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Shanaka suspected of faking concussion to leave first-class match and join ILT20

Feb 11 (Wisden) Former SL white-ball captain Dasun Shanaka is facing an inquiry from the SLC after he left a crucial domestic match to play in an ILT20 game, allegedly without informing either the board or his club. Shanaka was recalled from the ILT20, where he was playing for Dubai Capitals, by his domestic team, SSC. The side were facing relegation in SL's premier 3-day tournament, and required Shanaka to play in a match against more..

Parents of Mt Lavinia police constable missing with firearm arrested

Feb 11 (AD) The parents of the police constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station, who went missing with his service weapon and is reported as having left for Dubai while on duty, have been taken into custody. Meanwhile, police said that another police constable was also arrested for aiding and abetting him. The court has granted permission for police to detain them and question for 48 hours. On Saturday, a constable attached to the Mount Lavinia Police Station was reported missing, more..

Ports Authority faces Rs 5 Billion revenue loss

Feb 11 (CT) Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has suffered a revenue loss of approximately Rs 5 billion due to various reasons, including the inability to locate lessees due to missing or inaccurate records. According to a recent audit report, as of 31 Dec 2022, shipping agents had defaulted payments amounting to Rs 4,795 million. A senior official has revealed that this amount has increased further by the end of 2024. The lost revenue, which could have been utilised for national development, more..

දිලිත්, විමල් ඇවිස්සෙද්දී, අනුර ඩුබායි...

Link Natural brings health and innovation to forefront at JITF 2025

Feb 11 (FT) Link Natural, a subsidiary of CIC Holdings, and a trusted name that specialises in herbal pharmaceutical, herbal healthcare and personal care products that are rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom fused with modern science, took part in the Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF) 2025, held recently for three consecutive days at the Muttraweli Grounds, Jaffna. With around 25,000 visitors participating in the Link Natural stall, the event offered an excellent opportunity to connect more..

Video: Travel ban imposed on Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s grandmother Daisy Forrest

Feb 11 (AD) Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court has imposed an overseas travel ban on Daisy Forrest Wickremesinghe, also known as Daisy Achchi, who is the grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, in connection with a money laundering case. SSP Buddhika Manathunga stated that under the instructions of the Attorney General, Daisy Forrest was named a suspect ina a money laundering case and in the investigations carried out into a Rs. 59 million joint account held by Yoshitha and more..

Aragalaya violence:‘Compensation should not exceed stipulated maximum’

Feb 11 (Island) Given that SL law stipulates that the maximum compensation payable for a completely destroyed house is Rs. 2.5 million, the govt must recover any excess payments made to MPs who have lost their properties in May 2022, legal expert Dr. Pratibha Mahanamahewa has said. Dr. Mahanamahewa said compensation to property damage is paid under the current disaster relief policy, which operates more..

Fort Railway Station gets upgraded Ladies’ Restroom

Feb 11 (NW) The ladies’ restroom at Colombo Fort Railway Station has been refurbished by the Railways Department. A cleaner, upgraded air conditioned space is now open for use with an entry fee of Rs. 50 per person. The restroom comprises toilets, a resting area, a separate dining area as well as a special area for feeding and expectant mothers. “The facilities here look well maintained. It’s very clean and beautiful. It is super impressive to see the amenities. more..

Deputy Labour Minister participates at GLMC in Saudi Arabia

Feb 11 (DN) Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe participated at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2025 held at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last week. The event brought together over 10,000 participants, 40 Labour Ministers, and more than 200 global experts and speakers representing over 100 countries. Deputy Minister represented the Govt of Sri Lanka at the invitation extend by the Govt of Saudi Arabia. more..

Barista, Pizza Hut, Domino’s to operate food and beverage outlets at Sri Lanka’s BIA

Feb 11 (EN) Barista Coffee Lanka, Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka, Jubilant Food Works Lanka, and HMS Host Services India, have been awarded tenders totaling US$ 6.68 million to operate outlets in the departure/transit area of ​​ BIA. HMS Host Services India operates Taste of India or Idli Factory inside airports, and int'l brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, and Illy. Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka is the franchisee for Pizza Hut & Taco Bell in SL. more..

Govt seeks investors for Sapugaskanda oil refinery upgrade

Feb 11 (NW) Cabinet has approved a proposal to modernize the Sapugaskanda oil refinery and invite expressions of interest (EOIs) to identify potential investors for the project. Despite past efforts by Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to upgrade the refinery, no significant progress had been made, Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said. A 2022 feasibility study recommended finding a strategic investment partner, and CPC Board has now approved calling for EOIs to move forward with the project. more..

Cabinet approves rural roads enhancement in Northern and Eastern Provinces

Feb 11 (DM) Cabinet has approved the implementation of a rural roads enhancement and upgrading programme in the Northern and Eastern Provinces, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. Under this initiative, priority will be given to developing 1,500 km of roads in the Northern Province and 500 kilometres in the Eastern Province, covering every Divisional Secretariat division. This decision comes in response to the severely deteriorated condition of roads in these regions. more..

කැබිනට් තීරණ

Weakened Australia look for Champions Trophy answers

Feb 11 (CI) Australia's four-day victory in Galle gave them an extra 24 hours before flicking into one-day mode as they enter a brief period of preparation for the Champions Trophy 2025. Originally there was just going to be a single ODI in Colombo but a second was squeezed in which will basically be the team's warm-ups before heading to Pakistan. Injuries to Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh along with the surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis means there is a bit of a more..

'AG or AG’s Dept will not be abolished'

Feb 11 (DM) The position of the Attorney General or the Attorney General's Department will not be abolished with the establishment of the proposed Independent Prosecutor’s Office, govt said. Minister Nalinda Jayatissa told the weekly briefing to annnounce Cabinet decisions that the Independent Prosecutor’s Office will function with more capacity than the AG's office. Responding to a question raised by a journalist, Minister said the new Body will deliver justice to the people more efficiently. more..

Prime lending rate dips below 8%

Feb 11 (TM) SL banks’ prime lending rate fell below 8% in certain banks after almost three years with stabilisation in the financial sector. According to weekly indicators, the average weighted prime lending rate (AWPLR) increased by 3 bps to 8.59% last Friday (7) compared to the previous week. Banks’ prime lending rates ranged from 7.92-10% last week. This decrease follows a reduction in treasury bill yields. more..

Sri Lanka to sign mutual investment promotion, security deals with UAE

Feb 11 (EN) Cabinet have approved a proposal to sign agreements on investment promotion and security with UAE during the current 3-day official visit of Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake, the govt said. Both countries have agreed to “sign an agreement on mutual investment promotion and security to compile a legal mechanism for the regulation of direct foreign investment through ensuring a conducive institutional environment for the investors and their investments,” more..

Speaker informs MPs regarding Special Sitting day

Feb 11 (NW) As per the request by the PM, a special Parliamentary Sitting has been convened on Friday (14), in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 16 of Parliament. The call on the said special Parliamentary Sitting has been announced through the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2423/04, issued by the Speaker on 10th Feb 2025. Accordingly, Parliament will convene at 9:30 a.m. on that day, and the Speaker hereby informs all MPs to attend. more..

No power cuts tomorrow: CEB

Feb 11 (AD) The CEB announced that no power cuts will be imposed tomorrow (12). However, the CEB confirmed today that no power cuts will take place tomorrow as it is possible to meet the Poya Day lower demand with the available generation capacity. CEB decided to implement island-wide power cuts on Monday and Tuesday, as a result of an issue which arose at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, where the automatic more..

Foreign Minister engages in key discussions with BIMSTEC Secretary General

Feb 11 (AD) Minister Vijitha Herath has met with Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary General of BIMSTEC, at the Parliament Complex to discuss advancing cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation. The discussions have focused on Health, and Human Resource Development, which are also sub-sectors led by SL within the BIMSTEC framework. Furthermore, Ambassador Pandey also briefed Minister Herath on the upcoming BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for 2nd to 4th Apr 2025 more..

Approval to recruit 7456 for 10 state institutions

Feb 11 (NW) The Cabinet has granted approval to recruit 7,456 employees for ten state institutions. Minister Nalinda Jayathissa said the decision was made following requests made to the committee appointed to review the state service recruitment process. “When we took over the government, there were a number of issues regarding state service recruitments,” Minister Jayathissa said, adding that the proposal to reveiw the process had been tabled by PM Harini Amarasuriya. more..

කපනකොට කෙදිරිගාන්න එපා

Islamic banking and finance: Lucrative opportunity for NPP Govt

Feb 11 (FT) The slogan of Islamic Bank carries a connotational interpretation that its functions are based on the principles of banking as stipulated by Islam. This interpretation is true, in my opinion. But it does not mean that an Islamic bank caters only to the needs of Muslims. It is meant for the entire population. A non-Muslim need not study Sharia to establish a banking relationship with an Islamic bank. The products and services are tailor made to suit every customer and more..

Advocating for clean Foreign Service: Challenges ahead

Feb 11 (FT) In an interesting development, the Sri Lanka Foreign Service Association (SLFSA) has issued a media release advocating for the depoliticisation of the diplomatic service and the recognition of professionalism and meritocracy. The objective here is not to endorse political appointments as rewards, but to encourage the SLFS to reflect and enhance its value. This will help demonstrate that diplomacy is a field that demands professionalism and competence. more..

Islandwide power outage: SJB calls for Energy Minister’s resignation

Feb 11 (TM) The SJB opined that the power outage has shown the Govt’s incompetence in managing the electricity supply and urged Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody to resign from the position. The opposition party also sought action from Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake to replace the subject minister. This, as nearly 24 hours passed since the 7-hour-long islandwide power outage occurred, with authorities yet to give more..

SLPP to propose appointment of PSC to probe NGOs: Namal

Feb 11 (DM) The SLPP has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate both registered and unregistered NGOs operating in the country, following concerns about their funding and transparency. SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa made the call in a statement on social media, alleging that some NGOs have been functioning without proper registration while receiving undisclosed foreign funding. Namal will write to the Speaker more..

Prez AKD to attend TIME 100 Gala Dinner

Feb 11 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Disanayake, along with his delegation, arrived at Dubai International Airport this afternoon (10) to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025, which is scheduled to take place from Feb 11 to 13 in Dubai, UAE. Upon arrival, the delegation, including the Prez, was warmly welcomed by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and other state officials. Also present at the reception were Embassy of SL to the UAE more..

Power cuts till Friday

Feb 11 (DM) Short power cuts are expected to be imposed in several districts of the island at least till Friday (14), till the Norochcholai Power plant is repaired and connected back to the main grid. Sources said that efforts were ongoing to repair the coal power plant as soon as possible, but it was likely that the power cuts would remain throughout the week. The CEB has already issued one-hour and 30-minute power cuts in more..

Coal power plant failures behind islandwide blackouts: Expert

Feb 11 (DM) If a countrywide power outage occurred and took longer to restore, the primary cause of both recent and past islandwide blackouts would be the failure of the country's three coal power plants, energy expert, advisor and former member of the Renewable Energy Ministry, Asoka Abeygunawardana said. While refuting claims by the CEB engineers, he said that rooftop solar power users cannot be blamed, as they contribute energy to the main grid. The islandwide blackout more..

Vehicle assembly and spare parts industry sees USD 450M growth

Feb 11 (CT) The country’s vehicle assembly and spare parts manufacturing industry has made significant progress over the past four years, increasing export income by USD 450 million, according to Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chaturanga Abeysinghe. In a post on his Facebook account yesterday (10), Abeysinghe noted that 17 vehicle assembly industries have expanded in the past four years, generating 20,000 direct/indirect jobs. more..

පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

High Commission of Sri Lanka in London reaches out to Sri Lankan SMEs in UK

Feb 11 (FT) As a new initiative aiming to reach out to potential SL startup SMEs in the UK, a promotional event titled SL Business Promotion Dialogue was organised on 31 January by the High Commission of SL in London, jointly with NLC Consultants – UK. Delivering the opening remarks, Minister of the High Commission, Somasena Mahadiulwewa elaborated on the goals to be achieved through a series of events which are to develop businesses of Sri Lankan entrepreneurs in the UK, more..

IMF Exec. Director calls on PM to discuss policy initiatives for economic stability

Feb 11 (FT) IMF Executive Director Dr. Krishnamoorthy Subramanian yesterday called on PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the PM’s Office in Colombo. The meeting focused on key economic matters, including tax policy, the effective management of tax revenue, and measures to enhance public sector efficiency. The PM also outlined the Govt’s future development agenda, highlighting policy proposals to ensure economic stability and foster sustainable growth, more..

Natational NGO Secretariat: No probe on USAID funds

Feb 11 (TM) Despite various parties questioning the objectives of USAID-funded and NGO-implemented projects in SL, which have come to a halt with the new US administration’s decision to halt USAID funding, the National NGO Secretariat has not taken any decision to probe USAID-funded projects, sources said. Sources familiar with the matter noted that monitoring such projects is also a process that encounters more..

Robust data system essential for strong food security policy framework: Minister

Feb 11 (FT) Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, along with members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, convened for the second time yesterday. During the discussion, the critical need for a robust data system to support policy decisions on ensuring food security was strongly emphasised. The primary objective of the Committee is to implement measures ensuring a safe, healthy, and sustainable food system for all citizens, in line with the Govt’s food security policy. more..

Outstanding water bills: NWSDB to set up a collection mechanism

Feb 11 (TM) Ministry of Urban Development and Housing has directed the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) to establish a mechanism for collecting outstanding payments for water bills as soon as possible. This is in the wake of recent reports indicating that consumers have failed to pay arrears amounting to nearly Rs. 14.5 billion to the NWSDB. In light of this situation, Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath said that the ministry has instructed the NWSDB to develop a suitable mechanism more..

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