Sep 7 (TM) Many people have made claims on social media posts that the Sl police is not conducting comprehensive investigations into the dead bodies that were recently been found on beaches, whereas this is untrue and the police conducts a stringent investigation into the death of the individuals who were washed up on beaches, says SSP Nihal Thalduwa. “People make baseless accusations against the police and say that the police is not conducting investigations into more..

Sep 7 (EN) A 2.5% cascading turnover tax set to be legislated shortly may take sales taxes over 22%, SJB MP Harsha de Silva said as SL is set to lose an opportunity to reform its tax system under an IMF program. Such a tax called bazaar tax was imposed by the Colonial govt at 2% and withdrawn in 1813 after discovering its cascading nature and distortions but came back as turnover tax, nation building tax and now as social contribution levy. more..

Sep 8 (Island) SL Institute of Directors (SLID) and Transparency International SL (TISL) recently declared corruption as the root cause of SL’s current political and economic crisis. The declaration was made in a statement titled, “SLID and TISL launch Business Against Corruption Initiative” issued to the media after the two organisations finalised an agreement on a three-year plan to address the issues at hand. Statement described the contract as strategic collaboration between the 2 NGOs. more..

Sep 8 (DM) “The inaugural meeting of the UNP was held on Friday, Sept 6, 1946 at 5.00 pm at Palm Court, Albert Crescent. The following resolution, “that this meeting resolved to form a political Party to be called the United National Party, was moved by S. Nadesan, Member State Council [MSC] and seconded by T. B. Jayah, MSC. The resolution was put to the house and was carried unanimously.”-- Excerpt from original handwritten minutes register of the UNP on its inauguration. more..

Sep 8 (DM) Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake was imprisoned for a period of one year and seven months following his remarks on alleged corruption among lawyers. He was released on Aug 26, 2022, on several terms and conditions, one being that he is barred from making any comments regarding SL’s judiciary. One of his popular phrases they are all friends which was made in reference to politicians and more..

Sep 8 (DM) Sri Lanka, since early this year has run short of most essentials like petrol, gas, electricity, basic food items, medicines and many other necessities. Since end August thanks to Indian intervention, a number of essential items are back in the market. Fortunately, through it all Sri Lankans kept joking and laughing at themselves and their elected representatives. When spirits were at their lowest and hope hits its lowest depths - a single sport usually lit up the eyes in Lanka. more..

Sep 8 (CT) System change, was the quintessential demand with which the new generation of youngsters rose in revolt against the Rajapaksa regime, heralded the aragalaya and made a landmark in SL’s post-independence history. That revolt, which caught the attention of international observers and humanitarian agencies, also meant that the intergenerational divide, which is having an impact on several epochal issues globally, such as global warming, human rights, more..

Sep 8 (TM) Increasing inflation keeps affecting all sorts of highly sought-after goods, in turn impacting various segments of society. Two such goods that became more expensive recently were liquor and cigarettes, which are in high demand. Main reason was the increase in VAT. This is in a context where the Dept of Excise stated that demand for liquor had decreased by 40%, due mainly to recent increase in prices of liquor more..

Sep 8 (TM) In the face of continuous demands from vehicle owners, especially three-wheeler drivers, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera has stated that a special category for fuel quota increases would be tested on selected private and public sector entities. This decision had been taken at a meeting with development partners and stakeholders yesterday, which focused on reviewing the national fuel pass system, or the quick response (QR) code system. This decision also came in a context where more..

Sep 8 (CT) Foreign media reported yesterday (7) that the “USA will support the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt and extend financing assurances, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a letter.” The USA is Sri Lanka’s largest merchandise export market, discounting the island’s IT and IT Enabled Services (ITES) exports to this market. IT and ITES exports, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) was the island’s fourth largest foreign exchange earner last year. more..

Sep 8 (GV) On May 12, 2022 the world and the nation was surprised by the appointment of Ranil Wickremasinghe as prime minister of Sri Lanka. Mr. Wickremesinghe’s appointment was historic; it was the sixth time he had served as prime minister. Then a vacuum was created for him to become president, a job he had always coveted. He was elected as the nineth president by an election in parliament on July 20. Mr. Wickremesinghe, 73, is part of an elite, politically connected family. more..

Sep 8 (Island) For the first time in parliamentary history, Central Bank has issued a dire warning to Parliament and political parties therein over the responsibility on their part to ensure financial stability and discipline. Their failure to do so would trigger public protests again, they were told. There hadn’t been such a public warning. The warning was issued by no less a person than Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of CB, when he dealt with SL’s current economic situation and more..

Sep 8 (FT) Hotels Developers Lanka (HDL) is readying a revamped Hilton Colombo for the envisaged rebound in tourism following favourable country situation and relaxation of travel advisories by several countries. First-ever major refurbishment of Hilton Colombo after being opened 35 years ago is nearing completion with an investment of Rs. 2.5 billion. Around 253 rooms of Hilton Colombo is under-going a revamp more..

Sep 8 (Island) UNP celebrated its 76th anniversary on Tuesday by holding a national convention reportedly after a lapse of nearly three decades. What made the grand celebration possible was a political windfall—its leader’s accidental ascent to power. The ailing UNP in disarray is all out to make the most of the situation and recover lost ground, and prepare itself for the next election. There is said to be a tide in the affairs of men, and UNP is apparently ready to take it at the flood. more..

Sep 8 (CT) 3rd Under-19 World Cup held in 2000 could be regarded as SL’s best U-19 campaign to date. The islanders hosted the event and secured a place in the final. To date, 14 editions of the World Cup have been held, and the only SL team to feature in the final was this team. Let’s take our memories back to 24 Jan 2000. The semi-finals of the Under-19 World Cup was held at the Galle Int'l stadium. Winning the toss, SL skipper Malintha Gajanayake decided to take first lease more..

Sep 8 (CT) Defending champions SL extended their unbeaten run at the Asian Netball Championship 2022 when they outplayed host Singapore 67-49 in another Round 2 fixture yesterday at OCBC Arena, Singapore. SL and Singapore thrilled the crowd with their enthralling display of speed and athleticism, as the latter came out firing to race to a 15-11 lead at the end of the first quarter. Into the second quarter both sides continued to press their opponents, with little separating the two. more..

Sep 8 (DM) Damro Group is to set up a new luxury hotel in Colombo 3, with an investment of US $ 57.50 million. An investment agreement to this end was entered this week with the Board of Investment (BOI). The hotel, constructed and operated by Damro Group subsidiary Damro Leisure Private Limited, will have 366 rooms. In February, this year, Damro Group received the Cabinet approval for a US $ 70.4 million luxury urban hotel in Colombo, under the Strategic Development Project Act. more..

Sep 8 (EN) A populour SL protest leader and actress was arrested for an offence which police alleged her to have committed on July 10 on citing she forcibly entered the Prez Secretariat. The arrest, however, came following Damitha Aberyratne spoke against Prez Wickremesinghe and his govt for not addressing the plight of people who have been suffering of high cost of living. “People in the country can’t afford goods any longer. more..

Sep 8 (ST) When Yupun Abeykoon and Palitha Bandara embraced each other after the Men’s 100m final, it was a moment to savour for all Sri Lankans as Yupun went on to clinch a well-deserved bronze medal at the concluded Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. A few moments later, the final standings of the Men’s F42-44/61-64 discus throw final was revealed, and it was para athlete Palitha Bandara’s moment of glory. He clinched the silver medal and he became first SL para athlete more..

Sep 8 (FT) The CB said that workers’ remittances increased marginally in July and remained in excess of the trade deficit, thereby supporting the forex liquidity conditions under the severe balance of payments pressures. In July, remittances amounted to $ 279 million, against $ 274 million in June and $ 453 million in July last year. The first seven months haul was down by 50% to $ 1.88 billion. The trade deficit in July was $ 123 million, and in the first seven months, it was $ 3.6 billion, more..

Sep 8 (Island) The SLPP rebel group wouldn’t get involved in ongoing efforts to appoint a new PM later this year, MP Prof. Channa Jayasumana said. He said that he didn’t want PM Dinesh Gunawardena replaced in a hurry. MP said so when The Island sought an explanation regarding his shocking revelation in parliament on Tuesday of the rebel group being approached for support in the campaign to oust the incumbent PM. more..

Sep 8 (DM) SL born Ranil Jayawardena has been appointed as Britain’s new Environment Secretary in Liz Truss’ Cabinet. While leading the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Jayawardena is expected to be responsible for Britain’s food and agricultural policies. Being a junior Minister, Jayawardena, was an early backer of new Prime Minister Truss. He became an MP in 2015. The Conservative MP for North East Hampshire will leave his post as Under-Secretary for more..

Sep 8 (Island) SL’s No.01 Bank, Bank of Ceylon together with the National Carrier, Sri Lankan Airlines (SLA) geared to introduce BOC Internet Payment Gateway (BOC IPG) facility in offering seamless digital payment experience to customers of SLAL by enabling secure payments across multiple channels and in multiple currencies. The Agreement Signing Ceremony was held on 30th of August 2022 under the patronage of the Bank’s General Manager K E D Sumanasiri, more..

Sep 8 (Island) MPs of the JVP-led NPP had to join forces with Dullas Alahapperuma and the Uttara Sabhawa to face the right-wing forces led by the UNP, Vasudewa Nanayakkara, MP, said. Nanayakkara added that in the future right-wing elements would back the UNP. “A lot of SLPP MPs will also join this group. The new group formed by Chandrika Bandaranaike and sections of the SJB will also joint it. You can see that some SJB MPs, led by Harsha de Silva have accepted more..

Sep 8 (TM) A section of Sri Lankans living in Rome, Italy – a popular destination for SL expatriates in Europe and those migrating permanently and for work purposes – has taken a decision to refrain from sending much-needed foreign remittances home to Sri Lanka, citing dissatisfaction with the policies of the incumbent Govt of Sri Lanka and uncertainty over stability. Speaking to The Morning, they said that most of them are withdrawing their fixed deposits (FDs) due to this lack of trust. more..

Sep 8 (FT) MP Eran Wickramaratne said that according to Census and Statistic report of year 2,022, a family of five persons needs at least Rs. 62,220 per month to escape poverty. But since 70% of those engaged in employment are receiving the salary of less than Rs. 62,000, the economic crisis that the country is facing today, is well depicted. MP questioned whether it was right for the Govt to argue that the UNICEF report on SL’s malnutrition more..

Sep 8 (DN) Dept of Excise will net in a Rs. 180 billion revenue to the govt treasury for 2022 said Commissioner General of Excise J. Gunasiri. He said that despite the C-19 pandemic the department was able to provide Rs. 140 billion to the govt last year and they were expecting to pass the Rs. 200 billion revenue mark this year but due to fuel issues resulting from the lack of raw material (ethanol) in transport the target had to be reduced. Drop in tourism also had a check on our profits. more..

Sep 8 (Island) People must discard political parties and come forward to get rid of parasitic politicians, former MP Ranjan Ramanayake told journalists. He made the appeal when a journalist asked him whether he would try to unite the UNP and the SJB. “I am always with people. When I started politics Sajith and Ranil were friends. Now, they are enemies. I joined SJB because UNP didn’t give me nominations over my fight against the organised gans engaged in soil extraction business,” more..

Sep 8 (FT) Civil society organisations are calling on the Government to stop repaying its illegitimate debts and attempting to burden an already overburdened public. Centre for Environmental Justice Senior Advisor Hemantha Vithanage pointed out that the Govt is attempting to increase the tax burden on the people in order to service its debts. “The Govt is currently in talks with the IMF and it appears to be making preparations to increase taxes while also privatising many state institutions,” more..

Sep 8 (FT) Cabinet of Ministers on Monday reviewed the progress of 260 large-scale development projects valued at Rs. 5.8 trillion and decided to fast-track the progress of those which are lagging. According to the progress review report submitted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister to the Cabinet, 260 large-scale development projects exceeding a cost of Rs. 1 b are being implemented by line ministries. more..

Sep 8 (TM) Noting that Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe is expecting to take necessary steps if the need arises to abolish the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into alleged incidents of political victimisation that took place during the period from 2015 to 2019, and the Special PCoI (SPCoI) which was appointed to implement the said PCoI’s recommendations, Leader of the House and Minister Susil Premajayantha said however, more..

Sep 8 (TM) Sri Lanka’s forex reserves were down to 1,716 million US dollars in August 2022 from US$ 1,817 million a month earlier, Central Bank data showed. SL’s gross forex reserves have tended to fluctuate between 1.9 to 1.8 billion since March 2022 after running out of previously collected reserves. Most of the remaining gross reserves are from a swapline from People’s Bank of China, which cannot be used to finance imports and encourage the public to live beyond their means. more..

Sep 8 (Island) The TNA asked Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to name the Minister who had asked for over one billion rupees as compensation for property allegedly destroyed by angry protesters on 09 May. TNA MP Shanikyan Rasamanikkam, participating in a Parliament debate on malnutrition of children and mothers, said that the House had a right to know who had submitted a claim for Rs 1,000 million as compenation for property loss during the unrest in May. more..

Sep 8 (TM) While President Ranil Wickremesinghe has briefed the Cabinet of Ministers on the contents of the IMF staff-level agreement with SL, the Cabinet is yet to see the agreement, The Morning learnt. “We haven’t looked at the agreement itself, however, President Wickremesinghe has briefed us on the contents of this agreement. He has been keeping us updated on its progress since last week,” Cabinet sources said. more..

Sep 8 (EN) SL’s stock trading time will be extended by 30 minutes with effect from Sept 15, Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) said. “The Board of Directors of the CSE, with the consultation of the Securities and Exchange Commission of SL (SEC) and the stockbroking industry have decided to extend the trading hours from next Thursday (15)” CSE said. Accordingly, the pre-open session will be from 09.30 a.m to 10 a.m and the trading will start at 10 a.m., 30 minutes advanced from the current start. more..

Sep 8 (FT) Sri Lanka was the bloodiest place on earth, with the possible exception of El Salvador, wrote The Economist (London) in 1989. The island’s slide into hell began with a single lie that the JVP perpetrated the anti-Tamil violence of July 1983 and consequently should be proscribed. It was uttered by the UNP Government of President Jayewardene of which Ranil Wickremesinghe was a hawkish young Minister, and first articulated publicly by Minister Ananda Tissa de Alwis. more..