Dec 4 (EN) Aitken Spence won the Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Award 2024 at the Ceylon Chamber’s Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards, while Nestlé Lanka and Sampath Bank were adjudged first and second runners up respectively. Annual BCCS Awards, which recognizes corporate citizenship, was held at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel Colombo. “The Awards promote corporate citizen sustainability ownership and initiatives that deliver social and more..

Dec 4 (AD) The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has extended the deadline for filing Income Tax Returns for the Year of Assessment 2023/2024, offering relief to taxpayers and approved accountants affected by recent severe weather events. Under the Inland Revenue Act, No. 24 of 2017, taxpayers are required to file their returns within eight months following the end of each assessment year. This year’s deadline, November 30, 2024, fell on a Saturday. more..

Dec 4 (Island) Leader of the EJP and former Power Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka said that CEB workers shouldn’t be granted year end/Christmas bonuses as they had not contributed to the much favourable current financial status of that state-owned enterprise. Ex-MP Ranawaka said that the CEB had earned massive profits solely by implementing extremely unfair tariff structure, therefore workers shouldn’t be paid bonuses. more..

Dec 4 (AD) After concluding the hearing of the petition filed against former MP Hirunika Premachandra accusing her of contempt of court, the Appeals Court today ordered to acquit her of those charges. This order was issued today after Hirunika Premachandra, through her lawyer, made an undertaking to the court that she will withdraw the statement that she had made at a press conference regarding an order issued by the Mount Lavinia Magistrate’s Court and that she would refrain more..

Dec 4 (DM) All Ceylon Small & Medium Scale Rice Mill Owners' Association warned that the country could face a severe rice shortage unless the govt imports the required stocks of rice within the next two weeks. Association prez U.K. Semasinghe said the govt should implement a long term programme to solve the rice shortage. "The govt should go for a long term solution. If not, the country will face another crisis. Paddy Marketing Board should prepare a systematic programme to purchase more..

Dec 4 (EN) Sri Lanka’s goods exports grew 18.22% from a year ago to US$ 1.09 billion in October 2024, the island’s export promotion office said, helped by a spike in exports of apparel and textiles, tea, rubber based products, coconut based products, and spics and concentrates. Apparel and textiles rose 21.77% from last year to US$ 430.21 million in October 2024. Exports to the USA and UK increased 23.28% and more..

Dec 4 (AD) The officials of the Excise Dept have conducted a raid at a well-known casino located in the Kollupitiya area, for allegedly illegally maintaining liquor counters. The raid was carried out based on a tip-off received by the Commissioner General of Excise. During the operation, around 100 bottles of illegally imported foreign liquor, valued at over Rs. 2.5 million, were also discovered. The casino was found to be operating multiple liquor counters across its 5 floors, issuing free alcohol to its members. more..

Dec 4 (NW) National Procurement Commission is investigating the procedure followed by the former govt related to the tender awarded for the procurement of electronic passports. Court of Appeal was informed in this regard by Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, representing the Attorney General. Additional Solicitor General further informed the court that the National Procurement Commission has sought a week to present its observations related to its investigation. more..

Dec 4 (FT) Some Inland Revenue Department (IRD) officers have misunderstood that contractors’ bills have been settled as per their satisfaction. This is a myth, because although a portion of contractors’ dues have been paid by previous Govts, these bills have been stagnant for two or three years. By that time, bank interests have eaten up all of their profits and have pushed them towards great losses. Further, many bills remain uncertified and these have not been settled for contractors. more..

Dec 4 (FT) When the NPP party swept into power just a couple of months ago, it did so on a wave of hope and promises of change. Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s campaign was built on sharp critiques of past economic mismanagement and vows to steer the country towards a more equitable future. Yet, in a move that has surprised many supporters, the new Govt has chosen to accept the IMF bailout terms negotiated by its predecessor—a decision that underscores the scale of challenges it faces. more..

Dec 4 (DM) Asserting that it is committed to scrap the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that the government will not hesitate no matter what, to invoke existing laws and regulations to prevent any attempt to fuel communalism. In response to a question at the weekly Cabinet briefing regarding the invocation of the PTA against some social media users, he said that the govt is committed to repeal the PTA more..

Dec 4 (FT) Govt has decided to appoint two committees to provide sustainable solutions to the issues pertaining to the recruitment of school development officers for the teaching service. The two committees include a ministerial committee led by PM Harini Amarasuriya and a committee of officials led by the Secretary to the PM. “At present over 15,800 development officers are engaged in teaching in both national and provincial schools. However, everyone must understand that more..

Dec 4 (EN) SL saw offshore inflows into its govt securities for the 11th straight week ended on Nov 29. Analysts said SL’s deflationary policies and import curbs amid declining interest rates have made some investors buy before making some profits due to appreciation of the rupee currency. SL saw 2.86 billion rupees ($9.86 million at 1 US$ = 290 LKR) inflow into govt securities in the week ended on Nov 29, extending the total inflows into treasury bonds and bills to 19.1 billion rupees more..

Dec 4 (CT) Govt never hesitates to suppress the attempts to ignite racism and division by the defeated political factions to gain their political ends that would deprive the golden opportunity before the people to thrive together irrespective of the differences, PM Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament. Affirming that the citizens of the country, taking a bold decision at the election, demanded the newly-elected Parliament to be different, more..

Dec 4 (TM) Amidst landslides caused by adverse weather wreaking havoc in the country, NBRO stated that poor architectural planning and structural engineering-based construction-related shortcomings are to blame for damages, with certain cases in immovable property. Amidst landslide warnings given by the NBRO and reports of landslides completely and partially destroying immovable property islandwide, NBRO expressed concern on lapses in floor & building planning more..

Dec 4 (FT) Amid Sri Lanka’s journey towards economic recovery, Indian investors and businesses are closely monitoring the emerging opportunities in the local market. Indo-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ISCCI) Vice Chairman Dr. Naresh Bana shared his perspective recently, on current investment trends, bilateral trade, and collaborative ventures between the two neighbours. Despite strong tourism ties, Indian investment in SL’s tourism sector remains cautious. more..

Dec 4 (FT) ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam has urged the Govt led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to clarify its position on the future of the Provincial Council system. Citing recent remarks to the media by JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, who has suggested the system might be abolished, Rasamanickam called for an official response on the matter. The MP raised the question prior to yesterday’s Parliamentary debate on the President’s policy statement, emphasising that more..

Dec 4 (Island) Muhammathu Saali Naleem was sworn in as a member of the Tenth Parliament yesterday before Speaker Dr. Asoka Ranwala. Following the oath taking, Naleem signed the Members’ Roll in the presence of Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera, marking his formal induction into the legislative body. Naleem was appointed as a National List MP, representing the SLMC. The inaugural session of the Tenth Parliament took place on Nov 21st, 2024, more..

Dec 4 (TM) SL’s domestic debt saw a net increase of $ 2.4 billion in the third quarter as the govt continues to rely on the domestic debt market with the total domestic debt closing in at $ 60 billion. SL’s domestic debt rose to $ 59.9 billion from $ 57.4 billion at the end of June. The total stock of outstanding Treasury bills increased by $ 404.7 million to $ 13.1 billion, while the total stock of outstanding Treasury bonds increased by more..

Dec 4 (Island) In a significant move for SL’s educational landscape, the Australian High Commissioner, Paul Stephens, officially launched Curtin University Colombo, marking a milestone in the growing partnership between Australia and Sri Lanka in higher education. The event was held on Monday at the Curtin University in Colombo, with dignitaries, educators, and students in attendance. Curtin University Colombo, an extension of Curtin University’s global network, now becomes more..

Dec 4 (ST) A couple was electrocuted at Mundalama in Puttalam, and their daughter narrowly escaped death this week, police said. The victims were identified as Stanley Thilakaratne (54) and Chandrika Malkanti (53), both landowners and proprietors of a carwash centre. The incident occurred when the husband, after returning home from the carwash centre, went to connect a motor to a switch mounted on a wooden structure in front of the house. He was then electrocuted, more..

Dec 4 (CI) Comebacks can happen. SL have proved that already this year, when having lost a Test at Lord's by 190 runs, they surged back at The Oval to win by eight wickets. This, at least, is what SL are trying to believe, having lost their first Test in South Africa by 233 runs. They can look back at other series-leveling come-from behind Test wins as well, such as in 2018, when they won in Barbados having lost in Port of Spain. Or even at home, when having gone down to Australia in the first Galle Test more..

Dec 4 (DN) Manudi Nanayakkara of Princess of Wales Moratuwa will lead the 16-member SL team to the Women’s Under-19 T20 Asia Cup in Malaysia from 15-22 December. Rashmika Sewwandi of Anura College Matara has been named deputy skipper of the team. Sri Lanka women’s team left for Malaysia on Monday for this inaugural tournament and they are expected to get pre preparations before the Asia Cup to adjust to the conditions. We have good preparation to focus on this Asia Cup more..

Dec 4 (TM) With hospitals across the country having reported a shortage of Mixtard insulin, Health Ministry’s Medical Supplies Division (MSD) stated that around 85,000 units of Mixtard insulin will be procured this week to meet the immediate demand. Deputy Director General – Medical Supplies Dr. G. Wijesuriya stated that the situation is already under control. “We have already taken measures to address this issue. more..

Dec 4 (TM) Court of Appeal is scheduled to give its final verdict regarding the petition filed by seven provincial unions against the Director General (DG) of the Sports Ministry Prof. Shemal Fernando, over the amendments to be introduced to the constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), today. This was confirmed by Prof. Fernando, in his capacity as the Competent Authority (CA) of SLR, since its dissolution by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando on 29 May, over its failure to hold its election more..

Dec 4 (DN) For the first time in history, Sri Lanka rugby team, Sri Lions, emerged as champions of the Men’s International Open Cup at the prestigious Emirates Dubai Sevens tournament in Dubai. In an electrifying Cup final, the Lions avenged their pool-stage loss to Spain’s Speranza 22 with a commanding 36-17 victory, securing their place in rugby history. In the semifinal, they overcame Tropics from Canada in a fiercely contested 28-19 match, setting the stage for a thrilling final. more..

Dec 4 (ST) CEB has come under fire for delaying the submission of its tariff revision proposals to PUCSL, a critical step in determining electricity tariffs for the coming year. The delay has fueled public frustration, particularly as consumers grapple with high energy costs amid economic challenges. A senior official from CEB, said that a fresh proposal for tariff revision is expected to be submitted by next week. more..

Dec 4 (DN) Sri Lanka Under 19s fought back to record a thrilling 7-run win over Bangladesh Under 19s in their Asia Cup cricket fixture played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday. All credit goes to SL’s number four batter, Vimath Dinsara, who made a fighting 106 off 132 balls with 10 fours, while skipper Vihas Thewmika, the off-spinner, led from the front with the ball, taking 3 for 37 in his ten-over spell. Additionally, SL fielders did an excellent job to achieve 4 run outs, more..

Dec 4 (DN) SL’s National and Junior National Short Course Swimming Championship begins today at the Isipathana College Swimming Pool Complex, featuring 327 swimmers from 62 teams, including a 9-member squad from the Maldives. Organized by the SLASU, the 5-day event kicks off at 8 a.m., with finals scheduled daily from 3 p.m. Championship brings together the nation’s top swimming talent, promising thrilling competition and potential record-breaking performance. more..

Dec 4 (Island) The recent political transition in SL, following the prez and parliamentary elections of Sept and Nov, offers a pivotal opportunity to address entrenched issues of exclusion. In his inaugural speech at the 10th Parliament, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake emphasised his commitment to preventing racism and religious extremism in SL. He asserted that his govt would not allow racist politics to reemerge and pledged to establish a democratic state free from fear and suspicion. more..

Dec 4 (ST) As tradition would have it, Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake will make his way to New Delhi, perhaps bearing kavun, kokis and kiributh instead of love cake and other delicacies as more recent presidents and other leaders might have done in appeasement of our Big Brother to the north. If Dissanayake sahodaraya is carrying delicious goodies he is accustomed to from his childhood when his family would swap avurudu kema with the neighbours in those happy days when more..