Mar 6 (CT) SL’s rankings in World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2024 Index remained unchanged at the 149th-150th position (equal) with Marshall Islands out of 190 economies over its previous year’s (2023) rankings with an unchanged score of 65.6 points out of a possible 100, the WB’s latest ranking in this regard, showed. Higher scores indicate greater equality vis-à-vis employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for women versus men and lower scores, the obverse. more..

Mar 6 (FT) Standard Chartered Bank rates that Sri Lanka in the past year had outperformed the banking giant’s expectations and foreign investor interest is sprouting but urged for continuous improvement as certain risks still remain along with multiple challenges. “Global investor interest in SL is on the rise as opposed to a sense of indifference a year ago. Some of the key positives include success so far in the External Debt Restructuring more..

Mar 6 (FT) To support the transit for renewable energy sources, the Cabinet approved allocating sections of water surface areas from Chandrika Wewa and Kiriibban Wewa to install two pilot floating solar panel power plants in the Ratnapura district. Allocated water surface and areas, amounting to 0.99 hectares each on the reservoirs’ water surfaces along with plots of 0.1 hectares each from the reservoir reserves will be leased annually to SL Solar Energy Authority for the operation more..

Mar 6 (FT) Recognising the need to adapt to evolving warehousing technologies and enhance competitiveness in the supply chain process the Cabinet of Ministers approved enhancing the policy framework governing Customs Bonded Warehouses. The approved proposal empowers the Revised and Updated Policy Framework for Appointing Common Bonded Warehouses laid down under section 69 of Customs Ordinance. A Customs Bonded Warehouse serves as a crucial storage facility, more..

Mar 6 (DM) Tourism in SL is on a high growth trajectory following a boost in the country’s potential as a must-visit destination. Visa free travel for tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan has provided the right nudge for tourists to put SL on the top of their travel bucket list. Nationals from these countries planning to visit SL need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving, subject to granting of visa free of charge. more..

Mar 6 (Island) Users of Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms have experienced login issues in what appears to be a widespread outage. The social media platforms were down for hundreds of thousands of users across the globe from about 15:00 GMT on Tuesday, but the sites appeared to be returning to normal about two hours later. “Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post more..

Mar 6 (TM) Following the frequent tense situations reported at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre, the authorities have taken several steps to prevent clashes among the inmates of the centre. Noting this, the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi, said: “We have taken a large number of measures to deal with this situation. more..

Mar 6 (DM) Dr. Benjami Reyes, Secretary General of Colombo Plan (CP) met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to SL Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani recently to discuss further cooperation in the maritime sector as a member country of the Colombo Plan. Lead Consultant to the CP Maritime Advisory Programme, Rohan Masakorala, joined the discussion where areas of infrastructure, capacity building and trade facilitation were the topics of concern. The Saudi Ambassador to SL has expressed optimism more..

Mar 6 (DM) The recent electricity tariff revision was not given by the incumbent govt or current political authorities but by the collective efforts of civil organisations, the public and the media, former Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) Commissioner Janaka Ratnayaka said. He praised the 21.9% electricity tariff revision announced recently by the current PUCSL chairman. He claimed that the PUCSL members or the political authority did not agree to provide this tariff revision. more..

Mar 6 (CT) The Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) vehemently condemns the recent appointment of Mr. Deshabandu Tennakoon as the new IGP in Sri Lanka. This appointment not only disregards due process but also raises grave concerns regarding the independence and integrity of law enforcement in the country. Moreover, the newly appointed IGP has a troubling history that casts serious doubts on his suitability to lead the Sri Lankan Police Force. more..

Mar 6 (DM) While saying that SL is currently at an impasse, SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar called upon leaders and citizens to transcend political differences and unite for the collective betterment of the island nation. He made these sentiments in the thanksgiving address at the launch of his autobiography held at the Ananda College auditorium today (50). The event saw the participation of a plethora of dignitaries including PM Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda more..

Mar 6 (FT) In a significant move aimed at reinvigorating the agricultural sector, the Govt unveiled plans to modernise and transform the industry earmarking a budget of Rs. 650 million. Cabinet of Ministers cleared to implement the program, which aims to revolutionise the agricultural sector by introducing modern techniques and technologies, drawing inspiration from successful models adopted by other countries. more..

Mar 6 (FT) Stemming from an analysis of data based on the UNDP’s National Citizen Survey 2022-23 and Multidimensional Vulnerability Index 2023 (developed together with Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative), and National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2019, the MVI District Profiles were launched on Monday. The publication was officially handed over to State Minister Shehan Semasinghe by UNDP SL Resident Representative Azusa Kubota more..

Mar 6 (TM) Human rights advocate and attorney Ambika Satkunanathan, this week, drew the international community’s attention to the alleged unlawful acts committed during the ongoing anti-drug and anti-organised crime operation Yukthiya (Justice). In a statement to the 55th session of the UNHRC, which was widely circulated on social media platforms, the former Commissioner of Human Rights Commission of SL pointed out a number of rights and law related concerns more..

Mar 6 (FT) The Central Bank came under fire from MPs yesterday when officials of the monetary regulatory authority were summoned to justify the controversial decision regarding the significant salary hike for its employees. During the Party Leaders’ meeting convened on the matter, MPs voiced their discontent over the move, labelling it as a violation of the law. Separately the CBSL matter was taken up before the CoPF. more..

Mar 6 (FT) Having attended the 27 Feb WNPS hosted media conference that highlighted ecological threats faced in Mannar due to the proposed wind farm development by the Adani group, I am sharing my views below: First, I wish to present the synopsis of a public lecture titled, Mannar Wind Power and Avian Issues that I delivered seven years ago at the Institution of Engineers SL on 2 March 2017: Meeting the growing electric power demand presents Sri Lanka with challenging options. more..

Mar 6 (Island) Cabinet of Ministers is reported to have approved a temporary suspension of Parate Executions until 15 Dec 2024 aiming to alleviate the strain on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) grappling with financial challenges. Parate is a Dutch term which means immediate. It’s a non-court procedure. In this process, banks can take possession of borrowers’ properties but cannot own them. If the properties aren’t sold, the bank gets them at a nominal price (usually at Rs.1,000.00), more..

Mar 6 (DM) The gross salary of the lowest ranking employee of the Central Bank, that of an Office Assistant - Grade 1, has been increased by 29.53% up to Rs. 188,827, PM Dinesh Gunawardane said today. Responding to a question by SJB MP S.M. Marikkar, he told Parliament that the gross salary of the Deputy Governor has been increased by 76.97% upto Rs. 1,728,419. said the CB employees are entitled to housing loans, vehicle loans, welfare loans and medical facilities as well. more..

Mar 6 (EN) SL is planning to lift value added tax from books, school supplies, and medical devices, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe said in parliament. “We are expecting to exempt books, school supplies, medical devices and medicine from VAT,” Prez Wickremesinghe said. “We will be able to reduce the VAT charge in the future. The more the economy strengthens the more we take actions to make people’s lives easier.” A growing number of Sri Lankans, especially those who are hit by more..

Mar 6 (AD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived at the parliament this morning to deliver a special statement on the progress of SL’s economic recovery process. The parliamentary proceedings, presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, commenced around 9.30 a.m. Addressing the Chamber, Head of State said the citizens are now benefitting from the strenuous efforts taken by the govt to revive the economy. “We made an economic plan with the IMF. more..

Mar 6 (DM) Ambassadors of six countries met leader of the NPP Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the head office of the JVP this afternoon. Ambassador of the State of Palestine Dr. Zuhair M.H. Dar Zaid, Ambassador of the Rof Turkey Ms. R. Demet Sekercioglu, High Commissioner of Bangladesh Tareq M.D. Ariful Islam, Ms. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia, Heru Prayitno, Head of Chancery of the Embassy, Badli Hisham Bin Adam Malaysian High Commissioner and Ms. Fathimath Ghina, more..

Mar 6 (AD) Attorney General has requested the Appeals Court to lift the interim order imposed pertaining to the divestment of Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and Lanka Hospitals. Last week, the Appeals Court delivered an interim order temporarily halting all future measures regarding the divestment of SLT and Lanka Hospitals until March 12. The relevant order was issued upon consideration of a writ petition filed by Lycamobile SARL and Pettigo Comércio Internacional on behalf of SLT more..

Mar 6 (DM) Additional Secretary of Health Dr. Saman Ratnayake, who was arrested in connection with the alleged import of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, today provided a confidential statement (in-camera) before Maligakanda Magistrate Lochani Abeywickrema. The prison officials brought the suspect before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court early this morning. He provided a statement in chambers for a 4-hour-period and was subsequently brought back to the Mahara Prison. more..

Mar 6 (DM) British Conservative peer Lord Michael Naseby on Tuesday called on the British govt to assist Sri Lanka by way of updating Britain's Travel Advisory on Sri Lanka to provide more accurate information, in order to better assist the country. “It is the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) comments on that country (SL) that currently cause me concern because they refer to the fact that protests are going on when they are not. more..

Mar 6 (AD) Sri Lankan security forces have been informed that notorious underworld figure Ramesh Priyajanaka, also known as Manna Ramesh, has been arrested in Dubai. Accordingly, a group of police officers are reportedly slated to travel to Dubai to escort the wanted criminal back to SL, upon a request made to the Dubai Police that he be handed over to SL authorities. Manna Ramesh is reportedly wanted for numerous crimes including multiple murders in the Avissawella area. more..

Mar 7 (DM) Traditionally, in democracy, there are four major Pillars; Executive, Legislature, Judiciary and the Free Media. However, the common people are sovereign, and they exercise that power mainly at elections. In SL today there is confusion and controversy on whether, when and what elections will be held with the Prez and the ruling SLPP expressing one view while the opposition parties including the SJB alleging that subtle moves are on going to put off the next Prez Elections more..

Mar 7 (CT) The recent case of Wasantha, an individual imprisoned for three months due to his inability to pay a Rs 5,000 fine highlights a glaring injustice in our legal system. His offence was trespassing and damaging property in the process of breaking 20 coconuts, may have warranted accountability but the punitive measure of incarceration for financial inability is a disproportionate response. In a society where the gap between the haves and have-nots is more..

Mar 7 (FT) In 2023, bankrupt SL added $ 16.6 billion to its central govt debt, an increase of 21%. SL ranks a high 43 in Global Militarisation Index and a low 83 in Social Progress Index. When it comes to militarisation, SL outranks most developed countries. We also outrank our neighbours, including India (77); only Pakistan, at 44, is slightly ahead of us. Soon after the WWI, then French PM Georges Clemenceau more..

Mar 7 (TM) One of the iconic sights and experiences of the Galle Face Green which both locals and foreigners have come to love, is the variety of street food that is available when you stroll down one of the most well known public spaces of Colombo. For decades, Galle Face Green promenade has withstood the test of time, weathered conflict, terrorism, tsunami, reclamation of land from the sea, political upheaval and have helped many a Sri Lankan to have an affordable evening out, more..

Mar 7 (ST) Aldoris, the choon- paan karaya, came down the lane this time playing a mournful tune on his speaker as if reflecting the disturbing crisis facing his countrymen. The trio was gathered at the gate and just as he reached them, he said bakery sales have dropped by 50% owing to the high prices of the products. Janathavata den ganan walata kaema ganna bae (People can’t afford to buy at current prices),” he said preparing to distribute three maalu paan to the trio. more..

Mar 7 (TM) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) is once again on the receiving end of discontent from the public – this time not for its role in leading the country to its worst recorded economic crisis, but for the massive salary increment it recently gave its officials while others are suffering with no salary increment, probably since April 2022. The report came out last week that the CBSL Governing Board had decided to increase more..

Mar 7 (DM) At the next Presidential Election, the National People’s Power and even current President Ranil Wickremesinghe are key factors that will decide whether Sri Lanka will recover from its economic disaster or plunge into a darker abyss. Sri Lankans as a whole haven’t read enough about politics or believe too much about its abilities that it’s the cure for all ills; otherwise, Sri Lankans would not have been cheated by their lawmakers for 76 long years! more..

Mar 7 (Island) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) pay hike controversy continues to make headlines. Parliament has taken up the issue. On Tuesday, some members of both sides of the House inveighed against CBSL for having granted its workers huge pay hikes, but they were only unloading fire and brimstone in emotional deliveries, as it were, instead of analysing the issue properly and suggesting a solution. There are several aspects to CBSL’s triennial pay revision; they are technical, more..

Mar 7 (FT) For centuries, Sri Lanka has been known for its exquisite Ceylon tea. However, a new contender is transforming the island’s agricultural landscape: vanilla. The delicate orchid pod that graces kitchens and desserts worldwide, is emerging as a promising alternative crop, founding a surprisingly fertile home in Sri Lanka's tropical climate. While the initial introduction of the plant in the 19th century by the British with the hope to replicate the success of Madagascar more..

Mar 7 (Island) One of the most positive developments in current public discourse in Sri Lanka in relation to international politics is its focus on the need to re-define and critically re-assess the relevance of Non-alignment in contemporary times. This tendency should not come as a surprise in consideration of the fact that some sections of local opinion have dismissed the concept of Non-alignment as lacking in any substantive meaning at present. more..