Apr 25 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe declared open the super-luxury hotel ITC Ratnadipa Colombo which boasts Sri Lanka’s first ever sky bridge AHASA ONE connecting two towers at a height of 100m above the ground. ITC’s Hotel Group, one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains, is reported to have invested close to INR 3,000 crore in the luxury Sri Lankan property, which is being set up under a subsidiary WelcomHotels Lanka. more..

Apr 25 (EN) Japan has given a 3 million dollar grant through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to boost inland fisheries and aquaculture in SL as the country recovers from a currency crisis. The funds will establish four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts. The money will also upgrade four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community-operated mini fish breeding centre more..

Apr 25 (FT) In anticipation of the upcoming industry exhibition, the International Industry Expo 2024, excitement is building as less than two months are left until the exciting event unfolds. Recognised as the largest South Asian industry exhibition of the year covering a wide range of industries, International Industry Expo 2024 is poised to bring together diverse participants from all over the country under one roof at the BMICH)\ from 19 to 23 June 2024. more..

Apr 25 (DM) National Consumer Front Chairman Asela Sampath urged the canteen owners to provide a cup of milk tea for Rs. 80 from today while granting the concession of the reduced prices of imported milk powder to the consumers. Addressing the media, he said the milk powder importers had decided to reduce the retail prices of their one kilogram and 400 grams of milk powder packets with effect from today due to the depreciation of the dollar in the world market. more..

Apr 25 (AD) Sri Lanka and Singapore have signed a MoU with a view to working together to promote the boating and yachting industries. The agreement was forged between the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka (CMISL) and the Singapore Boating Industry Association (SBIA) on 22 April, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. Signing of the MoU was done by Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, Chairman of CMISL and Vice President of SL Singapore Business Council and Y.P. Loke, more..

Apr 25 (FT) NPP Executive Council member Tilvin Silva voiced his doubts regarding whether SJB leader Sajith Premadasa will indeed participate in a debate with NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Silva expressed the NPP’s confidence that Premadasa would not partake in a public debate. “That is why they continue to engage in a back-and-forth with us on this matter and make various assertions,” he said. more..

Apr 25 (AD) TNA leader and Trincomalee District MP R. Sampanthan has been granted leave of three months from attending Parliament sessions. The proposal to provide three-months leave was passed in the Parliament today (25). Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella brought up the proposal in the Parliament while it was affirmed by TNA MP Charles Nirmalanathan. Veteran Tamil politician R. Sampanthan, who is aged 91 years, is reported to be suffering from an illness. more..

Apr 25 (AD) The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has agreed to commence the second phase of the Anuradhapura North Water Supply Project, says State Minister Shehan Semasinghe. He said the second phase of the project will meet the drinking water needs of 50,000 families in Padaviya, Kebithigollewa, Horowpothana and Kahatagasdigiliya divisional secretariats covering 119 Grama Niladari Divisions. Semasinghe expressed that JICA has expressed more..

Apr 25 (DM) Police found the 33-year-old pilgrim who had climbed Sri Pada and had gone missing after jumping off the protective fence at the Ratnapura-Sri Pada route at the Uda Maluwa. Police found him lying in the Rajamalai Estate and admitted him to the Dikoya Hospital. They said the Siripagama Police and the STF, with the help of the army, had launched a search operation to trace the young man from where he had jumped. more..

Apr 25 (DM) The rice distributed among schools said to be unsuitable for children's co consumption was provided by the World Food Programme (WFP) and not by the govt, Education Minister Susil Premajayantha assured today. He said those packets of rice were provided additionaly by the WFP to support the govt programme. The govt ensures that food distributed with govt funds is suitable for children's consumption. Even after stocks of rice are distributed to Provincial Education Centres more..

Apr 25 (EN) Rising temperatures and extreme weather events due to climate change are impacting business, and companies need to address the irrelevance of existing business models, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said. “Climate change is affecting all of us in a big way. More particularly, the business community and businesses,” Duminda Hulangamuwa, Chairman, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said. “There is a huge cost. It is imperative that we address the situation,” more..

Apr 25 (CT) A report of the National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that although there were 453 traditional rain gauges scattered all over the island set up by the Dept of Meteorology, they were not receiving updated data. The report indicated that the number of rain gauges that did not receive data continuously from 2019 to 31 May 2023, were 60 in 2019, 100 in 2020, 97 in 2021, 50 in 2022 and 72 until 31 May 2023. Real-time rainfall data, collected every 10 minutes along with its intensity, more..

Apr 25 (AD) Former President Maithripala Sirisena has sent a letter of demand to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, seeking Rs. 1 billion in damages over defamation. The letter of demand references an alleged statement made by Minister Amaraweera to the media on April 22 and 24 which it claims contains inaccurate and malicious comments regarding former President Sirisena. Accordingly, the letter of demand seeks Rs. 1,000 million in damages or compensation for defamation. more..

Apr 25 (EN) NPP has shot back at SJB asking the party to suggest alternative dates for the proposed debate between the two parties’ leaders. The NPP’s Nalinda Jayatissa, who has been tasked with overseeing the organisation of the debate from the NPP’s end, told reporters on Thursday April 25 that, since all political parties are going to be busy in the run up to Labour Day on May 01, the SJB can propose three or four dates before May 20. more..

Apr 25 (Island) Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament yesterday that an incinerator set up in Wanathawilluwa at a cost of Rs 18 million to destroy narcotic drugs would be operational from next month. Presenting regulations under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance for approval in Parliament, the minister said that storing and protecting narcotic substances produced before courts until the case proceedings are over had been a problem. more..

Apr 25 (CT) Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, announced that plans were underway to introduce a more modern National Identity Card (NIC) to replace the existing one, and related work had commenced. Speaking at the inauguration of the new office of the Department of Registration of Persons for the Central Province, Minister Alles said that the tender process for the production of the modern national identity card has been successfully completed. more..

Apr 25 (Reuters) Chinese state energy giant Sinopec is pushing for greater access to SL's market, where rival India is also seeking to expand its presence, as it looks to build its first fully-controlled overseas refinery, reflecting a change in the firm's global strategy to compensate for slowing demand growth at home. Sinopec, the world's largest oil refiner, is expected to complete a feasibility study by June for a plant at the Chinese-run Hambantota port, more..

Apr 25 (AD) SLFP faction led by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva has appointed MP Duminda Dissanayake as the party’s Acting General Secretary. He was appointed during the politburo meeting convened by the faction backing Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva this evening. On Wednesday, Colombo District Court issued an injunction preventing MP Sarathie Dushmantha Mithrapala from functioning as General Secretary of SLFP and implementation of the decisions taken by him more..

Apr 25 (CNA) SL's economy is expected to grow by 3% in 2024 after it reduced interest rates amid easing inflation, its central bank said on Thursday, as the country navigates its escape from its worst financial crisis in decades. SL's economy contracted 2.3% in 2023 after also shrinking the previous year as the country plunged into its worst financial crisis since independence from Britain in 1948 and following a fall in its foreign exchange reserves to record lows in early 2022. more..

Apr 26 (DM) I hope to convince the reader that despite some of the commentary, SL is not on the road to recovery. Numerous predictably dysfunctional policies with questionable rationalisations were implemented in 2019 and 2020; there was no discernible deliberative process. The underlying fragility of governance that precipitated the collapse is still prevalent. Two years on, the Wickremesinghe Govt is exhibiting the same tendencies: a concentration of power in more..

Apr 26 (DM) The tragic motor car accident that snuffed out the lives of seven people and injured over 20 people must be reviewed critically. At the time of writing this column only two drivers involved in the accident were initially nabbed and later released on bail. No member of the organizing committee has been arrested so far and this has led to a public outcry on social and online media platforms blaming the organizers. The public wishes to know why the organizers of the event more..

Apr 26 (TM) An international report on SL’s human rights situation said that SL Govt has taken minimal steps to identify and punish officials who may have committed human rights abuses. This situation was flagged in the latest US State Department report on SL’s human rights situation observed last year, titled 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Sri Lanka which pointed out both positive and adverse developments. more..

Apr 26 (CT) While SL is addressing its worst economic crisis since achieving independence, the launch of the Digital Sri Lanka 2030 strategy marks a hopeful beginning. This fully encompassing national digital plan is formulated with a comprehensive blueprint and a commitment-driven execution schedule. The strategy aims to digitally transform the country stimulating, innovation, incorporation and expansion. While SL battles budgetary constraints, the Singapore Budget more..

Apr 26 (GV) Although SL has had its fair share of women editors and journalists for many decades, some who ventured into areas of conflict around the country, the image of a journalist is still that of a man. In order to change this perception and give pioneering women journalists their due recognition for the difficult job they do, the Fearless Collective decided to paint a mural on the wall of the Rio cinema in Union Place featuring three women journalists from different backgrounds and more..

Apr 26 (ST) The island’s first cinnamon museum (filling a major lacuna, as SL alone gives the world the best and truest of this burnished spice) was opened at Mirissa Hills in Mirissa earlier this month. After traversing the rainforest-like property (dark and mist-shrouded), the cheery yellow-ochre-orange building beams in the early morning light, custom built to celebrate the spice that put Ceylon on the map. more..

Apr 26 (ST) Avilla, Avilla, Sinhala Avurudu Avilla (It’s here… it’s here, the Sinhala New Year has arrived). Even though the New Year festivities were long over, this popular Avurudu song was blaring from Aldoris, the choon- paan karaya’s tuk-tuk as he came down the lane early on Tuesday. “Aei oya avurudu sinduwa danney. Avurudu evarai ne (Why are you playing the Avurudu song? The New Year is over),” said Mabel Rasthiyadu. “Thama ne. Samaharu thama apahu wedata enawa nekath wela-wata. more..

Apr 26 (TM) It is no secret that Sri Lanka has an ageing population, and they have been hit disproportionately by the ongoing economic crisis. The elderly, make up a significant portion of SL’s vulnerable communities who are often affected significantly due to inflation and market fluctuations. Sri Lanka is reported to have the fastest-growing ageing population in South Asia. As of 2022, approximately 16% of its population (22 million) were aged over 60, according to the World Bank. more..

Apr 26 (SO) The history of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy is a remarkable tale of resilience, dedication, and excellence. This prestigious institution’s journey began in the 19th century and has left an indelible mark on the education landscape of Sri Lanka. Catholic missionaries first arrived in Kandy, despite the British colonial rule following the kingdom’s fall in 1815. Notably, it was Rev. Fr. Felice Zoppi, a Franciscan hailing from the Chinese missionary field, who ventured to Kandy in 1853 more..

Apr 26 (ST) Colombo District Court, in a legal battle within the beauty cosmetics industry, has delivered a judgment, dismissing claims brought by Swiss Paradise against SSIZ International Ltd and Japlan Holdings Ltd. The case, seeking Rs. 40 million in damages, revolved around alleged damage to the Plaintiffs’ reputation and investments. Plaintiffs, Swiss Paradise, an importer and seller of beauty cosmetics and equipment, initiated action against the 1st Defendant based in more..

Apr 26 (ST) Five potential bidders are casting knowing glances at Sri Lanka Insurance Corp’s life and general businesses and among them is an insurer owned by a leading conglomerate in SL, and an insurer owned by Govt of India, which claims to be the largest by market capitalisation, operating a joint venture with a Sri Lankan conglomerate. None has yet been shortlisted. Request for qualifications have closed. more..

Apr 26 (Island) Two national elections will be held within the next twelve months or so. In terms of Article 31(3) of the Constitution, the Presidential election has to be held between 19 September and 19 October 2024, being a date not less than one month and not more than two months before the expiry of the current President’s term of office, which is 19 November 2024. Whoever becomes President will surely dissolve Parliament soon, hoping to get a comfortable majority there. more..

Apr 26 (Island) SL Electricity Bill, which seeks to introduce far-reaching power sector reforms, was presented to Parliament amidst protests from the Opposition. Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, exuding his characteristic swashbuckling attitude, said there was a two-week window for anyone to challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court, and a discussion thereon could be held after it was sent to the relevant parliamentary committee. He sounded facetious when he said so, much to the annoyance more..

Apr 26 (FT) The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce yesterday welcomed the launch of the National Digital Economy Strategy. The Chamber said it recognises the Digital Economy as a key enabler for Sri Lanka’s economic growth acceleration. It said the National Digital Economy Strategy 2030 recently published by the Ministry of Technology provides a roadmap to unlock the benefits of the digital economy. The strategy focuses on the improvement of the digital infrastructure, implementation of more..

Apr 26 (FT) State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday shed light on the objectives behind the ongoing restructuring of public enterprises, noting the Govt’s aim to transfer entrepreneurship activities to the private sector whilst ensuring effective regulation and reducing the burden on State institutions. Speaking in Parliament, Siyambalapitiya addressed concerns raised by MP Lakshman Kiriella regarding the restructuring of profit-making State-owned enterprises (SOEs). more..

Apr 26 (FT) Indian giant ITC yesterday began its global hospitality journey with the opening of ITC Ratnadipa the 352-room luxurious facility in Colombo inclusive of first of its kind sky bridge, an architectural marvel. It is the first overseas hotel for ITC which has over 130 properties in over 80 destinations in India. ITC Ratnadipa also marks the addition of the 16th Luxury Collection Hotel in ITC Hotels portfolio. more..