July 14 (Hindu) TNA MP and lawyer M.A. Sumanthiran on challenged a proposed housing project of steel maker ArcelorMittal in the Supreme Court, questioning both its suitability for the post-war region and govt’s tendering process. MP petitioned the court, seeking an interim order against the project. From the time the govt roped in Indian-born billionaire Lakshmi Mittal’s company to build 65,000 houses in the Tamil-majority north and east, more..

July 14 (Island) At a time when SL’s leading cricketers’ neglected national duty giving priority to the Indian Premier League, young Dinesh Chandimal turned down an IPL contract. Soon he was a targeted man by affected parties and still gets heckled by a senior fast bowler who is a darling of the IPL. Chandimal was introduced as Sri Lanka’s 15th Test Captain on Wednesday. Yesterday, he sat down to answer questions from journalists in his first press conference as country’s Test Captain. more..

July 14 (DT) Bangladesh exports to Sri Lanka sharply increased in the just concluded fiscal year as the figure totalled $42.24 million registering a 38.76% growth over the previous year. In the FY2015-16, the export was $30.44 million. The pharmaceutical products constituted the largest part of the exports with $13.87 million followed by medicament mixture which earned $11.70 million, medicaments nes in form of dosage $9.11 million and garments $1.44 million, more..

July 14 (DN) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe called for the need to develop new bilateral relations among SAARC member countries while working within the SAARC framework. PM stressing on the need to address cross border terrorism asked, “All be committed to not allow any acts of terrorism and to condemn and take effective action in the case of terrorism in our region”. Addressing SAARC Ministers of Law & Order more..

July 14 (DM) PM Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday said the Steering committee of the Constitutional Assembly will put out its report soon. He came up with this statement addressing the SAARC interior ministers meeting in Colombo last morning. “It has taken us nearly one and a half years for the steering committee of the constitutional assembly to decide on writing a report. That one and a half year wait is worth it because we are putting it out soon,” he said. PM said the govt had begun to address more..

July 14 (DM) IGP Pujith Jayasundara received the award for Sri Lanka’s Best Employer Brand Award - a lifetime achievement award - at the World HRD Congress - 2017 held at the Hotel Taj Samudra in Colombo today. World HRD Congress hosted the award ceremony in recognition of the top organizations and individuals from Sri Lanka who are exemplary in Human Resource Sector. It is a global event that encompass all crucial elements of HR, including Strategic Human Resource more..

July 14 (Island) Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, had a heated argument with visiting UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism Ben Emmerson, QC, over UN intervention here as regards promotion and protection of human rights. Sri Lanka in Dec 2015 extended a standing invitation to the UN Special Procedures Mandate Holders. Emmerson began a 5-day official visit here on July 10 to gather more..

July 14 (DM) Though the United States, which is not only one of the most powerful countries but also one of the biggest environmental polluters, has decided to withdraw from the Paris climate change accord, Sri Lanka has thankfully joined the rest of the world in taking effective measures to win the battle against climate change or global warming. US President Donald Trump has come in for much criticism in his country and worldwide for what is seen as a selfish and potentially dangerous decision to more..

July 14 (DM) The mafia type GMOA leadership declared a week ago they would go on an indefinite strike, if Prof. Carlo Fonseka was not re-appointed as Chairman of the SLMC.  They opposed any other appointment, including that of Prof. Colvin Gunaratne. They want the people to believe it is only they who know what’s right and what’s best and have the undisputed right to decide on everything that’s health. The octogenarian that Prof. Carlo Fonseka is, he had told the GMOA leadership more..

July 14 (DM) Ven. Prof. Induragare Dhammarathana Thera, who is involved in the activities of the nationalist groups, supports the statement made by the Mahanayake Theras that the country did not require a new Constitution at this hour. Ven. Dhammarathana Thera, attached to the Department of Sanskrit at Kelaniya University, says the Mahanayake Theras fulfilled their historic duties. Following are the excerpts of the interview: more..

July 14 (SL) Suspicions were raised over the postponement of the Enforced Disappearance Bill which was to be debated in Parliament last week. The govt has stated that they are attentive to the Enforced Disappearance Bill and will bring up a dialog in this regard in the future. Govt came under severe criticism for not having taken up for debate Enforced Disappearance Bill. However, Minister Lakshman Kiriella said govt will be taking up more..

July 14 (ST) Try and avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes – this is the urgent emergency measure that a dengue expert is advocating to the public to bring down the numbers affected by this disease. Take immediate steps to prevent mosquito bites, urges Consultant Paediatrician Dr. LakKumar Fernando who was instrumental in setting up the Dengue Unit at the Negombo Hospital. This is while other preventive measures such as more..

July 14 (DM) Korean Ambassador Won-sam Chang, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, spoke about the new facets of bilateral relations and future prospects. Q: What are the new facets of Sri Lanka-South Korea relations? A: Well, I am happy to say that since 1977, when our two countries established diplomatic ties, we have made steady progress in various areas of mutual interest, despite some ups and downs. more..

July 14 (FT) In an apparent serious breach of confidentiality, a leading private sector bank has mistakenly alleged to have compromised data of its priority customers. Customers told the Daily FT that on Wednesday they received an email from the bank listing exclusive offers on consumer electronics from an online retail store. However, the same email had an exhaustive Excel sheet attached containing alleged details of priority customers.  more..

July 14 (Island) SL Society of Medical Laboratory Science (SLSMLS) urged the Health Ministry to facilitate an observation system to ensure that importers of reagents for dengue tests were not faced with undue harassment. SLSMLS President Ravi Kumudesh said importers of reagents required to perform the full blood count (FBC) and the dengue rapid diagnostic test (DRDT) were in difficulties due to high import duties. more..

July 14 (FT) The entire Board of Directors of the country’s main investment promotion agency resigned yesterday following a directive from President Maithripala Sirisena. The move was to facilitate an overhaul including the appointment of a new Board of Directors. The BOI Board comprised Chairman Upul Jayasuriya PC, Buddhi Keerthi Athauda, Manoj Cooray, M.A. Neeth Udesha and Dumindra Ratnayaka. more..

July 14 (DM) President Maithripala Sirisena is reported to have requested members of his SLFP to withhold their decision to quit the govt until Dec 31, this year. A group SLFP MPs holding positions in the govt were planning to join hands with the opposition by September. President Sirisena, on the eve of his departure for Bangladesh, met with them and discussed the current status of affairs. more..

July 14 (DM) World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga yesterday demanded an immediate inquiry into the 2011 Cricket World Cup final between Sri Lanka and India played in Mumbai, India. He said this in response to comments made by former SL Captain Kumar Sangakkara who earlier questioned as to whose responsibility the 2009 Tour of Pakistan was arranged. Sangakkara asked that an investigation be made into why the team more..

July 14 (PSL) President Maithripala Sirisena and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina leaders pledged to carry forward the long-standing bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on a solid foundation. Both leaders emphasized this when visiting SL President met with the Bangladesh PM, today in Dhaka. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina warmly received the President when he arrived at the PM’s Office. more..

July 14 (CT) After decades and years of explaining the long-term disadvantages of the use of polythene and other related substances that are hazardous to the environment, it was only last Wednesday, the Govt of Sri Lanka decided to ban the use of it. Thus, the country's environmentalists and scientists scored a much needed, much awaited and most definitely very much appreciated win on their account. Finally, it seems as if the Govt is listening to some sense instead of complying with more..

July 14 (EN) Sri Lankan cement manufacturer Tokyo Cement plans to expand production at its new and manufacturing subsidiary to support growing demand in the construction sector amid a sand shortage. Tokyo Cement entered the sand manufacturing business in 2016 by commissioning a new sand manufacturing plant in Dompe by subsidiary Tokyo Super Aggregate (Pvt) Ltd as part of its backward integration strategy, chairman Harsha Cabral. more..

July 14 (FT) With all due respect to those who have been afflicted by it, of course I am. While the desolation of the loss of a loved one to the deadly disease cannot be quantified, my position can be qualified by an argument which one hopes would not be interpreted as sophistry.  In days of yore, our citizenry had a plethora of issues over which to take up cudgels against govt – if, in fact, it was possible to mount any kind of opposition or dissent to an authoritarian antidemocratic regime grown fat more..

July 14 (DN) Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. (ANCL) Kavan Ratnayaka has been appointed the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). SLTDA is the body entrusted with the tourism industry and Ratnayaka is tasked with implementing a national tourism plan that will positively affect the tourism industry. Ratnayaka, who is responsible for turning around the fortunes of the ANCL and ensuring financial stability, more..

July 14 (AD) The use of torture by Sri Lankan security services has become routine, a UN special rapporteur has concluded following a visit to the country.  The four-day visit by Ben Emmerson QC was conducted with the full cooperation of the SL govt, but the British lawyer found that the country’s judicial system, and tolerance of torture, is a stain on the country’s international reputation. Govt explanations for the state of the judicial more..

July 14 (Island) The Supreme Court fixed for support on November 7, a fundamental rights violation petition filed by Kumar Welgama, UPFA MP for Kalutara District. He has requested the Supreme Court to prevent his imminent arrest, on suspicion of having abused Rs. 3 million of Sri Lanka Transport Board funds by appointing a Deputy Chairman to the SLTB while he was a minister in the former government. The post of deputy chairman had not been in the cadre of the SLTB. more..

July 14 (DM) The Neville Fernando Teaching Hospital (NFTH) will be handed over to the govt on Monday, Dr. Neville Fernando said yesterday in its official Facebook account. “The NFTH was built for the use by SAITM using my personnel funds. It will be handed over to the State for the benefit of all. I hope that this gift will help uplift the country’s health service. I’m proud of being able to give a helping hand to my country and to my fellow people,” he said. more..

July 14 (DN) The Colombo District Court issued an Interim Injunction preventing Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera from utilising Narahenpita Abhayarama temple property for political, commercial and trade union activities, today. This order will be effective until the final determination of this lawsuit. Judge Sujeewa Nissanka made this order consequent to a lawsuit filed by Ven. Pathberiye Wimala Gnana more..

July 14 (NR) Cabinet Sub Committee appointed to look into the Uma Oya project has decided to complete the compensation process for the public affected by the project by the 15th of Sept. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said relevant officials have been informed pertaining to required compensation. Accordingly 300 million rupees has been allocated as compensation to District Secretariats. Officials have been directed to complete assessments in the area by the 1st of August. more..

July 14 (AD) 24 Chief Inspectors (CI) and Inspector Police (IP) have been transferred with immediate effect. The transfers were made according to the recommendation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and National Police Commission, to match the demand for their service. Ten CI’s and 14 IP’s have been transferred under the new recommendation.  Chief Inspectors from the Kalutara Division, Colombo Crime Division and the Ministerial Security Division, were transferred.  more..

July 14 (CI) The score was 38 for 2 when Craig Ervine came to the crease. Within 10 overs, Zimbabwe would slip further, to 70 for 4, on a track that already seemed to be spitting. But for the remainder of the day, Ervine resisted Sri Lanka's spinners, and Colombo's sticky heat, to drive his team to a strong position, and himself to 151 not out. The lower order rallied around him, No. 10 Donald Tiripano - in particular - contributing 24 to more..

July 14 (DN) A corruption case filed against Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrama and two others for allegedly causing a Rs.65 million unlawful loss to the government by employing 319 employees of the Ports Authority for election work during the 2015-January Presidential Election, was yesterday fixed for further trial by Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. When the matter came up before Colombo Additional Magistrate Aruni Artigala, more..

July 14 (NR) The govt has initiated a programme to recycle waste collected around the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Addressing a media briefing in Kandy Minister of Provincial Council and Local Govt Faizer Mustapha said the Ministry will provide technical assistance required to carry out the project. Minister Mustapha further noted the Diyawadana Nilame had informed him of a ban implemented on bringing plastics and polythene into the premises of the Temple. more..

July 14 (AD) The bhikkus and archaeological officers have both agreed that the renovations of the Dambulla Rock Temple must be conducted under the supervision of the Buddhist monks who are in charge of the temple. Registrar of the Asgiri chapter, Ven. Medagoda Dhammananda Thero stated that the agreement had been arrived at following a discussion at the Asgiri Temple. The discussion also witnessed the case proving more..

July 14 (DM) A youth, who had been allegedly assaulted by two policemen, today denied police claims at Mathugama Court that he asked the police not to pursue the case in a police inquiry. Tharindu Priyankara (16) was beaten by two police officers at Dodangoda, Kalutara on 1st. April for not obeying a police order to stop. Two police officers attached to Dodangoda Police Station were suspended after a video clip emerged, showing them beating a motorcyclist mercilessly. more..

July 14 (IFRC) Sri Lanka Red Cross Society is mobilizing volunteers to support govt efforts to stem the country’s worst-ever outbreak of dengue virus disease and provide medical assistance at overstretched hospitals. More than 87,600 suspected cases of the mosquito-borne infection have been reported in 2017, causing over 230 deaths.  Dengue is endemic in SL, but the number of infections this year is already about 38% higher than 2016, when 55,150 people were diagnosed more..

July 14 (WB) In June 2017, the World Bank launched the most recent edition of the Sri Lanka Development Update (SLDU). Produced every six months, the report provides a more in-depth examination of selected economic and policy issues, and analysis of medium-term development challenges. This edition’s special focus has pages dedicated to policy discussions on promoting trade and investment. more..

July 14 (DM) Former Treasury secretary Dr. P. B. Jayasundera, former Co-operatives and Internal Trade Ministry secretary, former deputy secretary to the Treasury and Lanka Sathosa ex-chairman were summoned by the PRECIFAC today in connection with a loss of Rs.136 million incurred by the state in 2014. A PRECIFAC spokesman said they received a petition saying that the govt had incurred a loss of about Rs.136 million by purchasing big onions from local farmers at a higher rate of Rs.90 against more..

July 14 (DN) More than nine hundred thousand civilians are affected by the drought condition that currently prevails in the Northern parts of the country. The year prolonged drought condition has affected areas including Puttalam, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Northern Province and some parts of Kurunegala and Kandy. After conducting preliminary assessments regarding the condition, DMC has spent Rs. 40 million to provide drinking water to people in affected areas. more..

July 14 (LBO) The four man Lankan team of officials that flew to Pakistan and Myanmar to select rice tranche, has returned to Colombo today July 14 morning-and reports tale of a govt to govt level success. No less than 55000 MT rice has been made available to Sri Lanka immediately by both Pakistan and Myanmar. Minister Rishad Bathiudeen, whose team of officials took of on July 7 to Pakistan & Myanmar, praised team’s win on 14 July. more..