Aug 12 (DN) Harshitha Samarawickrama, who opened the innings, played a remarkable knock of 86 not out off 45 balls, hitting 15 fours and a six, as the Sri Lanka Women’s team recorded an easy 7-wicket win with 20 balls to spare over Ireland Women in their first T20 of the three-match series played in Dublin yesterday. Chasing a target of 146, the Sri Lankan openers, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne, made a superb stand of 83 runs in ten overs. more..

Aug 12 (Island) The national cricket team left for London yesterday morning to begin preparations for the three match Test series that is coming up later this month. The players who represent Sri Lanka in red ball cricket had already left for England a week before and those who took part in the white ball series against India left yesterday. The team will take part in a four day warm-up game in Worcester against England Lions before travelling to Manchester for the opening Test match. more..

Aug 12 (TM) Sri Lanka’s official poverty line has witnessed a sharp threefold rise within the span of just over a decade, a recent report revealed. The relevant report revealed that the poverty line has risen from Rs. 5,223 in 2012 and 2013 to a whopping Rs. 17,014 by January this year. In 2016, the Poverty Line increased to Rs. 6,117 from the Rs. 5,223 recorded in 2013. Later, the poverty line increased to Rs. 6,966 in 2019. more..

Aug 12 (st seven months of the year, boosted by an influx of over 1.25 million visitors year-to-date. The latest provisional data indicates that tourism earnings from January to July 2024 totalled over $ 1.88 billion, marking a remarkable 72% increase from the same period last year. However, the industry still faces a 38% shortfall compared to benchmark year 2018 levels. more..

Aug 12 (CT) As SL stands on the brink of a crucial election, the importance of youth in shaping the nation’s future has never been clearer. Hence, 2024 International Youth Day, which is celebrated today, on the theme, From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, could not be more timely. This theme calls for reflection and action on how SL’s youth, particularly in the context of this election, can be the driving force behind a more sustainable and equitable future. more..

Aug 12 (TM) The Election Commission (EC) will commence monitoring the digital media platforms of all presidential candidates following the conclusion of nominations on 15 Aug, according to EC Chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake. A group of experts has already been appointed to carry out this task. “This is arranged as a combined effort between a group within the EC and several outside groups since they do not possess the specific more..

Aug 12 (Island) We understand that Sri Lanka is undergoing a critical moment which may bring many profound impacts to the business community and society, Dale Pinto FCPA John Curtin Distinguished Professor President & Chair of the Board CPA Australia said in an email interview. He made this comment when The Island reached out to him to ask what transformations the business and accounting landscape in Sri Lanka should undergo post-presidential election. more..

Aug 12 (FT) The Govt has indicated that the shipping agent will be held accountable for any environmental damage and pollution resulting from the blast in Colombo Port on Sunday. A blast occurred on board the JCT 4MS vessel MV MSC CAPETOWN III around 0030 hours on 11 August, near the Bay42 area of the Colombo Port. The explosion prompted an immediate evacuation of all operations staff and supporting crew members from the vessel. SLPA fire brigade, along with more..

Aug 12 (EN) There has been decision taken to reduce the price of arrack, State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said, amid concerns over inadvertent tax incentives given to hooch makers through after steep tax hikes on top of a currency collapse. Though there have been requests by various parties to reduce the price of arrack no decision has been taken yet, he was quoted as saying. There were commitment given to the World Health Organization and other organizations more..

Aug 12 (FT) SLPP MP Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle has extended her support to Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa ahead of the 21 Sept Prez election. Dr. Fernandopulle expressed her decision to support Premadasa, stating that she believes he has a capable and experienced team to serve the country, especially when compared to other candidates and groups that have emerged. “The country is in dire need of strong leadership and a solid program. I believe that he and his team more..

Aug 12 (TM) Grama Niladhari officers from across the island have planned to stage a protest today in front of the Public Administration and Home Affairs Ministry to continue their strike till tomorrow, it is learnt. Grama Niladhari officers stated that they will completely withdraw from all duties. Through these trade union actions, they expect to express their opposition to the newly gazetted Grama Niladhari Service Constitution, more..

Aug 12 (FT) Former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has officially announced his decision to contest in the upcoming Prez election. Ranasinghe announced his Presidential ambitions at an event yesterday, where he also pledged to end SL’s Executive Presidency. The event, themed Hadawathinma Ratata (Wholeheartedly for the Country), was attended by several notable figures, including former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, Dr. Wasantha Bandara, more..

Aug 12 (DN) The Malaysian High Commissioner in SL Badli Hisham Adam said that SL’s climate is ideal for a profitable palm oil cultivation and production, which can alleviate poverty and benefit smallholders. He opined this at a recently held workshop in Galle hosted by Palm Oil Industry Association of Sri Lanka. He contrasted this with his experience in Kazakhstan, where the harsh winter prevents palm oil cultivation, highlighting Sri Lanka’s advantage of abundant water and a suitable climate. more..

Aug 12 (AD) SL men’s cricket team has moved up in the ICC Men’s ODI team rankings while several players have also made notable progress in the ICC ODI rankings following their impressive series win over India for the first time in 27 years. The lions have climbed up one spot in the Men’s ODI team rankings to place 6th among the best teams of the world. Meanwhile, SL spinner Dunith Wellalage’s career-best figures, after he wrapped up the Indian innings with 5-27, has helped the 21-year-old more..

Aug 12 (ST) Local businesses in Bangladesh, particularly by MAS Holdings and Brandix –SL’s largest apparel manufacturers -, were largely unscathed by the violence that swept the country of 171 million people, and unseated the prime minister. It might however disrupt manufacturing and shipment schedules. In scenes reminiscent of the SL crisis when Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country in 2022, PM Sheikh Hasina got onto a military aircraft and fled to New Delhi. more..

Aug 12 (ST) The Department of Immigration and Emigration has only partly complied with an August 2 Supreme Court interim order related to its controversial new e-visa mechanism. The court suspended the contract that allowed a tripartite foreign consortium to process SL online visas, but the department failed to revert to the previous electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system, thereby leaving online visa issuance in limbo. more..

Aug 12 (AD) The weapons and ammunition taken into custody along with a prison officer during a raid in the Rajagiriya area last night (10), have been revealed to allegedly belong to the notorious criminal figure and large-scale drug trafficker infamously known as Gotha Asanka, who is currently hiding overseas. The weapons were discovered hidden in a bunker on the upper floor of the prison officer’s house in Rajagiriya, during a raid carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB). more..

Aug 12 (FT) In a significant boost to the economy, workers’ remittances inch closer to the $ 4 billion mark within the first seven months of 2024. Cumulative remittance inflows from Jan to July 2024 stand at an impressive $ 3.71 billion. This represents a 10.3% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the resilience and continued financial support provided by overseas workers. In July, remittances amounted to $ 566.8 million, reflecting a steady increase from $ 519.6 mil more..

Aug 12 (ST) Main political parties and presidential candidates will begin campaign meetings from next week with only 40 more days left for the election. Parties are increasing their political engagements as nomination day (Aug 15) nears. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe who is contesting as an independent, attended many events and engagements this week. He also met the heads of media on Wednesday at Cinnamon Grand more..

Aug 12 (FT) There is a long list of Presidential hopefuls, but the voters will focus on five or six of them. From among them, one will be elected as the leader to steer the country to progress and prosperity. However, if they are to deliver prosperity to people, they should adopt policy strategies to accelerate economic growth at an unparalleled level of 8-9% annually over the next 25 years. This requires SL to generate new inventions which should be commercially produced for the local more..

Aug 12 (FT) In recent years, the intersection of technology and sports has revolutionised the industry in unprecedented ways. From the way athletes train and perform to how fans engage with their favourite teams, the integration of cutting-edge technologies has opened up new avenues for development and enhancement. This comprehensive transformation spans performance analysis, training methodologies, injury prevention, fan engagement, talent scouting, and more..

Aug 12 (AD) MP Wimal Weerawansa has filed a case against two officers of the Immigration and Emigration Department before the Colombo District Court seeking Rs. 1,000 million as compensation for alleged defamation. The former minister says he was arrested under the Immigration and Emigration Act for no reason during the previous Yahapalana (good governance) govt and a case was filed before the Negombo Magistrate’s Court, and that this had harmed his reputation. more..

Aug 12 (AD) The Acting General Secretary of the Parliament Chaminda Kularatne has informed the Chairman of the Election Commission in writing that two Parliamentary seats in the Ninth Parliament have become vacant from the 9 Aug due to the cancellation of the parliamentary seats of Manusha Nanayakkara and Harin Fernando. This has been informed in terms of the Sections 64(1) and 64(5) of the Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981, the Parliamentary Communications Dept said. more..

Aug 12 (ICC) A second ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for Chamari Athapaththu in 2024, having previously won it during May. Sri Lanka’s talismanic skipper Chamari Athapaththu beat a hot field by overcoming India’s star openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, to win the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2024. July was prolific for the southpaw, who secured new landmarks. more..

Aug 12 (DM) NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has signed his nomination papers to contest the upcoming Prez Election. MP placed his signature at the JVP Office in Pelawatte today. NPP General Secretary Dr. Nihal Abeysinghe, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, and members of the NPP and JVP were present at the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the other political parties are divided and have fallen into a state of more..

Aug 12 (EN) Prez Ranil Wickremesimghe appointed Foreign Minister Ali Sabry MP as the Justice Minister on Monday (12) after the position fell vacant after the resignation of the former cabinet minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. “MP Ali Sabry took oath as the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs & Constitutional Reforms before President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago in addition to his current portfolio as the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” PMD said in a statement. more..

Aug 12 (EN) State pensioners will be paid 6,000 rupees in October after an increase of 3,000 rupees from September was shot down by the Elections Commissions, State Minister for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. The cabinet decided to pay the 3,000 rupee allowance to 700,000 pensioners effective September. But the elections commission opposed it as an election was declared, Minister said. more..

Aug 12 (TM) Today marks World Elephant Day, a global event dedicated to celebrating and safeguarding these majestic creatures. As the world’s largest land mammals, elephants are not only awe-inspiring but also play a crucial role in their ecosystems, from maintaining forest habitats to dispersing seeds. This year, World Elephant Day shines a spotlight on the ongoing challenges these gentle giants face. Despite their significance, elephants are threatened by poaching for more..

Aug 12 (FT) High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Malaysia Air Chief Marshal (Rtd.) Sumangala Dias engaged in a productive meeting with the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI) at the High Commission on 26 July. The meeting was held with the participation of President Nivas Ragavan and other key office bearers of the KLSICCI, focusing on the enhancement of bilateral trade, investment, tourism, and employment opportunities for Sri Lanka. more..

Aug 12 (CT) The Commissioner General of Inland Revenue has issued a warning about fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating Inland Revenue officers to collect money from business owners. The Commissioner General stressed that all tax recovery processes, across all types managed by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will be conducted strictly through legal channels. Official written notifications will be issued before any recovery actions are taken. more..

Aug 12 (DM) Sri Lanka will field a nine-member contingent for the 2024 Paralympic Games, sources from the National Paralympic Committee of SL revealed. The 2024 Paralympic Games will be held from Aug 28 to Sept 8 in Paris, France. SL Paralympic Team will include seven athletes, one swimmer, and one wheelchair tennis player. SL Paralympic Squad will include only one female athlete. The Sports Ministry has allocated LKR 12 million for the SL Paralympic Squad, more..

Aug 12 (NW) The Wages Board has decided to provide the Rs. 1700 daily minimum wage for an estate worker from the tea and rubber industries of SL. According to former minister of Labour Manusha Nanayakkara, Wages Board took the decision today to increase the daily minimum wage for an estate worker. Former minister Nanayakkara said in a post on social media that the decision was taken during a discussion more..

Aug 12 (CT) Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said SLPP Prez Candidate Namal Rajapaksa needs to gain more political experience to lead the country. In his remarks at the recent Polonnaruwa District Conference of the SLPP, Ranatunga expressed that understanding public opinion was crucial for politicians. He alleged that some individuals within the party do not grasp this. Ranatunga also commended Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe for his leadership, claiming without his intervention more..

Aug 12 (CT) Cheap and clean renewable energy (RE), also known as green electricity, led by CEB hydroelectricity, provided over 50% of Sri Lanka’s total electricity needs for the third consecutive day to Saturday (10) after a day’s pause, CEB’s yesterday’s data showed. Prior to Saturday, the last time RE provided over 50% of Sri Lanka’s electricity needs for at least three consecutive days, was for 77 consecutive days to Tuesday (6) before being overshadowed by the expensive, more..

Aug 12 (DM) The historic Kandy Esala Perahera will parade the streets of the ancient Hill Capital, from August 10-20 this year. The procession will be conducted in line with traditional rituals, and will be headed by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Nilanga Dela Bandara (Custodian) in association with the four Basnayake Nilames of the four main devales: Vishnu, Natha, Patthini & Kataragama. more..