lanka news
| NewsRoom| SL Explorer | Classifieds | Miyuru Gee | E-Cards | Chat Room | Forums | Malini's Kitchen | Lankans Web | jokes |
 SL Time:
News Room
News Papers

 Ada
 Budusarana
 Daily Mirror
 Daily News
 Deshaya
 Dinamina
 Divaina
 Financial Times
 Island
 Lankadeepa
 Lakbima
Lakresa
 Lanka Irida
 LMD
 Mawbima
 Nation
 Nawaliya
 Rivira
 Sannasa
 Sarasaviya
 Silumina
 Siyatha
 Sunday Leader
 Sunday Observer
 Sunday Times
 Tamil Mirror
 Thenee
 Thinakaran
 Thinakkural
 Today
 Uthayan
 Virakesari
News Sites

 Ada Derana
 Asian Mirror
 Asian Tribune
BBC Sinhala
 BBC Tamil
 Colombo Gazette
 Colombo Telegraph
 ColomboXnews
 DBS Jeyaraj
 Economy Next
 Elukathir
 Eye Srilanka
 FrontPage
 GroundViews
 Hiru News
 Ilankainet
 Jaffna Muslim
 Kottu
 Lanka Academic
 Lanka Business
 Lanka Standard
 LankacNews
 LankaeNews
 LankatNews
 Lanka News Web
 LankaPage
 Lanka Papers
 Lankapuvath
 LankaSri
 Lanka Truth
 Lanka Views
 Lanka Web
 Ministry of Defence
 Neruppu
 News First
 News.lk
 News Radio
News 24
 News 360
 Salasalappu
 SL Army
 Srilanka Guardian
 Srilanka Mirror
 Sudar Oli
 TamilNet
 ThesamNet
 Twitter #SL News
 Vikalpa
 Vimasuma
 VivaLanka
 World News
Radio

 Derana FM
 Gold FM
 Hiru FM
 LakHanda
Neth FM
 Nilwala Radio
Radio Nine
Rangiri FM
Red FM
Rhythm FM
 Shakthi FM
 Sirasa FM
Sitha FM
Siyatha FM
 Sooriyan FM
 Sun FM
 S L B C
Tamil FM
 TNL Radio
 V FM
 Yes FM
 Y FM
T V

 Derana
 Hiru TV
 I T N
 Rupavahini
 Sirasa TV
 Swarnavahini
V i d e o

Col3neg
 Lanka Channel
Sri Lankan Tube
SriLive
 YouTube

පෝලිම වැඩිවෙද්දී ඉන්ධන වාෂ්ප වූ හැටි...

UNHRC and the way forward

Mar 1 (DM) The 49th Regular Session of the UNHRC commenced its sessions yesterday in Geneva and it will continue till April 1. If some of the SL political and military leaders are not facing any threat of being targeted by the Council for alleged human rights violations and war crimes, only a few NGOs in the country would be concerned about the month long session of this world body. Since the end of the separatist war in the Northern and the Eastern Provinces in May, 2009, more..

State-owned enterprises SOE/SOBE/SSOBEs

Mar 1 (DM) Much talk these days with respect to Ailing State Owned Enterprises SOEs. A new terminology has also been created as State Owned Business Enterprises SOBEs and Strategic State Owned Business Enterprises SSOBEs. The state has a long history of involvement in the Economy of Sri Lanka. State ownership of Utilities dates back to Colonial Times. Post Independence Experiments based on Socialism since 1957 saw the expansion of the State in to many arias of business. more..

Unmasking side-effects of irregular face mask disposal

Mar 1 (CT) Chandrapala (not his real name) is in his mid-forties and has been rotated to at least 20 trucks and tractors carrying garbage in the last 24 months as a punishment, merely because he refused to load a stock of used face masks dumped with unsorted garbage disposed from the residence of a local govt politician in the constituency. He makes at least four trips daily to Kerawalapitiya Garbage Dump with three garbage collectors more..

Indian Court proceedings to declare Adam’s Bridge as Indian heritage

Mar 1 (CT) Adam’s bridge, also known as Ram Sethu, a gorgeous shallow hedge with limestone fragments located in between Rameshwaram India and Mannar island SL, connecting our little island to its great sibling nation, India, has been enjoyed by both Sri Lankans as well as Indian nationals for a very long time. Though it has been declared as a boundary of Sri Lanka under the 1974 IMBL, alongside Kachchativu island, in an exchange of 4 nautical miles added to India’s limits, more..

Bracing for UNHRC sessions

Mar 1 (CT) Sri Lanka will be once more dissected at the West-sponsored UNHRC sessions in Geneva. On Thursday, where a good report is crucial for SL’s economic wellbeing, centring round retaining GSP+, which entails duty-free exports to the EU and the UK, SL’s second and third largest export markets respectively. UNHRC sessions are being held in the midst of Europe being at war after 83 years of unbroken peace, led by nuclear armed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine entering its eighth day, more..

Dear Hiruni, Do you remember us?

Mar 1 (Roar) Hiruni Wanniarachchi has been missing since 26 Dec 2004, the day the Indian Ocean Boxing Day tsunami hit SL’s coast. The then seven-year-old was travelling with her parents and sister, seven years her senior, on the Matara Express, the Galle-bound train that was caught in the disaster. For over 17 years now, Hiruni’s parents — who believe she is alive — did everything to find her. more..

Sri Lankans’ unhealthy love of Putin

Mar 1 (TM) The war between Russia and Ukraine has attracted intense scrutiny and attention from the international community, including citizens of virtually all nations, due to its geopolitical, economic and democratic implications. Russia is an energy giant, being a major player in the global crude oil and natural gas market, and the uncertainty of the situation has resulted in the price of a barrel of crude oil has jumping to a 7-year high. It is also the world’s 11th largest economy, more..

As Kaputas begin to gather in Geneva

Mar 1 (ST) After weeks of laying siege to Ukraine, the Russian leader did to one of the founding socialist republics of the now defunct Soviet Union, what his predecessors did in earlier times to Hungary & Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovak invasion I remember distinctly. I was in London when the situation in Prague was on the boil. Like in Ukraine the question during those weeks and months was whether Soviet troops would march into this Soviet satellite struggling to loosen apron strings. more..

Face the Nation

No light shed on burning issues despite big din

Mar 1 (ST) Amidst a countrywide fuel shortage and daily power cuts lasting over five hours, Parliament echoed with sounds of protests and angry exchanges. Yet, rather than discuss solutions to the crisis, both Govt and Opposition MPs kept pointing fingers at each other over the unprecedented economic crisis. On Thursday, SJB MPs wielding placards and battery powered torches staged a protest inside the Chamber demanding that Govt and Prez resign over the daily power cuts. more..

Editorial: Movers and shirkers

Mar 1 (Island) Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has become an orphan; everybody denies having fathered it. Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa has refused to take responsibility for it, according to a report published in this newspaper yesterday. He says neither he nor his govt should be held responsible for the economic mess the country finds itself in. The Opposition would have the public believe that the economic crisis is of recent origin, and during the yahapalana govt economy remained robust. more..

Sri Lanka geared up for 300th Test match

Mar 1 (Island) Mohali Test that gets underway later this week will be a landmark one for SL cricket as this is the nation’s 300th Test match. Since gaining Test status 40 years ago, SL have gone onto achieve many unique feats over the years. World Record for most wickets in Test cricket is owned by Muttiah Muralitharan, whose 800 wickets has been untouched for over a decade and it is expected to stand for quite a long time to come. more..

Pricing formula vital to avert future energy crisis

Mar 1 (SO) Instead of continuing with the general subsidy, the Govt should consider introducing a market-driven pricing formula for fuel to determine prices at the pump. Immediate and urgent measures to bring about macroeconomic stabilisation needs to complement these reforms if the country is to come out of this difficult situation, a media release from Advocata stated. The Colombo-based think-tank proposes the following reforms: Implementation of an effective fuel pricing formula, more..

Young blood Vinuja Ranpul’s date with dream and desire

Mar 1 (ST) SL’s U-19 speedster Vinuja Ranpul having featured in the recently-concluded World Cup declared and divulged playing in the biggest tournament of his life was living his dream. “My maiden under-19 call-up was a pleasant surprise to me but I knew that I would be able to get selected considering my impressive performances for Nalanda College. It was my dream to represent my country at the Under 19 level” Vinuja said. When the national youth team landed in the Caribbean more..

Fabulous February for tourism

Mar 1 (FT) Tourist arrivals have hit a post-COVID all-time high of 93,582 in February, propelling the cumulative figure to 175,909 giving a good start for the year. As per data, it reflects a sharp growth of 14% from January, largely influenced by the eased travel restrictions, aggressive tourism promotions, continued service from more airlines, successful vaccination program and growing traveller confidence. more..

19,309 persons vaccinated against COVID-19

Mar 1 (FT) COVID-19 vaccines were administered to 19,309 persons on Sunday with over 38.2 million vaccine doses administered in total. 16,899,664 persons have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 14,170,683 persons have received the second dose. The third dose has been administered to 7,159,638 persons. This includes 15,463 persons vaccinated on Sunday. First dose of Pfizer was administered to 612 persons on Sunday, raising the total number of persons to have received more..

997 persons test positive for COVID-19

Mar 1 (FT) COVID-19 case count rose to 646,034 following the detection of 997 COVID-19 patients yesterday. The previous day, 976 persons from the New Year cluster and one SL returnee from overseas tested positive for COVID-19. 5,371 PCR tests and 2,794 RATs were conducted on Sunday. In total, 540,565 patients from the New Year cluster, 82,785 patients from the Peliyagoda cluster, 9,154 patients from the Prisons cluster and 3,059 patients from Divulapitiya cluster have been detected. more..

තංගල්ල සෙනග දැකලා බය වුණාද ?

Stock market notches one of best day gains with Rs. 181 m net foreign inflow

Mar 1 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday produced one of its best performances with both indices up over 4% amidst improved turnover as investors reverted to buying mode. The All Share Price Index gained by 4.23% or 470 points and the S&P SL20 jumped by 5.46% or 204 points. Turnover was Rs. 4.3 billion involving 212 million shares. Asia Securities said the market commenced the week on an upbeat note as the indices moved sharply higher for the second consecutive session largely more..

SL signs agreement with Greenstat India for feasibility on green hydrogen pilot project

Mar 1 (FT) Greenstat Hydrogen India signed an agreement with the Petroleum Development Authority of SL (PDASL) yesterday to collaborate on a pilot project for generating green hydrogen in SL. The Govt has taken a policy decision towards the goal of decarbonisation by the year 2050. To realise this goal, the country needs to gradually convert from fossil fuel to green energy production and consumption by changing energy supply networks. Accordingly, steps should be taken to more..

Zoo remains headless for fifth consecutive week; probe on DG’s complaint continues

Mar 1 (ST) The country’s zoological gardens have been operating without a head for the fifth consecutive week with the probe on the director general’s complaint against zoo employees yet to be completed. Zoological Gardens Director General Shermila Rajapaksha temporarily withdrew from her duties for two weeks following a dispute with sections of the trade unions. On Jan 20, she said she was withdrawing from duties more..

Foreconns Canneries bags Export Excellence Gold Award

Mar 1 (FT) Foreconns Canneries, a leading exporter in food items with authentic SL delicacies, was recently bestowed the Gold Award in value added agriculture sector, canned and processed food category at NCE Awards – 2021 ceremony at Shangri la Colombo organized by the National Chamber of Exporters. With exports to many countries including Australia, Germany, Italy, Japan and UK under the trusted brand name Foreconns, the company is the first fish canning factory more..

Sunil Gavaskar praises Shanaka for his brilliant batting

Mar 1 (CT) Former India Captain Sunil Gavaskar was full of praise for the efforts of SL captain Dasun Shanaka in the two T20Is played in two consecutive days in Dharamsala. Gavaskar seemed quite impressed by Shanaka's power-hitting and made a big statement about his future in the sport. Shanaka, who remained unbeaten on 47 and 74 runs, respectively, in the last two T20Is, was tipped by Gavaskar to be on the radar of just about every franchise following his latest heroics. more..

Trade union says Energy Ministry has regulatory powers to intervene

Mar 1 (Island) The govt’s efforts to provide an uninterrupted fuel supply at CEYPETCO pumping stations has suffered a debilitating setback due to the unprecedented heavy demand caused by sharp differences in prices at the CPC-owned and the Lanka India Oil Company (LIOC) managed service stations. CPC Chairman Sumith Wijesinha said that with the latest price increase announced by the LIOC, more..

Sri Lanka’s financial literacy rate low at 35 %

Mar 1 (ST) Although SL’s literacy rate is over 90%, its financial literacy is at a low 35% compared to 65% in the developed world. These facts emerged when Asia Securities, a leading investment firm in SL, launched Dhana Maga – a trilingual financial literacy programme aimed at helping Sri Lankans take control of their financial future. Dhana Maga, the first of its kind online portal and mobile application was officially launched on Feb 21 at the Taj Samudra Hotel in Colombo. more..

About 180 cyclists for Air Force Cycle Race

Mar 1 (DN) The 23rd Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2022 (Air Force Cycle Race) is all set for begin on March 4 in front of SL Air Force Headquarters, Colombo. The race will be conducted in collaboration with the 71st Anniversary Celebrations of the SL Air Force which falls on March 2 and under the supervision of SL Cycle Federation. The Men’s Race will be the flagship event of the tour and it will be conducted as a 3-day event. Race will start at 8.30 am from more..

අනුර කුමාර දිසානායක

Ukraine crisis risks pushing Sri Lanka closer to default: Report

Mar 1 (CT) With Covid shutting off tourism from much of the West, Russia and Ukraine had become an increasingly important source of foreign currency for SL. The conflict threatens to turn off that tap as key bond repayments come due. Almost a quarter of all tourist arrivals into Sri Lanka this year were from Russia and Ukraine -- rising to 30% if you include Poland and Belarus, official data show. Russia, which was the third-biggest buyer of SL tea over the past 2 years, rose to 2nd place in January. more..

Buses to ply only during school and office hours

Mar 1 (CT) General Secretary of AIPBOUF Anjana Priyanjith said effective yesterday the bus fleet belonging to his Trade Union only operates during school and office hours due to the long-drawn-out fuel crisis. He said if sufficient diesel stocks are not provided to buses by today, non-operational buses which had stood at 50% to date could rise to 75%. Priyanjith remarked that a sizeable number of private buses have already been parked countrywide, idling for want of diesel. more..

Evacuation of 40 Sri Lankans in Ukraine underway, says Foreign Ministry

Mar 1 (DM) In the wake of escalation of Ukraine-Russia war, the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with embassies in Warsaw and Ankara, is currently engaged in the evacuation of about 40 SL nationals, including two students in Ukraine via Ukraine–Polish border. Ministry said it continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine and the Ministry has strengthened the provision of resources to SL Embassy in Warsaw in order to ensure more..

Central Bank seeks grey market informers in forex crisis

Mar 1 (EN) Central Bank has asked the public to tip the monetary authority on grey market forex dealing as a currency crises triggered by money printed to enforce low interest rates worsened. “Permission to buy, sell and exchange foreign currency in SL is granted ONLY to authorized dealers (i.e. licensed banks) and money changers appointed by the Central Bank of SL (CBSL),” monetary authority said. “Therefore, foreign currency, shall be purchased, sold or exchanged only through more..

SJB to hold rally at Salgado Park, Anuradhapura on March 29

Mar 1 (DM) SJB said it will hold its rally at Salgado Park, A'pura on March 29 even if it is banned by the govt. SJB MP Nalin Bandara said that his party will hold the rally by force. “We will hold this rally even by force as it will be the first step towards mobilizing the people to topple the present govt,” he said. “We cannot hold elections as such decisions have to be made by the govt. However, we will mobilize people to topple the govt and the rally in A'pura will be the first step towards such an exercise,” more..

SJB Goes to Geneva against SC order?

Mar 1 (CT) Two SJB MPs, Harin Fernando and Manusha Nanayakkara left for Geneva yesterday, to plead before the UNHRC, the case of incarcerated former MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who had been convicted by the Supreme Court on 11 Jan 2021 to four years rigorous imprisonment for contempt of Court, punishable under Article 105 (3) of the Constitution. However, many have raised the question more..

Colombo Port City to add floating restaurant

Mar 1 (DN) Adding more public access and attracting investments, the Colombo Port City will soon have a floating restaurant. This could accommodate around 250 people on board and is to be launched in two months. A SL company which has obtained approval for the project has already started building a floating restaurant and the investors are mostly targeting foreigners and locals as well. “ Since last year the CPC was attracting investors and the first was the Golf Course more..

Sobitha Thera, others ready to help stranded Ukrainians

Mar 1 (Island) Religious organisations, hoteliers and individuals have provided Ukrainians stranded in SL with free accommodation. Adhikarana Sanghanayake of the Dakshina Lanka, Ven Omalpe Sobhitha Thera yesterday said that there were Sri Lankans ready to provide free food and accommodation to the Ukrainian tourists who could not go back to their home country owing to the raging war there. The Thero said that the Embilipitiya Bodhiraja Foundation, more..

Cardinal alerts Pope on Easter justice struggle

Mar 1 (TM) The Catholic church said yesterday that Colombo Archbishop His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has met Catholic Church Head His Holiness Pope Francis yesterday, where the discussions were due to have been focused on the SL Catholic people’s struggle for justice, following the Easter Sunday terror attacks. “We have exhausted all options within SL to find justice. Now, we are discussing all avenues through which more..

UK stands by Ukraine: British HC to SL

Mar 1 (DM) The United Kingdom and the international partners would stand united in condemning Russia’s assault on Ukraine, which is an unprovoked, premeditated, and needless attack against a sovereign democratic state, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said. Over recent weeks, the Russian govt has repeatedly denied its hostile intent towards Ukraine. Russia has now invaded a sovereign, democratic, and peaceful country. more..

Tourism: A chat with Gertrude, the tour guide

Mar 1 (FT) It was during a recent weekend holiday at a resort hotel in the south of Sri Lanka that I met Gertrude. Slim, tallish and sunburnt, a woman who had spent long years in the tropics. She was busy in a cheerful way; walking about, talking to hotel staff, answering mobile telephone calls, taking notes; clearly, she was working. During lunch we sat at adjoining tables and exchanged some pleasantries. I learnt that she was a tour guide accompanying a small group of German hoteliers who more..

නාමල් කුමාර: Truth with Chamuditha

Google