Jul 13 (DM) Navy Commander Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva is to retire on Wednesday after 36 years of service in the SL Navy. He was appointed as the 23rd Commander of the SL Navy on Jan 1, 2019 and joined the Navy in the Executive Branch as an Officer Cadet of the 12th Intake in 1984. Vice Admiral Silva has received specialized training on Deep Sea Salvage Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Diving from the US Navy and used his knowledge and skills extensively in salvage more..

Jul 13 (EN) SL’s ruling party is pooh-poohing suggestions that the General elections slated for Aug 5 be postponed because of a discovery of multiple COVID 19 clusters in the past few days. Chairman of the ruling SLPP G.L. Peiris said that some are trying to postpone the elections using COVID-19 pandemic as bait as they clearly know that they can’t win the elections. Peiris said that is very simple logic used by them as they are more..

Jul 13 (Island) Centre for Journalism and Education (CJE) has, in a press statement, strongly condemned former OIC of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) Neomal Rangajeewa attempting to assault photojournalist Akila Jayawardana, attached to Ceylon Today newspaper, at the Colombo High Court premises. Rangajeewa is a defendant in a case, which alleges his involvement in the killing of inmates at Welikada during the prison riot there in 2012. "Jayawardana, who was on the HC more..

Jul 13 (Island) Sri Lanka has denied claims made on surveillance by the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Clément N. Voule. At the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Geneva, the Govt stated that apart from operating routine security networks in the interest of national security, particularly after the devastating Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, more..

Jul 13 (AD) Fourteen new coronavirus-positive cases have been reported in the country. Reportedly, the latest cases have been identified from the Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in East Kandakadu. The new cases have brought the total number of COVID-19 cases in SL to 2,631. As per the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry, 639 active cases are under medical care at selected hospitals across the island. more..

Jul 14 (CT) I had the opportunity to read the article, SJB A Cat’s Paw Of Communalistic Political Parties, written by PM Mahinda Rajapaksa, targeting the SJB. For a moment, I wondered whether the author has forgotten the country’s history and the history of the political parties the author has been associated with. In SL, anti-Muslim riots of 1915 between the Buddhists and Ceylon Moors were the first occurrence of communal riots in the last century, which British colonialists brutally suppressed. more..

Jul 14 (ST) After reading my article titled Time for helicopter money in this column two weeks ago, a friend of mine sent me a text message. While complimenting the article, he complained: “I would have really enjoyed, and the readers would have also benefitted if you used that theory to explain the present SL crisis as well”. Well, here I am again on the same issue, but this time attempting to explain the SL case. Before getting there, we need to refresh our memories – why is it time for more..

Jul 14 (SO) SLPP Colombo district candidate and former Mayor of the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia MC, Danasiri Amaratunga said there will be a drastic change in the voting pattern in Colombo and the suburbs at the General Election, mainly because of what Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa has done for the country. He said everybody, irrespective of their political differences, has recognised the President as an honest and more..

Jul 14 (ST) Increasing exports and foreign investment are vital for Sri Lanka’s trade dependent economy. An overreaction to the current global economic dislocation by adopting inward-looking economic policies would be suicidal for SL’s trade dependent economy. SL has been and should continue to be a trade dependent export led economy to achieve a higher trajectory of economic growth. Enhancing exports is imperative for a small country with limited resources more..

Jul 14 (CT) The third general election after the end of LTTE’s rule in the North and East is due to be held on August 5th 2020. At the outset, it has to be stated that the current Sri Lankan Govt is ruled by Rajapaksa brothers a President and a PM both are accused of committing war crimes and labelled as war criminals who could one day can stand as accused at the International Criminal Court at the Hague after United Nations or other International investigations. more..

Jul 14 (DM) Veteran actress Deepani Silva who is on the NPP national list says people should consider electing newcomers to Parliament and ask what the country’s elected representatives have done for the people so far. One of her main objectives is to see more women participating in politics and to provide meaningful relief to the people. Q: Why did you decide to do politics from NPP national list? more..

Jul 14 (DM) The issue concerning the electricity bills received by many electricity consumers with exorbitant amounts levied by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) for the recent curfew period has not been resolved yet. When this issue cropped up last month, the LECO circulated a note among the consumers stating that “The bill for the month of May is calculated based on actual reading taken by the revenue officer visiting your premises. more..

Jul 14 (Island) The Police Narcotic Bureau’s image has suffered irreparable damage thanks to a bunch of corrupt drug busters who chose to sell their souls to the narcotic Mafia. Why has this outfit been named the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) and not the Police Anti-Narcotic Bureau? Is it that the persons who decided on that name did not add the prefix, anti, purposely because they were capable of guessing what the PNB would evolve into—a bureau dealing in narcotics? more..

Jul 14 (Island) The East Container Terminal (ECT) in the Colombo Port has been the centre of attention recently due to trade union action by the port employees. They exerted pressure on the authorities who were in an indecisive state but finally the unions won the day. The issue evolved around three heavy cranes (costing over US$25 million) arriving in the port on a ship but unable to find ground to unload them so they remained afloat for several days. What is the ECT? more..

Jul 14 (DM) On July 3, a minor explosion ripped through a white-walled house in Iyakachchi, about 25km from Kilinochchi. It was the residence of Thangarajah Thevathasan, also known as Menon, an ex-member of the LTTE’s intelligence wing, and his school teacher wife. Menon, who was also a bomb expert in his days with the Tigers, had been testing an improvised explosive device in a sardine tin when it accidentally went off. Seriously injured, he was rushed to Kilinochchi hospital and more..

Jul 14 (DM) Corruption in the State sector in SL is a norm and does not come as a surprise. While some State officials accept bribes to get the work done, there are those in the public willing to offer a bribe just to get things expedited. Transparency International is a global movement working in over 100 countries working to end the injustice of corruption. Its mission is to stop corruption and promote transparency and accountability more..

Jul 14 (Island) I wrote an article entitled let the country be managed by a competent team, which was published in a newspaper in May 2019. At the time, former Captain of SL Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, had been given the honour of being appointed the President of the MCC, the first non-British person to hold that position. I mused that given all his achievements, qualifications and obvious intellect, perhaps we should consider offering him the position of Executive Prez more..

Jul 14 (ST) Sri Lanka rugby is going through a period of soul searching amid a financial crisis of pandemic proportions, threatening the survival of the sport exacerbated by a failed provincial union system that has usurped the rights of the founder clubs when it comes to making decisions. The simmering discontent came to a head when most of the rugby playing ‘A’ Division clubs caused a rebellion by withdrawing from the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) seeking more..

Jul 14 (FT) PM candidate Sajith Premadasa yesterday expressed confidence of success for his SJB at next month’s Parliamentary Election on the strength of its policies and credibility, as the Government has failed to rescue the economy and people from COVID-19 impact. Speaking to editors over breakfast at the Galle Face Hotel, SJB Leader Premadasa said that with over 80 former MPs, the alliance was the most clear, competent and more..

Jul 14 (PMD) An A/L student of the Trinity College, Kandy presented his creation, a tubeless stethoscope to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today (July 13). During his visit to the temple of sacred tooth relic, A/L student, Venura Wijesekara informed the president about his innovation. President Rajapaksa commended Venura for his competence and innovative skills in this creation. Venura Wijesekara is a student of the Mathematics section, Trinity College, Kandy. more..

Jul 14 (DN) The Lankan Premier League (LPL), which was scheduled to be played from August 8 to 20, is likely to be a doubtful starter due to the escalation of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has affected several related avenues, including the closure of the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). This prestigious T-20 tournament which was to involve five teams, including a maximum of six overseas players, was scheduled to commence soon after the General Elections on August 5. more..

Jul 14 (Island) UNP leader and former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe has requested the youth to contribute to the development of the country with new ideas and join him change the political process to build the country. The former PM speaking at a ceremony to launch a youth movement of the party on Saturday said the political process of the country should be prepared according to the views of the youth and he was more..

Jul 14 (FT) The SLPP said that it will attempt to amend election laws to meet modern public demands while ensuring protection of democratic rights of citizens. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris said the existing election laws raised concerns about the equal opportunity for candidates. According to Prof. Peiris, the recent decision of the Elections Commission (EC) prevents candidates displaying their preferential number making it difficult for candidates to connect with voters. more..

Jul 14 (FT) The SJB will be espousing sustainable state-owned enterprises (SOEs) model if elected, the party revealed. Noting that SOEs are important yet continue to make colossal losses burdening the public, SJB Colombo District candidate Eran Wickramaratne said that appointments to the Boards of SOEs will be professionals who require approval by an independent body akin to the Central Bank doing a fit and proper test for appointments to boards of banks. more..

Jul 14 (NIA) Sri Lanka is likely to re-list some foreign organizations and individuals as terrorist under UNSC Resolution No: 1373 following intelligence reports that a group of LTTE cadres, including some rehabilitated ones, could be planning to stage suicide attacks on the lines of the Black Tigers, a SL expert on terrorism close to the govt said. Lankan media said quoting the police, that four persons were arrested on information that more..

Jul 14 (EN) Commercial Bank of Ceylon will offer financial products designed for women and women owned businesses backed by Washington-based International Finance Corporation. “Sri Lankan women are recognized as highly entrepreneurial, owning nearly a quarter of the micro, small and medium sized enterprises in the country,” IFC said. “Most are micro-sized enterprises, with the number of women owned business falling drastically as the business size increases. more..

Jul 14 (Island) The commemoration ceremony of founding Theros of Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya who rendered a noble service for the Sambuddha Sasanaya during the past 217 years, was held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the BMICH on 8th July. The Maha Nayaka and Anu Nayaka Theros of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, General Secretaries, and Deputy Registrar Theros, Contributing Council of the SL Amarapura Maha Nikaya, more..

Jul 14 (ST) UK Export Finance (UKEF), Britain’s export credit agency, faces serious questions over its officials taking more than one year to report evidence suggesting that Airbus may have paid US$ 17mn to the wife of a SriLankan Airlines’ official in return for aircraft orders. UKEF Officials received emails as far back as February 2015 suggesting Airbus might have paid US$ 17mn to the wife of then SriLankan CEO more..

Jul 14 (Island) Colombo is to be converted to a Smart City with installation of LED lamps, upgrading power distribution infrastructure for street lighting, installation of 200 CCTV cameras, Micro BTS, WiFi service and RFID sensors said Nazri Nizar, Managing Director of Richardson Technologies (Pvt) Limited [RTPL]. He said Rs. 3 billion will be invested by Richardson [RTPL] on a Private Public Partnership venture with Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) with zero capital cost to the govt. more..

Jul 14 (Island) The Govt of SL introduced the Special Deposit Account (SDA) on 08.04.2020 to seek assistance for the national effort to overcome the effects of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. It is encouraging to note that there is a favorable response on the same and so far, Sri Lanka has received USD 87 mn (approx.) into SDAs. The Govt of Sri Lanka in consultation with the Monetary Board of the Central Bank has taken further measures to encourage opening of SDAs as stated below. more..

Jul 14 (CT) Special Inquiry Committee (SIC) appointed by Secretary to the Sports Ministry, K.D.S Ruwan Chandra, has revealed a number of irregularities relating to the Triathlon Association, including legal and financial issues, and the shameful behavior of its officials. The Committee headed by Chairman of National Sports Museum Saman Amarasinghe, which includes Nalin Attygala & S.M.R, Damayanthi, more..

Jul 14 (PMD) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa visited the Dalada Maligawa, temple of the sacred tooth relic and received blessings today (13). Prez was welcomed by the Chief Custodian, Diyawadana Nilame, Nilanga Dela upon his arrival at the Dalada Maligawa premises. Prez called on Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Thera, Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter and inquired into the well-being of the Thera. The President also met the Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter, more..

Jul 14 (AD) The postal vote in the Rajanganaya area was postponed due to the quarantine of the govt officials in Rajanganaya, Chairman of Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya said. He mentioned this to the media following a discussion held at the Vavuniya DS. Deshapriya said that the postal vote of health officials and public health inspectors in the area had to be managed in this manner as the relevant officials are currently engaged in monitoring quarantine processes more..

Jul 14 (AD) OIC of Ampara Unit of the Police Transport Division, Chief Inspector Mohammad Abubakkar was apprehended yesterday (13) by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD), on charges of concealing evidence related to the Sainthamarudu probe where National Thawheed Jama’ath Leader Zaharan Hashim, wives and family members of the terrorists perished following an exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the security forces. more..

Jul 14 (AD) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has promoted the Commander of SL Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva to the rank of Admiral. The promotion will be in effect from today, the spokesperson of the Navy said. Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva is due to retire on 15th July following a 36-year long service in the Navy. He took charge as the 23rd Commander of the Navy on the 1st of January 2019 and promoted from the rank of Rear Admiral to the 3-star rank of Vice-Admiral on the same day. more..

Jul 14 (Island) Mohammad Najim Mohammad Imran alias Kanjipani Imran, serving a prison term at the Boossa jail, yesterday, filed a Fundamental Rights petition in the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the prison authorities to transfer him to any other prison situated outside the Southern Province. Acting Commissioner General of Prisons, Thushara Upuldeniya, the Boosa Prison Superintendent, Minister of Justice Nimal Siripala de Silva and nine others have been named as respondents. more..

Jul 14 (FT) The UNP yesterday questioned the accuracy of the COVID-19 figures issued by the Govt following a decision to halt conducting PCR test at the Sri Jayawardenapura University. UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe charged that discrepancies between PCR test results from the university and the Health Ministry casted a doubt on the accuracy of the COVID-19 infected patient numbers released by the Govt. more..

Jul 14 (IE) The NIA court in Kochi has granted bail to an alleged IS supporter, who has been in judicial custody since June 2019 after he was arrested by the agency during a probe into Indian links to the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka. Granting bail to Sheik Hidayathullah alias Firoz Khan (38), a native of Coimbatore, Special Judge P Krishna Kumar observed, “There is nothing on record to show that the petitioner has actually associated with, or professed to have associated with ISIS, more..

Jul 14 (NR) The number of coronavirus cases reported from the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre has increased to 519 after 257 more persons from the centre tested positive yesterday. 14 of them are associates of inmates of the centre while 11 of them were from the Senapura centre. Accordingly, 440 inmates of the Kandakadu and Senapura centres, 47 staff members, and 32 associates of those who tested positive from the centre are among the cases. more..