Govt rejects Easter attacks report released by Gammanpila, assures fresh probe
Oct 22 (AD) The govt does not accept the investigative committee report on the Easter Sunday bomb attacks, which was released by former MP Udaya Gammanpila yesterday, Minister Vijitha Herath said. However, he stated that the govt will conduct a new investigation into the incidents. Divulging the contents of a previously unreleased investigative committee report on the Easter Sunday attacks during a press conference yesterday,
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Probe under way after man killed while trying to prevent son’s abduction
Oct 22 (DM) Police have not yet made any arrests following the death of a 65-year-old man who was killed while attempting to prevent the abduction of his son by an armed gang in the Eheliyagoda area. According to police, the gang arrived at the family's home claiming to be officers and tried to abduct the 24-year-old son. In a bid to stop them, the father clung to the jeep, but was run over and later died from injuries sustained after being admitted to the Ratnapura Hospital.
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Colombo Port’s ECT Project declares as a special project
Oct 22 (AD) Cabinet has granted approval to declare the Colombo Port’s Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) Project as a special project. This decision follows a proposal presented by the Minister Vijitha Herath. Approval had been granted at the cabinet meeting held on 01-02-2021 to develop the Eastern Container Terminal of the Colombo South Development Project in stages by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and to implement it as a container terminal with the full ownership of SLPA.
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රාජ්ය සේවය චෙක් වෙනවද?
Evolution of minimum wages legislation in Sri Lanka: From 2000 to 2024
Oct 22 (FT) Fair wages are essential to the financial security of workers, but can employers sustain a wage hike in a fragile economy? This article explores key milestones in SL’s minimum wage legislation from 2000 onwards, examines the population below the poverty line, and discusses whether businesses can absorb the recent increases amidst the country’s economic challenges, including debt obligations and import restrictions. In 2005, SL introduced the Budgetary Relief Allowance of Workers Act,
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Should Sri Lanka allow politicians to play the pork barrel game in the future?
Oct 22 (FT) In the 19th century, barrels filled with salted pork were considered a significant source of food, especially in rural America. This was a food preservation technique to make the meat last through the winter. Another interesting fact is that not every family had the capability to own such a barrel full of salted pork. This means that owning a pork barrel also served as a symbol of a prestigious social class with greater access to resources. Some historians including Genovese (1972)
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Prez Legal Director fires back on Gammanpila exposé
Oct 22 (TM) While claiming that there is a serious problem with the procedure followed in preparing the report on the Easter Sunday terror attacks which was released by former MP Udaya Gammanpila yesterday, the Presidential Secretariat Legal Director, attorney J.M. Wijebandara said that it is also problematic as to how a group with no subject knowledge is able to come up with conclusions on a matter
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State lease of pvt. building: AG’s help sought to recover Rs. 660 m rental deposit
Oct 22 (TM) Ministry of Agriculture is to seek legal advice from the Attorney General's (AG) Department on recovering a deposit of Rs. 660 million made during the Yahapalana United National Front-led Govt for leasing a private building in Rajagiriya to house the Ministry. Secretary to the Ministry, M.P.N.M. Wickramasinghe revealed that the deposit had not been returned or re-deposited to the Govt, and that the Ministry had no records of what happened to the said money.
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Video: Will withdraw from politics if vehicle allegations are proven: Rohitha A.
Oct 22 (DM) Former MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena saidthat if the allegations regarding the vehicles seized by the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau are proven, he will withdraw from politics and resign from his candidacy at the upcoming general elections. Former MP said that he had no involvements with the vehicles seized by the Kandy Division Criminal Investigation Bureau. He declared that he would withdraw from politics if it is proven that the seized vehicles belonged to him.
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Immigration Dept commences issuing newly imported ‘P’ series passports
Oct 22 (DM) Dept of Immigration & Emigration commenced issuing the newly imported ‘P’ series passports packed with novel security features and refined look. Dept had managed to issue about 1,100 new machine-readable passports under the one day service since this morning, with its new navy blue colour cover of the ‘P’ series travel document, in lieu of the exhausting stocks of the previous ‘N’ series normal passports with
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Ravi Seneviratne’s name implicated, Udaya Gammanpila calls for his removal from...
Oct 22 (DM) PHU leader Udaya Gammanpila has called for the immediate removal of Ravi Seneviratne from the post as the Public Security Ministry Secretary, as he has been named as a main accused in the Easter Sunday bomb attacks investigations by a PCoI report. Gammanpila said, “A PCoI report which probed the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks has revealed that the State Intelligence Service (SIS) had informed former senior DIG of the CID about imminent attacks
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We will come back strong at General Election: Sajith
Oct 22 (DN) SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said the party is conducting reviews on the defeat in the Prez Election and is preparing to pave the way for victory in the upcoming General Election. He further mentioned that after securing a victory in the General Election, the party would work hand-in-hand with the Prez to implement the necessary plans to uplift the country. Premadasa emphasised that his team, which has the best vision, plans and capability to rebuild the country,
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පත්තරේ විස්තරේ
Fitch says economic recovery driving finance and leasing companies’ growth
Oct 22 (FT) Fitch Ratings said SL’s economic recovery, moderating inflation, and lower interest rates are poised to spur finance and leasing companies’ performance in the financial year ending March 2025. It said the loan growth will also be supported by further relaxation of vehicle import restrictions imposed since 2020 to preserve the country’s foreign reserves. Economic growth turned positive from 4Q23 following six quarters of contraction, and monetary conditions
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Sri Lanka set to be removed from IMF’s surcharge list of countries from November
Oct 22 (DM) Sri Lanka is set to be removed from the IMF's surcharge list of countries, once the multilateral lender’s latest lending reforms come into effect from Nov 1 of this year. IMF membership recently reached a consensus on a comprehensive package that substantially reduces the cost of borrowing, while safeguarding the IMF’s financial capacity to support the countries in need. The IMF announced that its Executive Board concluded the Review of Charges and Surcharge Policy.
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President urges citizens to cleanse Parliament on 14 Nov
Oct 22 (FT) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a powerful message to the public on Sunday, emphasising that the upcoming Parliamentary elections on 14 Nov offer a unique opportunity for the people to clean up the Parliament and establish a new political order. Addressing a public rally, Prez reiterated that the power to initiate much-needed reforms now lies with the citizens, urging them to elect candidates with integrity
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New govt borrows Rs. 172 b domestically
Oct 22 (TM) SL’s new govt has borrowed Rs. 172 billion from the domestic market in the first month after taking office. According to weekly indicators by the CB, the new govt under Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake has net borrowing of Rs. 172 billion in govt securities in its first month in office. Showing investor confidence, the amount of govt securities held by foreigners have increased by Rs. 11.7 billion while the net foreign purchases within the one month period at the CSE stood at Rs. 98 million.
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Atlas Axillia eyes international units
Oct 22 (ST) The Hemas Group company, Atlas Axillia Co (Pvt) Ltd. having recently launched a new vertical in educational toys and sensory play, has tied up with Disney and is looking at exports into the region and Africa for joint ventures. The company is looking at several initiatives, and new verticals in the space of education or toys and is also looking at exports. “We want to drive the export business. We currently have had some small victories recently. We’re doing some work for Disney,
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පාස්කු ඉරිදා තිරිසන් ප්රහාරය...
Achintha, Avishka, Abisheka break 800 metres meet records
Oct 22 (Island) Fifteen-year-old Lahiru Achintha commenced the year with a stunning performance, turning tables on seniors to win the Under 20 cross country trial in January. Yesterday, the athlete from St. Aloysius’ College, Rathnapura etched his name on the record books of All Island Schools Games with a stunning 800 metres feat at the Sugathadasa Stadium. The promising athlete who was unfortunate to miss the Sir John Tarbat Senior Championship final early this month, clocked 1:58.62 sec
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Sri Lanka Tourism to showcase new era of growth at WTM 2024 in London
Oct 22 (FT) Sri Lanka Tourism said it is all set to make a grand entry at the upcoming World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in London, UK, as the country’s tourism industry is poised for promising growth and development. The largest-ever trade delegation will represent Sri Lanka at this year’s show, with a historical record number of over 100 travel agencies/tour operators/hoteliers from the travel industry. The participation underscores the country’s commitment to positioning itself as
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Sri Lanka says backing letter condemning Israel’s ban on UN chief
Oct 22 (EN) Sri Lanka, which was originally not signatory for a letter condemning Israel for banning the UN Secretary General (UNSG) entering into the country, said it is supporting the move which has been supported by more than 100 countries. The move comes after SL’s stance on the issue raised concerns over the island nation’s consistent support for conflict-hit Palestine and foreign policy under new Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
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Bhutan thump Sri Lanka 4-1
Oct 22 (CT) A brace from Deki Lhazom and goals from Namgyel Dema and Dorji Edon headlined Bhutan’s thumping 4-1 win over SL in another group ‘B’ encounter of the women’s SAFF championship played in Kathmandu, Nepal yesterday. The match commenced with Bhutan seizing an early advantage in the 6th minute, as Deki Lhazom skillfully converted a low cross from the wing into the right corner of the net. However, SL quickly responded, equalizing in the 22nd minute when
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Duckworth Lewis explained!
Oct 22 (Island) While spending time in New York during this year’s World Cup, this writer struck up an unlikely friendship with an American named Ryan. Naturally, as it happens when two worlds collide, he wanted cricket explained. So, gave him the simplest version that one could: “If the team that bats first scores 100 runs, the team batting second just needs to score one run more. Simple, right?” Or so we thought. After the first ODI between SL and WI, there was a text message from Ryan,
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Cardinal says recommendations against Ravi and Shani influenced by former Govt
Oct 22 (FT) Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith has voiced serious concerns over attempts by a particular group of persons to mislead the public regarding the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. Delivering a sermon on Sunday, Archbishop noted that a new group, including former Govt officials and MPs, are working to create confusion surrounding the investigation.
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Asalanka guided me to build up my innings, says Madushka
Oct 22 (DN) Nishan Madushka the 7th SL ODI cricketer to score a fifty on debut said Skipper Charith Asalanka gave fine guidance to build up his debut innings at Pallekele against West Indies in their first ODI. SL won the first game by 5 wickets with 31 balls to spare (DLS system) to get series lead 1-0 and opener Nishan Madushka played a key role with Skipper Asalanka to get this victory. 25-yr- old right hand opener Madushka earlier played 10 test matches before making his debut ODI.
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Nine-month tea exports value top $ 1 b mark; September volume dips to 26-year low
Oct 22 (FT) SL’s tea exports in value during the first nine months of this year has crossed the $ 1 billion mark, whilst quantity-wise, September has seen a 15% slump year-on-year to a 26-year low of 19.7 million kilograms. The September figure is also lower by 10% from August exports, Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC said. “The low September figure is largely due to low tea production in Q2 this year. With Q3 tea production showing signs of recovery particularly in September,
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රවී මුල සිට කතාව හෙළි කරයි
First-ever Sri Lanka Property Investment Forum in Australia on Friday by Home Lands
Oct 22 (FT) Home Lands Group of Companies is set to make history by becoming the first SL developer to conduct a Property Investment Forum in Australia to create interest in residential investment options in SL. The forum, to be held at Springvale City Hall in Melbourne on 25 Oct, is an invitees-only event expected to attract over 450 high-end investors. Home Lands Group will showcase real estate investment concepts to the SL community in Australia and Australian real estate investors
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Sri Lanka chamber delegation builds links with Indonesia
Oct 22 (EN) SL–Indonesia Business Council (SLIBC) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) visited Indonesia and strengthened links with businesses in the two countries. “The missions’ primary aim was to strengthen trade, investment, and business ties between SL and Indonesia, while exploring opportunities for collaboration in key industries,” a statement from the CCC said. The 14 member delegation respresenting food & beverage, logistics, pharmaceuticals, apparel, travel, IT,
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Mattala Airport: AG proposes changes to clauses for management by India-Russia...
Oct 22 (ST) The draft commercial agreement to hand over the management of loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa Int'l Airport (MRIA) jointly to India’s Shaurya Aeronautics and Russia’s Airports of Regions is with the Attorney General’s Dept, Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra said. SL has never before contracted out airport management to an entity outside of the govt-owned Airport and Aviation Services Ltd (AASL).
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Lingering crises: Poverty and malnutrition in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis
Oct 22 (GV) Seetha is an elderly woman who takes care of her three grandchildren, all below the age of 15. She lives in a section of her late daughter’s house, where the electricity has been disconnected for the past three months due to non-payment of arrears. She earns a living by selling manioc chips and earns about Rs.700 to 800 a day out of which Rs.500 is spent on food. As there is no electricity in her house she uses candles, purchasing 3 to 4 candles at Rs.30 per candle every day.
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Accountants: Watchdogs or facilitators of financial crimes!
Oct 22 (DM) In my early years as a public accountant in Los Angeles, I noticed a high compliance rate by taxpayers who came to see me between Feb and April year after year to prepare and file their tax returns before the Internal Revenue Service In the U.S. tax laws call for self-assessment – which requires one to self-declare income earned and pay any taxes. I noticed this compliance anxiety among young taxpayers. Upon further inquiry, I learned that parents and grandparents
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ගම්මන්පිලගේ පාස්කු නාටකය...
Strengthening the mandate for change
Oct 22 (Island) Despite campaign promises to tackle corruption, there is a feeling that the govt has not taken strong enough action to hold previous corrupt officials accountable or prevent ongoing corruption in public institutions. NPP’s rapid rise to power came with high public expectations, especially regarding quick fixes to economic hardships. The gap between these expectations and the govt’s actual performance has led to expressions of disappointment among various sectors of
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Reviewing the state intelligence
Oct 22 (TM) Intelligence services play a vital role in providing govts with credible information about possible threats to the State and its population. A State's intelligence apparatus, more commonly known today as the intelligence community, is tasked with making sense of complex issues and calling attention to emerging problems, threats to national interests, risks and opportunities. The role and task of intelligence is linked to all forms of governance since the beginning of recorded
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