Jan 19 (Island) Prez Rajapaksa reiterated his govt’s commitment to green agriculture regardless of recent setbacks. Delivering his third presidential policy statement at the re-opening of Parliament, following prorogation, Prez said that his govt had to face some problems in implementing their nontoxic green agriculture policy. The one time frontline commander said that due to some misunderstanding, their objectives and plans more..

Jan 19 (FT) Well, it has been a fascinating 10 days or so for confessions. US CDC Director Walensky announced, “The overwhelming number of deaths, over 75%, occurred in people who had at least four comorbidities.” When asked out of the 800k ascribed COVID US deaths, how many actually died from COVID as a primary cause of death, she said, staggeringly, we are gathering data, or words to that effect. She had no answer ready to hand. If this vague piffle doesn’t terrify you, more..

Jan 19 (FT) Two years of systemic economic mismanagement by a govt elected to power with great expectations and grand promises has led the people into a miserable existence of hopelessness, despair and depression. The regime is scapegoating COVID-19 for the disaster, which no doubt aggravated it, but policy faults by the Govt were several, and worse was its brick headedness not to listen to experts in the field simply because they were not part of its power cartel. more..

Jan 19 (AD) The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says there are possibilities of power cuts being imposed in several areas tonight for nearly an hour. A spokesman for the CEB said that the disruption is only until the operations at the Kelanitissa power plant are restored this evening. Operations at the Kelanitissa Power Station, which generates 300 MW of electricity, have been halted completely due to the lack of fuel for the generation of power, the CEB said earlier today. more..

Jan 19 (EAF) Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s 2019 election manifesto promised Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour. Professionals for a Better Future (Viyathmaga) were to implement his programs, which would achieve successive years of economic fortune. But Rajapaksa will instead be remembered for presiding over SL’s worst-ever year post-independence. 2021 was a year that millions will associate with lengthy queues to purchase sugar, milk powder, kerosene and cooking gas. more..

Jan 19 (AD) According to various media reports, Mr. Lasantha Wickramasinghe has been removed from the position as the Chairman of MILCO (Pvt) Ltd., the state-run dairy producer and marketer in Sri Lanka. However Mr. Wickramasinghe said that he is yet to be officially informed of such a decision and that even he came to know that a new chairman has been appointed through the media. He said that attempts to contact the subject minister to more..

Jan 19 (EN) All Share Price Index (ASPI) will see less volatility from Jan 24 as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is set to introduce a new compilation method to eliminate the influence of illiquid shares which have been the reason for high volatility. The ASPI, the island nation’s main stock index, has been hitting a record high almost on a daily basis since mid last year mainly due to a few market heavyweight stocks which only had a few shares for public floating. more..

Jan 19 (AD) Severe traffic congestion has been reported along the road from Technical Junction in Maradana towards Pettah due to a protest march by the JVP. The protest march has been organised demanding the government to stop handing over ownership of the country’s resources such as ports, oils tanks and lands to foreigners. The protesters also calls on authorities to cancel the recent agreement with India on the development of the Trincomalee oil tank farm. more..

Jan 19 (EN) A recent travel advisory issued by Canada to its nationals travelling to and living in Sri Lanka warning them of a looming economic crisis contains erroneous, outdated information and flawed references, SL’s foreign ministry said. Last Friday, the Canadian govt warned its citizens visiting and living in SL of shortages in food, medicines and fuel triggered by a looming economic crisis and a possible deterioration more..

Jan 19 (DM) The Colombo Crimes Division (CCD) has recovered several firearms and swords in the house of retired doctor who was arrested in connection with the recovery of a hand grenade at the Borella All Saints' Church. The police have found four pistols, a revolver, two swords, a Rambo knife and an unidentified firearm from the residence in Piliyandala. Earlier, the police arrested a 65-year old suspect in the Panamura area in Embilipitiya in connection with recovery of hand grenade. more..

Jan 19 (FT) CIPM Sri Lanka – the nation’s leader in human resource management together with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) has initiated a collaboration to define much needed national standards in human resource management recently. This initiative will replace the use of varying standards and practices used by people managers in different strata of industry and organisations with credible and accepted international best practices and homogeneous benchmarks. more..

Jan 19 (DM) Prominent Tamil legislators from SL’s north and east have written to PM Narendra Modi seeking India’s help in ensuring that Colombo addresses the island’s long-pending Tamil question with a lasting political solution. A delegation of MPs, led by senior Tamil politician and TNA leader R. Sampanthan, met the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo on Tuesday, and handed over the letter, the Hindu reported. more..

Jan 19 (Island) LIONS Kidney Dialysis center, a state-of-the-art kidney dialysis centre was declared open on Friday (14), at the Colombo East Base Hospital, Mulleriyawa. This project has been the brainchild of the Past District Governor of Lions International, Lion Mahinda Perera, and ably assisted by Project Chairman Lion Susantha Caldera and Project Manager Lion Athula de Silva. It is one of the most impressive and challenging tasks undertaken by the Lions District 306C1 more..

Jan 19 (AD) Sri Lanka will be receiving 1 million metric tonnes of rice from China as a donation, says Minister Ramesh Pathirana. The consignment is expected to arrive on the island in March. China is making the donation to mark the 70th anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact signed between the two countries in 1952. Following Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to Sri Lanka, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Wang Wenbin had reiterated that more..

Jan 19 (DM) Sri Lanka and Britain today recognized that the British SL diaspora communities in the UK are a unique asset, making a significant contribution towards the prosperity of the UK. “.. the Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris highlighted the need to maintain an inclusive approach towards diaspora engagement in order to forge a unifying narrative, that would positively contribute towards the development of SL” foreign ministry said. more..

Jan 19 (EN) Stock market edged up on Wednesday (19) to close at a fresh record high amid foreign selling as concerns over possible policy rate hike on Thursday dented positive sentiment and turnover, brokers said. Central Bank will announce the key monetary policy rates at 0730 hours local time on Thursday and some analysts expect the central bank to increase the policy rates at least by 50 basis points to ease pressure on the currency, which is facing a sharp depreciation against US dollar. more..

Jan 19 (DM) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene today urged all MPs to support rebuild Parliament's lost image and come for a dialogue on the same. "All members must understand that upholding the dignity of this institution is the most sacred duty of all. If people lose faith in this House, that means they lose faith in democracy. The repercussions of that will be grave for all political parties and citizens of this country. I urge all of you to understand that and have national interest and the interest more..

Jan 19 (AD) Gamini Senarath, a senior official of the SL Administrative Service has assumed duties as the new Secretary to the President. The letter of appointment was handed over by Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa to Mr. Senarath at the Presidential Secretariat this morning. Senarath, a Special Grade Officer in the SL Administrative Service, has served as the Additional Secretary and Chief of Staff to PM more..

Jan 19 (EN) Cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal to construct four flyovers that will be funded by a concessionary financial facility by Hungary’s Exim Bank to reduce traffic congestions in the island. The flyovers will be constructed at the following intersections: Muththettugala railway crossroad- Hiripitiya, Pasyala, Negombo-Maristella, and Thalawathugoda. RDA has identified the four areas as needing a solution for traffic congestion in those places, a cabinet statement said. more..

Jan 19 (TM) Govt constituent partner, SLFP National Organiser, and State Minister of Solar Power, Wind, and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development Duminda Dissanayake stated that PM and SLFP Adviser Mahinda Rajapaksa had requested him to take steps to strengthen the SLFP. He said that the Premier had made this request when the former recently went to meet Rajapaksa to wish the latter for the new year, along with State Ministers Dayasiri Jayasekara and Lasantha Alagiyawanna. more..

Jan 19 (TM) A writ petition has been filed in the Court of Appeal (CoA) challenging the controversial circular issued by Registrar General W.M.M.B. Weerasekara, which requires foreign nationals intending to get married to Sri Lankan citizens to obtain a security clearance report from the Defence Ministry after presenting reports about their criminal records within the past six months and also a health-related declaration. more..

Jan 19 (TM) Taking into account the passage of the long vacation from 14 to 17 January, the Health Ministry has requested that those who have any symptoms of Covid-19 be referred for a Covid-19 test immediately. Health Ministry Communications Director, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that due to the long vacation, many people had visited various places or gone to places where people gather. “A large number of people have visited various places during the long vacation period. more..

Jan 19 (CT) Colombo Additional Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema yesterday (18) ordered the CID to probe death threats issued via the phone to the Director of Enriver Investment Lanka Private Limited, pressuring him to withdraw the case filed against over the illegal takeover of two imported garlic containers, by Lanka Sathosa through the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The Magistrate also ordered the CID to report to Court, at the earliest, on their findings into the probe. more..

Jan 19 (CT) St. Peter’s College celebrated its centenary yesterday, with the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, in attendance. A coffee table book and first day commemorative cover was launched to mark the school’s centenary. The commemorative cover was unveiled by the Postmaster General, Ranjith Ariyaratne and the College’s centennial logo was unveiled on 1 Dec by the College’s Rector, Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo. more..

Jan 19 (CT) Dr. Anwar Hamdani, Medical Technical Services (MTS) Director said yesterday, that there is an increase in the number of patients receiving treatment for Covid-19. He said from the 70 ICU beds allocated for Covid-19 patients in State hospitals, 60 were already occupied while there was an increase in oxygen dependents among those infected by Covid. He also said there is a marked reduction by 10 to 15% in the number of Covid related deaths and attribute it to effectiveness more..

Jan 19 (CT) Police Hospital has commenced the identification of Police officers who need psychological assistance. Counsellors will be appointed in due course, to start necessary treatment, Public Security Ministry Secretary Major Genaral Jagath Alwis said. Accordingly, the Ministry has decided to conduct routine mental health check-up for Police personnel. Major General Alwis said, “Comparatively, the security forces go through a lot of stress and trauma, more..

Jan 19 (TM) The country will see a severe food shortage in the future, as stocks of paddy and rice are nearing depletion and the upcoming paddy harvest could be severely reduced due to the fertiliser crisis, said former MP and current SJB Member Hirunika Premachandra. Speaking at a media briefing, she said that the country’s economy, which is based on agriculture, has completely collapsed due to the current fertiliser crisis. more..

Jan 19 (DM) Colombo High Court Trial-at-Bar today concluded recording evidence in a case filed against former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando relating to the Easter Sunday bomb attack. Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana de Silva appearing for the Attorney General informed court that the prosecution has concluded hearing evidence in the case. Accordingly, the High Court Trial-at-Bar bench announced that order regarding calling for defence evidence will be delivered on Feb 18. more..

Jan 19 (TM) Runaway children who are found and returned back to their parents are sometimes not followed up by the respective Ministry even though it is their duty, says Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa. “People assume that it is the police that has to follow up with the welfare of the children who are returned back to their parents after they run away and are found. It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, but this Ministry is usually not spoken about,” said Thalduwa. more..

Jan 20 (DM) It is no secret that the country is facing a plethora of problems; the main among them being the economic meltdown worsened by rapidly dwindling foreign currency reserves with the resultant dollar crunch making it impossible to import essential commodities including milk powder, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. SL’s fuel and power crises are no longer something waiting to happen; it has happened already or will in the next few days if the govt fails to raise US$4 b more..

Jan 20 (DM) The SLFP seems ready to quit the Govt if we are to go by the noises made by senior members of that party. Indeed there’s been mention of the SLFP planning to lead a new coalition of political parties in addition to strident criticism of certain policy decisions which, ironically, SLFPers in the cabinet kept mum about when they came up for discussion. It is no secret that the alliance between the SLPP and the SLFP was uneasy from the get go. more..

Jan 20 (DM) Ahnaf Jazeem, a poet and teacher from the East of Sri Lanka, was arrested in May 2020 under the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA). Initially arrested in connection to his Tamil-language poetry anthology, titled Navarasam, which the authorities alleged to be promoting extremist ideologies, Jazeem was finally granted bail on 15 Dec, after over a year in prison. more..

Jan 20 (DM) The joint development of Trincomalee Oil Tank Farm entails more strategic interests than commercial interests for India. Trincomalee is strategically positioned, and it is an indispensable location as far as security interests of the major countries such as India and the United States in the Bay of Bengal are concerned. Security concerns have grown in this region of the Indian Ocean due to the battle for competition between India- China for both economic and strategic influence. more..

Jan 20 (CT) I refer to the above captioned article by Javid Yusuf in the Sunday Times of 26th Dec 2021 and respond with an addendum. I sent this article to the Editor Sunday Times, but it was not published. I am seeking your help to publish it. Executive Presidency, beyond an iota of doubt, should be scrapped. That is not a panacea for all the evils of Governance we face. More need to be done to save the nation from the putrid state it is in. It is my conviction that not only Executive Presidency more..

Jan 20 (TM) Covid-19 and inflation-hit SL is now further burdened by a power crisis and the adequate supply of power in the coming few months seems uncertain. Although the power cuts that were experienced during the past few weeks have stopped for the time being, even the power sector authorities do not know for how long this uninterrupted supply will last, because the power sector is facing a fuel shortage. more..

Jan 20 (CT) Yesterday Co-Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana announced that China would gift 1 million metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka in March. This is welcome news in the context that the Maha harvest is expected to fall by 30 per cent due to the chemical fertiliser ban imposed by the govt over a seven-month period from April to Nov 2021 that scarred the harvest. A day prior to Pathirana’s announcement, Prez Rajapaksa making his Policy Statement in Parliament on Tuesday, more..

Jan 20 (TM) Delivering the Govt’s policy statement speech at the inauguration of the second session of the ninth Parliament on 18 Jan, Prez Rajapaksa declared that he never forgot or neglected fulfilling his prime responsibilities despite the challenges faced during the past two years, and also promised to fulfil his promises over the next three years. One of the points the Prez highlighted during his address was the massive impact the Covid-19 pandemic caused to the country and how it affected more..