Sept 15 (AD) The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today rejected the anticipatory bail application filed by the former Chief Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo Dr. Ananda Samarasekara, in connection with the murder case of rugby player Wasim Thajudeen. Filing the application, the ex-JMO had notified court that the police was expected to arrest him for investigations into the disappearance of several bone parts of the former rugby player. Declaring that he has absolutely no connection to incident more..

Sept 15 (EN) A top SL tea exporter has said politicians are preventing the proper enforcement of regulations meant to safeguard the vital tea industry and has called for a complete revamp of the way the sector is regulated. “This once great industry is today heavily regulated by govt on the basis of archaic laws and regulations,” said Merrill J Fernando, chairman of Ceylon Tea Services which exports under the Dilmah brand. “The colonial trading culture is still rigorously preserved more..

Sept 15 (EN) ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa said reckless post-election spending involving a state worker salary hike and subsidies generated an economic crisis, driving investors away though it is being blamed on debt taken during his rule. "All the economic problems of yahapalana govt are due to the fact that they bribed voters with salary increases and price reductions in order to win the 2015 August parliamentary elections," more..

Sept 15 (DM) A 22-year-old youth had been stabbed to death following a brawl between two groups at Meegahayandura in Sooriyawewa last night. A Navy officer who had attempted to stop the stabbing had also been stabbed to death. While a group of youths was having liquor by a roadside, another group of men who passed by in a three-wheeler, had jeered at the group which had led to the brawl. Navy officer, who was attached to the Sooriyawewa, KDU was also stabbed to death by the same assailant. more..

Sept 15 (LT) Moragahakanda Project commenced during the previous regime, various operations were carried out deceiving the masses to get it started, the masses in the area covered by the project had to sacrifice even their lives to make dreams of certain politicians a reality and despite those politicians have gained power in the country the masses who sacrificed on behalf of them are being pushed towards the precipice day by day states the Organization to protect Rights of masses more..

Sept 15 (EN) Elections commission is keen to ensure millions of Sri Lankans living abroad are granted voting rights making the electoral process more inclusive. Chief elections commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said he expected parliament to enact laws that would allow some two million Sri Lankans living and working abroad to exercise their franchise at national elections. "In the interest of making our more..

Sept 15 (GDI) Rs. 250 million and Rs.42 million have been allocated for the projects of School Computer Laboratory Project and District IT Resources Centre project. The School Computer Laboratory Project is implemented to improve ICT related infrastructure and literacy in schools island wide while the latter project is implemented to maintain coordination with the district administration on all IT resources and management issues. The proposal made by Harin Fernando more..

Sept 15 (CT) Former Navy Commander Jayanath Colombage was quizzed for four hours by the FCID in connection with allegations of disbursing without authority State funds to pay Navy officers for the construction of D.A. Rajapaksa Museum at Medamulana, during the previous regime. FCID sources said they had questioned the former Navy Commander on the manner in which a sum of Rs 29 million had been disbursed to cover project expenses. FCID recorded a statement made more..

Sept 15 (CG) India and Sri Lanka today signed an MoU to support livelihood of the fishing and farming communities in Hambantota district. The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development by Y.K. Sinha, High Commissioner of India and Ms. W.M.M.R. Adikari, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development in the presence of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. more..

Sept 16 (DN) Dai Biaoyuan, a famous Chinese poet and statesman who lived in the thirteenth century, once went to see an eminent Buddhist monk whose saintly life was known far and near, and asked him if he would instruct him in the essentials of Buddhist doctrine. The monk assented and recited the following gâtha: Sabbapapassa akaranam; kusalassa upasampada; Sacittapariyodapanam; etam buddhana sasanam. (To avoid all evil, to cultivate good, and to cleanse one’s mind — more..

Sept 16 (DN) On Dec 1 1955, in Montgomery Alabama, an African-American woman refused to obey a bus driver’s order to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger. That simple act of defiance for the cause of social justice became one of the most important symbols of the modern Civil Rights Movements in USA. That woman was Rosa Parks. US Congress called her first lady of civil rights and mother of the freedom movement. Dec 1 is commemorated in California and Ohio more..

Sept 16 (SO) Minister Gamini Jayawickrama Perera said, outstanding qualities such as competence, patience, honesty and determination of PM have paved the way for him to be the leader of the UNP and bring back the party to power after a long lapse. UNP veteran said, Ranil Wickremesinghe is the ideal successor to President J.R. Jayewardene, the farsighted statesman. At present, he is transforming the party and more..

Sept 16 (SL) The govt has told the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) that it is studying the recommendations made by the Working Group with a view to their implementation. In a statement submitted to the UNHRC to its 33rd session which begins this week, the govt said that it was pleased with the visit to Sri Lanka by WGEID last November. “The govt of Sri Lanka, formed following the Presidential Elections in January 2015 and Parliamentary Elections more..

Sept 16 (Island) Hardly a day passes without a Joint Opposition (JO) MP or someone close to him or her being arrested, arraigned on various charges and remanded. The CID took former Minister and JO activist Mahindananda Aluthgamage, MP into custody to question him on money laundering. He was later remanded. Supreme Court has directed the CIABOC to file a case against Namal Rajapaksa, another JO MP for contempt. Now, it’s double whammy for the young JO MP in hot water. more..

Sept 16 (WI) And so, one of the last remaining players from the 90s completed his final act in international cricket on Friday (9). Tillakaratne Dilshan bowed out in Colombo, managing just 1 off 3 balls in his final international innings, but going some way to making up for it with a return of 2 for 8 in the second Twenty20 Int'l against Australia. The result didn’t go Dilshan’s way, with Australia winning by four wickets more..

Sept 16 (DN) Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra murder trial came to a sensational conclusion last week with the five accused, including former parliamentarian Duminda Silva being sentenced to death. Its implications will reverberate within political circles for months to come, even as Silva plans to appeal the judgment. The Colombo High Court imposed the death sentences on Silva and four others who were found guilty of killing four persons including Bharatha Lakshman. more..

Sept 16 (DN) It is indeed a happy event to me personally to see the large number of high quality graduates qualifying today, because I had the fortune to take part in the formation and early growth of the University, as the very first Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Architecture. That was the only Faculty at the formation in 1972. Now, graduating from Univ of Moratuwa has taken you quite high in the ladder of success. You had the capability as well as financial & other support, more..

Sept 16 (SL) As the President, I like to offer my tribute to the lowest rank of the Police, who serve on the road without water or protection.” President Maithripala Sirisena said at the 150th Police Anniversary Celebrations held on September 3. The police service had commenced in 1866 during the British rule. Their duty is to protect the public and enhance peace. They also have to protect administration when riots and protests of the public take place. more..

Sept 16 (CT) When Sanja De Silva Jayatilleka wrote about This September in Geneva: Sri Lanka at the UNHRC, I expressed my agreement on two main points, having realised that the govt inaction or meek submission (like the other extreme of the previous govt’s aggressive denial) not only might harm the national interest, but also would derail the reconciliation process that present govt is keen in promoting in country. My proposal was constructive & active engagement with UNHRC more..

Sept 16 (FT) SL Gem and Jewellery Association welcomed a directive by President Sirisena to prohibit local companies entering into joint ventures with foreign gem mining companies, claiming it could lower market value and result in environmental degradation. SL gem companies claim involvement of foreign companies could result in large scale mining that would be detrimental to the environment and want govt involvement in more..

Sept 16 (Island) University-Business Linkages (UBL) cells in all universities are looking to work in close collaboration with private sector organizations, State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and business chambers under a recently envisaged initiative. Based on extensive work by the UGC, together with consultants of the Univ of Leipzig, facilitated by the GIZ SME Development Programme, a reform agenda has been drawn up together with a set of guidelines for national universities of SL, more..

Sept 16 (FT) Chinese govt has agreed to extend technical assistance to develop the fresh water fisheries in Sri Lanka, Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development said. Accordingly, National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) on 9 Sept entered in to a MoU with the Agricultural, Animal Husbandry, and Fishing Bureau of Guangxi Zhuang region. The event took place under the patronage of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera at the premises of NAQDA more..

Sept 16 (Island) Maris Stella College, Negombo athlete Ushan Thivanka, and Ratnayake Central, Walala sprinter Dilshi Kumarasinghe had more than one reason to celebrate when their impressive personal achievements contributed to their schools’ championship winning feats as the Sir John Tarbet Senior Athletics Championship concluded with many new meet records and one national record at Diyagama on Thursday. more..

Sept 16 (CT) In Colombo newsrooms there is a don’t ask don’t tell policy on the coup attempt on January 8th. Colombo Telegraph and several newspapers reported on it back then in 2015, but now nobody wants to talk about it. We almost live in denial that it happened. Well, it did. It happened. There’s clear evidence as reported by several newspapers and (most high ranking state officials with access to this information) that troops were moved into camps in Panagoda and a compound in Mattakkuliya more..

Sept 16 (DM) In response to the amendments to VAT which was announced by govt, a leading consumer rights group said the entire health sector should be exempted from VAT. In a letter addressed to President Sirisena, National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection said the entire health sector should be exempted in order to ease the tax burden of the people. “Amount of funds which the state spends for health could be reduced if the private sector health services are provided at more..

Sept 16 (FT) Environmentalists who worked to stop the Sampur coal power project called on the govt to follow the global trend of renewable energy despite a statement by Power Ministry assuring coal would remain an option in the future. Environmental Foundation, pointed out that the coal project would have contradicted global strategies of renewable energy. They also applauded govt intentions to implement a LNG plant more..

Sept 16 (EN) The head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) has underscored the importance of adhering to ethics when members discharge their professional duties. “Being a professional is a privilege and it will bring both challenges and rewards,” said Lasantha Wickremasinghe, President of CA Sri Lanka. “However, above all, being a professional is a responsibility and one must execute one’s responsibilities diligently and ethically.” more..

Sept 16 (FT) Minister Chandima Weerakkody invited investors, preferably local companies, to consider a $ 48 million fuel oil exploration project to be opened up along Sri Lanka’s east coast. Speaking at a SLFP media briefing, Weerakkody said Cabinet, this week, approved giving an exploration contract to Singapore-based company Bonavista Energy to explore potential deposits of petroleum and gas on the east coast. The local partner is expected to fund the exploration study. more..

Sept 16 (FT) The govt of The Netherlands, on a special request made by the President Maithripala Sirisena, agreed to provide support to conduct research activities necessary for prevention of kidney disease in the country. The Dutch govt, responding positively to President Sirisena’s request in July 2015 for assistance from the diplomatic community on the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) issue, has offered the services of more..

Sept 16 (PTI) Muttiah Muralitharan feels that tactical acumen of coach Anil Kumble combined with skipper Virat Kohli leadership skills will take India to greater heights. Murali said that India have a great chance of defeating the three heavyweights — NZ, England & Australia — in the 13 Tests to be played at home in the upcoming season. “Kumble is clever and knows the conditions inside out. He knows exactly what to do. I think Indian team will do well in Kumble’s guidance and more..

Sept 16 (Island) Today all the major religions of the world must respond to a double challenge. On one side is the challenge of secularism, a trend which has swept across the globe, battering against the most ancient strongholds of the sacred and turning all man's movements towards the Beyond into a forlorn gesture, poignant but devoid of sense. On the other side is the meeting of the great religions with each other. As most far-flung nations and cultures merge into a single global community, more..

Sept 16 (CT) Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, revealed the Govt of Norway has agreed to share their expertise and technology with Sri Lanka, to breed fish for exportation. He said fish sources in the sea surrounding the island did not yield enough to meet the demands of the international markets, especially those of Europe, and therefore plans were underway to commence fish breeding projects around the island more..

Sept 16 (FT) A Guideline for Monitoring Public Funded Projects written in Sinhala by Senaka Palliyaguruge, Municipal Commissioner of Matara was launched at a function organised by journalists in Matara this week. The first copy of the book was presented to Journalist Buddika Pathirana (MP) who learnt of the book launch on social media. “Millions and billions of public funds are wasted on kickbacks and sub standard work. Public should be aware for what public funds are spent on and more..

Sept 16 (DN) Expolanka Holdings has granted Rs. one million to HelpAge SL to provide microfinance loans to underprivileged women in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. Accordingly, 77 women in the Gramaseva Niladhari Divisions of Paranthan, Thiruviaru, Udarkadu North and South Mankikapuram, Sivanagar and Vishvasmadu West received Rs.718,000 worth livelihood loans. The women who are benefitted under this programme are utilising the loans to start self employment projects more..

Sept 16 (FT) Business Confidence Index (BCI) has spiked by 14 points, to reach 140. Business confidence has recovered from being down in the dumps in recent months. It now lies 10 points above its all-time average of 130 basis points. “After three months of a continuing drop, the BCI has managed to recover to the same level it was in May, buoyed by a glimmer of hope on stabilising inflation and an improving economy,” more..

Sept 16 (CT) A week after the UN Secretary General visiting Jaffna, President Maithripala Sirisena who was invited to the 200th anniversary celebration of Jaffna Central College on Friday (9) said the decisions that should be taken regarding the development of the country cannot be postponed under any circumstances. If that happened the people of the country will suffer from poverty, the President pointed out while adding that the swift measures will be taken to ensure more..

Sept 16 (Island) Kingswood College emerged champions of Milo Under-18 School Rugby Tournament as they pulled off a stunning upset to beat Isipathana College 21-5 in the Cup final which worked off in CR and FC grounds at Longden Place, Colombo yesterday evening. The underdogs had taken a narrow lead of 7-0 at half time as they put a lot pressure on Isipathana to bounce back in the important final match. The Green Machines worked really hard to cross the white wash once in more..

Sept 16 (Scoop) New Zealand PM John Key has announced PM, Ranil Wickremesinghe, will visit New Zealand from 1-3 Oct. “I am very pleased to welcome PM Ranil Wickremesinghe to NZ,” Mr Key says. “This will be the first time a Sri Lankan PM has undertaken a bilateral visit to NZ, and is an important step in the growing relationship between our two countries. “When I visited SL in Feb, I was struck by range of more..

Sept 16 (ITN) The Emergency Ambulance Service launched with assistance from the Indian Govt is now being successfully implemented. Another stage of this programme was launched in Gampaha. This Emergency Ambulance Service has been launched with the purpose of extending facilities for the transport of a patient to a hospital within the first few minutes. It is a programme launched in the island in response to a request made by PM Ranil Wickremasinghe from Indian PM Modi. more..