Jan 30 (FT) The truculent declaration of transparently undemocratic intent made by the Deputy Minister of Defence must be read together with Prez Dissanayake’s remark in his recent Katukurunda speech that They [the Opposition] will have to be like that [i.e., lamenting] for another one-and-half decades and his assertion in Tambuttegama that this NPP Govt will win in 2028 too. It reminds me of JR Jayewardene’s infamous line of 1982: “I say to you, roll up the electoral map, more..

Jan 30 (FT) Traditionally, the success of a country is measured or the key criterion to measure whether the country is successful has been the GDP or the Gross Domestic Product. In other words, economic indicators. What is GDP? GDP is a measure of a country’s economic health and size over a period of time. The monetary value of final goods and services. That is, those that are bought by the final user – produced in a country in a given period of time. It is also measured by the economic more..

Jan 30 (NW) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake will embark on a visit to Jaffna tomorrow, the first following the election of the NPP govt. During his visit, Prez will engage in discussions in the Valvettithurai and Chavakachcheri areas. Prez is also set to participate in a meeting of the Jaffna District Coordination Committee. Meanwhile, the North-Eastern Unemployed Graduates Association launched a fast unto death in front of Northern Province Governor’s Office yesterday. more..

Jan 30 (DM) Due to air pollution in Colombo and its suburbs, there is an increase in health issues such as respiratory difficulties, coughing, childhood asthma and viral respiratory infections, LRH Consultant Pediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said. He said that there is a possibility of difficulties for those with chronic respiratory diseases. Therefore, extra caution should be taken with infants, children, the elderly, pregnant mothers and individuals with chronic diseases, more..

Jan 30 (DM) Other than importing vehicles that are between five and seven years old from their manufacturing dates, importing vehicles under three years old will increase auction values in Japan due to their effect on import costs, the Japan-Sri Lanka Business Council Chairman Jagath Ramanayaka said. Addressing the media, he said that even though the govt imports brand-new or used vehicles, more..

Jan 30 (EN) The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will facilitate an online passport application process for Sri Lankans abroad at 20 embassies globally in a project funded by Japan. 20 embassies selected by SL’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism will be involved in this online project, IOM Chief of Mission for SL Kristin B Parco was quoted as saying in a ministry statement. “As a solution to the long time spent in obtaining passports, more..

Jan 30 (AD) Former Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Priyantha Mayadunne has been arrested by the CID today, over alleged financial misappropriation. The CID had arrested him in connection with investigations into the alleged misuse of Rs. 183 million obtained from the Cooperative Fund for the Isuru Saviya commemoration event held in Kurunegala in 2011 to celebrate International Cooperative Day. CID submitted extracts of its investigations to AG more..

Jan 30 (CI) Usman Khawaja's maiden Test double century and a rapid ton from debutant Josh Inglis decimated a flagging Sri Lanka before Australia's attack breathed life into a slow Galle surface late on day two. After stand-in captain Steven Smith declared Australia's innings on 654 for 6 midway through the final session, SL's top order fell apart and they lost three wickets inside the opening 10 overs. SL reached 44 for 3 more..

Jan 30 (AD) Arrangements have been made to hold the 77th Independence Day celebrations on Feb 4, at Independence Square in Colombo. Minister Chandana Aberathne, said that the theme for this year’s (2025) Independence Day celebrations is Let’s Rally for National Renaissance (Jathika Punarudhayata Pelagasemu). Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Sampath Thuyacontha, revealed that there have been some changes to the Independence Day parade’s structure. more..

Jan 30 (NW) The organization behind TrailSL, the Colours of Courage Trust (COC), a non-profit organization, has decided to relaunch its Hospital Project in the South aimed at establishing a cancer hospital at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. Following the success of Trail 2011, Trail 2016 – The Walk Back was held from Point Pedro to Dondra over 28 days to raise USD 5 million to provide some much-needed relief to the Cancer Unit at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle with more..

Jan 30 (EN) Sri Lanka’s cabinet approval will be sought shortly to import semi-processed coconut products for export amid a domestic crop shortfall, Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe said. SL’s coconut industry including growers has lobbied for coconut import tide over a shortfall projected for the first half of 2025 in particular and avoid losing export markets. A cabinet paper seeking approval for imports will go the cabinet next week, Abeysinghe told an economic forum more..

Jan 30 (NW) The Collective for Social Media Declaration (CSMD) has expressed concerns regarding three critical matters of public policy and governance that it says require urgent attention and greater transparency from the govt. In a letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, CSMD has raised concerns regarding the Online Safety Act (OSA), e-NIC project, and media agreements signed with Chinese state broadcasters and information departments. more..

Jan 30 (DM) In SL, the consumption of arrack and beer is significant, with people spending as much as Rs. 690 million per day on these beverages, according to the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC). However, 83% of preventable deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by NCDs such as heart diseases, cancer and respiratory illnesses. The leading causes for the onset of NCDs are the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. more..

Jan 30 (EN) SL’s farmers are facing shocking regulatory barrier to remove sand from their own flooded paddy fields and pay 21,000 rupees, to an official for approval, a farmer leader said. In the Ampara area, for example, 2,000 acres of paddy fields were flooded and damaged, Ananda Jayaratne, District vice president of the Gal Oya and Akkaraipaththu farmer society said. Some of the remaining fields could be saved if sand blocking water could be removed to ready the field more..

Jan 30 (AD) Air Quality Index (AQI) across Sri Lanka has returned to normal levels today, according to the media spokesperson for the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), Dr. Ajith Gunawardena. In the past two days, AQI levels had exceeded 150 in several areas; however, recent reports show that these values have now dropped below 50 in many parts of the country, particularly in the central region. Dr. Gunawardena confirmed that no location reported AQI levels above 150 today. more..

Jan 30 (CT) Jaffna Police have issued a summons to the Leader of the Northern Province Unemployed Graduates’ Association to appear before the Jaffna Magistrate today, following a call to protest during Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit on 31 Jan. After the summons, the protesters dispersed from the site. Magistrate has also issued notices to five other protesters, including independent MP Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna, more..

Jan 30 (Island) PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya underscored the importance of implementing the Clean Sri Lanka program with humanitarian objectives at its core. Addressing the Colombo District Coordination Committee meeting held at the District Secretariat in Narahenpita, the PM highlighted the program’s complexity and its broader purpose beyond environmental cleanliness. During the meeting, key discussions took place on various matters, including the allocation of land for more..

Jan 30 (Island) US Ambassador Julie Chung has urged the new govt to prioritise transparency, good governance, and streamline trade regulations to attract foreign investment. Addressing the SL Apparel Exporters Association AGM at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on Monday, Ambassador Chung reaffirmed the strong and enduring economic partnership between the US and SL. “As the new SL govt establishes its trade and investment priorities and plans, we are encouraged by more..

Jan 30 (TM) Colombo Magistrate's Court directed the Govt Analyst to obtain a report on the phone number of former Millaniya PC member Ravindra Nammuni. The former Provincial Councillor was arrested over an alleged defamatory social media post against NPP MP Nilanthi Kottahachchi. The order was issued when the case was taken up before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today (30). CID officials informed the court that further investigations are ongoing, more..

Jan 30 (EN) SL’s factories are hit by raw material delays and exporting are missing ships while as containers languish in trucks awaiting Customs clearance, the island’s business chamber said in a joint statement. “The manufacturing sector is struggling with material delays and …. this overall situation threatens Colombo’s status as a transshipment hub and poses serious risks to the overall economy,” the Chambers said. “Further, exporters are facing potential delays with more..

Jan 30 (DM) In light of the foggy conditions prevailing in many parts of the country, Respiratory Physician Dr. Neranjan Dissanayake urged the public not to panic, noting that such phenomena not abnormal and usually transient. However he recommends that individuals with respiratory illnesses be extra vigilant to avoid unnecessarily being exposed to such environments. Normal masks that we use might not give a significant more..

Jan 30 (CT) Govt will not force farmers to sell paddy, but we request that they provide some amount of paddy at the minimum guaranteed price, Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne appealed. He said that the Govt will begin purchasing paddy once the minimum guaranteed price is announced in a few days. “The paddy storages are ready to purchase paddy now. We will not force farmers to sell paddy to the Govt. We request farmers to provide some amount of paddy to the Govt at minimum more..

Jan 30 (DM) A total of 1,800 leprosy cases were reported in Sri Lanka within a year, with 12% of the patients being children under the age of 15. Health authorities stated that leprosy is caused by bacteria, and about 6% of patients still have visible injuries. Experts warn the importance of early identification and public awareness to prevent the disease from spreading. Meanwhile, though leprosy has a specific cure, many patients face social discrimination due to myths and misunderstandings more..

Jan 30 (AD) Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof has filed a complaint with the CID against the allegations leveled against him regarding the containers released from the Colombo Port without inspections. Making a special statement in this regard, Governor said that he could no longer remain silent and bear the damage being done to his reputation. Governor further commented saying, “In the past few days, baseless and false more..

Jan 30 (AD) Jaffna District Independent MP Ramanathan Archchuna, who was granted bail, stated that he respects the law and has no intention of continuing in politics, expressing dissatisfaction with the political landscape. Archchuna emphasized that he is a doctor and was never previously interested in politics. He explained that although he entered Parliament to serve the people, politics remains a field he strongly dislikes. “I really don’t like politics. I have never cast a vote for 38 years. more..

Jan 30 (DM) To combat the current coconut shortage, SL looks at importing coconut products from Indonesia, an official said. The ministers Sunil Handunneththi and Samantha Vidyarathna was to submit a joint cabinet paper this week which was delayed due to re-assessment of the current measures to import coconut products. Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority Shantha Ranathunga said that the Cabinet paper was to include imports of coconut related products more..

Jan 31 (CT) The British destroyed local drinking culture by criminalising and unfairly taxing local residents who engaged in brewing alcohol with low concentrations of alcohol, toddy, which was in existence for centuries (Five precepts highlight the negative effects of too much drinking and Mahawamsa describes Warriors ingesting alcohol prior to going to battle field, most likely to reduce anxiety). Instead, they introduced spirits, brews with high alcohol concentrations, more..

Jan 31 (DM) Nine months after his birth, little Hamdi Fazleem had developed complications in his urinary system after which he was referred to a doctor at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. After conducting several scans and tests the doctors had diagnosed that little Hamdi’s left kidney was malfunctioning and had recommended its removal. “The doctors conducted several scans to determine what had happened to my son’s kidneys,” said Fathima Risana, mother of the deceased child. more..

Jan 31 (TM) CEB faces a serious risk of system failure during holidays due to the sudden influx of solar-based Renewable Energy (RE) into the grid, particularly when electricity demand is low. CEB Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, addressing this concern, revealed plans to mitigate such risks through an incentive-based electricity tariff system. This mechanism will encourage industries to operate on holidays, thereby stabilising demand more..

Jan 31 (DM) Lankans are a little uneasy due to the high prices of coconuts and the shortage of the nut itself in SL. Now we hear of plans being in the pipeline for the Govt to import coconut-based products. This is a roundabout way to meet the shortage of coconuts in this island. But according to reports, the import plan for coconut related products must first go through a cabinet paper which must then be passed in parliament. The cabinet paper for this purpose is already drafted. more..

Jan 31 (CT) Child pregnancy, adolescent pregnancy or teenage pregnancy – pregnancy occurring among girls aged 10 to 19 years – is a global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Sri Lanka. Annually, an estimated 21 million pregnancies occur among adolescents aged 15 to 19, with around 50% of it being unintended. Despite its shortcomings, SL’s public healthcare system is renowned for its efficiency, evident by how the country is significantly more..

Jan 31 (SO) The Govt, under its People’s Power Policy Framework, is pushing to establish an information technology economy valued at $5 billion by 2030, with the goal of creating 3,000 jobs in sectors such as Inland Revenue, the Customs, the Foreign Service and tourism. As part of this initiative, the authorities are tackling cargo congestion at Ports, particularly the Port of Colombo. Efforts to digitalise cargo clearance include more..

Jan 31 (ST) The whole neighbourhood was in uproar: A thief/thieves had entered a property down the lane in the dark, climbed the trees and stolen several coconuts. How the residents of the household did not wake up to the sounds of falling coconuts was a mystery. Our fabulous trio – more out of curiosity than empathy and to gossip afterwards – had gone to the affected household where several neighbours had gathered. “Harima pudumai horu geta panela monawath more..

Jan 31 (TM) The congestion at the Colombo Port has been the talk of the town for the last month, with multiple efforts made by the Govt to clear up the backlog and bring cargo clearance operations back to a steady flow. The infrastructure shortcomings of the Colombo Port and the need to upgrade have long been known and are being addressed. However, many observers have opined that while there has been an increase of ship traffic over the last six months, one of the key reasons more..

Jan 31 (Island) India has vehemently protested against an incident of accidental shooting where several Indian fishermen sustained injuries in a confrontation with the SL Navy, which conducted an operation to seize an illegal fishing craft operating in SL waters, on Tuesday. External Affairs Ministry of India summoned acting SL High Commissioner and registered its strong protest. It is reported to have said, inter alia: “The use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances whatsoever. more..