Dec 6 (AM) Supreme Court has issued an interim injunction preventing the enforcement of a Gazette notification issued by the previous govt to increase the annual fee for liquor licenses. The 3-judge bench, comprising Justices A.H.M.D. Nawaz, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, and Priyantha Fernando, made the ruling while granting leave to proceed with a fundamental rights petition filed by the SL Liquor Licensees’ Association. The petition challenges the 2024/1 Gazette notification, more..

Dec 6 (Island) Communist Party of SL (CPSL) has urged the govt not to downsize the public sector. CP statement said: “Senior Prez Economics Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa has warned that the Treasury is unlikely to maintain current expenditure levels in the coming years. He suggests that the govt will do this by a drastic reduction of the public sector workforce, slashing the current 1.3 million employees to just 750,000. He suggests substituting digitalisation for a trained workforce. more..

Dec 6 (AD) The CEB has submitted its electricity tariff revision proposal to the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL). In its proposal, the CEB has stated that the existing tariffs will continue further for the next six months. Previously, it was proposed under the former govt that electricity tariffs be revised four times annually. However, in 2023, tariff revisions were carried out three times, while two revisions were made this year. more..

Dec 6 (EN) A vote on account for the first four months of 2025 pending a full budget, presented under constitutional powers given to Prez Anura Dissanayake was passed without a vote by parliament. The expenses for Prez was reduced with a 64% cut on advisors costs, Deputy Finance Minister Harshana Suriyapperuma said. SL was expecting revenues of 1,600 billion rupees for the period. Revenue agencies were being made more efficient and spending was allocated for more..

Dec 6 (EN) France-based Michellin said it was selling two plants in Sri Lanka that made bias tyres and tracks for compact construction equipment to India’s CEAT group. In addition to the production facilities, the sale will also include the Camso brand, at the end of a three-year licensing period. “The Group also intends to continue its other manufacturing activities in SL,” a statement said. “The country remains important for Michelin, where the company plans to continue modernizing more..

Nov 7 (DM) Can anyone find any difference between the crux of the following two paragraphs? “If a constitution acceptable to all communities is adopted, the necessity for the Provincial Council (PC) system or the 13th Amendment to the Constitution would no longer be valid. The Provincial Council system is a failed system which is of no use at all. Yet, we would not abolish the Provincial Council system without presenting an alternative viable solution. more..

Nov 7 (DM) Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake’s observation last Thursday over an arrest of an individual who had shared videos relating to recent Maaveerar Naal commemorations without first investigating those who created and uploaded the original videos as an approach like shooting the messenger, is an eye-opener to the powerful NPP and JVP govt and its leaders. The Additional Magistrate was making this remark with regard to a recent arrest made by the CID more..

Nov 7 (DM) Mata Allanda Bariwune, Madakkalappuwa vitharai (I was unable to capture only Batticaloa) were the words with which Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake smilingly greeted Mattakkalappu MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam in Parliament on Nov 21. Prez was mingling with the MPs at the inaugural session of the tenth parliament. Anura was of course alluding to the Nov 14 parliamentary election in which the AKD more..

Nov 7 (SO) Parliament is the heart of democratic governance where laws are debated, decisions are made and the voice of the people is heard. However, the effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings relies on maintaining decorum and ensuring that discussions are productive. Standing Orders of the Parliament outline specific guidelines to ensure orderly conduct, focusing on responsibility, speaking rules and the behaviour of members not participating in debates. more..

Nov 7 (CT) Colombo District NPP MP Samanmalee Gunasinghe recently highlighted the NPP economic policy claiming that it is people-focused and aims to deliver tangible benefits to the whole population. She also drew attention to the hidden poverty in Colombo which often goes unnoticed and unaddressed. Poverty comes in various shapes and forms and contrary to the common stereotypical belief, isn’t limited to the underdeveloped rurality. Masked by the brightly-lit city skies, more..

Nov 7 (SO) There has been a surge in WhatsApp account hacks in SL during the past couple of months, with scammers using verification code manipulation to gain access to accounts and defraud contacts. This alarming trend has led to numerous occasions of financial fraud and identity theft and journalists have become the latest victims of this cybercrime. SL Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned more..

Nov 7 (FT) The abolition of the office of Executive President was a commitment that was made by Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the NPP, shortly before the Prez election. Following his election by the people to the office of President of the Republic, and the overwhelming majority which his party received in the General election, it may be confidently assumed that steps will shortly be taken to implement that commitment. The events that followed the enactment of the 19th Amd more..

Nov 7 (CT) As we know, the primary aspiration of leftists has always been the establishment of a socialist society. In contrast, right-wing ideologies aim to construct a capitalist economic system. Now that a group claiming to be socialists and Marxists, who have fought for their ideals over a long period, holds state power in SL, a just question arises: Will the new govt operate under socialism or capitalism? The key ministries of the new govt such as finance, economy, defence, foreign affairs, more..

Dec 7 (FT) Resource Connect Services (RCS) last week participated in Future Forward 2024, an esteemed event organised by Austria’s most innovative accelerator, WeXelerate, renowned for driving impactful innovation ecosystems. This year’s conference, held in Vienna, showcased ground-breaking ideas, technologies, and startups from around the globe, fostering collaboration and innovation. Future Forward 2024 featured an impressive line-up of speakers, more..

Dec 7 (FT) Indonesia’s Ambassador to SL Dewi Gustina Tobing, on Thursday emphasised the critical role of palm oil in daily life and its broader economic impact on developing nations. Speaking at the fifth AGM of the Palm Oil Industry Association of SL, she underscored the transformative economic role of oil palm plantations, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. She noted that these plantations act as catalysts for investment, infrastructure development and more..

Dec 7 (CT) The novice parliamentary group of the NPP made a significant impression during their first Parliament week. Despite having all the disadvantages on their side, the govt displayed remarkable management over the course of three days in Parliament with its 149 new MPs. It succeeded in asserting its dominance in the House, filling media space, winning the propaganda war and effectively sidelining its unfulfilled promises more..

Dec 7 (Island) Rajapaksa govts used labels such as traitor and terror sympathiser to vilify their political opponents. They effectively created a bogey to rally support for their repressive actions, on the pretext of protecting national security, which they made out to be their raison d’etre. They succeeded in marketing their brand of patriotism to retain their hold on power and go on enriching themselves until they bankrupted the economy, provoking the public into rising against them. more..

Dec 7 (Island) During the prez election campaign, the importance of trade, particularly exports, to SL’s was emphasised by Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and the other two main contenders in the fray, namely Sajith Premadasa (SP) and Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) in their manifestos. These three candidates together polled more than 90% of the votes at the prez elections. During the parliamentary elections the political parties which based their campaign on more..

Dec 7 (DN) Guaranteeing Sri Lanka at least a bronze medal in the flyweight (51kg) category, Umayanga Mihiran secured a spot in the semifinals of the ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships, which continued in Chiang Mai, Thailand, yesterday. The 21-year-old boxer delivered a composed and tactical performance, defeating Malaysia’s Abdul Qayyum in the quarterfinals. Both fighters entered the ring after byes in the previous round, but Mihiran’s precision punches more..

Dec 7 (DN) Customs Spokesman Seevali Arukgoda said that SL Customs has managed to earn Rs. 1.38 trillion out of the revenue target of Rs. 1.53 trillion set by the Govt for 2024. It is 90% of the target amount set and mentioned that the revenue target will be achieved in the near future. Customs collects 50% of the tax revenue for the Govt. He also said that if the revenue target is achieved this time, it will be the highest percentage of tax revenue collected in the history of customs. more..

Dec 7 (ST) SL’s rice shortage is expected to further worsen after at least 338,000 acres of paddy land were submerged in heavy downpours over the past few days. Only last week, Agriculture Ministry had said it would be importing rice as a short-term measure. But this week’s adverse weather and flooding affected many agricultural districts. Some of the most affected were Ampara, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Vavuniya, more..

Dec 7 (ST) Apparel retailer Odel, which has been shutting down stores and whose financial losses have been widening, has booked a Rs 4.2 billion group loss for the 2023-2024 year and the accumulated loss has ballooned to Rs 8.2b. The 2023-2024 loss has deepened by 90% from Rs 2.21b the year before, annual filings to the CSE show. Auditor EY notes that the accumulated loss of the group is Rs. 8.2b (company loss Rs. 4.42b) for the year ended 31 March 2024. more..

Dec 7 (FT) The Govt of Australia will partner with UN Women and national civil society organisation Chrysalis on a new five-year program to advance gender equality in Sri Lanka. THRIVE – Together for Her: Resilience-building, Inclusivity, and Voices for Equality in Sri Lanka will economically and socially empower women, working with their families and communities to address persistent and harmful social norms that perpetuate issues such as gender-based violence. more..

Dec 7 (FT) Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa slammed the Govt, which secured a massive mandate, of betraying the people’s trust by entering into an agreement with the IMF. He made these remarks in Parliament yesterday as Premadasa voiced his concerns over the Govt’s handling of the IMF agreement, describing the move as one of the greatest betrayals in recent times. Premadasa called for the Parliament to be more..

Dec 7 (Island) President of The Hotels Association of SL (THASL) M. Shanthikumar addressing its members at the organization’s 59th anniversary celebrations said that the hotel sector investment in SL tourism today, amounting to over USD 15 billion, is the highest investment by any sector in the tourism industry, while accounting for 70% of the entire tourism-related workforce. The highest contribution to government coffers is made by our member hotels. It is by way of more..

Dec 7 (DN) China Cultural Center in SL hosted the Chinese Food Carnival on Wednesday with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Ruwan Ranasinghe, Chinese Ambassador to SL Qi Zhenhong, and around 200 guests including individuals from all walks of life in SL and personnel from diplomatic missions participated in the event held at the China Cultural Center Colombo 7. With promotion of culture and tourism as its theme, the event also saw representatives of more..

Dec 7 (FT) The National Tea Sales average in November 2024 declined to Rs. 1,137.22 ($ 3.92) from Rs. 1,172.15 ($ 4.02) in the previous month. In comparison to the Nov 2023 average of Rs. 1,116.65 ($ 3.42), the total average shows an increase of Rs. 20.57 YoY, whilst gaining 0.50 in dollar terms as well. Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said in dollar terms, the Nov 2024 average of dollar 3.92 records a decrease of $ 0.10 when compared to the October 2024 average of $ 4.02. more..

Dec 7 (OC) Sri Lanka’s go-to man for years, Angelo Mathews hit a massive milestone during Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. Mathews crossed the 8,000-run mark in Test cricket and joined legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to become the third batter from the island nation to achieve the coveted feat. Angelo Mathews got there with his 34th run of the innings and finished the day unbeaten on 40, looking as solid as ever. more..

Dec 7 (CI) Kyle Verreynne's manic sprint to a third Test century lit up the second morning and sent South Africa speeding to a total of 358. But the afternoon and evening sessions belonged to Sri Lanka. Their top four produced their best collective effort in the series so far, with Pathum Nissanka hitting 89 off 157 balls, forging a 109-run second wicket stand with Dinesh Chandimal. With Angelo Mathews not out on 40 at stumps, and more..

Dec 7 (DN) People especially those who work in private institutions and laborers cannot stand all day long at Lanka Sathosa to buy five kilos of rice and coconuts and we urge the Govt to supply essential items at reasonable prices to the people without any shortage, “Badulla District NDF MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake told Parliament yesterday. SJB MP Kabir Hashim clearly stated that the same expenditure head allocated to the former Prez has also been allocated to the present Prez. more..

Dec 7 (DM) The controversial letter, issued by the Regional Director of Health Services in Matale, instructing medical specialists aged 60 and above to retire by Dec 31 was withdrawn following agitations by specialists. A senior official representing the medical fraternity said that they will not hesitate to take legal action under contempt of court if such suppression continues. The letter exclusively obtained by the Daily Mirror, had further directed institutional heads in the district to ensure more..

Dec 7 (FT) In its December edition, leading business magazine LMD reports that business confidence shot up by 15 basis points to reach 154 in November, from 139 in the month prior. “This is the highest point the LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) has reached in 2024 and the fourth month in which the barometer has crossed into triple digits this year – most recently last month, when the official rate of inflation entered negative territory,” it explains. more..

Dec 7 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday closed the week on a positive note with improved investor sentiment. S&P SL20 gained by 0.22% and ASPI by 0.40% on Friday. During the week, the ASPI and the S&P SL 20 gained 3.2% and 4% respectively. Turnover yesterday was Rs. 4.99 billion involving 374.5 million shares. Turnover during the week averaged Rs. 4.04 billion. Foreign participation in the market activity remained at subdued levels with foreigners closing as net sellers. more..

Dec 7 (EN) Industries Minister Sunil Handunetti said cabinet approval will be sought to lift value added tax from brown sugar made at Lanka Sugar, a state enterprise made from firms including once-listed Pelwatte Sugar, expropriated during a Rajapaksa regime in 2011. Unsold stocks of sugar are stuck at Pelwatte and Sevenagala plants of Lanka Sugar, Moneragala legislator, R M Jayawardhana told parliament. more..

Dec 7 (Island) Locally produced superphosphate would be introduced to the market next year, Prof. Gomika Udugamasooriya, Prez’s Senior Advisor on Science and Technology, Professor at the University of Houston, in USA, said. Prof. Udugamasooriya said that currently SL only produced rock phosphate from the Eppawala deposit. While rock phosphate was good for long-term crops because it was a slow-release fertiliser that provided nutrients over time, it did not work well for paddy, etc, he said. more..