Mar 23 (NR) Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam has instructed principals to taken stern action against students who tarnish the discipline of schools during school big matches and other events. Minister issued the statement following unrest that the broke out when students of a leading boy’s school entered a girls school in Colombo illegally. The students of the boy’s school entered the girl’s school following a motor parade, and damaged school property. more..

Mar 23 (CG) President Maithripala Sirisena is to take some key decisions over next few weeks, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said. He said that Govt needs to address several crucial issues over the next two years, including issues related to the economy. “As a result I can tell you the President will take key political decisions and decisions related to the economy,” he said. He said that there are some shortcomings in the economy which need to be addressed. more..

Mar 23 (CG) Resolution on SL at the UNHRC was passed without a vote in Geneva today. Resolution A/HRC/34/L.1 was passed with 36 additional co-sponsors. Resolution was submitted by the US with Montenegro, Macedonia, UK & Northern Ireland the main sponsors and SL a co-sponsor. Titled Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka the resolution gives SL two years more..

Mar 24 (DN) Growing consensus around the world recognizes human rights education should be infused throughout the programme of every school - in curricula and textbooks, policies, the training of teaching personnel, teaching methods and the overall learning environment. Children can be easily guided by human rights education to make informed choices in life, to approach situations with critical and independent thought, and to empathize with other points of view. more..

Mar 24 (FT) Sri Lanka, as a non-aligned nation state, is maintaining a collaborative, free and progressive foreign policy. In this setting, the relationship between Sri Lanka and the former Soviet Union, as well as the present-day Federation of Russia, has been cordial and friendly since 1956. The continuation of friendly ties between Russian and Sri Lanka has once more been witnessed with the invitation for a state visit extended to President Maithripala Sirisena. more..

Mar 24 (SO) The unprecedented spate of street protests have dealt a severe blow to the economy tarnishing the image of the country, disrupting the business clime and aggravating poverty in the country. The business community and think tanks expressing their views to the Sunday Observer, vehemently opposed the modus operandi of the strikers which is a gross misuse of democratic rights, to claim demands at the expense of more..

Mar 24 (CT) The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination falls on March 21. The General Assembly of the UN on that day calls on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. A focal point in history in this regard has been what made March 21st the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which is being observed annually. On that day in 1960, police shot and killed 69 people more..

Mar 24 (CT) Anguish and grief are powerful emotions that can contort and wrack a body. While suggesting helplessness, the anguish that engulfs a person can also empower that person and others connected to that person by commonalities of interest/emotion. In this manner anguish can transcend obstacles, generate waves of bitterness and swell into paths of retributory hate and punishment. The little drops of tears can swell metaphorically into waves – and even inspire more..

Mar 23 (Island) What is evident for all to see is that Yahapalanaya has deteriorated today into the expression of a totally autocratic culture, in Parliament as well as in the country at large. Across the country vital elections at grassroots level are postponed indefinitely on the flimsiest of pretexts, while the situation in the nation’s highest legislature represents a caricature of the basic norms of a robust democracy. more..

Mar 24 (DN) The reshuffle rumour mill, which had been shut down for some time is now back in action and the reason for that was a public statement by President Maithripala Sirisena who, while attending the opening of a cultural centre in Hambantota, commented that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera would be given a better ministry to serve the entire country. The remarks were made off the cuff and almost in jest but in doing so, the President did note that the Hambantota district more..

Mar 23 (Island) Australia has denied Maj. Gen. Chagie Gallege a visa, as we reported yesterday, though it now claims his application, which was submitted in September, 2016, is still under assessment. It has cited, as the reason for its controversial decision, some unsubstantiated allegations contained in two reports, one by former UNSG Ban ki-moon’s panel of experts and the other by the UNHRC head, against the Sri Lankan armed forces. more..

Mar 24 (FT) National Policies and Economic Affairs State Minister Niroshan Perera on Monday, while speaking at the Invest Sri Lanka forum in Sydney organised by the Colombo Stock Exchange, outlined the Government’s vision and progress in steering the country towards sustainable development with progressive policies. The following are excerpts from the State Minister’s speech at the forum, which was attended by over 150 Australians and Sri Lankans in Sydney. more..

Mar 23 (Island) Sri Lanka is the best country in the world. It is a land like no other. incredible! That is why there is a song and people always say Loken Uthum Rata Sri Lankawai (Sri Lanka is the best country in the world). We have the best Finance Minister in the world and he wins awards no one really knows about and it happens all the time. Some publish advertisements and felicitate him. But, the US dollar continues to rise against the poor Sri Lankan rupee. more..

Mar 24 (Roar) In 711, a force of 7,000 Berber horsemen, commanded by Tariq Ibn Ziyad, crossed the narrow strait (of Gibraltar, named after him) that divides the Iberian peninsula from Africa. Within a few years he had conquered Spain. The Berber tide seemed unstoppable, until it came upon the shield-wall of the Frankish infantry at the Battle Tours in 732, causing it to ebb, back behind the Pyrenees. more..

Mar 23 (FT) Sri Lankans living in Melbourne were yesterday urged to give back by investing in their motherland’s future, taking strength from the new transformation being initiated by the Unity Govt though good governance and better economic policies. The emphatic message was conveyed at the well-attended Invest Sri Lanka forum in Melbourne, Victoria which is home to the largest population of people of Lankan origin living in Australia. Event was organised by the CSE more..

Mar 23 (LBO) Power ministry will extend the loan scheme for the installation of domestic solar panels to all electricity consumers in the island. The scheme known as Soorya Bala Sangramaya was initially introduced for consumers who receive a monthly bill of more than 2,000 rupees. It has now been decided to grant relief to all consumers, because 40% of consumers average monthly bills of less than 300 rupees. Power ministry has also increased the loan limit from more..

Mar 23 (Island) Minister John Amaratunga told Parliament that if the govt could provide lands necessary his ministry was ready to construct and set up infrastructure facilities in support of devotees visiting the main places of worship of Catholics in the country St Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade, Church of Our Lady in Matara, Madhu Church and Basilica in Ragama. "It has been observed that there could be more..

Mar 23 (FT) Cabinet approved the drafting of a new Inland Revenue Act (IRA) to broaden, simplify and modernise tax levying and collecting in Sri Lanka that would also conform to Government policy on levying Capital Gains Tax.  The Cabinet paper, which was presented by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, will concentrate on simplifying the current Inland Revenue Act (IRA) to adhere to international best practices in both substance and design. It will also broaden income tax base more..

Mar 23 (IPS) This year’s theme of the World Water Day focuses on wastewater. This article highlights the urgent need for effective management of wastewater, given the severity of the problem and the catastrophic outcomes it could result in, if not handled wisely.  Water can easily become wastewater due to many reasons – mostly tied to human activity. The most common sources of wastewater include domestic effluent consisting black water (excreta, urine and fecal sludge) more..

Mar 23 (Island) Imagine the national cricket team being kicked out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019! That’s quite impossible you would think for a nation that has won cricket’s most prestigious event once and has reached the finals on two occasions. But with limited automatic qualification for the next World Cup, SL will have to earn their slot. Automatic qualification for all full members of ICC is a thing of the past. more..

Mar 23 (Island) Top businessman and a member of the Board of Directors of Lanka Ceramics and Lanka Walltiles, Dhammika Perera, has been appointed chairman of both entities with effect from March 15, 2017. Meanwhile, A.M. Weerasinghe has been appointed Deputy Chairman of Lanka Ceramics and Lanka Walltiles and also Chairman of Swisstek (Ceylon). The above positions of chairman fell vacant when then Chairman Nimal Perera suddenly resigned from those posts. more..

Mar 23 (Island) Awakening to the intense need of flash-flood controls & disaster-meeting capacity in proposed western Megapolis; foreign consultants, local experts and engineers are going back to risk management basics saying first things first. They have begun exploring ways for disaster responsiveness, giving it the priority over the ambitious plans of the Megapolis' roads, bridges, light rails and dynamic cities designed to achieve the country's aspiration of becoming a global hub more..

Mar 23 (Scoop) Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand will open a High Commission in SL. "Establishing a High Commission in Colombo is a sign of NZ’s commitment to strengthening the relationship between our countries," Mr McCully says. “SL is rebuilding after a generation-long civil war, and we are keen to support that process politically and through a broader economic relationship. more..

Mar 23 (DN) Official ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which is travelling to all eight participating nations, arrived in Colombo yesterday. Nissan Trophy Tour symbolises the global nature of the tournament and provides cricket fans in Sri Lanka and around the world the unique opportunity to engage with the coveted trophy. ICC Champions Trophy 2017 will be held between June 01 and 18 in England and Wales. During the Sri Lankan leg of the tour, the trophy was taken on a city tour on Thursday. more..

Mar 23 (FT) Tea continued to have mixed fortunes in February with exports dropping by 1.2 m kg year-on-year but prices increased by Rs. 2.6 billion, giving moderate relief despite production hitting its lowest point since 2009, brokers said. Tea exports for Feb 2017 totalled 22.4 m kg vis-à-vis 23.6 m kg of Feb 2016, showing a decrease of 1.2 m kg. All categories i.e. bulk/packeted tea and teabags have shown a decrease YOY, noted Forbes and Walker in its weekly report.   more..

Mar 23 (DM) COPE has summoned top officials of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) over the alleged financial fraud said to have taken place when importing a cancer vaccine. A member of the committee who wished to remain anonymous said SPC officials were summoned before COPE on April 6 over their alleged involvement in importing the vaccine Taxacad locally known as Hearticad. more..

Mar 23 (DN) A group of local industrialists have expressed strong concerns over the proposed China-SL Free Trade Agreement; pointing out that the FTA could have serious and detrimental effects on the country’s domestic industries, if implemented. Association of Laminated Flexible Packaging Manufacturers, a body of local entrepreneurs representing the packaging industry, stated in a media release, that if implemented, the proposed agreement will have an adverse impact more..

Mar 23 (Island) Minister Ravi Karunanayake had an unexpected midnight-inspection of the SL Customs, recently. Without any prior schedule, the minister started the tour from the two container yards at Orugodawatta. Later he inspected the Customs Headquarters. The minister intended to inspect the Customs Department following constant complaints that the functions of the department are slow. Another objective of the tour is to ascertain whether the Customs operations are carried out more..

Mar 23 (DM) President Maithripala Sirisena is to take several crucial politically and economically important decisions over the next few weeks, State Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane revealed yesterday. “During the past two years, President Sirisena patiently maintained a democratic stance on all issues, but in the remaining four years he intends to fulfil the responsibilities he undertook,” Minster Abeywardane said. more..

Mar 23 (CT) Central Bank printed money (PM/MP) to the tune of Rs 8,307 million (inclusive of associated borrowing costs to the Govt of SL) to aid GOSL's monetary commitments, thereby increasing MP plus related borrowing costs to GOSL by 4.61% to Rs 188,325.14 million, yesterday. Nonetheless, due to the retirement of some high cost Treasury Bills related to MP in CBSL's godowns, GOSL's MP borrowing costs declined by Rs 64.17 million (0.88%) to Rs 7,300.51 million. more..

Mar 23 (DC) Former Union health minister and MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss has appealed to the UNHRC to immediately refer Sri Lanka to the General Assembly and the International Criminal Court (ICC) for perpetrating genocide and also the killing Indian fishermen. “President and PM of Sri Lanka have repeatedly stated that no international involvement will be allowed, contrary to commitments made in resolution 30/1. As the next step of non-compliance, more..

Mar 23 (Island) Former Deputy Governor of the CB Ananda Silva, testifying before the Special Presidential Commission, said that at the treasury bond auction on Feb. 27, 2015 bids should have been limited to Rs. 2 or 3 billion and not Rs. 10 billion. Silva said that at the Monetary Board meeting on Feb. 23, 2015, it had been decided to hold the Treasury bond auction on Feb. 27, but no final decision had been taken. more..

Mar 23 (Island) Joint Opposition spokesman Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said the ongoing attempts to save former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, embroiled in alleged bond scam, running into billions of rupees should be examined against the backdrop of the recent resignation of Charlotte Hogg as deputy governor of the Bank of England after being accused of withholding information in respect of her brother holding a senior position in Barclays. more..

Mar 23 (DM) Authorities should pay special attention when investigating the incident where students from Mahanama College had forcibly entered Yashodara Balika Vidyalaya during a big-match parade, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera said. While condemning the incident Thera also said he was disappointed with the way the Police acted during the incident. “These kinds of incidents cannot be considered trivial. These students had intimidated staff members and assaulted an employee of the school. more..

Mar 23 (FT) Just the monthly rents for 33 buildings leased from the private sector to house ministries is costing the taxpayer a whopping Rs. 149.7 million per month, Parliament was informed, with Science and Technology, Agriculture and Public Enterprise Development ministries among the worst offenders. Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka, said Govt has also advanced Rs. 1 billion to retain these buildings. more..

Mar 23 (DM) Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said MP Wimal Weerawansa should prove in court that he had not misused a single state vehicle instead of going on a hunger strike. Responding to an allegation made by JO that there was political revenge behind the arrest, Mr. Rajapakshe told parliament that there was no political matters behind this and added that it was only the implementation of law against him. "He was not arrested by the President, PM or the Law & Order Minister. more..

Mar 23 (DM) Kaduwela Additional Magistrate yesterday issued a warrant for the arrest of Commissioner of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) for not adhering to the court summons issued on him to appear in court to give evidence in a case that had been filed against Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa. The case was filed by the FCID against MP Rajapaksa with regards to the ownership of a luxury car valued at over Rs.8 million. The lawyer appearing for MP Rajapaksa, more..

Mar 23 (FT) UNHRC adopted a resolution on Sri Lanka for the fifth time yesterday, but the Govt will claim a diplomatic victory after it won a two-year extended timeline to establish mechanisms that will deliver justice to thousands of victims and reconcile a country torn apart by a civil war that spanned three decades.  UNHRC Resolution 34/1 titled Promoting Reconciliation, Accountability & Human Rights in Sri Lanka more..

Mar 24 (DM) First of all let us express our heartfelt condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attack in London, those who were injured, the families of those who died and all the citizens of the United Kingdom. We add the last because any act of terrorism in any part of any country, impact each and every citizen. It is not a happy thing to live your days under the shadow of terrorism. It is not a happy thing to be wary all the time. It is not a happy thing to worry if you’ll see your loved ones ever again more..