Jul 21 (DM) At the time of writing, there are disparate reports of the whereabouts of Gotabaya Rajapaksa; somewhere in the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Singapore, most likely the latter, most definitely temporarily. SL’s President remains on the run, in a manner of speaking, having absconded from the country and having vacated his office, absent without official leave, the military term abbreviated as AWOL. The official definition of AWOL actually includes the words without intent to desert. more..

Jul 21 (DM) Ranil Wickremesinghe is no longer president in an acting capacity. He is the president, period. Did someone say I don’t know whether to laugh or cry? I am pretty sure someone did. Well, if two or three years ago, if anyone suggested that in July 2023 Ranil Wickremesinghe would be the president of this country, there would have been laughter and tears, if at all, would have been of mirth. But get this; he is legit, yes, he barely got into Parliament. more..

Jul 21 (TM) The prevailing economic crisis has made life a game of survival for many, and in reality, in this game, there is little room for what is commonly regarded as right and wrong. To survive, people need to go to great lengths, sometimes with no regard for the ethics that they once believed in. “You cannot make everybody happy all the time” seems to be becoming the motto that more people believe in nowadays. more..

Jul 21 (TM) MPs representing both the Govt and Opposition party, yesterday, elected UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the eighth Executive Prez of SL, and The Morning wishes to extend its best wishes to the new Prez. This appointment came after former Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation, which was the result of months of protests and countless debates about the need for a new Head of State to lead the country out of the crises it is in. Although protestors claim that this is not, and more..

Jul 21 (DM) Former Prez Rajapaksa, who even at the height of the political and economic crisis and his rapidly dwindling popularity, often boasted that the 6.9 million votes he garnered at the 2019 prez election was a good enough mandate to continue in office and while a couple of weeks ago he had even told his party members that he did not wish to step down from the presidency as a failed president; in a dramatic turn of events and in the face of the unprecedented people’s uprising, more..

Jul 21 (ST) There are many connotations for the word Aragalaya. It is a bolt, an obstacle, or a wooden bolt or pin used to fasten a door or the cover of a vessel in Sanskrit. In Sinhala, Aragalaya means a fight or struggle. Aargalaya is also known as a wave. In the near future, the term Argalaya may find its place in a number of int'l dictionaries as a word for a wave of non- violent independent public protest trying to overturn a standing Govt failing to more..

Jul 21 (CT) Yesterday, Parliament elected UNP Leader and Premier Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country’s eighth Executive Prez as per the Constitution. Wickremesinghe, with support from the SLPP, who has 145 MPs in the 225-member Parliament, won the election in votes cast by the MPs in a secret ballot, obtaining 134 votes, 52 votes more than his nearest rival Dullas Alahapperuma, paradoxically from the SLPP, who polled 82 votes. The third and last candidate, JVP/JJB more..

Jul 21 (GV) It is a time of desperation, it is a time of hope, it is the end time of selfish deal politics, it is the time for people centered politics, it is the time to transform status quo, it is the time to listen to people, it is time to end old political games, it is the time to embark on a new political culture, it is the time to give up out dated political discourse, it is the time for the politics of new generation, it is the time to move from season of darkness, it is the time to enter the season of light, more..

Jul 21 (CT) In 10-years, 50-years or 100-years-time, when a pupil researches SL Political History, when he googles in his computer on what happened on the 9th of July, 2022, what in fact transpired must accurately be written sans any lies or deception. A flashback of falling the realm of the most inept president in SL, since independence, is excited, nerve-racking and sensational journey. The historians must not embellish nor belittle the bare facts with their hyperboles and amplifications more..

Jul 21 (Island) The US denied visa to Narendra Modi in 2005 over his alleged role in murderous rampage in Gujarat three years earlier during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the important Indian state. The US declared Modi would never be issued a visa. The US gradually changed its position as Modi, over the years emerged as the new power. Having won the parliamentary election in May of 2014, Narendra Modi visited Washington in Sept 2014, where he met then US president Barack Obama. more..

Jul 21 (TM) The business community in SL wants the immediate attention of the new elected Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe on reviving various sectors while fears remain that political instability will continue. Ceylon National Chamber of Industries (CNCI) Chairman Canisius Fernando said that the chamber expects political instability to continue despite the appointment of Wickremesinghe as the new Prez, as it is evident that the aragalaya more..

Jul 21 (Island) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is in seventh heaven. Everybody wrote him off when he lost the last general election (2020), having contested two prez elections unsuccessfully in 1999 and 2005, and baulked at running for Prez in 2010, 2015, and 2019. He became the PM in May and Prez in July. But for his age, a jubilant Wickremesinghe may have turned cartwheels and somersaults on the parliament lawn when the outcome of yesterday’s vote was announced. more..

Jul 21 (Island) We hear incidents of tear gas deployment somewhere almost every day and too frequently in SL these days. Police direct tear gas shells to crowds they determine as unruly. The tactic serves the purpose of avoiding the bullet, or other lethal methods of combat, to deter an emotionally agitated mob about to engage in a criminal offence. However, indiscriminate use of tear gas poses health risks hard to ignore. The UNHRC has classified tear gas as a less – lethal weapon, more..

Jul 21 (FT) Details of a disinformation campaign to discredit the Govt by making allegations of asking a bribe from a Japanese company engaged in the construction work of the BIA expansion project have been revealed. A serious bribery allegation levelled against senior Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa in Parliament quoting un-substantive social media reports has cited the Japanese Taisei Corp more..

Jul 21 (Island) The distinctive people-centered culture at Ansell Lanka, part of a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human wellbeing, is now recognized with the Great Place to Work Certification™ awarded by the global authority of workplace culture. Based on the Trust Index survey by the Great Place to Work Institute followed by a comprehensive & holistic culture brief, over 85% of employees scored to various positive more..

Jul 21 (CI) Pakistan captain Babar Azam believes Abdullah Shafique is capable of becoming one of the best players in the world. Babar praised the opener for showing class and temperament in "difficult conditions" during the Galle Test. Babar also rated his own hundred in the first innings as "one of the best" because it came on a difficult surface. Shafique, playing just in his sixth Test, scored an unbeaten 160 in the 4th innings to help Pakistan chase down 342, highest successful chase more..

Jul 21 (FT) The Central Bank (CBSL) yesterday formally announced its directive to banks to extend the debt moratorium to all by a further six months, providing much needed relief to impacted businesses and individuals. CBSL said the extension was after considering the current macroeconomic challenges and the requests made by several stakeholders including Govt institutions. “CBSL has requested the licensed banks to provide appropriate concessions, for a period of six months, more..

Jul 21 (FT) TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran, SJB MPs Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickramaratne were among popular politicians to take to Twitter following the conclusion of the prez vote in Parliament. “Parliament has again shown that it is in the clutches of the SLPP that had lost its mandate. I repeat that the Parliament must be dissolved. Anura Dissanayake made a good point: the number of those that publicly endorsed Dullas Alahapperuma is more than 113! What happened then?,” more..

Jul 21 (Island) A high-level diplomatic delegation has raised issues pertaining to the conduct of the secret vote to elect a new President to complete the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term (two years and four months) with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Speaker’s Office confirmed the meeting that had taken place in the parliamentary complex on Monday (18), the day before Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika more..

Jul 21 (EN) Stocks gained for the fourth consecutive session on Wednesday (20) to end at a five-week closing high, as the parliament voted Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the island nation’s 8th executive Prez, brokers said. ASPI closed 0.89% or 67.96 points up at 7,712.08, its highest close since June 14. “The market moved on the optimism there will be some stability in the medium term in the political front following the appointment of the new President,” more..

Jul 21 (TM) US Dept of State has upgraded SL to Tier Two in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report of 2022 which was released on Tuesday. A statement issued by Ministry of Defence, which serves as the Chair of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (NAHTTF) of SL, stated that the country had remained in the Tier Two watch list for the last 3 years, raising concerns about being downgraded to Tier Three and being subjected to certain restrictions on US assistance as well as more..

Jul 21 (TM) Ranil Wickremesinghe was elected the 8th President of Sri Lanka in a landslide victory led by the votes of the SLPP MPs yesterday, despite expectations of a closer contest due to several parties announcing their support for his main opponent, SLPP MP Dullas Alahapperuma, and SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa pulling out of the contest at the eleventh hour to support Alahapperuma. more..

Jul 21 (Island) Royal captained by Gishan Balasooriya and S. Thomas’ skippered by Sri Lanka Under 19 cap Ryan Fernando will meet in the 143rd Battle of the Blues Big Match starting at the SSC today. The rich cricket tradition at the two schools will allow the First XI teams to engage in cricket at a time when sports has taken a back seat at many schools due to the current economic and political crisis. While the ministry of education has postponed commencing the school term again this week, more..

Jul 21 (Island) SLPP lawmaker Channa Jayasumnana said that several dozens of those who assured and reassured their support to presidential candidate Dullas Alahapperuma had switched their allegiance to UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at the last moment. MP said that at one point their group was confident of approximately 120 votes. The new entrant to parliament appreciated those who had solidly stood by their man as many succumbed to offers made by the rival camp. more..

Jul 21 (TM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe invited all political parties in Parliament to join hands for the betterment of the country, while thanking the majority in Parliament for electing him as the 8th Executive Prez of the country. “I spent 45 years of my life in this Parliament. My life was spent in this Parliament. I thank this Parliament for giving me this honour. In 1993, when former Prez R. Premadasa was assassinated, we convened to select a new Prez. more..

Jul 21 (Island) SLPP MP Dullas Alahapperuma told Parliament that politicians should work towards restoring people’s trust in the govt. Soon after the announcement of the results of the vote to elect a new Prez from Parliament, MP Alahapperuma, who received 82 votes out of 223 votes, thanked all those who had voted and did not vote for him. “As politicians, it is our utmost duty to win back the trust of the people. I did not enter this fray with lofty dreams; I wanted to help the people. more..

Jul 21 (DW) SL is currently experiencing the worst economic turmoil in its independent history, staring at surging inflation, staggering levels of debt and empty foreign exchange reserves, which have resulted in crippling shortages of essential items such as food and medicine. Regional heavyweights India and China, both vying for influence in the island nation, have been quick to offer help. New Delhi has so far given about $1.5 bil more..

Jul 21 (ANI) National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at 22 locations in Tamil Nadu in a case of narcotics and arms trafficking from SL to India. The anti-terror agency carried out searches at the premises of the accused and suspects in Chennai, Thiruppur, Chengalpattu and Thiruchirapally districts in Tamil Nadu. The searches conducted in all these places have led to the recovery and seizure of digital devices and various incriminating documents, said NIA. more..

Jul 21 (TM) SJB and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that following the Parliamentary vote to select a new Prez, SJB’s fullest support will be given to the new President to develop the nation through targeted goals. “Parliament implemented the Constitution here, but the people are living in disappointment and pain. We must protect their right to life. I believe that the Prez would lead the way in political reforms, as those are necessary. This country’s state is a result of 20th Amd more..

Jul 21 (FT) Perseverant Ranil Wickremesinghe reinforced his often underestimated prowess by becoming SL’s 8th Executive President, comfortably winning a secret ballot from MPs with support mainly from colleagues loyal to ousted Rajapaksa regime. Of the 225-member Parliament, 223 voted with 2 MPs (MPs Selvaraja Gajendran and G.G. Ponnambalam) abstaining and 4 ballots rejected as invalid. more..

Jul 21 (TM) JVP-led NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who was one of the 3 candidates for the vote in Parliament, while alleging that vote was decided by the usual horse trading and bribery, said that following the said vote, a General Election needs to be held expeditiously, as the current Parliament is no longer a fair representation of the people’s aspirations. “(Dullas) Alahapperuma faction of SLPP, TNA, two independent groups, SLFP, and SJB all publicly supported Alahapperuma. more..

Jul 21 (AFP) SL’s president-elect vowed on Wednesday to take tough action against anyone resorting to what he called the undemocratic means that led to his predecessor’s ouster. Six-time PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said he will not bow to violence after winning a parliamentary vote to succeed Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the country and resigned last week. “If you try to topple the govt, occupy the president’s office and the prime minister’s office, that is not democracy, more..

Jul 21 (DW) The unprecedented political and economic crisis in SL in the past few months culminated in the resignation of Prez Rajapaksa, with PM Wickremesinghe stepping in as the acting prez. Protesters demanded that a new president be elected as soon as possible, forcing parliament to assemble on July 20 to vote by secret ballot. Three prez candidates were Wickremesinghe, the opposition-backed Dullas Alahapperuma more..

Jul 21 (FT) At the time of submitting this column to the Editor by my regular deadline, Wednesday morning, I do not know who you are, but believe me that doesn’t matter either way. If you are ex-PM and currently Acting Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, it won’t matter because what I write will be irrelevant. That’s because, as Prez Biden definitively said, the difference between democracy and autocracy is that in a democracy the people elect their leaders. You will be the first ever leader we have had as an independent country, more..

Jul 21 (FT) SL is going through a crisis of a magnitude that has never been witnessed in its economic history. The country is in disarray as people wait in lines to purchase essentials. Official reserve assets have plummeted to a $ 1,9201 million by May this year and the debt to GDP ratio has reached an all time high of 104.6% by 2021.2 The country is struggling to meet its domestic needs while having fallen into a debt default for the first time in its history. Why did SL’s debt obligations escalate to more..

Jul 21 (DM) Sergeant-at-arms of Parliament Narendra Fernando today dismissed reports that there was a power breakdown during swearing in ceremony of incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Mr. Wickremesinghe was sworn in at Parliament premises this morning. "We were using the generator to run power but it was successfully moved on to main power line. I was told that there was a breakdown in the live transmission of the ceremony at a state TV channel. I don't know what went wrong in that transmission. more..