Nov 2 (CI) Two days ago in Dubai, we all thought we had seen the very best of Jos Buttler, as he mashed a demoralised Australia with jaw-dropping disdain. But in very different circumstances in Sharjah, the respect that he was obliged to show Sri Lanka was his defining feature this time out, as he completed the set of Test, ODI and T20I hundreds with quite possibly his finest, most versatile innings of the lot. more..

Nov 2 (CI) 2: Jos Buttler became just the second player to score a century for England at the men's T20 World Cup. Alex Hales was the first, having scored an unbeaten 116 also against SL in 2014. Buttler is also one of the four men with a hundred in T20Is for England and became the second Englishman with 2000+ T20I runs. 1: Buttler became the first player to score a century in all three formats for England in men's International cricket. He joins Heather Knight as the only players with more..

Nov 2 (Island) High jumper Dulanjalee Ranasinghe who bade farewell to national athletics at the just concluded 99th National Athletics Championships said that she had gained immense satisfaction by competing at top national level and she will continue to be in the field of athletics as a mentor. “I have immense satisfaction. When I look back, it is all satisfaction that I have gained by competing. If I remained at the village, I would not have achieved what I have achieved as an athlete,” more..

Nov 2 (LAT) Hassina Leelarathna, a co-founder of the only Sri Lankan newspaper in the U.S. and an activist who spurred fellow immigrants to help when disasters struck their homeland, has died at age 73. Leelarathna died in Sherman Oaks on Oct. 17 after battling lung cancer for the last five years, said her son, Sahan Gamage. After moving to California from her native Sri Lanka, Leelarathna founded the Sri Lankan Express in 1981 with her husband, Deeptha Leelarathna. more..

Nov 2 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 15,819 persons on Sunday, including 108 persons who received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a third dose. Third or booster dose has been administered to 393 persons and it is the Pfizer vaccine that is administered as the booster. The first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to 15,561,126 persons and the second dose has been administered to 13,463,511 persons. Both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine have been administered more..

Nov 2 (ST) Rising out of a bucolic, rice-producing corner of urban Malabe is a popular educational institution that began modestly as a vocational training school. Horizon College of Business and Technology (HCBT) was registered as a private limited liability company in Jan 2008. It is run by a Chairman and Rector. But nowhere on its website is there mention of a key backer who funneled funds into the organisation more..

Nov 2 (FT) A renowned international electronics manufacturer operating in SL since 1986, GPV Electronics celebrated a grand milestone recently when it broke ground for a new electronics factory. When finished in Q1 2023, the factory will comprise a total of 11,300 m2 state-of-the-art production facility nearly doubling the current production area. In charge of cutting the first sod was Chandana Dissanayake, Managing Director of the electronics site in SL, which was established in 1986. more..

Nov 2 (FT) SL’s COVID-19 detections rose to 541,639 with 566 persons testing positive for the virus yesterday. The COVID-19 patients detected yesterday include 564 persons from the New Year cluster and two overseas arrivals. 6,109 PCR tests were performed yesterday. On Sunday, 5,957 PCR tests and 3,083 rapid antigen tests were conducted and 542 COVID-19 patients from the New Year cluster were detected. 436,980 persons from the New Year cluster have been detected to date more..

Nov 2 (TM) CEB Trade Union Alliance claimed that electricity power supply interruptions are imminent owing to the limited stocks of coal available with the Government to power its coal-powered power stations. The alliance will be engaging in an islandwide protest tomorrow (3), its Convenor Ranjan Jayalal said. “We will be holding an islandwide protest tomorrow where all staff will be coming to Colombo to hand over a petition more..

Nov 2 (IE) On the face of it SL Prez Rajapaksa’s project of One Country One Law sounds unexceptionable. But in a nation with multiple ethnic minorities, three systems of personal law, and a heightened Sinhala Buddhist majoritarianism, this is a fraught enterprise. Especially if the person appointed to head a presidential task force that has been asked to study the concept and how to implement it, is a known Muslim baiter, believes Buddhism is in danger, and more..

Nov 2 (DM) As Daily Mirror exclusively reported Ministry of Youth and Sports has appointed former Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Asanga Seneviratne the head of the advisory committee for the development of rugby in SL. The committee also includes the incumbent President Rizly Illyas, M.H. Marso, Dilroy Fernando, Eranga Geeganage, A.S.L. Gamage, Udani Edirisinghe and Lal Ekanayake. When contacted, SLR President Illyas made the following comments on advisory committee. more..

Nov 2 (Island) Trade unions would shut down the country unless the govt heeded their call for stopping the sale of national assets to foreign countries, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS) Convenor Ananda Palitha said. Palitha said that on 26 Oct at the JSS headquarters he had asked UNP Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam for the party’s support for the campaign against the sale of oil, ports and electricity assets to foreigners more..

Nov 2 (FT) Central Bank (CBSL) yesterday announced maximum interest rates as part of its measures to ensure effective benefits to all stakeholders. The move is as per the Finance Business Act (Maximum Interest Rates on Deposits and Debt Instruments) Direction No. 01 of 2019 and Finance Business Act (Amendments to the Maximum Interest Rates on Deposits and Debt Instruments) Direction No. 04 of 2020. The CBSL said the maximum interest rates that more..

Nov 2 (FT) Tourist arrivals have hit a post-COVID all-time high of 22,771 in October, propelling the cumulative figure to over 60,000. Arrivals last month reflect a sharp 68% increase from September, largely influenced by the eased travel restrictions, aggressive tourism promotions, services by more airlines, successful vaccination program and growing consumer confidence. Arrivals in the first 10 months were 60,695 — more..

Nov 2 (Hindu) The Indian High Commissioner in Colombo on Monday assured SL’s northern fishermen that he would convey their concerns over bottom trawling by Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait to both New Delhi and Tamil Nadu and look at some immediate measures to address the problem. A delegation of fisher leaders from SL’s northern districts, along with Jaffna legislator M.A. Sumanthiran, met Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay in Colombo on Monday, more..

Nov 2 (DM) There seems to be no respite for SL despite a slight dip in COVID pandemic, as the country witnesses a dramatic spike in dengue cases, with over 120 cases reported yesterday alone. Dr. Nimalka Pannila Hetti at National Dengue Control Unit said that people need to be alert as symptoms of fever, chills, muscle pain etc., which could be similar to COVID. "It is highly recommended seeking medical advice if such symptoms appear, without making own conclusions" more..

Nov 2 (Island) No sooner had Justice Minister Ali Sabry, PC, indicated his intention to quit his Cabinet portfolio over the appointment of Ven. Galagodaatte Gnanasara as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) to spearhead One Country, One Law initiative than the controversial monk said that their responsibility was to ensure that the country had one law. Minister Sabry is expected to make an announcement this week. more..

Nov 2 (FT) Board of Investment (BOI) has entered into an agreement with Sino Lanka Group for its latest development via Sino Lanka Properties Two Ltd., for a mixed development project at Rajagiriya. The $ 5.6 million, 40,000 sq.ft. building will house five floors of usable space consisting of three floors of commercial and co-working space and two floors dedicated to hotel accommodation. The property will also include a rooftop restaurant and cafe, serving both in-house and external guests. more..

Nov 2 (Island) Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath yesterday urged people not to travel during the long weekend to places where a large number of people would gather. He said that Thursday (4) was a public, bank and mercantile holiday and it was likely that people would take Friday off and extend it to a long weekend. “It’s better if you don’t go on trips. If you are going, don’t visit places where there are many people. more..

Nov 2 (EN) Govt Medical Officers Association (GMOA) which has campaigned against agro-chemicals appeared to distance itself from a fertilizer ban, saying that they did not advocate immediate which has created a crisis in agriculture. GMOA Chief Anuruddha Padeniya was shown on national TV instructing a spokesman for an organization called Professionals National Front to say that he did call for an overnight ban. more..

Nov 2 (FT) When comparing fire and water, past experiences teach us that water is more devastating, destructive and deadly than fire in most instances. Fires come with loud noises, bright lighting and at a lightning speed. It definitely can be doused manually or extinguishes itself naturally when the fuel or the igniter dies off. Water takes time to gather power and ferocity, either through wind, rain or any other natural means unless the cause is manmade. Water comes with a placid calmness, more..

Nov 2 (FT) After being in limbo for many months due to the pandemic, which shuttered all schools in March 2020, primary students started trickling into classes last week. These are indicators of a system gradually limping back to normalcy. SL is one of last countries in the world to recommence school education post pandemic. Similarly, it was one of the last to commence teacher-student vaccinations. Thankfully, both are on track now. During recent school closures, less than 45% of school students more..

Nov 2 (Island) Northern politicians should stop aiding and abetting various gangs that operate in the area, Governor Jeevan Thiyagarajah has said. The armed groups had become a serious issue for law abiding citizens, he said on 31 Oct. Responding to Jaffna journalists, the Governor said that the lawlessness had been continuing for too long. “The culture of violence is spreading in Jaffna. For a few years groups have started assaulting people. I had a discussion with security forces chiefs more..

Nov 2 (EN) SL’s liquid Petroleum gas distributors awaiting dollars from state and private banks to clear stocks and pay up on letters of credit, distributors said as shortages were experienced by both Litro and Laugfs customers. State-run Litro Gas said LPG ships are already in port. Litro said suppliers had asked for a 109% increase in the current LC facility in terms of the contract as gas prices have risen since July. “We are in correspondence with state and private banks to obtain the necessary security more..

Nov 2 (CT) Terrorist Investigation Division (TID), yesterday, informed Colombo Additional Magistrate Chandima Liyanage that following information received from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, they had launched a probe into 702 SL telephone numbers that had been located from a WhatsApp Group that had been operated under the name of Mojahideen for Allah, containing videos of ISIS and NTJ Leader Zahran Hashim. a more..

Nov 2 (CT) SL has sold 66 billion rupees in Treasury bill, the entire offered quantity, while the average 3-month auction yield fell 25 basis points to 8.18%, data from the state debt office showed. Out of 66 billion rupees of bills offered 64 billion came from 3-month maturity. The debt office sold 1.67 billion rupees of 6-month bills at 8.21%, up from 8.16% on Oct 18. 286 million rupees of 12-month bills were sold at 8.26%, up from 8.18%. There is genuine buyer interest for three month bills more..

Nov 2 (Island) Minister of Justice Ali Sabry, PC said at the opening of the new court complex at Kotawila, Matara on Friday, that since 1972 SL had been a Republic and not a monarchy and it was the people who conferred power on the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. PM Rajapaksa declared open the complex by remotely from Colombo. The new court complex in Kotawila was planned under the Deyata Kirula development program of 2014/2015. Minister said it was from the judiciary that the people sought relief. more..

Nov 2 (ICIJ) Anti-corruption advocates are demanding the Sri Lankan govt take action after Pandora Papers exposed the hidden wealth of a former govt official and a businessman tied to the ruling Rajapaksa family. Activists from Transparency International Sri Lanka and others have made a united call for an investigation into the financial dealings of Nirupama Rajapaksa, a former deputy minister, and her husband, Thirukumar Nadesan. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Despite objections by alliance partners, the ruling SLPP yesterday insisted on the need to proceed with the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project with New Fortress Energy, an American company. Delivering remarks to the media at the regular press conference, SLPP General Secretary MP Sagara Kariyawasam said the American company had agreed to invest US $ 250 million in acquiring 40% shares of Yugadanavi Power Plant. He said this was a sum much higher than expected. more..

Nov 2 (DM) The second case filed against former Minister Champika Ranawaka over the alleged motor accident that took place in 2016 at Rajagiriya was today fixed for trial by Colombo High Court. Colombo High Court Damith Thotawatta fixed the case to be heard on Nov 30. Six witnesses including the main witness Sandeep Sampath were noticed to appear before Court on the next trial date. The indictment comprising 16 charges had been filed against MP Patali Champika, his driver Thusith Dilum Kumara and more..

Nov 2 (EN) Opposition MP Harin Fernando is prepared to give up his national list seat in parliament for his incarcerated former colleague Ranjan Ramanayake if Prez Rajapaksa is ready to pardon him, Fernando said. “I’m making this request because I don’t think a parliamentary seat is needed for this struggle. I gave up my seat once before. If a national list slot becomes vacant, [partly leader] Sajith Premadasa or the general secretary can fill that with a person of their choosing,” more..

Nov 2 (Island) Colombo Archbishop Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, on Sunday said that it was right of everybody to know the reason why so many people were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Speaking during a ceremony at one of the key targets of the terrorists, the St. Sebastian’s Church at Katuwapitiya, he said: “What we have said every day is only one thing. It is that we need to know the reason why these people were killed. It is our right. It is not a gift to be given by somebody. It’s our right.” more..

Nov 2 (DM) Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has initiated legal action against SJB Parliamentarian Manusha Nanayakkara in the Colombo District Court, requesting him to pay a sum of Rs. One Billion as damages, averring that irreparable loss and damage has been caused to SLT’s brand image and reputation by grossly unfounded and false statements, a statement from SLT said. Mr. Nanayakkara, on Sept 3, 2021 alleged SLT hosted National Medicines and Regulatory Authorities (NMRA) data storage, more..

Nov 2 (DM) Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando today filed a Fundamental Rights petition in Supreme Court seeking an order preventing CID from arresting him regarding a complaint made by Major General Suresh Salley. The petitioner has named Chief Inspector Lalitha Dissanayake, ASP Rohan Premaratne, DIG W. Thilakartne, IGP Chandana Wickramaratne, Director of State Intelligence Service Major General Suresh Salley, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith and Attorney General as respondents. more..

Nov 2 (DM) While ignoring the circular issued by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) cancelling all employees' leave, the CEB United Trade Union Alliance has decided to converge in Colombo tomorrow after applying sick leave, Alliance Convener Ranjan Jayalal said. He told the media today that they would tell the people as to what would happen tomorrow is not a strike, but an agitation. However, due to reaching of workers in Colombo for the protest, there may be a delay in restoring any kind of breakdown. more..

Nov 2 (NR) Another 10 coronavirus-related fatalities have been confirmed in Sri Lanka, raising the death toll to 13,770. All 10 deaths occurred yesterday, the 1st of November. Five males and five females were among the victims. Eight persons, four males and four females among the group that succumbed to the virus, were 60 years of age or above. Meanwhile, one male between 30 and 59 years of age and a female below the age of 30 years also passed away yesterday after contracting the novel coronavirus. more..

Nov 2 (Island) Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam has received permission from the Court of Appeal to submit a confidential report as regards the disappearance of 11 persons during the conflict. The disappearances have been blamed on the Navy. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle, PC appeared for the Attorney General when the case was taken up yesterday. ASG Pulle told the Court of Appeal that the Attorney General’s Department, had prepared a confidential report to explain more..