Mar 28 (CT) US Ambassador to SL, Julie Chung, along with Heidi Hattenbach, Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, and Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, spearheaded an inspection dive to explore the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota. The US Embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has taken more..

Mar 28 (DM) Director of Health Services in Mullaitivu Dr. K. Akilendran died in a fatal road accident in Omanthai yesterday. Initial police investigations revealed that Dr. Akilendran was traveling from Mullaitivu to Vavuniya in a cab when a tipper, traveling from Vavuniya to Kilinochchi, collided head-on with the cab. Police suspect that the accident occurred when the tipper attempted to overtake a three-wheeler ahead of it. Doctor sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Vavuniya more..

Mar 28 (Reuters) The world's largest refiner, China's Sinopec (600028.SS), opens new tab, plans to start work on a refinery in Sri Lanka by June, power minister said, advancing a project earmarked as the biggest investment in the crisis-hit island nation. Sri Lanka is looking to attract investment in the battle to stabilise its economy and return to growth following a financial crisis caused by a severe shortfall of dollars in 2022 more..

Mar 28 (AD) Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella has been further remanded until April 8 in connection the substandard IVIG vials procurement scandal. He was produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court on Thursday afternoon (28). The other accused in the case are former Health Secretary Janaka Chandragupta, Additional Health Secretary Dr. Saman Ratnayake, Director of the Medical Supplies Division (MSD) Kapila Wickremenayake, more..

Mar 28 (Island) Egg production in SL is rapidly rising but the price of eggs will not increase until December, Secretary of All-Ceylon Egg Producers’ Association (ACEPA), Rathnasri Alahakoon says. The layer poultry farming had recovered from its slump in 2022 and that from late 2023, production has been increasing by 600,000 a month, Alahakoon said. “Actually, there is a risk of the price dropping Rs 30, which will be disastrous to the industry. We have asked the govt to include an egg more..

Mar 28 (CT) The rapid spread of Tinea, Dermatophyte fungal infections mainly in Anuradhapura and across SL, is largely attributed to the misuse of medications and the emergence of antifungal drug resistance, Dr. Hema Weerakoon of A'pura Teaching Hospital, said. Despite data collection indicating a numerical increase in reported cases compared to previous years, the prevalence of Tinea infections continues to rise more..

Mar 28 (CT) Yala National Park Warden Manoj Vidyaratne said between 15 and 20 safari jeep drivers, who take tourists to the park, are penalised for exceeding the speed limit every month. He mentioned that although the speed limit within the national park is set at 20 kmph, many jeep drivers have been observed driving at speeds exceeding this limit. Vidyaratne said over the past 3 months, the speed of jeep drivers has been consistently monitored using speed limit gauges installed more..

Mar 28 (DM) Catholic Bishops Conference in its Easter message called for a change of the governing system in SL in order to find solutions to the social, economic and political crisis faced by the nation. "Easter is being cebrated at a time when the country is facing a severe social, political and economical crisis. It is essential to bring in a major change to the country's governing system to ease the people's suffering. It is the responsibility of all citizens to work towards bringing this change," more..

Mar 28 (FT) People’s Bank announced the results for its year ended Dec 31, 2023 reporting total consolidated operating income and pre-tax profit of LKR 96.8 billion and LKR 19.3 billion, respectively. Reflecting high interest costs on term deposit funding, due to the high interest rate environment which prevailed during 2022 and early 2023 - and significant interest concessions extended to the customers for the ultimate benefit of the country - saw consolidated net interest income more..

Mar 28 (DM) Despite growing pressure to reform the travel Advisory on Sri Lanka, Britain on Tuesday said that its travel advice assessments are made by drawing on expert sources of information available to the govt and that they continue to keep Sri Lanka travel advise under close review. “The safety of British people is the main factor when determining our travel advice for all countries, including Sri Lanka. Our advice is designed to help British people make informed decisions more..

Mar 28 (DM) Reginald is a fisherman who has been battling sea waves for 20 years while being engaged in his job. He sees his present struggle being intensified compared to his past experiences. This struggle is not just for himself, but also for the well-being of his family, the headcount at home also includes three children. Not only Reginald, but also fishermen in the northern province are facing a severe crisis. more..

Mar 28 (FT) A Japanese investor has stepped up to breathe new life into Pettah’s floating market and spearhead the revamp to the iconic landmark underlining Sri Lanka’s position as a premier tourist destination. The MoU for project was signed by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) Chairman Nimesh Herath and the Japanese investor Akira Hirose yesterday at UDA in Battaramulla. The total amount invested in the renovation is Rs. 300 million. The local partner is J&S Masters Ltd. more..

Mar 28 (DN) Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Illukpitiya yesterday said that no private company has been given authority to issue visa to foreign tourists entering the country. Illukpitiya when asked as to whether a private company has been delegated the authority to issue visa to foreign tourists entering the country said that VFS-IVS GBS companies are involved in processing the visa applications of tourists to department online. He said that this system will bring new impetus to more..

Mar 28 (BN) SL is hopeful it can resolve debt restructuring issues in the second quarter so it can get financing from the IMF because external creditors are all engaging positively, according to the South Asian nation’s junior finance minister. We are looking forward to a positive outcome of discussions taking place in London with SL’s bondholders, Shehan Semasinghe said on the sidelines of the Boao Forum in the southern more..

Mar 28 (DM) The current prices of SL graphite are significantly high; key avenues can be explored to bring them down and one such is by reducing the depth of operation. The industry representatives stress that the high prices of local graphite are due to the depth of the deposits in the few operational mines within the country. “Reducing the depth of operation to 10-20m from the surface could considerably lower the cost of mining, which can be done by expanding mining operations to more..

Mar 28 (TM) DCS stated that the official poverty line has increased due to the higher National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) value reported in Jan 2024 compared to the preceding month. The minimum monthly expenditure per person to fulfil the basic needs was recorded at Rs. 17,014 in Jan 2024, as opposed to Rs. 16,524 in Dec 2023. As per the official poverty line by district, Colombo recorded the highest minimum monthly expenditure per person in January, which was at Rs. 18,350. more..

Mar 29 (DM) Easter Sunday is an important day in the SL calendar as this day has become the talking point as never before due to the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Christians would never compare man’s sufferings with the agony Jesus went through on the cross. According to Rev. Frs. Sanjeewa Mendis and Sriyananda Fernando-who spoke on the meaning and message of Easter on ITN’s Pini Viyana programme on March 28-the message conveyed by the Son of God is to spread love more..

Mar 29 (CT) It is not the country per se, but the politicians and the people who are wrong. While politicians should take 70 percent responsibility, the people also should take the rest or 30 percent. It is true that these wrongs on the part of the politicians or the people are not limited to Sri Lanka. Even in a country like Australia where I now live, there are intermittent corruption, crime, gender abuse, killing, and misguided politics. However, the difference is extremely vast. more..

Mar 29 (TM) Since the onset of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022, the demands for accountability and transparency have amplified. Corruption, economic crimes, and economic loss due to governance-related and administrative inefficiencies are recurring topics over the past decades despite successive govts failing to achieve long-lasting and meaningful measures towards accountability. more..

Mar 29 (TM) The politics of hate has a long history in SL. It has been used as a tool to mobilise communities against others, spread fear and push divisive narratives to meet the political aims of many politicians and political parties. The use of hate speech has been around for millennia, and will likely be around for a long time across the world despite strong efforts to reign it in. Yesterday, the Colombo High Court sentenced controversial monk Galagodaaththe Gnanasara to four years more..

Mar 29 (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 29 (CT) Prolonged dry weather and water supply interruptions go hand in hand for many decades in SL. The extreme heat that prevailed in the country for more than two months has resulted in the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) receiving more than 2,000 calls to its 24-hour hotline, 1939 daily as it faces difficulties in meeting the increased demand for water. When asked if water cuts will be imposed, more..

Mar 29 (ST) (Calling) Travel agent 1: (message) Sorry I am overseas. Travel agent 2: (message) I am overseas; will contact you on my return. Early March is a period not only known for the start of the big (cricket) match season by local schools but also when Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry is virtually abroad: at the ITB Berlin travel and trade mega show. The biggest in the industry, the Berlin fair is the Mecca of global tourism trade fairs. And why not a gigantic representation of more..

Mar 29 (CT) When society descends into chaos, whether through war, economic collapse, racial tensions or any other crisis, it is invariably the innocent children who bear the brunt of the suffering. As societal structures crumble, children become the first victims, facing displacement, trauma, hunger and exploitation. Their childhoods are stolen amidst the turmoil, their dreams overshadowed by the harsh realities of their surroundings. SL has tragically witnessed its share of turmoil throughout more..

Mar 29 (Island) The political marriage of convenience between the SLPP and the UNP, two erstwhile sworn enemies, has lasted longer than expected. They have made numerous compromises along the way to prevent their uneasy union from collapsing, but never the twain shall meet on the question of which election is to be held first—presidential or parliamentary. They are pulling in different directions, like a bullock and a water buffalo yoked together, as a local saying goes. more..

Mar 29 (GV) The latest estimates from Institute for Health Policy’s (IHP) SLOTS MRP model show modest increases in support for NPP/JVP and SJB, with weakening support for the UNP and other parties, continuing trends since July 2023. NPP/JVP lead with 44% (+2) support of SL adult voters, followed by SJB with 30% (+1), the SLPP at 9% (+1), the UNP at 4% (-1) and ITAK at 4% (unchanged). February estimates are provisional and are associated with a margin of error more..

Mar 29 (EN) SL’s central bank has restored about US$ 1.85 billion worth of lost value to the EPF in a currency collapse, as it appreciated the rupee from March 2022. CB engineered a balance of payments surplus from around Sept 2022, with deflationary monetary policy, and ended a surrender rule in March 2023, allowing the currency to appreciate. The end-2022 value of the EPF fund which was 3,459 billion rupees up from more..

Mar 29 (FT) The Colombo stock market yesterday rose to six months high with the month netting over 7% gain as investor sentiment strengthened especially following the shareholder approval to the Rs. 63 billion exit offer of Expolanka Holdings PLC on Wednesday night. The active S&P SL20 gained by 0.5% and the benchmark ASPI was flat. Turnover rose to Rs. 3 billion involving 98.7 million shares. In March, ASPI gained by 7.4% and the S&P SL20 by 9.2%. Average daily turnover was Rs. 1.87 b. more..

Mar 29 (FT) Headline inflation, as measured by the year-on-year (Y-o-Y) change in Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) has decelerated sharply to 0.9% in March 2024 from 5.9% in Feb 2024. It said the deceleration in the headline inflation is broadly in line with its projections. Non-Food Category recorded a deflation (Y-o-Y) of 0.5% in March 2024 compared to the inflation of 7.0% observed in Feb 2024. Nevertheless, food inflation (Y-o-Y) accelerated to 3.8% in March 2024 from 3.5% in Feb 2024. more..

Mar 29 (FT) The Attorney General’s Department notified the Supreme Court yesterday that the gazette notification issued by the CAA, which prohibited vendors from charging money for polythene bags provided to customers when purchasing goods from shops, will be withdrawn. The Court was informed of the decision by Deputy Solicitor General Avanti Perera during the hearing of a fundamental rights petition filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice challenging more..

Mar 29 (TM) SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Govt should provide more concessions for small-scale tea estate owners without falling prey to the dominance of large-scale tea companies. He claimed that a future SJB Govt would provide a separate fertiliser subsidy for small-scale tea plantation owners and also mentioned that his Govt would take the necessary steps to improve the quality of life of the next generation of upcountry plantation worker families. more..

Mar 29 (TM) Sri Lanka’s monthly milk powder consumption has reduced by more than half in the last three years as prices went up threefold while the manufacturers battle it out with 4-5% margins, said Ravi Jayawardena, Group CEO at Maliban Group. Speaking at a webinar held by Capital Alliance Limited (CAL) yesterday (28), he said that the monthly milk powder consumption in Sri Lanka which stood at 7,000 MT pre-Covid more..

Mar 29 (DN) SL women’s team showed fighting spirit as they recorded a thrilling seven run victory over Australia in their under 19 Tri nation T-20 cricket series fixture played at Mahinda Rajapaksa Int'l cricket Stadium yesterday. The opening fixture of this tournament SL led by Manudi Nanayakkara gave a superb performances to beat Aussie lasses in a close fight. In fact SL and Australia both teams made low scores yesterday while SL team limited to 117 for 6 wickets in their 20 overs more..

Mar 29 (EN) If invited to contest SL’s upcoming presidential election by a newly formed alliance, opposition MP Patali Champika Ranawaka will accept it, the MP said. Ranawaka said he is confident of his capacity to run the country. “We will form an alliance to develop the country in the future. That alliance will decide who should contest the parliamentary elections, the presidential election,” the MP said. “If I’m invited to accept the candidacy for the presidency, I will take it. more..

Mar 29 (FT) The Treasury has announced a possible US dollar-denominated International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) exchange offer issuing notice for Request for Proposals (RfPs) from those interested to be the dealer cum manager. Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies described the initiative as Potential Int'l Sovereign Bonds Exchange Offer by the Govt of SL. It said in the context of the restructuring of more..