Nov 21 (AD) Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha states that the results of the 2022 G.C.E. O/L examination will be released within the next few days. Commenting on this during today’s parliamentary session, the Minister emphasized that the release of the results was delayed owing to the delay in the commencement of paper-marking activities for around three months. “Now the children are getting older due to the examinations being postponed”, he said. more..

Nov 21 (DM) Following research conducted by the Agriculture Ministry, it has been revealed that the total daily consumption of coconuts is around 4.5 million nuts, and the daily production of coconuts is around three million nuts. Therefore, Agriculture Ministry has instructed the National Coconut Development Board to implement a programme to motivate people to cultivate coconuts in every home garden that has space. Accordingly, a large amount of coconut that can be used for consumption more..

Nov 21 (Scroll) Sri Lanka received a bailout from the IMF in March amid soaring inflation, debt and a sovereign default. In exchange for US$3 billion, the govt committed to spending cuts and tax and financial sector reforms. These have prevented Sri Lankan wages from recovering after they fell by almost half in real terms during the preceding financial crisis, leading to protests in the streets of Colombo. more..

Nov 21 (CT) Deputy Director of the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases (DNCD), Ministry of Health Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe cautioned that in 2025, the number of admissions to State hospitals, due to injuries following accidents, would increase by 250,000 patients compared to the number in 2019 and 2020. According to predictions Dr. Wickramasinghe said, this increase would be from approximately 1.3 million experienced in 2019 to approximately 1.55 million by 2025. more..

Nov 21 (Sky) Sri Lanka have had their suspension lifted by the ICC, allowing them to continue to compete internationally in bilateral cricket and ICC events. SL's membership of the ICC was suspended with immediate effect for govt interference on Nov 10, after SL's ministry of sport dismissed the SL Cricket board and replaced it with an interim committee. After a meeting of the ICC board on Tuesday, Sri Lanka were reinstated as member, with a statement released detailing more..

Nov 22 (DM) ODI World Cup tournament has finally come to an end. Australia proved for the sixth time they are worthy winners of the 50-over championship. After losing two initial matches, they came back with a vengeance to defeat SL. They never looked back. By the time they reached the finals, the team had built up confidence in itself and was clicking as a unit. Every member contributed to the wins. Team was peaking. India on the other hand, had been crushing all opposition more..

Nov 22 (CT) Turbulence within Parliament watchdog, the COPE is a reflection of the state of SL’s parliamentary democracy at this juncture. While discussions about empowering COPE to better represent public interests, specifically ensuring corruption-free State institutions, have taken place, the extent of the COPE’s role was not thoroughly examined until the SL Men’s National Cricket Team began exhibiting a nightmarish performance during the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India. more..

Nov 22 (CT) With the current crisis in the State Health Service along with the yet unresolved controversies, President of the Govt Medical Officers’ Forum, Dr. Rukshan Bellana spoke to Ceylon Today. Q: What do you think about the brain drain taking place amongst the medical fraternity? A: Doctors leaving the country should be viewed as a positive factor. They should be able to go under strict conditions imposed by the govt, more..

Nov 22 (DM) Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that the three Rajapaksa brothers and a cabal of officials were responsible for the economic crisis, delivering an unprecedented judgement that could be the precursor to SL’s long march for justice. Court ruled by the majority judgment that the Rajapaksa brothers and five of their acolytes who were handpicked to the top govt positions “had demonstrably contributed to the economic crisis” by their actions, omissions, decisions & conduct. more..

Nov 22 (TM) SL Customs Dept is at the leading edge of SL’s border security, law enforcement, and state revenue raising. Yesterday another Customs officer was arrested on allegations of being complicit in aiding the import of illegal narcotics worth Rs. 60 million. What is commendable is that the arrest was done by the SL Customs themselves, who detected and apprehended one of their own breaching the laws of the land. Despite the SL Police force, being crowned as the most corrupt govt institution more..

Nov 22 (TM) A ruling SLPP MP, who many knew first as an economist and then as a politician who maintained a relatively low profile until he assumed the COPE Chairmanship, is now at the centre of controversy. Issues surrounding him, which began with him displaying signals during a COPE meeting attended by the SLC, allegedly in a bid to prevent the SLC officials from revealing certain matters, have now resulted in more..

Nov 22 (Island) SLPP MPs have demonstrated once again that they are beyond redemption. They threw Parliament into chaos for the umpteenth time, yesterday, preventing Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa from asking a question based on last week’s Supreme Court judgement anent the economic crisis. Pandemonium broke loose while Premadasa was prefacing his question with a statement, which the ruling party members took exception to. They accused him of insulting more..

Nov 22 (CT) Cricket is the most popular sport in the country, and there appears to be untapped ample talent amongst aspiring youngsters who are keen to take up this sport. An outcome of a cricket match is always unpredictable; thrilling battles emerge till the last ball is bowled. Though the game is unpredictable, its administration cannot be left in the hands of few unpredictable individuals who impersonate themselves as professionals. Everything gets politicized in Sri Lanka; more..

Nov 22 (ST) It’s now official. Signed, sealed and delivered by the highest legal authority in the land. A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, with one dissenting judge, found Mahinda Rajapaksa, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Basil Rajapaksa and five others, including Nivard Cabraal as the men responsible for the economic catastrophe that had made the nation bankrupt. In a landmark judgment delivered on Tuesday by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, with SC justices Vijith Malalgoda, more..

Nov 22 (Island) The manner in which Justice Priyantha Jayawardena’s dissenting judgement on the two fundamental rights cases numbered 195/2022 and 212/2022 was reported on by sections of the media would convey the impression that it was based entirely on the technical point that the petitioners had not come before the SC within the time frame specified by the Constitution. Justice Jayawardena’s dissenting judgement does state that: “I hold that the parties have not invoked more..

Nov 22 (ST) The Education Ministry will be advised to instruct school authorities and parents to take all possible measures to prevent the personal information of students and their families from reaching outsiders, NCPA said. Parents and school authorities are advised to be extremely vigilant after a number of money-extortion incidents via phone calls were reported in the past few weeks. Police this week asked parents to more..

Nov 22 (FT) FACETS Sri Lanka 2024, Asia’s leading Gem and Jewellery Exhibition organised by SL Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA), is proud to announce the unveiling of the country’s first-ever Sustainability Pavilion. This ground-breaking initiative is set to captivate and educate visitors from around the world, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history of the SL gem industry and its modern commitment to ethical practices, responsible sourcing and community engagement. more..

Nov 22 (FT) Cabinet of Ministers approved to redevelop and maintain the old CeyBank Rest building and land in Nuwara Eliya to Colonial Properties Ltd., for 50 years. The move comes after the UDA calling for Request for Proposals (RFPs) twice from a wider pool of potential partners to redevelop CeyBank Rest building and land extending up to two acres, one rood and 38 perches at Queen’s Road, Nuwara Eliya. The Daily FT learns that the base value throughout 50-yrs lease, more..

Nov 22 (FT) The Govt has decided to introduce new provisions for entities seeking the recognition and security that the Board of Investment (BOI) offers to boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment. “It has been observed that many investors are keen on being taken under the BOI with the recognition and the security that their enterprises may receive, especially to attract foreign investors,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said. more..

Nov 22 (DM) Sri Lanka has entered into an agreement with Israel to send workers to be employed in the latter’s agricultural sector, Minister Bandula Gunawardana said. He said the Cabinet of Ministers this week approved a proposal in this regard submitted by Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment. “In terms of the said agreement, Population, Immigration and Territory Authority of that country expects to recruit labour for agricultural activities of Israel,” more..

Nov 22 (TM) Bar Association of SL (BASL) is waiting for Minister Tiran Alles to submit to them, a copy of the investigation report with regard to the resignation of Mullaitivu District Judge and Magistrate T. Saravanarajah, and the factors that led to it. BASL President Kaushalya Navaratne said that they had come to know that the investigations carried out by the CID into Saravanarajah's resignation had now been concluded. more..

Nov 22 (PMD) State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, has announced that a dedicated allocation of Rs. 10 billion has been reserved for potential future elections. This provision, while not explicitly outlined in the budget proposals, has been included in the estimates. Furthermore, the State Minister has conveyed that the Executive Committee of the IMF is scheduled to deliberate on the release of the second instalment of the extended credit facility to Sri Lanka on December 6th. more..

Nov 22 (EN) A agreement for a 5 billion US dollar refinery to be built by China in Hambantota district will be submitted to cabinet for consideration next week, Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said. “We have included in the agenda of the cabinet the awarding of the contract for the Hambantota new oil refinery,” Minister told parliament. “If the cabinet approves, after the agreement is signed, it will be the single largest investment project ever. A 5 billion US dollar investment.” more..

Nov 22 (DM) Consumer prices, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index rose 1% in the 12 months through Oct 2023, a slight uptick from the 0.8% in September as inflation, having reached its lowest point last month due to higher base effects last year, may have bottomed out. On a monthly basis, the broader consumer price index remained unchanged in Octo, following a 0.8% rise in September. more..

Nov 22 (Island) A crucial half century by Supun Waduge and a valuable eighth wicket stand between Jayavi Liyanagama and Tharana Wimaladharma helped Trinity pull off two wickets win over St. Joseph’s in a nerve-tingling final of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ Limited Overs Cricket tournament at Thurstan ground yesterday. Chasing 136 runs to win Trinity lost four wickets for 43 runs but Waduge manage to repair the damage with a half century which held the middle order together. more..

Nov 22 (DN) In an inspiring journey from the courts of Sri Lanka to the basketball arenas of Australia, former national team captain Premila Fernando has become a standout figure in both refereeing and coaching, marking her presence in the world of basketball Down Under. Fernando, who earned the distinction of being SL’s first FIBA Women Referee in 2011, currently holds a Level 2 Referee qualification from Basketball Victoria while residing in Australia. Her referee career took flight during more..

Nov 22 (FT) Colombo stock market has seen a Rs. 140 billion in value wiped off since the 2024 Budget presentation on 13 November by Prez and Finance Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Market capitalisation on Budget day was Rs. 4,376 billion whilst by yesterday it had reduced to Rs. 4,237 billion as the market suffered its sixth consecutive day of decline. ASPI was down by over 38 points and the S&P SL20 by over 5 points. Turnover was Rs. 912.5 million involving 28.6 million shares. more..

Nov 22 (DN) Sri Lanka is expected to receive the second tranche of the IMF disbursement of USD 330 million next month said Secretary to the Treasury, Mahinda Siriwardana at the Organisation of Professional Associations of SL (OPA) organized Navigating Economic Recovery :SL’s Fiscal Policy, Investment Strategies and Future event on Monday. The first review of the program was concluded in Oct 2023 and both parties reached a Staff Level Agreement (SLA) on Oct 19, 2023 which more..

Nov 22 (DM) AG's Department has informed the Court of Appeal that the IGP has issued a circular preventing police officers from conducting training sessions, lectures or seminars which dehumanize and discriminate against the LGBTIQ community in the country. Several civil society activists had filed a writ petition in the Court of Appeal challenging the ever-rising abuse, harassment and discrimination against individuals of the Lesbian, Gay, more..

Nov 22 (TM) A third suspect was arrested by the CID on Monday, in connection with the case filed over the alleged forging of documents by the registrar of the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court (MC). The arrestee has been identified as an executor of summons at the Colombo Fort MC, and has been remanded until today (22) on the orders of the Court. The other two suspects – including the registrar of the Colombo Fort MC – who were previously arrested, have also been remanded until today. more..

Nov 22 (ST) Bad planning by the CEB has left the CPC with a surfeit of furnace oil—as heavy rains have increased hydropower generation and reduced the need to operate expensive thermal power plants, authoritative sources said. The CPC currently has in storage 60,000 metric tonnes of furnace oil made up of imports and its own daily production of 1,400 metric tonnes (MT) at its oil refinery. Around 400MT is sold to industries every day. The rest is stored in tanks owned by the CPC, more..

Nov 22 (Island) The Main Air Traffic Control Tower and the radar Operations Centre at BIA had initiated operations utilizing full digital technology and those improvements were part of the ongoing modernisation programme to enhance Air Traffic Control operations at the airport, Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry said yesterday. The inauguration of this latest Digital Air Traffic Management System took place yesterday, presided over by the Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. more..

Nov 22 (DN) A special discussion regarding palm cultivation in Sri Lanka was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industry on Monday attended by Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dewi Gustina Tobing. Here, the Indonesian Ambassador to SL mentioned that if there is interest in palm cultivation, a large investment can be made for it. Currently, there is a MoU between Sri Lanka and Indonesia regarding palm cultivation. more..

Nov 22 (CI) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) president Shammi Silva made a fervent appeal to the ICC to carve out an exception that would allow SL to continue playing international cricket despite SLC getting suspended, according to an SLC release. ICC removed SL as hosts of the Men's U-19 World Cup, which was set for January next year - it will now be held in South Africa instead - due to the ICC's objection to govt interference more..

Nov 22 (DM) Sale of three types of flavored cigarette products distributed by Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) has been stopped with immediate effect. Accordingly, the sale of Dunhill Switch, Dunhill Double Capsule and John Player Gold Pro Cool cigarettes has been stopped. This step has been taken since Nov 17. A case was filed by the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) in Matara, Colombo and Anuradhapura on Sept 1, 2016 in terms of the Gazette notification of 1982 (33). more..