Nov 14 (Reuters) Sri Lanka votes to elect a new parliament this week in a snap general election called by its Marxist-leaning president who wants a fresh mandate in the legislature to drive economic reforms in the debt-ridden island nation. Anura Kumara Dissanayake was elected president of the South Asian country in September but his NPP coalition had just three of 225 seats in parliament, prompting him to more..

Nov 14 (Island) Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Rathnayake yesterday (13) said that the general election could attract much more voters than the prez election. Of 17,140,354 registered voters, 13,619,916 (79.46 %) exercised their franchise at the prez election held on Sept. 21. Rathnayake said. The peaceful atmosphere following the prez election was very much likely to influence the electorate. Rathnayake said that some people had refrained from voting for any party as more..

Nov 14 (DN) The Public Administration Provincial Councils and Local Govt Ministry said that all the official residences given to former ministers and state ministers have been returned to the govt. Official documentation and inventories are currently being conducted regarding the furniture of the official residences that have been taken over by the govt. 28 govt bungalows were given as official residences to former ministers and state ministers. Army has been deployed to protect the bungalows more..

Nov 14 (DM) As the country prepares for today's general election, law enforcement authorities have mobilized a massive security operation to ensure a peaceful and orderly process. Over 90,000 police, military, and civil security personnel have been deployed across the country, with a comprehensive plan in place to safeguard polling stations and counting centers. 64,000 police officers are assigned to directly oversee election security, with an additional 6,000 officers on standby. more..

Nov 14 (NW) Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi has returned to number one in the ICC Men’s ODI Bowling Rankings after playing a vital role in his team’s impressive 2-1 series victory over Australia, a first in the country since 2002. His notable returns of three for 26 and three for 32 in the second and third matches saw him rise three slots to the top spot with 696 rating points. Shaheen topples South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj (down two spots to third) from his perch to reclaim the number one spot for more..

Nov 14 (ToI) Israeli authorities Wednesday eased a travel warning for Sri Lanka on Wednesday, some three weeks after cautioning tourists at a popular beach town of an imminent terrorist threat. The National Security Council, which publishes travel advisories, said it was lowering the warning level for Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay area from four, which indicates a highly credible threat, to two, indicating a more mild occasional threat. more..

Nov 14 (FT) Sheikh Afeefuddin Al-Jailani, the distinguished Grand Custodian of the Shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani and the Supreme Head of the Thareeqathul Qadiriya World Sufi Order, will be in Sri Lanka today on a four-day visit. His visit is eagerly anticipated by followers across the nation, bringing blessings, inspiration, and spiritual guidance to the people of SL. A respected and revered figure, Sheikh Afeefuddin carries forward the legacy of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Jailani, more..

Nov 14 (Island) SLT-MOBITEL Group has reported a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 1,093 million for Q3 2024, compared to a loss of Rs. 1,543 million for the same period last year, demonstrating a significant 171% turnaround in bottom-line performance. At company level, Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) also recorded a positive PAT of Rs. 932 million for Q3 2024 compared to a Rs. 651 million loss last year, indicating a successful transition from loss to profit. The Group has announced more..

Nov 14 (Dawn) SL ‘A’ and Pakistan Shaheens’ first four-day match was heading for an exciting finish after the visitors secured an overall lead of 221 runs with one second innings wicket remaining at stumps on the penultimate day here at the Rawalpindi Cric­ket Stadium on Wedn­esday. Trailing by 143 runs on the first innings and starting the day at 77-1, SL ‘A’ were 364-9 at the draw of stumps. After dismissing the visitors for 115 on the first day, Shaheens had replied with 258 on day two. more..

Nov 14 (EAR) The victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake in SL’s 21 September 2024 presidential elections signals more than a domestic shift towards anti-incumbency and popular discontent with mainstream politics. It also reflects a global trend where non-elite actors are disrupting established institutions by assuming power and promising to bring deep structural change. In Sri Lanka’s case, traditional political gatekeepers were unable to prevent the NPP party’s rise to power. more..

Nov 14 (EN) SL’s Prez Anura Dissanayake faces a range of key political risks and challenges, particularly given his position as the leader of the Marxist JVP-led NPP, a historically leftist alliance. The NPP is tipped to win the Nov 14 parliamentary polls, but it is uncertain what number of seats it will gain in the 225-member legislature. Dissanayake’s JVP has been involved in two insurrections in the past, while his broader more..

Nov 14 (FT) DIMO, a leading diversified conglomerate in SL, launched the Mahata Wahina Wasi Wassa initiative to empower farmers by offering free laptops, tabs, electric bicycles, and overseas travel opportunities with each Mahindra tractor purchase. Farmers who purchase Mahindra tractors between 1 Aug and 30 Nov, are eligible for these exclusive gift packages with various choices available. The first package includes an electric bicycle, 2nd offers a group trip to Malaysia more..

Nov 14 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday sustained its Bull Run ahead of today’s Parliamentary Election, with the benchmark index reaching a new high amidst robust turnover. The All Share Price Index (ASPI) gained 136 points or 1% to close at 13,125 points, the highest level in 34 months. The active S&P SL20 rose by 51 points or 1.3% to close short of 62 points to surpass the 4,000-points mark. Turnover was Rs. 7 billion involving 204.5 million shares. more..

Nov 14 (ST) Pre-opening costs of the John Keells Holdings’ multi-billion rupee integrated resort, City of Dreams Sri Lanka, which includes a casino operated by Macau’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment, have risen to Rs 1.95 billion, the company reported. The costs are weighing on operating profitability, the second quarter of the financial year 2024-2025, review shows. JKH said the costs related to Cinnamon Life hotel more..

Nov 14 (FT) The National Development Bank (NDB) yesterday reported resilient performance for the nine months ended 30 Sept 2024, navigating challenges and optimising emerging opportunities in a reviving economy. CEO Kelum Edirisinghe said: “We are encouraged by the positive trajectory of Net Interest Margins (NIMs), strong cost discipline, and improved credit cost. These are a result of the focus we maintain on our strategy to deliver sustainable returns and enhance shareholder value more..

Nov 14 (ST) The ruling issued by the Court of Appeal, directing the Director General of Sports to terminate his attempt to amend the Constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) comes as a welcome sign to many in the fraternity. The ruling favours a constituted Annual General Meeting or an Election, as sought by the rugby stakeholders, notably the provincial unions who had a bigger say in SLR’s Executive Committee. But, the real issue to ponder is far from what it looks for rugby in SL. more..

Nov 14 (Island) Sri Lanka goes to the polls today to elect a new Parliament. Curiously, voter enthusiasm has been at a low ebb, compared to that in the run-up to the 21 Sept presidential election. It has been interpreted as voter apathy in some quarters, but whether it is so will be seen only when the total number of votes to be polled is announced. Stakes are extremely high for all political parties in today’s contest. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has urged the public to fill the tenth parliament more..

Nov 14 (FT) In the first nine months of 2024, Bank of Ceylon (BOC) skilfully navigated SL’s complex economic terrain. Despite intense competition and global economic headwinds, the bank achieved a remarkable Profit Before Tax (PBT) of Rs. 37.6 billion, a substantial 66% increase over the same period in the previous year. This exceptional performance highlights the bank’s resilience and adaptability in the face of volatile market conditions and numerous challenges. more..

Nov 14 (CI) Kusal Mendis and Avishka Fernando made centuries, and put on 206 together to send Sri Lanka to a commanding score. Then, once rain had reduced NZ's chase to 27 overs, SL's spinners reaped five wickets for 22 runs to derail the visitors after their openers had made a strong start. In the end, NZ didn't get close to the 221 they required off 27 overs. They puttered to 175 for 9, with too little firepower in their lower order more..

Nov 14 (FT) Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group said yesterday it has achieved impressive growth at the end of the third quarter of 2024 by banking on judicious portfolio management and continued improvement of its CASA ratio to counteract the impacts of reduced interest income in prevailing market conditions. Comprising SL’s biggest private sector bank, its subsidiaries, and an associate, the Commercial Bank Group has reported net interest income of Rs. 88.98 billion for 9 months more..

Nov 14 (GV) The parliamentary election on Nov 14 is going to be like no other in SL’s post independence history. Like the presidential election held on Sept 21, it will be another ground breaking expression of people’s will to change the govt at a peaceful election. In particular, it will empower the disempowered and marginalised people from lower socio-economic classes and those from rural and urban fringes who have been misled by previous rulers either by offering temporary more..

Nov 14 (CT) The post-Aragalaya political awakening resulting in the victory of Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) as the country’s new prez was an endorsement for system change, the core demand of Aragalaya youth and promised by AKD. The fact that he was elected only with less than fifty percent of total votes polled does not invalidate his victory, because that election was conducted under the rules and regulations laid down by the existing system & followed accordingly by EC. more..

Nov 14 (Island) The govt is aware as much as anyone else that the country continues to be in an extremely vulnerable situation with the possibility of reversal to a state of economic decline a possible scenario. Both national and int'l experts have pointed this out with the IMF saying that the country is poised at knife’s edge. The govt’s care taken in navigating the situation has included accepting the IMF package, which the main opposition party is making so bold as to reject, more..

Nov 14 (ST) A largely subdued general elections campaign is due to wind down at midnight tomorrow (11) in accordance with election laws. There has been markedly less enthusiasm on the campaign trail compared to the campaign for the recently concluded presidential election. There have hardly been any major public rallies, unlike what was seen two months ago. Some voters have observed that in many areas, it hardly feels like more..

Nov 14 (ST) Centuries separate our little island from that land mass that stands between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and remains the world’s most powerful nation. But a long history and a rich heritage do not necessarily divide the big from the tiny. Dirty politics and political chicanery driven by greed and the thirst for power seem to bring them together on occasion, never mind their civilisations and economic and military power. Trump’s triumphant return to the White House more..

Nov 14 (TM) Securing a nation and its communities is a round the clock affair and a thankless one. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. National security is a broad and evolving concept, and one which is often misunderstood by many. Nevertheless, for the practitioners of security, their work is tireless and never-ending. They need to be alert around the clock, have foresight, intuition and tact to deal with what's developing before them, and act swiftly when necessary. more..

Nov 14 (TM) In the context of the Parliamentary General Election, which politicians will come to power, what they are planning to do, and how the public can expect from what is expected of public representatives are often discussed topics, and to a considerable degree, these decide election results. These matters were discussed during political debates and discussions that took place in the run-up to today’s Election. more..

Nov 14 (DM) Incidents of Domestic violence (DV), Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and other forms of gender based violence continue to fill police complaint books, reports, studies and other documents as successive governments have failed to provide a solution to this social crisis. Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse on Women and Children receives around 120,000-130,000 complaints related to domestic and gender based violence annually. So far 13 women have succumbed to injuries more..

Nov 14 (DM) Sri Lanka has witnessed a number of Parliamentary Elections ever since she gained independence. But in each one of them, voters saw the same faces shuffling between rival political parties in their quest to retain power. On the contrary, today’s General Election is special for many reasons. Following the results of the recent Prez Election, many senior politicians stepped down from the elections race and claimed to be taking a temporary break from politics. more..

Nov 13 (CT) Professor Tilak Hewawasam recently assumed duties as the new Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) on 8 October. He is a Senior Professor in Geology in the Department of Geography at the University of Peradeniya, and has also served as the Director of the university’s Centre for Environmental Sustainability (CES). In 2003, Professor Hewawasam obtained a Ph.D. in Geomorphology and Surface Geochemistry from the University of Berne in Switzerland. more..

Nov 13 (CT) Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Ramal Siriwardana announced that the existing SLTB bus fleet would be mobilised across the country until Monday, to meet increased transportation demands during the election week. All SLTB provincial depots have been instructed to operate according to their regular timetables, with additional buses deployed to manage the heightened passenger flow in and out of Colombo, particularly during upcoming long weekend more..