Sep 1 (AD) PM Dinesh Gunawardena has called on all policy-makers, as well as the private sector and civil society, to use the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) formulated by the UNDP to understand and implement measures to help move Sri Lanka away from vulnerability and poverty in the future. He made this remark when UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota visited him at the Temple Trees on Thursday (31) more..

Sep 1 (FT) One of India’s largest film production companies, Lyca Productions, recently announced the setting up of a modern film production facility in Sri Lanka. Lyca, which has one of the best film production facilities in India, aims to transfer knowledge and modern technologies and train Sri Lankans in a bid to boost the local film industry. The announcement was made at a grand launch ceremony attended by stars from more..

Sep 1 (EN) The QR code-enabled fuel rationing system that was in operation Sri Lanka for well over a year is to be suspended effective Sept 1, Minister Kanchana Wijesekara said. He said that consumers can purchase fuel without scanning their QR code from now on. In the wake of SL’s worst currency crisis in decades in 2022, after several methods to control fuel queues and manage limited fuel stocks, the authorities introduced a QR code system in a bid to ration fuel and reduce queues. more..

Sep 1 (CT) Association of Medical Specialists (AMS) accused Deputy Director General (Medical Services-1) and the Director Tertiary Care Unit (TCU) of being responsible for administrative blunders which would have far-reaching medical and legal consequences. In a letter to Health Secretary, Janaka Sri Chandragupta, AMS Prez and Secretary Drs. A.D.K.S.N. Yasawardene and R. Gnanasekeram accused the Deputy Director General (Medical Services-1) of transferring a JMO more..

Sep 1 (TM) Collective of Excise Trade Unions (CETU) urged the Commissioner General of Excise to take strict actions against Excise officers who are responsible for displaying counterfeit revenue stickers on liquor bottles. CETU stated that the Indian company which has been given the tender for these revenue stickers and the group of excise officials who protect that particular company should take the responsibility more..

Sep 1 (TM) Claiming that the proposed bridge to be built connecting SL and India would be the beginning of many unnecessary problems, the Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith insisted that a referendum be held on the matter. Commenting on the proposed building of a bridge connecting Sri Lanka and India, he queried during a recent service as to whether the country was not having enough issues with India. “It is said that a bridge is to be built between India and Sri Lanka. more..

Sep 1 (DM) Govt of India has increased the financial allocation for various grant projects being implemented in SL due to the rapid changes in the economic landscape, Indian HC in SL said. Accordingly, the financial allocation has been increased by upto 50% in case of nine ongoing projects which are being executed under the India-SL High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) framework. "The overall financial commitment for these nine projects currently more..

Sep 1 (TM) In response to Opposition MP Lalith Ellawala's statement that a no confidence motion (NCM) would be moved against the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles if the latter cannot ensure a safe and secure environment within at least a month, Alles said that the former, himself has displayed his ignorance of underworld and drug related activities by making such a statement. Ellawala, who was earlier a ruling SLPP Govt MP, but is now an Opposition MP representing more..

Sep 1 (DM) Reports of internal discord over presidential candidacy prompted both NPP and SJB to unveil their presidential candidates well ahead of the usual timeline. NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently announced that he will contest the next year’s presidential election, though it is customary for any party to announce its candidate close to the election period. Mr. Dissanayake’s announcement came in the wake of growing speculation, fueled by social media reports, more..

Sep 1 (AD) The bus fares will be increased from midnight tomorrow (2), as per a decision of the National Transport Commission (NTC). Accordingly, the fares are expected to go up by 4.01%. However, the minimum fare will remain unchanged. In line with the bus fare revision, the expressway bus fares will also be increased, the NTC said further. The bus fare revision comes after CEYPETCO and LIOC increased fuel prices more..

Sep 1 (DM) Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has halted all board-conducted domestic tournaments following a letter issued by the Director General of the Dept of Sports Development last month regarding a change in tournament structure made earlier this year. Daily Mirror understands that in his letter the Director General of Sports had informed SLC that a rule change made at an SLC Special General Meeting this year – that essentially split the existing 26-club first-class domestic tournament more..

Sep 1 (EN) Shares edged up at close on renewed buying interest as the market was down over the past five sessions. The main All Share Price Index was up 0.38% or 42.45 points to 11,156.42, while S&P SL20 was up 0.72% or 22.58 points to 3,153.65. Over the past sessions, favorable performance indications combined with anticipations on lowered rates and better economic outlooks on investment was moving the market towards profit taking and selling interest, an analyst said. more..

Sep 1 (Island) Civil Society Collective for Democracy (CSCD) says that recent statements from Prez, Speaker and some other MPs who attempt to undermine judicial independence are deeply troubling. CSCD says that the 21st Amendment has re-established the independent commissions, but the recent acts of intimidation targeting members of Election Commission and Public Utilities Commission are examples of more..

Sep 1 (Island) Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakse said that he had appeared before a Select Committee headed by Ramesh Pathirana tasked with inquiring into fire onboard crude carrier MT New Diamond off the East coast in early Sept 2020 and the destruction of container carrier X-Press Pearl in May/June 2021. Justice Minister said that he expected the 14-member PSC to examine the incidents and come up with a suitable set of recommendations to address such issues, more..

Sep 1 (AD) The three police officers arrested over their alleged complicity in the custodial death of a housemaid named R. Rajakumari have been remanded until Sept 11, on the orders of Colombo Magistrate’s Court. Earlier today, the trio was produced before Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawala, who ordered them to be referred to an identification parade on Sept 11. CID officers had escorted the arrested police personnel to court premises with their faces covered. more..

Sep 1 (DM) Sri Lanka emerged victorious over Bangladesh in their tournament opener in the ongoing Asia Cup, marking a significant milestone by setting a new record for their longest winning streak in one-day internationals (ODIs). This triumph against Bangladesh, a team with whom they have engaged in captivating matches throughout the years, marks Sri Lanka's 11th consecutive ODI win. This achievement now stands as their longest winning streak in the history of ODIs. more..

Sep 1 (AFP) SL's police force said it had sacked an officer who entertained protesters with an impromptu piano performance after they stormed the island nation's presidential compound last year. Constable R.M.D. Dayaratne was deployed to help protect the colonial-era residence on the day it was taken over by protesters who forced then-prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa to flee the country. Instead, he sat at a grand piano in the compound and played a song to the crowd streaming through its rooms. more..

Sep 1 (FT) A collective of 80 trade unions wrote to the IMF to express their concerns about the ongoing Domestic Debt Restructuring process affecting the most vulnerable and marginalised citizens of the country. Trade unions said while people began to feel the brunt of IMF’s EEF agreement after Govt commenced reforming economic and social policies, the dismantling social security policies has gained speed with more..

Sep 1 (DM) Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has directed the National Drug Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to put an end to the existing monopoly in the supply of certain drugs. The directive was issued during a discussion held today with officials from various healthcare institutions, including the National Drugs Regulatory Authority, State Drugs Regulatory Corporation, State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, Medical Supply Division and the Asian Development Bank. more..

Sep 1 (SAC) A strong SA A squad depart for their tour to SL on Wednesday where they will face the hosts in three one-day and two four-day matches starting from Sunday. 15-man group is being led by Proteas batter, Tony de Zorzi, under the guidance of Test head coach Shukri Conrad. Most of the team have spent the last week in Pretoria where they have been preparing for the tour at the CSA Centre of Excellence. De Zorzi says the preparation camp was extremely beneficial for everyone. more..

Sep 1 (EN) Indian Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit SL during the weekend to review bilateral defence ties, Indian High Commission in Colombo said. The Indian defence minister’s visit comes amid a Chinese request to dock its research vessel Shi Yan 6 at the ports of SL from Oct 26 to Nov 10. India has already raised security concerns with the SL govt over the Chinese ship. SL has yet to officially approve the Chinese request, more..

Sep 1 (EVN) Vasuki, always clad in the most magnificent jewel tones, has a warm, reassuring presence. Her voice is soft and comforting, even when she cracks the wittiest jokes that make me laugh out loud. She does not speak often, but when she does, I listen intently to every single word because Vasuki carries a deep compassion for the people and the world around her that I aspire to have. I recently met Vasuki at the Women in Conflict 1325 Fellowship Programme held in more..

Sep 1 (Island) The Federation of National Organisations (FNO) has, in a letter addressed to Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, requested him to take up with US Ambassador Julie Chung her continuous interventions in SL’s domestic affairs. The letter was handed over to the Foreign Ministry on yesterday. Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera has signed the letter on behalf of the FNO. A senior spokesperson for the group said that they had raised several issues including the flouting of diplomatic protocols more..

Sep 2 (CT) On the International Day of the Disappeared, 30 Aug, the ICRC has called our attention to a deeply-human crisis that persists in SL, despite the passing of time and the hope for resolution. This reminder, coupled with the peaceful protest by the Unity of Families of Missing Persons on Thursday (31), serves as a stark wake-up call. It is a call to action, urging us to acknowledge the plight of those who continue to live in the shadows of uncertainty and to demand answers more..

Sep 2 (CT) Undoubtedly, a primary, perhaps even the main reason for SL’s failure is its public sector; inefficient, inept and corrupt to such an extent that to call it a modern day service provider is a hilarity, a comedy only dulled by the pain and frustration it causes a helpless public. It is everywhere and yet nowhere, our public service will not answer a telephone call leave alone a letter, unless the originator is a Minister! Today this tax payer funded service does not even pretend more..

Sep 2 (CT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, upon concluding his brief visit to the Eastern Province, had set aside Sunday to exclusively study Cabinet papers. Though he had a few private meetings, he had ensured that official commitments would not be a part of his agenda, in order to inspect the Cabinet papers and circulars. On Monday morning the weekly Cabinet meeting took place and one of the main topics more..

Sep 2 (ST) This is the stuff history is made of. And in this once glorious country, history is made every day by clutches of ham-fisted politicians while the long arm of the law is hastily withdrawn to cover its shady eyes. But this story surely is untold history—until now that is—and deserves a place in any modern version of the Mahawamsa along with histrionic tales of political shenanigans, bribery, corruption and egregious turpitude that should have sent any other nation into cardiac arrest. more..

Sep 2 (GV) Sarath Chandrajeewa’s first impressions of Jaffna came from his father’s stories about the north where he was stationed as a police officer. His father spoke of the friendliness of Jaffna people, their openness, honesty and simplicity as well as the cultural beauty of the area. Sarath went on several trips to the north as a child on the train and has vivid recollections of the changing landscape as the Yal Devi sped on, and then of the Jaffna railway station, Jaffna fort, palmyrah trees and Nallur kovil. more..

Sep 2 (CT) US Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, undertook a visit to explore and strengthen ties between the US and SL. The core objectives of the Senator’s visit include the promotion of enhanced security cooperation, deepening economic ties, collaborative initiatives to address climate change, more..

Sep 2 (CT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe’s recent statement on devolution showed he realised that granting Police Powers (PP) to Provincial Councils (PCs) is too sensitive an issue and suggested it be left on the back burner for a later date. The 13th Amendment (13A) minus PP would relieve him from the devolution saga pressed by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) and the Indians, although he denied Indian pressure. Knowing the consistent Indian attitude on devolution, more..

Sep 2 (Island) No sooner had the CPC (Ceylon Petroleum Corporation) jacked up fuel prices again than the Ministry and Power and Energy announced its decision to abolish the QR-based fuel rationing scheme. The govt has sought to divert the people’s attention from the fuel price hikes, which have sent the public reeling. The fuel quota, no doubt, served a very useful purpose. In fact, it should have been introduced early last year when the first signs of a fuel shortage appeared. more..

Sep 2 (FT) Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of India is growing exponentially in popularity in India and driving India’s economic transformation. 40% of global real time payments are processed by UPI which places India at the forefront of transforming the way people make payments. So far, France, UAE and Singapore have partnered with India on fintech solutions. SL is the latest country to join. UPI is part of India Stack, a unified software platform, is the first national digital infrastructure more..

Sep 2 (TM) SL, a nation blessed with abundant mineral resources, is yet to harness its full export potential from this valuable asset. While some may wonder why the country lags behind nations with fewer mineral resources, the answer is multifaceted. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Industries who requested anonymity, emphasised the complexity of the mineral sector, stating: “From the point of view of Ministry of Industries, we are just dealing with a few agencies which are working with minerals.” more..

Sep 2 (CT) It has been revealed that though a sum of Rs 2.9 billion has to be obtained by way of imposition of fines and tax arrears linked to two casino operations, helmed by a prominent businessman and an ex-Minister as per Provisions of the Finance Act No. 10 of 2015, legal action has only been instituted to recover the tax arrears the authorities had failed to obtain and not the requisite fines and interest from the relevant party. more..

Sep 2 (CT) The 157th Anniversary of the Police Department, which was formed on 3 Sept 1988, falls today. Out of all the State institutions established in this country, an institution that has rendered a sterling service to both its people and the country is the Police Dept; this is no exaggeration. The officers attached to the Police Dept have worked day in and day out to ensure national security, protect the masses and maintain social benefits to date during its chequered history. more..

Sep 2 (SO) Kaya Daluwatte and K Dhanushan emerged girls and boys junior golf champions respectively and annexed the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy on offer at the SL Junior Golf Match-Play championship that concluded at the RCGC course on Thursday (24). Match-Play Championship 2023 concluded with five excellent finals played at the RCGC on the final day. 18-year-old Dhanushan clinched his first Junior Match-Play Golf Championship title defeating 15-year-old more..