Sep 25 (NS) All over the world administrators both public and private face a most unique problem. It is identified at present as the proverbial bog down that is experienced as a result of the overemphasis upon the everyday nitty-gritties of life. To be fair these nitty-gritties are of paramount importance. After all how can one worry about the copious realities affecting the world’s oceans such as Ghost Nets, without ensuring three square meals are provided on the home front the files in the In-tray are more..

Sep 25 (NS) Almost everyone likes a trip to the zoo, merely because one can see a lot of animals in close quarters, in one place. One such animal everyone enjoys watching is elephant, to be exact elephant dancing which is the most popular event and most probably the star attraction of the visit to the Dehiwala Zoo. It has been there for ages. In elephant shows they hop, stand on tiny stools, walk backwards, balance on their forelegs & trunk, more..

Sep 25 (DM) As it celebrates 20 years in business, Laugfs continues to strengthen its position in the leisure sector with its second luxury beach resort, Anantaya Passekudah, soon to be launched along the beautiful east coast. The resort is situated along the widest span of the beautiful sandy beaches of the Passekudah Bay, offering a picturesque view of the best of Sri Lanka’s tropical shores. Laugfs entered the leisure sector in 2014 with the launch of its first luxury beach resort, more..

Sep 25 (SL) At the end of the day, the UNHRC probe report has left the Sri Lankan govt with little choice but to reject it in so many ways – or, at best invite the international community to re-negotiate the same. By declaring that the Govt cannot have international judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators, Minister Mangala Samaraweera might have doused high-voltage domestic criticism, or at least deflected some of it on the UN, UNHRC and the rest of the international community more..

Sep 25 (CT) First time UNP MP, S.M. Marikkar said he was not disappointed that he did not get a ministerial portfolio and that he would continue to serve the people of his electorate Kolonnawa. His first priority he said was the Kolonnawa garbage dump. Q: Are you disappointed about not getting a ministerial portfolio? A: I have no regrets about it; people are expecting a govt which can serve the country. more..

Sep 25 (Island) National govt experienced a nasty crashing of gears on Wednesday, when a group of UPFA MPs kicked up a blazing row in Parliament. They staged a walkout over what they called a govt attempt to steamroller financial regulations through the House in contravention of parliamentary traditions and Standing Orders. In so doing, besides registering their protest against the govt action, they asserted their independence and consolidated their position as de facto Opposition. more..

Sep 25 (Island) Capital Punishment is fast emerging as a populist issue that could well take us back many decades in social thinking and policies. The recent brutal rape and murder of little Seya Sandewmi, has angered people who demand stronger action against such crimes, which situation is exploited by those who advocate the re - introduction of the death penalty. In addition to politicians calling for immediate restoration of the death penalty, we also see a person more..

Sep 25 (CT) Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau in a land mark development to celebrate World Tourism Day- 2015 will be inking a MoU under the leadership of Minister John Amaratunga which take the industry to a new height. MoU will link the industry with the academia namely the University of Colombo tourism masters and post graduate diploma programme where industry issues will be researched by the best brains in the country more..

Sep 25 (GV) President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe together, flanked by Foreign, Media and Justice Ministers told media bosses and editors on 18 Sept, the OISL (OHCHR Investigation on Sri Lanka) Report is a hard earned achievement by their govt since Jan 8 and would not have been possible, if the previous regime continued. “If there was no change on 8 Jan followed by good governance, political reforms and reconciliation measures enabling international community more..

Sep 25 (EN) India's private terminal ports on the East Coast is attracting mainline calls from ships originating from China as they are freed from state controls, an official said. "Private ports are not under govt controls and we are able to be flexible on pricing," Vinita Venkatesh Director- Krishnapatnam Port Container Terminal said at a shipping forum in Colombo. She said fragmented cargo on several ports on the East Coast of India made it unviable for mainline to call. more..

Sep 25 (DN) Indian PM Narendra Modi has underlined the need for seamless connectivity in the SAARC region and we are keen to start several ferry services between India and Sri Lanka, said Y. K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India. Speaking at India-SL Maritime Forum, he said Maritime links contribute to enhanced connectivity in the region. “We are keen to re-commence ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin. more..

Sep 25 (SLN) Russian Rescue Vessel Epron, arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 23rd Sept 2015. The ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions on her arrival. Epron is a rescue vessel commanded by Captain 3rd Rank Denis Bergs. It is 89.7 meters in length. It has a displacement of 3,380 tons and a crew of 138 naval personnel. The Commander of the task group, Captain 1st Rank Sergey V. Ignatov and Commanding Officer paid a courtesy call on more..

Sep 25 (CT) Series of events were held in Ampara, Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts to mark the National Coastal Cleanup Day on Tuesday. A programme organized by the South Eastern University community at the Oluvil beach under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof. M.M.M. Najim was held to clean up the beach area. The event was supported by several academics and staff from other departments of the university. Oluvil beach which is found right behind the university was cleaned more..

Sep 25 (DM) Commissioner of the Human Rights, Dr. Prathiba Mahanamahewa said that 17-year-old schoolboy, who was arrested over the rape and killing of Seya Sadewmi, was the victim of a grave injustice. Student could complain to Human Rights Council and also take the matter to court. “Rights of the boy have been violated by his unjustifiable arrest. Police may arrest people as long as there is sufficient evidence against them. more..

Sep 25 (Island) 60% of CIMA students in Sri Lanka are young women and when they get qualified and take up their management accountancy responsibilities backed by their leadership qualities, they will exert more influence in corporate Sri Lanka and anywhere else in the business world, visiting CIMA president, Myriam Madden said. "On Tuesday I had a breakfast meeting with a group of 40 women-- senior business women with CIMA qualifications -who are doing a fantastic job for their more..

Sep 25 (FT) Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) has handed over a written request to the Finance Ministry to reconsider the directive taken to stop the issuance of vehicle import permits to taxpayers. “We handed over a written appeal to Minister Ravi Karunanayake asking to at least consider the taxpayers who have already opened LCs as it would be unreasonable not to do so,” CMTA President Gihan Pilapitiya said. Govt made a condition stating that vehicles that are more..

Sep 25 (FT) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is likely to be summoned to the next PRECIFAC public hearing to be held at the BMICH. A statement was recorded from Rajapaksa over an alleged complaint against him alleging that he owed money to the State-run ITN for campaign advertisements aired ahead of the 2015 Presidential Election. An audit of ITN had revealed that Rajapaksa had still not paid Rs. 10.1 million more..

Sep 25 (DN) Microsoft Sri Lanka looks forward to a strong partnership with the govt to help Sri Lanka take advantage of Enterprise Mobility and Cloud Computing to deliver good governance ambitions and efficient citizen services. Microsoft's mission is to help every business and every people on the planet to achieve more. In Sri Lanka, this mission has never been irrelevant. Projects like Megapolis represent opportunities for Sri Lanka to leapfrog other cities around the globe. more..

Sep 25 (FT) Eleven US Congressmen have urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to include the OHCHR recommendation to set up a special ad hoc hybrid court to investigate allegations of serious abuses and rights violations in Sri Lanka during the war, into the resolution Washington will sponsor at the 30th Session of the UNHRC this month. “Secretary Kerry, we ask that the US consults with the Govt of Sri Lanka on a new resolution to be presented to the Council during this session,” more..

Sep 25 (Island) FUTA expressed displeasure at the allocation of ministerial portfolios, especially the appointment of a State Minister of University Education. In a letter to President Sirisena, FUTA President Dr. Primal Fernando has said it was doubtful whether the present govt had a genuine desire to develop the education sector though it had agreed in principle to the need for allocating 6% of GDP for education. more..

Sep 25 (CT) A 35-year-old suspect who is said to travel from village to village performing Sokari dances named Jalliya has been taken into custody by the police in connection with an incident where an 83-year-old woman living in an isolated house in Pahala Thibbotuwawa in Weerambugedera had been raped. Police said a complaint had been made at the Weerambugedera Police Station subsequent to a daughter of the victim who lives in a distant place, being informed regarding this incident more..

Sep 25 (DC) Sunil Singhe (name changed), an autorickshaw driver from Sri Lanka was told by doctors in his hometown that amputating his hand was the only possible solution to cure him of cancer. However, it was a team of doctors from Bengaluru that helped re-instill hope in the young mind and salvage his hand. Singhe, a resident of Ja-Ela, suburb of Colombo City was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (Bone cancer that produces immature bones) six months ago. more..

Sep 25 (DN) An Army General, who had strong links with the Military intelligence unit, is to be questioned by the CID in connection with the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda. CID questioned brigadier Aruna Wannaiarachchi, who headed the Army intelligence unit at one point, for six hours last week over the same matter. The investigation teams will visit two army camps early next month to gather more information about more..

Sep 25 (Island) Health Ministry responding to claims by the GMOA’s calling for the implementation almost four years of annual transfers, alleged that approximately 20 per cent of those who had failed to accept transfers were from the Kandy Teaching Hospital. A spokesman for the Health Ministry said that from the 280 who were yet to accept the annual transfers, 50 were from the Kandy Teaching Hospital. They included those who had been given annual transfers from 2012 to 2015. more..

Sep 25 (DN) The achievements and contribution of Sri Lankan cricketers and clubs at domestic and international level will be recognized and honoured at a glittering awards night as Dialog Sri Lanka Cricket Awards 2015 will be held on October 19. The 2015 edition of the prestigious Dialog Sri Lanka Cricket Awards was launched on Wednesday in the presence of officials of both Sri Lanka Cricket and Dialog Axiata as well as the Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews. more..

Sep 25 (Island) Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa now faces a public hearing over the alleged non-payment of Rs. 115 mn owed to the state-run ITN for carrying advertisements during the last presidential campaign. PRECIFAC on Wednesday recorded former President’s statement at his Mirihana residence. Secretary to Commission, Lacille de Silva said that a special police team headed by ASP Lalith Abeysekera more..

Sep 25 (CT) The Holy See announced that His Holiness Pope Francis has nominated His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith as his Special Envoy to attend the National Eucharistic Congress of India which will be celebrated from 12 to 15 Nov 2015 in Mumbai, India. It is the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Eucharistic Congress held in the same venue in 1964 with the personal attendance of His Holiness Pope Paul VI. Arrangements have been finalized by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India more..

Sep 25 (ENS) The second US draft resolution on war crimes in Sri Lanka, which was presented to the UNHRC in Geneva on Thursday, has stuck to the original demand that the domestic judicial mechanism which the Lankan govt is going to set up to try war crimes cases, should include foreign judges, defence lawyers, and authorized prosecutors and investigators. While welcoming SL’s proposal to establish a Judicial Mechanism with a Special Counsel to investigate allegations, more..

Sep 25 (CG) Draft resolution on Sri Lanka was submitted to the UNHRC with several amendments to the original text proposed earlier in the week. Macedonia, Montenegro, UK, Northern Ireland and US have co-sponsored the resolution. Titled Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka, draft resolution is still open for last minute amendments before next Tuesday before it is taken for a vote later. more..

Sep 25 (DN) Minister Rishad Bathiudeen welcomed the newly inaugurated Turkiye - Ceylon Business Chamber (TCBC) and said it will help to increase trade services between the two countries to a greater extent in the coming years. He said President Sirisena and PM Ranil Wickremesinghe have also taken viable steps to improve the country's trade between other countries. Minister Bathiudeen made these remarks at the inauguration of the Turkiye-Ceylon Business Chamber more..

Sep 25 (GDI) Sri Lanka is to declare the week from 5th to 12th of Oct 2015, as the Habitat Week to mark the World Habitat Day 2015 on Oct 5. (the first Monday in October). The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United Nations more..

Sep 25 (FT) Sri Lanka has decided to co-sponsor the US draft resolution to promote reconciliation and accountability in the island, marking a major departure from the rancour that has dominated debate on the country's human rights record at the UNHRC in Geneva since 2012. Official draft resolution A_HRC_30_L.29 on Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability and Human Rights in SL was tabled at the UNHRC last evening. more..

Sep 25 (DM) New national govt, headed by President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe on Monday reached another landmark in its journey towards building a new Sri Lanka, when Parliament unanimously approved the setting up of the ten-member Constitutional Council (CC). CC is expected to play a crucial role in restoring good governance, democracy, social justice, accountability, transparency and other virtues or values of genuine & vibrant Parliamentary democracy. more..

Sep 25 (DM) I am confident everyone who reads this article will enhance their knowledge with regard to parking of vehicles and standing on roads where No Parking and No Parking & Standing sign boards are erected or exhibited on roads. On receipt of several requests from the motorists, attorneys-at-law and law enforcement officers, I decided to enlighten the Motorists and the road users with regard to the laws and regulations published in the Motor Traffic Act Section 237 read more..

Sep 25 (DM) Psychological well-being has become an important aspect in the lives of people today. Yet, in terms of places that provide psychological treatment and other services, Sri Lanka has precious few. iChange or Initiative for Change is a concept brought forward by a few professionals who have identified the importance of psychological development in children and many other aspects. Dr. Mahesh Rajasuriya, more..

Sep 25 (EN) India's envoy in Sri Lanka has warned the island to be mindful of her big neighbour’s maritime security concerns, saying their neglect could affect bilateral relations. Y K Sinha, High Commissioner of India, said Colombo port was heavily dependent on Indian container transhipment cargo and that India was keen to boost trade and investment with the island. "30% of Indian cargo goes through Colombo port," more..

Sep 25 (ST) With the new Govt’s manifesto promising a solution to the human elephant conflict, the new Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickrema Perera says he will treat it as a priority, calling for a report. Many blame Wildlife Officers for not providing a viable solution to the problem. However, Department of Wildlife Conservation alone cannot provide a solution, points out SL’s foremost elephant researcher more..

Sep 25 (CG) The importance of working towards National Unity and Reconciliation was endorsed by a vast majority of MPs who attended a workshop conducted at the Parliamentary premises earlier this month, the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation said today​. The Office for National Unity and Reconciliation (ONUR) conducted a session titled Using Parliamentary Mechanisms In Promoting National Unity and Reconciliation more..

Sep 25 (Island) Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has ordered National Transport Commission (NTC) to cancel route permits issued without following proper tender procedure to operate buses on Southern Expressway. He has also directed the NTC to call fresh tenders for route permits. He said there were eight luxury buses that operated on the Southern Expressway with route permits issued even without the knowledge of more..

Sep 25 (SL) The children’s school run by the army for intellectually impaired children, predominantly for the children of military service personnel, became the centre of controversy with a newspaper revealing that several children in the children’s home have been sexually abused by army personnel. It was also reported that teachers at this children’s home have complained to Chairperson of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Anoma Fonseka more..