Aug 23 (SO) SL as a country is struggling to achieve a stably developed economy that would provide better living standards to people as well as financial security. In the present context this is not just a job for the economists. Present trends and demands in the world push for an integrated approach from all sectors. In this the research and development field plays a pivotal role. Where are we standing in this road to success? more..

Aug 23 (Island) It is usually the ruling party politicians who are accused of looking down upon, harassing and even attacking the members of the Fourth Estate while the Opposition sheds copious tears for the victims and take up the cudgels for their rights. But, an incident has been reported from the Kalutara Urban Council (UC), where a UNP member launched into a tirade, the other day, against journalists using as he did derogatory terms to describe them. more..

Aug 23 (CT) Psychopathy and Sociopathy are often misunderstood and misquoted in contemporary psychiatry, as well as among the general public. However, the study of this fascinating aspect of human personality is important in order to understand certain individuals that we deal with. There is hardly ever an opportunity to analyse someone who so publicly demonstrates a range of behaviours, impulses and cognitions as well as interpersonal relations which are the more..

Aug 23 (FT) An eight day festival of drama and theatre, specifically targeting children (but also catering to adults), recently came to an end in Jaffna. Timed to coincide with the Nallur Festival currently ongoing, when people are in a relaxed, entertainment seeking mood as they wend their way along the roads leading out of the temple after their evening prayers, festival occurred in a by-lane adjoining temple precincts from 12-20 Aug. more..

Aug 23 (ST) The thing about big glamorous shows is that although the lights glitter and the music soars, there’s almost always something missing. It’s either that touch of graceful confidence, or the flash of faith in the performers’ eyes. But tonight, there is a chance for perfection. Toccata Musical Productions is probably the biggest group of touring artistes to ever visit Sri Lanka. Seventy performers doing 14 shows in five nights, as they just did in India, is no small feat, and founders Sunil Paulraj and more..

Aug 23 (Island) I have in mind a few more articles before I conclude this series on the SL Muslims at the crossroads, which will inevitably take some weeks. In the meanwhile there could be a case for urgent action because further violence along the lines of what we witnessed at Aluthgama – on a wider scale, which some extremist groups evidently desire – could well transmogrify the Muslim problem into something resembling the Tamil one. In this situation one question acquires more..

Aug 23 (ST) Sri Lanka’s bank credit is now weak and with other people’s savings no longer being spent by borrowers, external outflows are less than total inflows, which is putting upward pressure on the exchange rate. The central bank however is not allowing the rupee to appreciate and is capturing the net savings as foreign reserves. This is pushing up liquidity in the banking system and pressuring interest rates down. There is no doubt that foreign reserves are needed, more..

Aug 23 (Island) Softlogic Finance said that its AAA rated Debenture received subscriptions of over Rs 4Billion on the opening day of its Issue of Rs 1.4Billion, and the issue was closed on the same day. The instrument that has been rated AAA by Ram Ratings (Lanka) Ltd, offered 14,000,000- redeemable, guaranteed debentures to the public at a face value of Rs 100- each and had received approval from the Colombo Stock Exchange. The issue opened for subscription on Aug 21, more..

Aug 23 (CI) Pakistan's rustiness was a major talking point ahead of the Test series, and it could be an issue before the first ODI as well. Pakistan's last 50-over match was the Asia Cup final in March. They lost that game, the second time they had lost to Sri Lanka in a tournament where they had beaten everyone else. They were both matches Pakistan could have won, but SL showed a clear edge when it came to more..

Aug 23 (LMD) Everything from a surgeon’s gloves and pencil erasers, to vehicle tyres and windscreen wipers, require a special ingredient in its many forms – one which claims a commercial discovery dating back to the 18th century. Now an integral part of our everyday lives, the flexible, highly resilient and waterproof nature of rubber has meant that it is widely used in many products and applications, in the contemporary milieu. Sri Lanka is said to have pioneered the Asian rubber industry more..

Aug 23 (Hindu) It’s unlike the bustling, noisy corridors of colleges. Enter the quiet campus of the 108-year-old Sanskrit College in Mylapore and it feels like you have stepped into the sets of a mythological or historical serial. Barefoot students clad in veshtis with angavastrams around their shoulders, many of them sporting a knotted lock of hair at the back of the head, recite shlokas, read out from ancient treatises or chant Vedic hymns. Tiny birds chirp softly in the small green patch more..

Aug 23 (FT) Brand owners in retail and organised trade as well as those in manufacture or import of goods need to join together to develop the industry further, a top industry expert said. Delivering the keynote speech at the CIM Forum last Friday, Cargills CEO Ranjith Page spoke of the many contributions the retail industry has made to national development. “Sri Lanka is in a new place. It’s a new country and there are more..

Aug 23 (FT) All places of religious worship including includes 562 Buddhist temples in the Matara District will be given a facelift for the 9th Deyata Kirula Development Exhibition which is to be held in Matara. Addressing representatives of the Maha Sanga who attended the weekly progress review meeting chaired by Minister Dullas Alahapperuma at the District Secretariat Matara yesterday, Ven Getamanne Gunananda Thera requested all chief incumbent priests to submit more..

Aug 23 (Island) Two men died after they fell unconscious yesterday due to breathing problems inside a deep well in the Mahawela police area. Another man found unconscious in the same well was admitted to the Madipola hospital. The first victim, Suwarnathilaka (30) had climbed down the well to retrieve his pail and lost consciousness. Having seen that, two men, second victim Sugathapala (45) and the man who is currently being treated in the hospital, had got into more..

Aug 23 (FT) Rating agency Fitch projects Sri Lanka (BB-/Stable) will cut its gross external funding requirement (GXFR) the most between 2012 and 2014, relative to its foreign reserves, and warned its high levels of GXFR remains a credit and rating weakness. A year after the “taper tantrum,” emerging Asian sovereigns with the biggest external funding needs are generally reducing their degree of external vulnerability, although only modestly more..

Aug 23 (Island) "Ceylon tea, sea food, etc. could attract higher demand from the Chinese market if business matchmaking and trade partnerships could be furthered effectively, China’s Zhongshan City mayor Chen Liangxian said recently at the Sri Lanka- Zhongshan Business Forum held at the Taj Samudra Hotel. This business matchmaking forum saw the signing of four trade contracts between visiting business delegates from Zhongshan Province, China, and representatives from more..

Aug 23 (DN) Sri Lankans can expect more job opportunities in South Korea in the future, especially in the skilled and professional categories, Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Chairman Amal Senalankadikara said. Senalankadikara who recently visited South Korea said Korean Human Resources Department Chairman Dr. Park Young Bun had responded positively to a request made by him to provide more job opportunities for Lankans in skilled categories. more..

Aug 23 (DN) According to the Mahinda Chintana program, our govt places great emphasis on the vital subject of water and its link to our sustenance. As agriculture plays a dominant role in our economies, economic growth is closely linked to the supply of water. Therefore, good water supply and management must be an essential part of Sustainable Development, states President Rajapaksa in a message to mark the 3rd more..

Aug 23 (ST) Sri Lankan demand for chicken has fallen down during the second quarter of this year unexpectedly with the prices of both broiler and day-old- chicks (DOC) declining to a considerable level while the cost of production is rising rapidly, poultry producers complained. Poultry Producers Forum’s joint co-coordinator Yakooth Naleem, who is also the Bairaha Group Managing Director said that there was a lull in the market due to a dip in demand by low and middle income consumers more..

Aug 23 (FT) Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has requested MPs to form a Coalition against Corruption to tackle emerging threats. The request was made when TISL, along with Coalition against Corruption (CAC), met with Opposition MPs last Tuesday. MPs led by UNP Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya were present. Coalition against Corruption handed over details of cases of incidents of corruption in Govt departments, corporations and other State institutions. more..

Aug 23 (LR) Liberals welcomed Gary Anandasangaree to their team as a candidate for the 2015 federal election in Scarborough Rouge Park, following a record-breaking turnout for the nomination meeting on Wednesday. Nearly 2,000 people turned out to vote at the Liberal nomination meeting for the newly formed federal riding of Scarborough Rouge Park at Scarborough Convention Centre. more..

Aug 23 (CG) The Indian Govt has said it wants a political solution for Tamils which addresses substantially the aspirations of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Indian external Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said the Tamils in Sri Lanka need a solution which gives them equality, dignity, justice and self respect within a framework of a united Sri Lanka. Akbaruddin said the meeting held today between the TNA and the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was part of more..

Aug 23 (Hindu) For every gastronome who loves spices, Sri Lankan cuisine is a must-have. Dishes from the island-country are known for their intricacy and are quite similar to South Indian food. Sri Lankan food has also drawn inspiration from several international cuisines. Foodies in the capital city can taste this cuisine at a Sri Lankan Food Festival at The Hilton Garden Inn. “We have brought together an array of the best dishes from Sri Lanka for the food fete,” says Karuppan Selliah, guest chef more..

Aug 23 (Island) The govt yesterday suspended the on-arrival visa facility for visitors from four African countries, following a request made by the Health Ministry to help prevent carriers of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from entering the country. Those countries are Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, the Health Secretary, Sudharma Karunarathna stressed the need for a screening unit at the BIA. more..

Aug 23 (Island) Two female patients receiving treatment at the Kandy General Hospital for some other ailments have contracted dengue. The two patients have now been transferred to a ward where dengue patients are treated. Chief Public Health Officer of the Kandy Municipal Council Dr. Asoka Senarat, contacted for comment, said on Wednesday that the medical officer in charge of the hospital wards was responsible for the situation. There are mosquito breeding places. more..

Aug 23 (LP) PM D.M. Jayaratne said some groups are trying to create a wrong picture among the public, alleging that the Govt is not taking action to protect Buddhism. He said several groups that are trying to create a conflict between the public and the Govt has used Buddhism as an instrument for the purpose. Prime Minister, addressing the opening ceremony of Sadaham Medura constructed at a cost of Rs.11 million at Shri Bodhirukkharama Viharaya, Ipalogama, Mahawa, said, more..

Aug 23 (DM) At the inquiry by Colombo Additional Magistrate Augusta Atappatu into the death of Dr. P.A Priyanganie while undergoing beautification surgery, her husband said his wife could have been saved if she was promptly treated and the clinic properly equipped with proper equipment and skilled staff. The husband’s evidence was led by Bambalapitiya Police Inspector Vajira Dhanapala. more..

Aug 23 (NYT) Sri Lanka’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that his govt would not cooperate with the UN investigation begun last month into suspected human rights abuses, including possible war crimes, committed during Sri Lanka’s civil war. Mr. Rajapaksa’s intransigence puts Sri Lanka in the company of North Korea and Syria, two countries that also barred access to UNHRC investigators. Mr. Rajapaksa claims Sri Lanka can handle the inquiry on its own. This is doubtful. more..

Aug 23 (ANI) TNA is a Sri Lankan Tamil political alliance in Sri Lanka and rules the country's Jaffna province. It was formed as an amalgamation of moderate Tamil parties as well as number of former rebel groups. Earlier today, the TNA delegation had also met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj. During the meeting they had urged New Delhi to ensure devolution of power to provinces in their country. TNA leaders would push their case for full implementation of the 13th amendment more..

Aug 23 (Island) UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe demanded to know from the govt in Parliament why it delayed the proposed plan to enable the members of the EPF to receive 30% of their savings. He said that a problem had arisen today affecting some 1.5 million members of the EPF. Amendments to the EPF Act No. 2 of 2012 certified on Feb 9 2012, had been passed unanimously to enable the members to get some relief at more..

Aug 23 (DN) A National Policy on housing and a Bill on Construction and Industrial Development will be presented in Parliament soon, said Minister Wimal Weerawansa. He said the preparation of the draft of the National Housing Policy was made in consultation with professionals and intellectuals in the field after apprising the Parliament Advisory Committee on the subject through which proposals and views of various political parties were gathered. The minister was addressing officials of more..

Aug 23 (AM) WPC member of the UNP, S.M. Marikkar is to be appointed as the Electorate Organizer for Kolonnawa by the UNP. Marikkar, who was formerly the Channel Head of Sirasa FM, contested the WPC election under the UNP ticket for Colombo District. His election campaign, which was carried under the theme “apey kenek”, became immensely popular among the youth during the election period. Marikkar would accept his letter of appointment from Opposition Leader more..

Aug 23 (DH) After striking positive notes with President Rajapaksa’s administration, PM Narendra Modi’s govt reassured the Tamils of Sri Lanka that New Delhi would continue to prod Colombo for a political solution that would ensure equality and justice to them. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told a delegation of the Tamil members of the Sri Lanka's Parliament that India would continue to seek a political solution, more..

Aug 23 (DM) With the detection of many container-loads of heroin being highlighted in recent months, a top Navy officer addressing this week’s International Defence Seminar in Colombo has revealed the full extent of this horrifying crisis. Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardena, the Navy’s North Central Area Commander spoke on the theme of the security challenges faced by an island nation in pursuit of a maritime hub. He said that due to huge profits, drug trafficking had become one of the most more..

Aug 23 (DM) As I chair this session devoted to the global challenges to Sri Lanka as a rising nation, the central thought that strikes me is that, besides all that has been said over the past two days on the clear relief within Sri Lanka and the region since May 2009, that the entire world is a safer place today because of the defeat of the LTTE. This is a truism of which the significance is not fully appreciated by some countries. This is no exaggeration, for not too long ago more..

Aug 23 (SL) The Dead and Missing Person’s Parents Front (DMPPF) advisor Ven. Angulugalle Siri Jinananda Thera accused the police of being indifferent to DMPPF during the incident that occurred on the 4th of this month when they allegedly disrupted the meeting held at the Centre for Society and Religion (CSR) at Deans Road, Maradana. The Thera stated that they had only gone to the venue at which the meeting was being more..

Aug 23 (DM) Aranyani, a local animal welfare trust, to which the funds raised by UPFA western provincial councillor Malsha Kumaratunga’s Ice Bucket challenge were to be donated, has declined the donation. In a statement on their decision to refrain from accepting the donation, the Aranyani Executive Committee has said the funds were declined on ethical grounds. The organisation pointed out that more..

Aug 23 (FT) Sri Lanka needs a systematic process to relay chemical-free food material for the local market to provide for local consumers, an industry expert said yesterday at the opening of the Pro Food Pro Pack & Agbiz 2014 exhibition yesterday. Sri Lanka Food Processors Association President Sunanda Weerasinghe during her address at the opening ceremony emphasised the need to upgrade standards of more..

Aug 23 (ST) V Anandasangaree is not someone who is afraid to speak his mind. At 81 and semi-retired from politics, the onetime MP and General Secretary of the TULF has made some new public disclosures, questioning the legitimacy of the TNA and the ITAK, better known as the Federal Party (FP). Raising such questions will no doubt ruffle quite a few feathers, particularly among Tamil politicians of today, but that has not deterred more..