

Jan 9 (CT) SOFA, as an int'l bilateral instrument, represents the category of treaties, which can really play a dangerous role, extremely detrimental to the sovereignty and independence of the country, or conversely, its normative text can be successfully exploited, in the best economic and military interest of SL. Unfortunately, these brawling loudmouths, who so yell publicly and disqualify the treaty, have no doctrinal knowledge of the agreement in particular and no wisdom of Int'l Treaty Law more..

Jan 9 (DN) The ICC yesterday announced the umpire and match referee appointments for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which will be staged in South Africa from 17 January to 9 February. Experienced umpires Wayne Knights and Ravindra Wimalasiri will take charge of the opening match of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after the officials for South Africa 2020 were confirmed. New Zealand’s Knights and Wimalasiri of Sri Lanka – who have taken charge of 71 ODI and T20I matches more..

Jan 9 (FT) The Govt will face the upcoming General Election after further strengthening the economy, by delivering on the promises made by Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his election manifesto, Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told Parliament yesterday. He said that within two months in power, Govt had reduced taxes considerably and small- and medium-scale industries had been strengthened with many concessions. more..