Nov 2 (Reuters) Arumuga Lakshmi, tormented by questions about the fate of her two children, missing for years, marched through a town in northern SL with a group of women, many holding up photographs, black flags and burning torches. During a brutal 26-year civil war between the SL govt and a militant group, LTTE, Lakshmi's daughter Ranjinithervy went missing in 2004, followed three years later by her son Sivakumar. more..

Nov 2 (TM) A letter addressed to Secretary to the Ministry of Education Nihal Ranasinghe has been submitted by the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) to include female teachers in the State administration circular number 05/2022 dated 27 Sept 2022, to relax and ease the dress code of female State-sector employees to a more relaxed attire, whilst maintaining the integrity and respect of female State officials. “As the circular that has been introduced does not apply to female schoolteachers, more..

Nov 2 (DM) Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court today ordered to release MP Rishad Bathiudeen from a case filed against him in connection with Easter Sunday attacks. Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered to release Bathiudeen from the case filed under PTA following the AG's advice not to proceed with the case due to insufficient evidence. MP Rishad Bathiudeen was arrested by CID on April 24, 2021 on charges of aiding and abetting the terrorists who carried out the series of terrorist attacks on more..

Nov 2 (DM) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Agriculture and Wildlife Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to look for suitable land for setting up a 1000-acre safari sanctuary in the Northern Province. At present, no separate safari sanctuary has been established in the Northern Province. Most of the sanctuaries and zoos are located in other parts of the country. So the people of the 05 districts of the Northern Province have to come to visit the zoos in the south. more..

Nov 2 (Island) The govt was without plan to address the root causes of the current economic crisis, NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa said. IMF had no intention of providing meaningful solutions to SL’s problems, said Weerasansa. “I am not sure if we will get the 2.9 billion the IMF has promised us. On the other hand, the govt is not doing anything to boost our exports, address structural issues and make the state sector more efficient. Ranil Wickremesinghe administration is hoping that China, India, US more..

Nov 2 (TM) The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has commenced discussions regarding an islandwide survey to be conducted in December on the prevalence of drug use, and is set to write to IGP Chandana Wickramaratne seeking the assistance of the Police in gathering data for the study. The research was still in the planning stage and that data collection will begin by December. more..

Nov 2 (AD) At least 50 primary school students were hospitalized this morning due to smoke inhalation. Reportedly, a group of students in the primary section of a leading school in Panadura was hospitalized after they suffered breathing difficulties. It is reported that the students had inhaled the fumes emitted by a fire at a nearby establishment. The students have been admitted to Panadura Base Hospital following the incident, said Ada Derana reporter. more..

Nov 2 (DM) Dengue will reach a peak level in Colombo and Suburbs during the final three months of this year and early next year, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni said. He said that Dengue could reach it peak later this month, December and in January next year. “It is not an issue in Colombo City at the moment, though there are cases reported in areas such as Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte and Kolonawa at the moment. Most of the mosquito larvae which might more..

Nov 2 (Hindu) SL Police on Wednesday blocked an anti-govt protest march organised by Opposition parties, civic activists and trade unions who demanded that Ranil Wickremesinghe govt stop repression and address the persisting economic crisis. Members of SL’s main Opposition party SJB, along with student groups, lawyer and journalist collectives, and worker unions began a march from more..

Nov 2 (AD) Former US Coast Guard Cutter, P-627 which was donated to Sri Lanka Navy by the U.S. govt arrived at Colombo Port this morning (Nov. 02). The vessel will enhance SL’s maritime sovereignty and support shared security goals, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo stated. The offshore patrol vessel had set sail for Colombo from Seattle, US on Sept 3, 2022. After having called at the Port of Manila in the Philippines, P-627 began the home-bound journey from there on October 16. more..

Nov 2 (PTI) India has started talks with Sri Lanka for the quick implementation of a USD 15 million Indian grant for the promotion of Buddhist and Tamil cultural ties in this island nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a USD 15 million special grant for the promotion of bilateral Buddhist ties at a virtual bilateral summit on September 26, 2020, and the MoU governing it was signed on March 28, 2022, during the External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar’s, visit to Colombo. more..

Nov 3 (ST) More than a decade ago, during a visit to the plantations, I was impressed by the front-office operation at a tea factory; workers were smartly dressed and conditions to ensure cleanliness and quality manufacture were maintained, enhancing the dignity of labour. Over the years, amidst accusations of exploitative labour, which industry officials vociferously deny, the industry has progressed and continues its key status as a primary commodity in SL’s economy. But not without problems. more..

Nov 3 (DM) A good hearted woman, Barbara Undershaft, devotes all energies to help the poor as a major in the Salvation Army. She sees Andrew, her millionaire father, an arms dealer, as someone who needs to be saved. At one point though, she is forced to accept a large contribution from the errant father to continue her work. In this story scripted by the playwright Bertold Brecht, the woman who has to re-examine her moral assumptions started off with good intentions. Brecht, through her, more..

Nov 3 (DM) The appointment of the new Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) was shrouded in controversy after former Chairman, Prof. Charitha Herath was overlooked by the ruling party when nominating the new members. Eventually, it was up to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa to nominate Herath to fill a seat made vacant in the new COPE committee with the resignation of SJB MP Dr Harsha de Silva. more..

Nov 3 (Island) In June of this year, Cabinet Spokesperson Dr. Bandula Gunawardana told reporters that the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to award 40-year tax concessions for investments in the Colombo Port City as other countries have attractive concessionary packages for foreign investors. “Sri Lankans are operating businesses in Bangladesh, Ethiopia and even Kenya as investing in those countries are more beneficial. We are trying to attract foreign investors to our country. more..

Nov 3 (DM) In major religions, leaders and scholars have been proclaiming that our spirituality needs to go wider and deeper by our active and effective involvement in poverty alleviation, the battle against climate change, nuclear disarmament and peaceful resolution of conflicts without resorting to war or violence. This week one of world’s most viewed tv channels CNN is presenting several special programmes on Earth Day and what we could do collectively or individually in a big way or more..

Nov 3 (CT) The decision to conduct SL Law College examinations in English only, has stirred several debates in the recent past with a faction arguing that English only education is vital while certain others have raised concerns on the violation of fundamental rights of students which refrains them from sitting for examinations in their preferred language. History of training for the legal profession in SL goes as far back as 1833, more..

Nov 3 (CT) Considering the current situation in the country, Ministry of Public Administration issued a Ccircular in September regarding the Attire of Public Officers calling for appropriate and modest attire to preserve the dignity of the Public Service while on duty. According to the Circular, female officers while on duty could wear Sari, Kandyan Sari (Osari) or modest and appropriate attire to preserve the dignity of the Public Service. A similar guideline was issued on an earlier occasion, more..

Nov 3 (TM) Although the tabling of the Budget is usually an event people look towards to know what sort of relief the Govt is giving them, this year, there is not much hope for relief. On the contrary, the Budget is more likely to impose more economic restrictions and austerity measures. In this context, this week the Govt decided to restrict the foreign travel of Ministers, State Ministers, and Govt MPs on days of Parliament sittings and during the Budget debate for 2023. more..

Nov 3 (GV) Many journalists have been killed and subjected to enforced disappearances in SL, with the Jayewardene-Premadasa led UNP govts of 1977 to 1994 and Rajapaksa led UPFA govt of 2006 to 2014 being the worst. Many journalists have also been arrested, detained, assaulted, threatened, intimidated and harassed under different govts. Media institutions have been subjected to arson and legal actions with the English weekend paper Sunday Leader and the Uthayan, more..

Nov 3 (ST) 65th State Literary Awards Ceremony was held at the BMICH on Friday under the patronage of Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe. Forty State Literary Awards and three Sahitya Ratna Awards were presented at the ceremony, organised by the State Literary Advisory Council, SL Arts Council, Dept of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Prof. Chandrasiri Palliyaguru (Sinhala Medium), Prof. Kamani Jayasekara (English Medium) and more..

Nov 3 (TM) Sri Lanka ranks 89 out of 165 countries and territories included in the Economic Freedom of the World: 2022 Annual Report released by the Fraser Institute in association with the Advocata Institute in Sri Lanka. Hong Kong and Singapore top the index, continuing their streak as first and second respectively. New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark, Australia, the US, Estonia, Mauritius, and Ireland round up the top 10. more..

Nov 3 (Island) Opposition parties are in a perpetual state of confusion; they seem to be labouring under the delusion that united, they will fall, and divided, they can stand. JVP not only refused to take part in yesterday’s protest march in Colombo but also disparaged the organisers thereof. It has said it will have no truck with opportunists! SJB, SLFP and some trade unions have taken up the cudgels on behalf of the Aragalaya activists who are being detained and grilled under the PTA. more..

Nov 3 (ST) Sri Lanka Squash (SLS) is dealing in troubled courts these days after the latest blow of being compelled to terminate their Pakistan coach citing no financial provision for his fee, mainly by the Ministry of Sports, SLS Vice President Eranda Geeganage said. Rehman Gul, hired this year in February, was intended for a year-long service. However, with the prevailing economic crisis, the ministry as well as SLS have all exhausted their finances & concluded the contract last Thurs. more..

Nov 3 (EN) Stocks closed weaker on Wednesday to a more than one-week low in dull trade as amid negative market sentiments as investors waited for directions from 2023 budget scheduled for Nov. 14, brokers said. The market saw a turnover of 1.19 billion rupees, lower than this year’s average turnover of 3.1 billion rupees. ASPI closed weaker at 0.51% or 43.89 points to close at 8,561.96, its lowest close since Oct. 25. Investors are concerned over the impact of local debt restructuring more..

Nov 3 (EN) Sri Lanka’s Trinco Petroleum Terminal Ltd, a joint venture between state-run Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and India’ Lanka IOC, plans to invest up to 70 million dollars in refurbishing 61 oil tanks in Trincomalee, an official said. TPTL has control of 51 tanks in a World War II era tank farm in a 600 acre land by the Trincomalee port in North Eastern Sri Lanka. The tank farm has 99 tanks of which 15 is operated by Lanka IOC. The balance is expected to be used by CPC. more..

Nov 3 (TM) The much-hyped protest organised by several political parties, including the main Opposition – SJB – alongside civil organisations and trade unions, fizzled out to an anti-climax amidst protestors arguing with each other about the level of aggression and perseverance that should be employed, as well as the true intent of the MPs leading the protest. Mainstream political parties and MPs including SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa more..

Nov 3 (NR) Russia’s largest charter airline Azur Air is scheduled to resume flights to Colombo today. The first flight is scheduled to land at the BIA at 9.50am. It is scheduled to operate four flights per week initially with plans to operate additional flights from several cities depending on the demand. Last month, the Russian flag carrier, Aeroflot also resumed flight operations to Sri Lanka. Aeroflot resumed flights after it suspended operations in June. more..

Nov 3 (EEAS) Sixth Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights met in Colombo on 28 Oct 2022. Working Group meeting took place in the context of regular bilateral interactions between Sri Lanka and European Union (EU). The full-day proceedings provided for a cordial exchange of views and experiences, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The two sides discussed the recent developments in SL and EU, and the implementation of relevant action and legislative initiatives more..

Nov 3 (Island) All Island Schools Games conducted by the Ministry of Education is the biggest sports event of the country. However, when the annual event is held after a lapse of two years the podium finishers will have to be content with only a certificate for their achievements as the cash strapped govt institution is yet to receive the support of a sponsor to cover the costs of medals. The event was not held during the last two years due to more..

Nov 3 (DN) Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe pledged support to make arrangements for the high jump champion Ushan Thivanka who is based in USA for training and higher studies. Thivanka who is studying at Texas A & M Uni in USA was contacted via Zoom technology in a discussion with the Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe. Sri Lanka Athletics President Major General Palitha Fernando, National Sports Council Chairman Arjuna Ranatunga Sports Ministry Secretary Dr Amal Harsha de Silva more..

Nov 3 (DN) SL gained 11 places to be ranked 89th compared to the previous year where the country was ranked 100 in the Economic Freedom of the World: 2022 Annual Report, released by the Fraser Institute in association with the Advocata Institute in SL. The report, which is based on data until 2020 shows that SL ranks 89 out of 165 countries and territories included in the Report. However, SL’s overall score has remained the same (6.72), which suggests that the improvement in ranking more..

Nov 3 (DM) Leading business chambers and industry associations have written to Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, pertaining to the newly introduced provisions under Extraordinary Gazette Notification No 2304/24 that violate the principles of market forces. Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2303/24, dated Oct 20, 2022, amended Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators Act No 10 of 1972. more..

Nov 3 (AD) Warakapola Police have arrested the operations director of the Anti-Corruption Front, Namal Kumara over a complaint alleging that he has sexually harassed a woman. Several pictures and videos showing Namal Kumara being tied to a chair had circulated on social media while it shows a woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her. In an inquiry made by Ada Derana, a senior police officer stated that Namal Kumara was arrested and admitted to the Warakapola hospital more..

Nov 3 (TM) Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana noted that he is unable to take any legal action to ascertain the citizenship status of MPs and that any party interested in doing so will have to take legal action to sort out the matter. Abeywardana also said that none of the MPs have made any complaints with regard to the citizenship status of their peers, reiterating that he cannot take any legal action in this regard. more..