Mar 27 (DM) An idea has been mooted by the ruling party to bring in a resolution to claim expenditure incurred for the 3-day debate on the no-faith motion which was brought against Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, a govt MP said. MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake said that the govt is looking towards bringing the resolution during the next Parliament session. “A large sum has been wasted for the 3-day debate on the no faith motion against the Speaker and we are planning to claim more..

Mar 27 (CT) Doctors who staged a strike over the attack on the Tirukkovil Base Hospital over a fortnight ago, following the death of a school student, who allegedly died during a marathon, warned that further action regarding the matter will be decided today, based on the response of the higher ups. GMOA Media Committee Member Dr. Hansamal Weerasuriya yesterday said that hospitals in the Kalmunai Regional Director Health Services (RDHS) area had struck work demanding action more..

Mar 27 (TM) Election Commission (EC) assured that the Prez Election will be held within the stipulated time, during the period from 17 Sept to 17 Oct of this year (2024), even if the Parliamentary Election will also have to be held this year. It was recently reported that a faction of the ruling SLPP MPs are of the view that the Parliamentary Election should be held before the Prez Election. EC Chairperson R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said that they would more..

Mar 27 (FT) JVP led Jathika Jana Balawegaya (National People’s Power) is a left-leaning, working class-oriented broad front consisting of the JVP and 27 other organisations. These entities comprise small parties, trade unions, rights groups, women, student and youth organisations. JVP is the pivotal, pre-eminent force in the NPP. The JVP as well as the NPP are led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake MP. A.K. Dissanayake is perceived as a front runner in the forthcoming Prez race. more..

Mar 27 (FT) In a bold and unprecedented move, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the dynamic leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), has embarked on a series of international engagements, effectively internationalising the realm of Sri Lankan politics. Dissanayake’s recent addresses to the SL diaspora in Canada, coupled with earlier visits to the United States, Australia, South Korea, and various European nations, mark a significant departure from traditional political strategies. more..

Mar 27 (AD) The Health Trade Union Alliance says that 72 health sector trade unions will launch an indefinite strike from 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday (April 2). Co-convenor of the alliance, Chanaka Dharmawickrama stated that the decision was taken at the leadership committee meeting held today. He stated that during the talks they held with the Health Secretary on March 18 the latter had requested for 10 days to resolve their issues and that this period comes to an end tomorrow (28). more..

Mar 27 (DM) Kahanavitage Don Nandasena, an international drug smuggler was arrested by the STF while hiding in Nuwara Eliya. The suspect was arrested during a special operation conducted under the instructions of STF Commandant SDIG Waruna Jayasundara under the Yukthiya operation. Investigations have revealed that the suspect is the main trafficker who had brought 9 kgs of ice or methamphetamine into SL which was siezed by STF officers in Kiribathgoda & Katunayake police more..

Mar 27 (EN) SL’s Catholic Church has not changed its stance on abortion, its representatives said, after the Minister of Justice said that religious leaders were blocking attempts to legalise abortion in some instances. “No one has the right to take the life of another,” Father Cyril Gamini Fernando said. “Not even the mother. Abortion should be illegal in all cases except to save the life of the mother.” more..

Mar 27 (CT) Customs officials yesterday arrested a couple, at the arrival lounge of the BIA, for attempting to smuggle, into the country, 88 live animals valued at four million rupees. The animals, imported from Thailand, were transported in violation of SL’s Wildlife and Flora Ordinance, Animal Diseases Act and the Customs Ordinance. Suspects were apprehended with the live animals following a joint raid conducted by officials from Revenue Monitoring Div & Biodiversity Unit of more..

Mar 27 (CT) The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) announced its intention to observe the upcoming 2024 SL Prez Election. This followed a meeting ANFREL had with the Elections Commission of SL. “ANFREL has a history of observing elections in SL, having monitored 12 elections since 2001, with a focus on promoting international standards of democratic elections. As a regional election observation group, ANFREL is dedicated to defending and safeguarding more..

Mar 27 (EN) German-SL Friendship New Women’s Hospital, a six-story hospital with 640 beds, 6 operating theatres, infant intensive care units, paediatric units, and state-of-the-art facilities was opened in the southern city of Galle. German govt contributed 25 million euro (Rs. 3,570 mil) to the project, in addition to medical equipment. Former Chancellor of Germany, Helmut Kohl, made a significant donation more..

Mar 27 (DM) A writ petition filed seeking an order to conduct a credible investigation and take appropriate actions against Senior DIG Nilantha Jayawardane for his omission and serious dereliction of duty which led to the Easter Sunday attacks, was today fixed for support by the Court of Appeal. The Court was informed that two other petitions of a similar nature have been filed before the Court of Appeal. Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Sobhitha Rajakaruna and more..

Mar 27 (DM) Former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella's daughter Chamithri Rambukwella lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of SL (HRCSL) today claiming that her father's human rights have been violated due to his arbitrary arrest. She told reporters outside the HRCSL that according to the legal principle of presumption of innocence, any person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. She said in normal practice, suspects are more..

Mar 27 (DM) After the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivals, steps have been taken to provide vouchers to schoolgirls to buy sanitary napkins, Minister Susil Premajayantha said. He said the decision was targeted at increasing the hygiene habits of schoolgirls and providing opportunities for girls who face challenges in getting adequate sanitary facilities. Accordingly, steps are being taken to distribute sanitary napkins to nearly 800,000 schoolgirls in difficult, extreme, more..

Mar 27 (FT) British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, in partnership with UK universities, has announced the launch of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM program. This prestigious scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their Masters’ in the UK. The presence of women in STEM fields is essential for promoting diversity, ensuring a range of perspectives, and driving innovation. more..

Mar 27 (AD) SL PM Dinesh Gunawardena, who is on a state visit to China, called on Prez Xi Jinping on Wednesday (27). During the discussion, which took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the two leaders have agreed to continue to act under the friendship, peace, mutual respect and fivefold principle in international affairs that do not interfere in the internal affairs of a country. It was emphasized that bilateral more..

Mar 27 (DN) Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries has selected 85 villages in SL as king coconut cultivation model villages for export oriented. 50,000 king coconut saplings are to be planted in these 85 villages this year and Homagama Dampe village has been chosen as the first king coconut cultivation model village in Colombo district. Accordingly, distribution of king coconut saplings to 100 farm families of Dhampe village took place today at more..

Mar 27 (DN) Senior advisor to the Prez on Climate change Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene stated that the Govt is working towards making an impact through the Tropical Belt initiative, Climate Justice Forum, the International Climate Change University in SL & SL’s Climate Prosperity Plan proposed by the Prez. He stated the aforesaid while addressing the forum discussion facilitated by the Caucus on Climate Change in Parliament held recently (21) Chaired by Eran Wickramaratne. more..

Mar 27 (Island) China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Ltd., has said the reclaimed sand from Port City hasn’t been used for any other project. CHEC Colombo Office said so in response to The Island query whether CHEC, as promised, had initiated a thorough internal investigation into allegations made by the FSP that the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa govt has allowed the CHEC to unlawfully obtain sand from more..

Mar 27 (EN) M H Omar Liver Care Facility, at the Centre for Liver Diseases in Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama was opened yesterday. Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who inaugurated the facility, pointed out “SL’s current status as the premier destination for liver transplant surgeries in the region,” and appreciated the “reputation bestowed upon the country by healthcare professionals.” Chronic liver disease is increasingly prevalent among both children & adults in SL, more..

Mar 27 (FT) Presidential hopeful Janaka Ratnayake announced yesterday that the National Front of Civil Organisations led by him will not only contest the upcoming Prez election but also participate in all future elections. Ratnayake emphasised that over the past 75 years, the prevailing political culture in SL has led to the bankruptcy of the country. He asserted that no existing party or politician possesses the capability to revive the nation, as they are either directly or more..

Mar 27 (ICC) Twin tons during the first Test against Bangladesh has propelled SL's new Test captain within sight of the top 10 batters in the world. SL captain Dhananjaya de Silva has been rewarded for his Player of the Match heroics during the first Test against Bangladesh by making giant strides on the latest ICC Men's Test Player Rankings. SL skipper scored twin tons in Sylhet to help his side register a commanding 328-run victory over their Asian rival and in the process rose to more..

Mar 27 (DM) Commissioner General of Land, Bandula Jayasinghe challenged an indictment filed by the Bribery Commission against him on the premise that no Director General has been appointed thus far by the President. When the writ application was taken up for support in the Supreme Court, Counsel Hafeel Farisz appearing for the Commissioner General told court that there was no Director General currently enforced by the Bribery Commission under Anti-Corruption Act. more..

Mar 27 (Island) Chief Govt Whip Prasanna Ranatunga said that against the backdrop of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s recent disclosure of a powerful foreign role in the violent public protest campaign that overthrew Prez Gotabaya Rajapaksa, re-examination of May 09/10 and July 09/14 events was necessary. He said so when asked him why all political parties, represented in Parliament, including the ruling party, more..

Mar 27 (Island) Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Urban Development and Housing Ministry Secretary W.S. Sathyananda signed and exchanged diplomatic letters on 21 March, 2024, to formalize the Govt of India’s (GOI) decision to provide an additional grant of SLR 150 million for the Construction of Houses and Infrastructure Facilities in Sobitha Thera Village in Anuradhapura. With this, the GOI’s total commitment to the project currently stands at SLR 450 million, Indian HC said. more..

Mar 27 (EN) Former president and leader of the ruling SLPP Mahinda Rajapaksa said he is not aware that a section of his party intends to support President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the upcoming election. Responding to a question from a reporter that a group of the SLPP has decided to extend their support to Wickremesinghe, Rajapaksa said : “No, I’m not aware of such a thing. These are all statements. It’s not something anyone has said publicly, is it?” more..

Mar 27 (AJ) Badly wounded from a Ukrainian attack on a Russian bunker in the Donetsk region, SL fighter Senaka Bandara* tried to carry his fellow countryman, Nipuna Silva*, to safety. Senaka*, 36, was bleeding from his legs and hands. Nipuna’s condition was worse – he had sustained injuries to his chest, hands and legs, according to Senaka. As the two Sri Lankans retreated under fire, another wave of Ukrainian drones struck more..

Mar 27 (FT) Colombo High Court yesterday dismissed the preliminary objections presented by the counsels representing former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella in a case brought by the CIABOC against him for criminal misappropriation of funds during his tenure as the Minister of Mass Media. The two defendants in the case, including Rambukwella, stand accused of misappropriating Rs. 230948 from the State Printing Corporation to settle Rambukwella’s personal telephone bill during more..

Mar 27 (Wisden) Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga had played through pain before his much-discussed unretirement from Test cricket. In August 2023, more than two years after his last Test match, Wanindu Hasaranga had announced his retirement from the format. A much sought-after cricketer in franchise leagues, his Test carer – four games, 196 runs at 28, four wickets at 101 – made ordinary reading. It did not seem an unusual move. However, SL then included him more..

Mar 28 (DM) Aswesuma is the most recent welfare benefits programme introduced by the govt of Sri Lanka. It replaces the Samurdhi scheme and is the result of a necessary condition to be fulfilled by the government of Sri Lanka in the loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aswesuma provides targeted assistance to vulnerable groups by reducing poverty; its goal is to enhance social welfare and support household resilience at a time of economic instability. more..

Mar 28 (CT) In Sri Lanka, where disillusionment with the conduct of Parliament and its members runs deep, it’s rare to find instances worthy of genuine appreciation. However, amidst this backdrop of cynicism, it becomes all the more imperative to acknowledge and commend the commendable. When Parliamentarians undertake initiatives crucial for the nation’s future, regardless of the prevailing sentiment, it is incumbent upon us to recognise and applaud such efforts. more..

Mar 28 (CT) To borrow a quote from Oakland Veterinary Referral Services the official title of a dog being a man’s best friend originated from a Supreme Court case in 1870, when Attorney George Graham Vest stated that the one absolute, unselfish friend a man could have in this selfish world was his dog. Therefore, it was highly disturbing to hear State Minister Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon’s comments, in Parliament recently, that there are more..

Mar 28 (DM) SL’s education system has been yearning for reforms following the millennium if one had closely observed the ever-transforming education sectors in developed countries. The discourse to bring about education reforms has continued for decades. As a result, the govt has drafted a National Education Policy Framework (NEPF) for a 10-year period from 2023-2033. But, academics observe that this is a loosely drafted document that hasn’t addressed several more..

Mar 28 (DM) These days, JVP/NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and top-level party stalwarts are busy receiving a beeline of foreign diplomats, who seem eager to know what is going through those elusive minds. That is an achievement for the party that languished on the sideline. Their luck has changed since the Indians showed a sudden interest and invited JVP leadership to New Delhi, where they met, among others, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor more..

Mar 28 (TM) SL’s medical education sector finds itself in turmoil once again as opposition emerges to the establishment of a Private Medical College (PMC) by the National School of Business Management (NSBM). Amidst allegations of procedural delays and resource allocation concerns, the NSBM’s failure to submit an application to the Accreditation Unit of the SL Medical Council (SLMC) has sparked outrage among stakeholders. more..

Mar 28 (TM) Change is never easy, and in preparing to introduce technology advances to state services, many industries and nations carry out a period of beta testing before a new system is completely rolled out to iron out shortcomings. Often state institutions and the developers of the digital systems and platforms used for public services, invite tech experts and a sample batch of end users to find bugs in the systems and test its efficacy. Essentially new systems more..