Dec 17 (EN) Coconut production in Sri Lanka declined by 17.8% in September this year compared to September 2023, central bank data showed. “Coconut production experienced a significant decline of 17.8% in September 2024,” the CBSL agriculture data bulletin for November stated. Coconut prices in the domestic market have been steadily rising since October. The wholesale price for a large nut was between 160-170 rupees and 130-140 rupees for small nuts on Dec 16. more..

Dec 17 (CT) Ministry of Agriculture launched a public consultation programme aimed at finding new solutions to prevent crop damage caused by wild animals in SL. Despite the implementation of various measures, such as air rifles, protective fences, and innovative pest control methods, crop damage remains a significant issue for the nation’s farmers. Ministry acknowledged that these efforts have not yielded the desired reduction in crop destruction and is calling for additional ideas from the public. more..

Dec 17 (TM) SL Customs announced that while the rice stocks imported by the Govt are yet to arrive in the country, 4,800 metric tonnes (MT) of rice had been imported into the country by the private sector by yesterday. Customs Media Spokesperson stated that this stock includes 3,000 MT of parboiled rice and 1,800 MT of samba rice. He explained that these imports were brought into the country to help meet the local demand. more..

Dec 17 (CT) High Commission of India hosted the 11th edition of India’s Rich Buddhist Heritage Exhibition at the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Temple complex in Anuradhapura on the auspicious occasion of Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day. Unduvap Poya Day holds deep significance as it marks the arrival of Arhath Sangamitta Theri in SL, bringing a sapling from the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. This sacred tree, a direct descendant of the one under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, more..

Dec 17 (DM) Claiming that no one can use the title of a medical doctor without being registered with Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) as per the Medical Ordinance, govt MP Dr. Janaka Senaratne challenged SJB MP Dr. Kavinda Jayawardena to produce his SLMC registration. He said that MP Jayawardena had used the title medical doctor on Facebook, Parliament website and that according to the medical ordinance, no one has a right to use the title medical doctor without registering with more..

Dec 18 (DM) The media has often had great influence on public affairs and is referred to as the fourth estate. In the 19th century, the fourth estate came to refer exclusively to the press (print media). Today it’s applied to all branches of the news media and is accepted in general as being a legitimate political force performing a watchdog function. The idea of an independent newspaper in our country, was rather strangely introduced by William Colebrook. more..

Dec 18 (TM) The Indo-Lanka relationship has always had a security and geopolitical dynamic. This has been a millennia-old dynamic which both nations have had to deal with. The visit by SL’s new president Anura Kumara Dissanayake was as much about security relations as it was about trade, support and all other things bilateral. Dissanayake, who some feared will align with China, has been quick to signal otherwise, especially to India. However, these are early days of more..

Dec 18 (TM) With a spate of fever cases being reported from Jaffna during the past few weeks and the health authorities’ warning about the spread of leptospirosis (commonly known as rat fever), Sri Lanka's forgotten discussion on the prevalence and seriousness of rat fever has re-emerged. According to the health authorities, the recent rainy season has exacerbated the risk of the spread of rat fever in the country. more..

Dec 18 (DM) Located in between Chilaw and Puttalam is a pristine sanctuary that is now home to many flora and fauna. As one passes the Suruwila Wewa and adjoining paddy lands it gives a glimpse of perhaps one of the last remaining tank cascade systems in the country. Spanning over 1300 hectares in extent, the Anawilundawa sanctuary is an asset to surrounding communities. The Accelerated Natural Regeneration of Mangroves (ANRM) Project is one such initiative more..

Dec 18 (CT) Sri Lanka stands at a critical juncture, navigating complex geopolitical dynamics and domestic challenges. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake‘s upcoming visits to India and China underscore the island nation’s strategic importance to these Asian giants. Both countries view SL as pivotal in their geopolitical strategies, with India particularly concerned about China’s influence in the region. This article delves into the implications of these visits, the govt’s anti-corruption drive, more..

Dec 18 (TM) Amidst the controversy over the issuance of liquor licenses by the previous Govt, the spotlight is also being focused on the expansion of the country’s gaming and betting industry to attract more foreign investors and enhance the revenue generation mechanism. However, the proposed expansion of the gaming industry appears to have hit a snag due to the change in administration. more..

Dec 18 (CT) Since assuming office, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake is currently on his first foreign visit to neighbouring India at the invitation of Indian Prez Droupadi Murmu. It is anticipated that the two leaders will engage in many important bilateral discussions during this visit. Since ancient times, SL has thrived with a rich legacy of diplomatic relations. Records indicate that the island nation has engaged in trade with nations far and wide, and it has extended even to the modern day. more..

Dec 18 (Island) A new Speaker was elected unopposed yesterday in Parliament. Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne has succeeded Speaker Asoka Ranwala, who had to resign last week due to his failure to prove his academic credentials. It is popularly said in this country that a person who has been beaten with a firebrand is scared of even fireflies. So, PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake carefully avoided referring to Wickramaratne as ‘Dr’ when more..

Dec 18 (Island) It is the above quote that came to mind when witnessing the barrage of information coming out on the saga of the Sri Lankan parliamentary speaker Asoka Ranwala’s PhD qualification, or the lack of it. Of course, true to form, we have outdone ourselves – yet again. In Sri Lanka’s case, degrees are not only the “false faces for overeducated jackasses”. Our people who often wear degrees like expensive jewellery are the worst of the uneducated louts, to put it mildly. more..

Dec 18 (DM) New Delhi laid out a red carpet welcome for Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is on his first state visit outside the country. The Prez was ceremoniously welcomed by Indian Prez Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he received a 21-gun salute and inspected a guard of honour presented by the Indian armed forces. During his visit, he also met, among others, Indian foreign finance ministers and health ministers. more..

Dec 18 (ST) For the first time in the 157-year history of the SL Police, and 72 years since women were first admitted to the police force, a woman was this month made Director of the CID. SSP Imesha Muthumala climbed up a rung from CID Deputy Director, a position she had occupied since June 2021, to head the Department. It was seen as a remarkable achievement and a progressive step within the male-dominated SL Police. more..

Dec 18 (FT) The much-anticipated grand finale of the 59th TAGS Awards 2024, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of SL (CA SL), celebrated excellence in corporate reporting, with a diverse range of organisations – from multinationals and conglomerates to SMEs and NGOs – showcasing their commitment to high standards in financial and non-financial reporting by embracing the principles of transparency, accountability, governance, and sustainability while more..

Dec 18 (FT) Commercial Bank of Ceylon instituted a winding up application by Petition dated 27 June 2024 against Almar Teas Ltd. under the provisions of the Companies Act, No. 07 of 2007 on the basis that that Almar Teas Ltd. failed to honour a statutory demand and thus should be deemed insolvent. On such basis publications effected and the matter was fixed for inquiry on 20 Dec 2024. However, Almar Teas Ltd. by way of a Motion dated 6 Nov 2024 preferred an application more..

Dec 18 (DN) M.F. Muhammad, the 16-year-old swimmer from Zahira College, has established himself as a dominant force in Sri Lankan swimming. Last week, at the National and Junior National Short Course Championship held at the Isipathana College Swimming Pool Complex in Colombo, Muhammad achieved the pinnacle of success, clinching five gold medals in five events—a feat that has captured the imagination of swimming enthusiasts across the nation. more..

Dec 18 (FT) SL Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) has issued a public notice urging homeowners and institutions to verify the legitimacy of service providers before installing rooftop solar systems. The move comes in response to rising complaints about fraudulent companies misleading electricity consumers into believing they are authorised to install such systems. As demand for solar energy grows amid rising costs and a push for sustainable alternatives, the rooftop solar more..

Dec 18 (FT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa questioned the Govt’s approach to the debt restructuring process and its commitment to the mandate received from the people, in Parliament. Premadasa accused the current administration of following the same IMF agreements established under former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, contrary to the promises made by ruling NPP during their election campaign. more..

Dec 18 (DN) Opener Kusal Mendis hit a sparkling knock of unbeaten 79 in 23 balls while young leg spinner Dunith Wellalage had impressive figures of 3 for 5 as Jaffna Titans continued their unbeaten record defeating Colombo Jaguars by 9 wickets with 4.2 overs to spare in their Lanka T -10 Super League cricket fixture played at Pallekele Int'l Cricket Stadium yesterday. Jaffna Titans chasing a 100 runs target lost their opener Kevin Wickham and Skipper Angelo Mathews early in the innings. more..

Dec 18 (DM) SL is witnessing growing interest from popular Indian restaurant brands, reflecting the country’s market potential and its steady recovery post-economic crisis, according to Colombo-based market research agency Sparkwinn Research. Notably, Colombo and Jaffna have emerged as hotspots particularly for South Indian-based restaurant brands. “Chennai-based Salem RR Briyani expanded its operations to Jaffna a couple of months ago. more..

Dec 18 (DN) The Colombo Stock Market has become the second best performing market in the South Asian region, triggering a lot of people to come into the market take benefit from this investment avenue, Colombo Stock Exchange’s (CSE) Branch Network Manager Nishantha Batagalla said. Commenting on the record growth of the CSE, he further stated, “The Colombo stock market has become the talking point of more..

Dec 18 (DN) Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage said that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would provide the maximum support to the National Olympic Committee (NOC) to resolve the internal crisis and urged the National Olympic Committee to act in accordance with the recommendations of the International Olympic Committee from now on. The minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage summoned the executive members of the National Olympic Committee to the Ministry of Sports to more..

Dec 18 (Island) The Southern California Cricket Youth Association (SCCAY), a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to developing young athletes, is set to embark on an exciting tour to Sri Lanka from December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Established in 2002, SCCAY has cultivated a legacy of empowering youth through cricket, promoting physical and mental well-being, and fostering valuable life skills. This initiative, titled the Sri Lanka Youth Tour, extends beyond cricket. more..

Dec 18 (DM) International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) have raised concerns about the internal disputes of the National Olympic Committee of SL (NOCSL), which have yet to be addressed and resolved properly. “We understand that these internal disputes and ethical issues, in particular those raised by your NOC’s Ethics Committee, have yet to be addressed and resolved properly by your NOC,” James Macleod, NOC Relations, Olympic Solidarity more..

Dec 18 (DM) The Court of Appeal today directed the Central Environmental Authority to assess the air quality in the Jaffna area and present its findings to the court. The Court of Appeal two-judge bench comprising Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice Shashi Mahendran, directed the relevant authorities to explore the possibility of preparing a programme to inform the public about the adverse air quality conditions in Jaffna, based on the investigation’s results. more..

Dec 18 (TM) Police Dept stated that no decision has been made thus far to amalgamate the male and female cadres for administrative purposes, despite media reports suggesting that the Dept is in the process of doing so. Senior DIG Lalith Pathinayake confirmed that the Dept has not taken any steps to change the existing structure of its workforce. “We have not taken such a decision. However, in the public service, more..

Dec 18 (DM) Tourists and the local community face inconvenience when making payments at expressway toll gates, as they currently accept only SL currency. Although a QR code payment system was introduced during the previous govt, complaints have been made that the codes do not function properly. A senior official of the Expressway Operation Division reported that expressway toll gates have not implemented systems to accept Visa card payments. more..

Dec 18 (DM) Chamith Wijesundera, National Youth Organizer of the SJB, has called for decisive action against candidates who provide false qualifications or spread misinformation to gain votes. Referring to the recent resignation of the Speaker and allegations against Deputy Speaker Rizwi Salli, Wijesundera stressed that systemic failures in Sri Lankan politics undermine the democratic process, demanding stricter accountability measures and immediate reforms. more..

Dec 18 (Island) Sri Lanka once again showcased its scientific prowess at the prestigious 21st Edition of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2024, where six talented young SL students brought home three silver medals and three bronze medals. The competition, held from 2 to 12 Dec, was organised by Ministry of Education of Romania in cooperation with the National Uni of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, as well as the Uni of Economic Studies Bucharest. more..

Dec 18 (Island) The Supreme Court yesterday (17) permitted former Excise Commissioner M.J. Gunasiri to leave the country following representations made by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva on his behalf. Gunasiri had earlier assured the Supreme Court that he wouldn’t leave the country without securing court permission. A motion was filed before the Supreme Court in October, seeking a travel ban on the former Excise Commissioner involved in a contempt of court case. more..

Dec 18 (FT) SL’s economy grew by 5.5% year-on-year (YoY) in the third quarter of 2024 — highest since 2021, whilst continuing the upward momentum seen since Sept 2023. In terms of quarter-on-quarter, 3Q performance was higher than 4.7% growth achieved in 2Q. 3Q positive growth was driven by the industry sector accounting for 27.3% of the GDP, growing by a high 10.8%, whilst the service sector with a share of 55.5% of the GDP more..

Dec 18 (FT) National Audit Office has uncovered significant financial losses amounting to Rs. 2.66 billion and a systemic mismanagement in the former administration’s electric vehicle import scheme for expatriate workers, rising concerns over transparency and accountability. The report, recently submitted to the Parliament, scrutinised the issuance of permits under the scheme between 1 May 2022 and 15 Sept 2023. It also examined electric vehicle permits between 22Sept '20 & 30June '23. more..