Nov 14 (DM) Cabinet decision to set up a Fabric Processing Park in Eravur as a Strategic Development Project, under the Ministry of Industries was welcomed by the apparel sector which acknowledges that the establishment would help iron out issues faced in the sourcing of raw materials. “Particularly in the post COVID-19 era this additional string to the bow of the apparel sector will be a welcome relief to apparel manufacturers more..

Nov 14 (FT) Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), the country’s apex socio-economic policy think-tank, will build a conversation around Budget 2021 by hosting a post-Budget Twitter Chat on 18 Nov from 2-4 p.m. through its official Twitter handle @TalkEconomicsSL. IPS researchers will react to the Budget by sharing their insights and research findings relevant to next year’s Budget proposals. All those interested in joining the conversation can do so by following more..

Nov 14 (Island) SL’s leading cricketers like Angelo Mathews and Isuru Udana will have an opportunity to work with World Cup winning cricket coach Dav Whatmore who will feature in the Lanka Premier League tournament taking charge of Colombo Kings franchise. The 66-year-old is expected to arrive in Colombo shortly to go through his quarantine and once that is complete he will join the players to start training for the highly anticipated tournament. Whatmore is one of the most respected more..

Nov 14 (CT) National Olympic Committee SL (NOCSL) is bracing themselves to bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as Hamilton (Canada) the city which was on run, set to back out, leaving no confirmed host for the game which is 6 years away. SL was keen to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games (CWG), but their bid was beaten by Gold Coast (Australia), shattering SL’s hopes and also plans for infrastructure more..

Nov 14 (Island) In recognition of his distinctive contributions to the maritime sector both nationally and internationally, Professor (Dr) Capt Nalaka Jayakody, a renowned academic and Master Mariner, was bestowed an Outstanding Alumnus award on Nov 1, by World Maritime Uni (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden, making him the first recipient from South Asia. This prestigious award was conferred at the convocation by the Chancellor of WMU Kitack Lim who is also Secretary General of IMO. more..

Nov 14 (FT) Health Ministry stated that medicines required by residents of quarantined housing schemes in the CMC area will be provided via a home delivery service. According to a statement issued by the Ministry, Muwadora Uyana, Sirimuthu Uyana, Sirisanda Sevana, Randiya Uyana, Methsada Sevana, Minijaya Sevana, Ranmit Sevana, Sathhiru Sevana, and N.H.S Apartment Maligawatta are currently under quarantine, and residents are to refrain from leaving more..

Nov 14 (Island) The govt owed an explanation as regards the inordinate delay in ascertaining the circumstances that led to the explosive spread of COVID-19 in the second week of October, JHU spokesman Nishantha Sri Warnasinghe said. The former Western Province PC member pointed out that specific instructions had been issued to police headquarters by no less a person than AG Dappula de Livera, PC, more..

Nov 14 (FT) A group, of SLPP/SLFP MPs have handed over a letter to the Party’s National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa requesting him to enter Parliament soon and guide the Govt in its economic activities. Nineteen MPs have signed the letter which was handed over to Rajapaksa on Thursday. In the letter, the MPs lauded Rajapaksa for forming the new political party and guiding it towards victory at the Local Govt Elections in 2018, Prez Election last November and this year’s General Election. more..

Nov 14 (DN) A sports school is to be established in the Puttalam District within four years to help students take part in national and international sports events, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said. He made these observations at the Puttalam Divisional Secretariat Auditorium, during a meeting on the programmes in the district coming under the Rural Economic Development National Programme, which is implemented through the PM’s Office with the approval of the Prez Task Force. more..

Nov 14 (FT) SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva charged the Govt was attempting to artificially shrink the budget deficit for 2020 by transferring Rs. 700 billion spent this year into the budget accounts of 2019 and called for a clarification from the PM on whether changes could be made to accounts already edited by the Auditor General. He said there were discrepancies amounting to Rs. 700 billion between the Appropriation Bill more..

Nov 14 (Island) NFF Leader Wimal Weerawansa said that a decision on resumption of burial of corona victims couldn’t be taken up by the Cabinet of ministers under any circumstances. Declaring that such a decision should be taken by relevant medical experts, Minister emphasised that in case the burials were to be allowed the public had a right to know the basis. He said so addressing a gathering after distributing Rs 5,000 each among families affected by the coronavirus in the Kaduwela area. more..

Nov 14 (PSL) Hindu Devotees across the globe light up lamps and engage in religious observances with the expectation of dispelling darkness of ignorance and illuminating wisdom. Deepavali festival is a renowned cultural celebration where the devotees extend wishes of enlightenment and share greetings with love and compassion. In my view, cultural festivals of this nature provide great opportunity to build communal reconciliation and mutual understanding among the people and more..

Nov 14 (Island) SJB MP Harin Fenanrdo told Parliament that other countries were acting with single-minded pursuit of the goal of beating coronavirus, SL govt was advancing a hidden agenda as for its anti-COVID-19 campaign. Fernando said that all other govts in the world were focused on how to tackle the pandemic and save lives. “In SL, COVID-19 campaign is used to suppress the govt’s political enemies and more..

Nov 14 (DM) Colombo Port which has been hard hit by the pandemic operates at 60-70% of its usual efficiency, but things will be fully operational by next week, an official said. Chairman of SLPA Gen. Daya Ratnayake said the port is surrounded by localities declared as high-risk COVID-19 areas. Also, he said 30% of port workers are from the pandemic-hit Gampaha District and another 25% from the surrounding affected areas. Besides, he said 60 workers had tested positive for the virus. more..

Nov 14 (MFA) A Vice-Ministerial level Dialogue took place on 10 Nov, with the participation of High Level Officials of the Foreign Ministries of China, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and SL. While China was represented by Vice Minister Luo Zhaohui, State Minister for Regional Co-operation Tharaka Balasuriya spoke at the conference representing SL. The dialogue covered a number of areas of mutual concern & cooperation, with a focus on cooperation amidst ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. more..

Nov 14 (CT) The total COVID-19 related national death toll reached 53 with five more deaths being recorded. The five most recent deaths include four males and a female. Director of the Health Promotion Bureau, Dr. Palitha Karunapema said a majority of those who had succumbed to COVID-19, during the second wave, were those who were patients whose chronic disease condition had been heightened by the viral infection. more..

Nov 14 (CT) Opposition and Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Leader, Sajith Premadasa, has decided to immediately expel SJB MP Diana Gamage who voted in favour of the 20th Amendment, from the SJB. Premadasa had been given the power to take a decision in this regard during the SJB Executive Committee meeting held on 12 Nov. Accordingly, Premadasa has decided to expel Gamage from the Party. Sources said, as the power to take a decision regarding the other more..

Nov 14 (Island) Former Governor of Eastern Province M.L.A M. Hizbullah had submitted forged documents to obtain 25 acres for the construction of Batticaloa Campus, PCoI was informed. This was revealed by two officials of the Department of Social Services and the Mahaweli Authority, testifying before the PCoI. Asanka Udayakumara, Director – Lands of the Mahaweli Authority said that Hizbullah applied for the land through an organisation called Hira Foundation, founded by him. more..

Nov 14 (FT) Dual COVID-19 cluster that emerged from Divulapitiya and Peliyagoda yesterday expanded to 12,695 cases with 468 associated of the Peliyagoda COVID-19 cluster testing positive for the virus yesterday. Total number of confirmed cases is 16,191, which also includes 1,481 SL returnees from abroad, 950 Navy personnel and their contacts, 651 persons connected to the Kandakadu cluster and 102 foreigners. more..

Nov 14 (FT) The UK formally left the European Union (EU) on 31 Jan and is now in a transition period till 31 Dec during which certain agreements such as trade and freedom of movement with the remaining EU27 (henceforth EU) are discussed and finalised. The EU and the UK are important economic and diplomatic partners of Sri Lanka. Four years on from the Brexit referendum, the future relationship between the UK and EU however remains unclear. more..

Nov 14 (DM) The daily case reports from the Epidemiology Unit are the only data we have to assess the spread of the virus. A better measure would be a regularly updated or now-casted estimate of the current effective reproduction number (Reff), but the Epidemiology Unit does not publish this, and I have no idea if they estimate it on a regular basis. The reproduction number is basically how many new people each infected person infects. more..

Nov 14 (SLA) The 7th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC), bound for UN Peace-Keeping Mission in South Sudan’s Level-2 Hospital (UNMISS) on the eve of their departure presented a ceremonial salute to Lt Gen Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and Head, National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) at the SLAMC Regimental Headquarters ground at Werahera this morning (13). more..

Nov 14 (NF) Senior Journalist and veteran artiste Sydney Chandrasekara passed away on Saturday morning (14) while receiving treatment in hospital. Late Mr. Sydney Chandrasekara served as a consultant for News 1st. He commenced his career as a journalist from Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and was a past pupil of Ananda College in Colombo. Chandrasekara who created many popular teledramas in SL held many important positions in the field of media in the country. more..

Nov 14 (PMD) President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has requested construction industry pioneers to commence work on a large number of housing projects simultaneously for the benefit of low, middle and upper middle income earners covering different areas of the country. President pointed out that the construction must proceed fast in a creative and eco-friendly manner using new technology and methods. more..

Nov 14 (CT) State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, proposed to the Cabinet of Ministers to set up a Delimitation Committee that could establish new Divisional Secretariats and gazette existing Divisional Secretariats, and for establishment and reconstruction of Grama Niladhari (GN) Divisions. The proposed Members to the Committee include the Secretary to the Ministry of Local Govt (LG) or one of its representatives, the Registrar General or a representative, the Surveyor General or more..

Nov 14 (PTI) Sixty-six Indian nationals, all workers at a construction site in Colombo, have tested positive for Covid-19, a top health official said on Friday. “They have been lodged in the north Colombo area where they were identified as the first level contacts of the positive cases from the fish market cluster,” Colombo city’s chief medical officer Dr Ruwan Wijemuni said. Wijemuni said the construction site workers, all Indians, “were found coronavirus positive from random tests more..

Nov 14 (AD) Total Covid-19 infections detected among prison inmates have reached 278, according to the Dept of Prisons. Commissioner General of Prisons said 107 of them are female inmates. 68 inmates at the Old Bogambara Prison have been tested positive for novel coronavirus yesterday, while 13 inmates at Kuruwita Prison and 03 at Mahara Prison were also confirmed as positive cases. more..

Nov 14 (PMD) President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa attended religious observances at Ruwanwali Seya in Anuradhapura yesterday seeking blessings on people in SL and the world. Upon arrival at the sacred site Prez called on the Chief Incumbent of Ruwanweli Raja Maha Viharaya Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. Joining the Kapruka Pooja and Ashtapala Chathumadura Pooja President sought blessings on the country and people. A special Pirith chanting was conducted at the premises. more..

Nov 14 (AD) The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has decided to carry out free-of-charge mobile clinics for people under quarantine at urban flats within its limits. The Public Health Department of the CMC said the program is coming into effect after careful consideration of the health and safety of the residents of theses housing schemes, who are suffering from non-communicable diseases. Details of the mobile clinic schedule are as follows: Methsada Sevana (Modara) – 16th of Nov more..

Nov 14 (Island) TNA Jaffna District MP MA Sumanthiran told Parliament that the issues related to importation of rapid antigen test kits were due to the absence of proper laws to deal with public health emergencies. Participating in the adjournment debate on COVID-19 second wave, the MP said that the health sector, particularly the public health sector, had often asked for laws that could help deal with such situations. more..

Nov 14 (CT) Sources at the Ministry of Transport said if buses were to transport passengers in violation of the orders that have been issued by the Ministry, to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, steps will be taken to cancel their permits. State Minister Dilum Amunugama said bus owners have been given a one-week time period to comply with those instructions. Amunugama further said if the drivers and conductors do not use gloves and facemasks, strict legal steps will be taken by the Police more..

Nov 14 (CT) A CID source said since the documents regarding the investigation on MP Rishad Bathiudeen and his brother, in connection with the 21 April 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks, have been forwarded to the Attorney General, no difficulty will occur concerning future investigations, despite the transfer of the officers who were conducting the probes. Only three senior officers have been appointed instead of the 19 CID officers who have been transferred. more..

Nov 14 (AD) The PCoI was told yesterday, that a former Additional Director at the Dept of Social Services had ignored due protocol when giving the Hira Foundation, certification of its previous registrations. The Hira Foundation is heavily linked to former Eastern Province Governor M.L.A. Hizbullah, and has come under severe scrutiny since the Easter Sunday terror attacks of last year. more..

Nov 14 (ST) Registration of the Person’s Department will go online to authenticate the national identity cards of the citizens of SL. The move that would be operative henceforth will benefit the police, would-be employers and officials of many other institutes to check on the veracity of national identity cards, officials said. Dept’s Commissioner General, Viyani Gunathilake, said the new facility would be made available to banks, finance companies, govt corporations, more..

Nov 14 (AD) An individual who was arrested for spreading false rumors through the internet that a large number of COVID-19 infected people are dying on the roads in SL has been placed under remand custody. When the suspect was produced before the Kandy Magistrate’s Court, he was ordered to be remanded until Nov 18, DIG Ajith Rohana said. He was arrested at Egodahawatta in Kadugannawa over spreading false reports of COVID-19 infected persons in SL dying on roads. more..

Nov 14 (ST) Traders have cautioned the Govt that they are unable to provide rice at prices stipulated by the CAA and this could result in a shortage of rice in the market in the coming days. The traders said they did not receive rice below the govt issued maximum retail prices and therefore were unable to sell rice at a four-rupee profit as expected by the Govt because they had to incur transport costs also. more..

Nov 14 (CT) Former South Africa cricket legend Hershelle Gibbs has been excluded from the revised panel of commentators announced for the Lanka Premier League Cricket tournament scheduled for November. Sri Lanka Cricket last week said that Hershelle Gibbs will be among the six high profile commentators joining the LPL, which Gibbs himself shared on social media. But when the updated list released yesterday did not included Gibbs name, he wasn’t pleased at all. more..

Nov 14 (Island) Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament that social media and newspapers had misreported him by stating that he had called for a salary increase the MPs at the last party leaders’ meeting. Making a special statement with the permission from the Chair, MP said: Parliament Business Committee meeting under the chairmanship of the Speaker usually discusses the facilities and privileges accorded to the MPs, their houses the security provided to them etc. more..

Nov 14 (CT) Track and field athletes are in a dilemma due to the authorities moving at snail’s pace, which has resulted in a number of top athletes being denied hostel facilities and without a place to train for a couple of weeks. Lockdown was first confined to Minuwagoda and Divulapitiya on 4 Oct with the second wave of COVID-19, which was soon followed by quarantine curfew for Gampaha District, which is where most of more..