Jun 14 (ST) It may be said that the Poson Full Moon Poya is one of the most important poyas for Sri Lankans. It was on a Poson Poya that Arahant Mahinda Thera visited the island and established the Buddha Dhamma during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, which changed the whole history of the island. After the third Buddhist Council (Council of Bhikkhus), Emperor Ashoka of India decided to send emissaries to nine countries with the message of the Buddha Dhamma. more..

Jun 14 (TM) Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) receives more than five complaints on a daily basis, related to fraudulent overseas job recruitment agencies. SLBFE Deputy General Manager Mangala Randeniya said that certain persons are also involved in this racket as a business, on a personal level. “People are so excited to go to any country these days but we can see that these fake agencies have made this a good opportunity. more..

Jun 14 (Island) In spite of the release of the detained Aeroflot flight on June 6, the govt is yet to initiate a proper inquiry into the high profile incident that prompted an angry reaction from Russia, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, Secretary of the PNF said. SL detained the flight on June 2 as it was preparing to take off with 191 passengers and a crew of 13. Dr. Bandara said that the govt seemed to be of the view that issue had been resolved more..

Jun 15 (DM) Philosophers and theologians have described the family as a domestic temple, church, mosque or other sacred place because responsible and disciplined citizens are moulded there. It happens mainly by example where we show care and concern for each other’s needs and wishes, understand each other’s faults and weaknesses and appreciate what is good and nice in each other. In the family, we need to strengthen the bonds of affection that unite us and help each other to more..

Jun 15 (DM) In the month since May 9, journalists, especially those reporting the protests up close have had to take a reality check. Till then, many of them felt safe within the protesters. Some were candid enough to say that they identified themselves at least with what the protesters were demanding for. They also felt confident that if there was any impediment to their reporting that was not coming from the protesters. They were more concerned about state sponsored attacks & repression. more..

Jun 15 (TM) Even though many view the prevailing food and economic crisis as one of the worst crises that the country experienced since Independence, the only exception being the crisis experienced in the 1970s, according to agricultural and economic experts and the Government, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, and therefore, the people are advised to further tighten their belts. more..

Jun 15 (CT) What happened on the 9th of May was a tragedy. It is a tragedy that the entire nation should genuinely mourn. Such genuine mourning has a capacity to generate reflections that could transform the thinking and practices of all those concerned about how to avoid such tragedies in the future. Such genuine forms of mourning are very different to manipulations of a tragedy or a part of a tragedy in order to achieve petty ends, whether these ends are political or otherwise. more..

Jun 15 (GV) From a small, localised protest that began in the outskirts of Colombo, the aragalaya, or struggle, has flourished into a small village named GotaGoGama (GGG) complete with a library, first aid centre, cinema, legal aid office, university, recycling centre, community kitchen and art gallery. Vegetables and fruit trees have been planted, indicating that the villagers are there for the long haul. Small tents dot the space, with wooden pallets and thin mattresses that serve as beds. more..

Jun 15 (CT) Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was instrumental in amending the SL Electricity Act in Parliament after 9 years, sparking a huge uproar. He pointed out that the amendment was necessary for Renewable Energy Initiatives to move through as rapidly as possible adding that it also ensures that the public is made aware of renewable energy investments and plans. Meanwhile, CEBEU had planned to initiate more..

Jun 15 (TM) The revelation by former CEB Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando that Prez Rajapaksa had instructed him to award the tender for an energy project in Mannar to India’s Adani Group, and that Indian PM Narendra Modi had been pushing for the same, led to only one thing – Ferdinando’s prompt resignation. However, whether what he said during the COPE meeting does not seem to be under investigation, despite the fact that he let loose an explosive revelation that concerns public more..

Jun 15 (CT) Yesterday Finance Today in its lead story, published under the heading, India delays new US$ 500M fuel credit line said that the main reason was because outgoing CEB Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando had told COPE that there was pressure on Prez Rajapaksa from the Indian Premier to hand over the proposed Mannar and Pooneryn wind and solar projects to India’s Adani Green Energy Ltd. Both Ferdinando and Rajapaksa denied these statements, with Ferdinando blaming his more..

Jun 15 (ST) While commute is becoming a costly affair to the public with the soaring fuel prices resulting in bus, train and trishaw fares being increased exorbitantly, people are looking at alternatives to travel. One such substitute is the Rhoda electric smart bicycle, a bicycle launched in 2020 in SL by a Mechatronics Graduate, Eyas Fazal as a start-up company. Today the demand for the bicycle has increased with those in food delivery companies to corporates travelling to work more..

Jun 15 (ST) Somehow, we seem to be a country caught in a web of derelict governance! Day in and day out we hear of people we regard as leaders of our land, acting with such selfish attitudes, that the last person that comes to their mind, is that forlorn man in the street. That same sad plight appears to affect our bastions of sports, with the people at the helm carrying on, as if it is their very existence that sustains our fortunes, abysmal though it is at present. more..

Jun 15 (CI) SL put up a commanding score, got early wickets, were decent through the middle, and looked for much of the chase like they would defend the rain-adjusted 282 off 44 overs. But then, Glenn Maxwell, pulled the rug from under them with 80 not out off 51. He arrived with Australia needing 93 off 84 balls, with five wickets remaining, and immediately took on the role of aggressor, on a Pallekele surface offering significant turn. more..

Jun 15 (TM) From the noblesse oblige of public eminence, professional integrity, apartisan plurality, and social diversity, to a roll call of duds and dullards, some of whom bear the taint of venality and nefariousness – this is what the national lists of SL’s parliaments have amounted to. Nowhere has the abuse of the National List become more evident than when ruling SLPP Founder and Leader, Government-imported dual citizen, Basil Rajapaksa, subsequent to thr SLPP bulldozing more..

Jun 15 (Island) PM Wickremesinghe and Prez Rajapaksa say the situation remains grim and will become worse. Yet, the JVP leader claims that the crisis is exaggerated! He probably has no shortages as even biriyani or kottu are available from the Aragalaya? Meanwhile, the Prez, finally forced to admit his mistakes, is shedding his Pohottuva political baggage that put him in power. Getting rid of the old Cabinet, bringing back the beleaguered Wickremesinghe, as PM, and getting rid of more..

Jun 15 (FT) Come the worst-ever economic crisis of the country, the two foremost political leaders appear to be fumbling in sincerely going the full distance as required to resolve the catastrophe fast judging by recent initiatives. Few weeks ago, PM Wickremesinghe convened a meeting of officials in the agriculture sector to discuss burning issues and immediate solutions. Few days later, Prez did the same. more..

Jun 15 (Island) Many conspiracy theories have been concocted to have us believe that some external forces have gone into overdrive to destroy this country. But is there any need for foreign powers to exert themselves when they can leave the task to SL leaders? The incumbent patriotic govt has ruined the economy and inflicted untold suffering on the people. The only thing these so-called leaders do efficiently is to sound ominous warnings as if to tell public that they should stop grumbling about more..

Jun 15 (FT) With Govt plans to allow State sector workers overseas employment opportunities to boost foreign inflows, the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday agreed to amend the circular on provisions to enable public officers to take no-pay leave without any hindrance to seniority, pension, or other conditions. Under the existing provisions, a State sector employee is entitled to a maximum of five years of no-pay leave during his tenure for study or foreign employment. more..

Jun 15 (FT) The country’s most diversified blue chip Hayleys PLC has doubled its Group after-tax profit to an all-time high of Rs. 28.1 billion in FY22. Chairman Mohan Pandithage says FY22 set a new record for the highest profit in the 144-year history of Hayleys as the Group surpassed the record set in the previous year with a 100% increase. “Members of the World of Hayleys came together, maximising synergies through Group-wide initiatives to identify early warning signs and overcome more..

Jun 15 (FT) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe gave an update on the fuel and gas situation in the country and reiterated that the next three weeks will be the most difficult. “As I said earlier, these three weeks will be the most difficult for us to get adequate stocks of fuel and gas. This is evident from the long queues of people waiting for fuel and gas.,” PM said in a statement. He said a gas shipment carrying 3,500 metric tons has arrived in SL. However, the stocks will be mainly for bulk purchasers more..

Jun 15 (DM) UL 504, flying from London to Colombo landed at the BIA last afternoon, avoiding its biggest possible mid-air collision with a British Airways flight while in Turkish airspace. Sources familiar with the incident said that the flight carrying 275 passengers on board and a crew, had entered the Turkish Airspace of Ankara after leaving Heathrow en route to Colombo when Ankara air control informed UL pilot to climb to 35,000 more..

Jun 15 (EN) Sri Lanka will shortly issue a notice lifting a 200 year old ban imposed during British rule on Angampora a traditional martial art involving hand-to-hand combat and the use of weapons. Angampora has seen a revival after the independence of the country from British rule in 1948, by practitioners who had maintained the tradition in secret. But ban remained in the statutes. SL’s cabinet of ministers had approved official ban in 2019 but it had not been given legal effect. more..

Jun 15 (DM) Private bus operations in the country would come to a halt by Friday (17), if the current fuel crisis continue in the country, LPBOA Chairman Gemunu Wijerathne said. He said all bus owners may have to withdraw from service. "20% the of private buses (4,000 buses) will take the roads across the country tomorrow (15) and on Thursday (16), with the available fuel in hand and after that the operation will be limited to 3,000. By Friday we will not be able to take buses on to the roads" more..

Jun 15 (EN) Sri Lanka will provide about 50% of the fuel demand in the next few weeks, giving priority for electricity and transport, and a credit line with India is expected to supply fuel for another four months, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said. “The current stocks can be used for 7 days,” PM said. “On the 16th (of May) a ship with 40,000 metric tonnes is coming. There are two ships, a petrol and diesel ship to come till the end of the month. more..

Jun 15 (FT) Former Prez Chandrika Kumaratunga has commended Dr. Mohamed Shafi Shihabdeen over his gesture of donating the past salaries amounting to Rs. 2.6 million during his suspension and imprisonment on false charges to buy essential medicines. Following a Court order, the Ministry of Health last week paid overdue wages of Dr. Shafi who in turn said will donate the funds to Kurunegala Teaching Hospital to buy urgent medicines, sending a strong message to racists and crooks more..

Jun 15 (DM) Even though many institutions are facing hard times in the face of the current foreign reserve crisis, the blood supply chain to the National Blood Transfusion Service has been available, but in the next few weeks, it will have to function in the midst of a great crisis. At an event organised in view of the World Blood Donor Day that falls on June 14 every year at National Blood Transfusion Services, its Director Dr. Lakshman Edirisinghe said, even though the service was facing a threat more..

Jun 15 (EN) SL’s state workers would be given five years of no-pay leave to go abroad or work elsewhere with no reduction in their seniority or pension rights, the state information office said, as the country suffers the worst currency crisis in the history of its central bank. SL’s state workers are now allowed 5 years of no pay leave to go abroad or study but many do not make use of it because they lose seniority and pension rights. However SL is now facing difficulties from raising taxes more..

Jun 15 (EN) Financial and legal advisors appointed to help Sri Lanka with debt re-structuring are in Sri Lanka and a team from the IMF will be in Colombo from June 20 to negotiate a program, PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said. Wickremesinghe said he had talked with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on June 07 and she promised to expedite the program and would send a team by June 20. SL has to re-structure its foreign debt, or make substantial progress before IMF lends money. more..

Jun 15 4 (ANI) US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday discussed the current economic and political challenges with SL's PM Ranil Wickremesinghe. Blinken spoke with SL PM Ranil Wickremesinghe and affirmed the US commitment to the SL people during this challenging time and the importance of supporting reforms that address the concerns of all Sri Lankans, including on democratic governance & human rights, more..

Jun 15 (EN) SL’s Maha 2021 rough rice harvest hit by a chemical fertilizer ban had dropped 40% from a year earlier to 1.8 million metric tonnes, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. In the 2020/2021 the paddy harvest was 1,862,901 metric tonnes, down from 3,061,394 in 2020, Minister Amaraweera said. Milled rice is about 68 percent of the paddy harvest. SL banned chemical fertilizer after the GMOA said agro-chemical s caused non-communicable diseases and according to more..

Jun 15 (AD) Former Prez of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has dismissed the remarks made by MP Harsha de Silva as inaccurate. Issuing a clarification on the matter, Mr. Nasheed said, “I believe a number of countries are willing to help Sri Lanka and the assistance will come through.” MP Harsha de Silva, addressing an event, stated that the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud has rejected a request made by the former Maldives President to provide assistance to SL. more..

Jun 15 (AD) Cabinet of Ministers has given the approval to the proposal to declare Fridays as holidays for public sector employees from this week. According to Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, this will not include the essential services including health, power & energy, education, water, electricity, transport, port and air services, and defence. As the current shortage of fuel has disrupted passenger transport, making it difficult for public sector more..

Jun 15 (EN) China’s embassy in SL said the first two shipments of a 500 million yuan (US$ 74 million) grant of rice will reach the island’s shores on June 25 and June 30. China will send the rice through six shipments, the embassy said. Around 10,000 metric tonnes will be used for a School Meals program for needy kids. SL’s main Maha harvest was around 40% below target following a ban on chemical fertilizer and the current minor season has also been hit by fertilizer shortages and diesel for more..

Jun 15 (AD) Approving the proposed 21st Amendment has been further postponed by the Cabinet of Ministers. According to Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, weekly meeting of Cabinet of Ministers has not green-lighted the constitutional amendments as it was decided that further educating the political party leaders in this regard is necessary. Thereby, several political party leaders will be informed of the 21st Amendment at a discussion scheduled for next Thursday. more..

Jun 15 (TM) India’s Adani Group said that it was disappointed, as it reacted to massive controversy after former CEB Chairman M.M.C. Ferdinando had claimed that President Rajapaksa had instructed him to award the tender for an energy project in Mannar to said organisation as Indian PM Narendra Modi had been pushing for it. “Our intent in investing in Sri Lanka is to address the needs of a valued neighbour. more..

Jun 15 (FT) On 19 May this year, the Panama-registered general cargo vessel Tan Binh 99 departed at 8:28 a.m. from the Chennai harbour in India with 9,000 tons of rice, 200 tons of milk powder and 24 tons of essential medicines. Its destination was SL’s Colombo port. This was the first consignment of a generous emergency aid package from the Tamil Nadu state of India to its island neighbour SL. Writing in Frontline newsmagazine, R.K. Radhakrishnan described more..