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Expect plenty of spice as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka take scrap to Test arena

Mar 21 (CI) It's been nearly two years since these two sides faced each other in the longest format of the game. Such is the paucity of Test cricket on offer for teams outside of the Big Three these days - Bangladesh have played eight Tests to SL's 11 since their last contest - there's not much by way of a body of work to discern any emerging trends in these sides. For Bangladesh, the most recent series at home was against NZ more..

Two constables arrested along with party girls and narcotics

Mar 21 (Island) Police have arrested a police constable with four girls following a raid on a hotel in the Moratuwa police area on Tuesday (19). Sources said that the arrested PC is attached to the Angulana police station. Responding to The Island queries, sources said that Moratuwa police raided the hotel immediately after those manning a checkpoint recovered 20 mg of heroin from a police constable driving a car. Under interrogation, the policeman, attached to Dehiaththakandiya police, more..

Bandula’s US tour cut short for no-confidence vote against Speaker

Mar 21 (AD) Minister Bandula Gunawardena, who was on an official visit to the USA to take part in a conference organized by the World Bank, has returned to the island last night (20), under the directives of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Following his arrival to the island, Gunawardena clarified that he was called back to the island to participate in crucial vote of the no-confidence motion against the Speaker, which is scheduled to be held this evening (21). more..

එකම උත්තරය

Sufficient water levels in reservoirs, no power cuts expected

Mar 21 (DM) Despite the prolonged drought, water levels in hydro and irrigation reservoirs in the country are still sufficient, ensuring no need for power cuts in the near future, the authorities said. Ministry of Power and Energy assures no need for power cuts until end of April as hydropower plants have sufficient water reserves. Thanks to heavy rains received two months prior, all hydro and irrigation reservoirs have attained ample water capacity, with some even reaching their spill levels, more..

Hathurusinghe: Sri Lanka a bigger challenge than New Zealand were

Mar 21 (CI) Chandika Hathurusinghe expects his young Bangladesh players to pounce on the experienced Sri Lankans in the first Test, starting in Sylhet on Friday. "We understand that SL has an experienced batting line-up," Hathurusinghe said, referring to the fact that Angelo Mathews (107), Dimuth Karunaratne (89) and Dinesh Chandimal (77) have played more Tests - 273 - than the entire Bangladesh side - 270. "They are a formidable side. Couple of the guys [only Mathews] maybe more..

Prez’s outlook; rupee to reach 280

Mar 21 (TM) Amidst the appreciating spree of the SL Rupee, Prez Ranil Wickremasinghe anticipates SL Rupee (LKR) to reach 280 levels by June, leading to a decrease in the prices of goods. We anticipate the rupee will continue to strengthen next year as well. Further, Wickremesinghe highlighted that if SL continues to rely on borrowing to address the imbalance between imports and exports, the nation will inevitably confront more..

Leader should take responsibility: Basil

Mar 21 (DM) SLPP stalwart Basil Rajapaksa, in response to a query about the former Prez’s decision to ban chemical farming, said a leader should take final responsibility for any decision taken by him. “I don’t know. A leader may consult others for making a decision. Once a decision is made, he should take the responsibility,” Basil Rajapaksa said. Asked why he, as a responsible member of the govt, did not advise the then Prez who is his elder brother said he could advise but any leader should take more..

Application of banking ethics in Sri Lanka

Mar 21 (FT) Any business depends and improves mainly based on the trust placed by the customers. In order to gain and enhance this trust, application of ethics in business is of paramount importance. Banking is a business that purely depends upon the trust placed by not only its customers but also by the general public. Transparency, fairness and sound decision-making are the cornerstones of a strong banking business. All these are more related to ethics in banking than of complying with rules more..

Approval of SL govt falls to 7% in February

Mar 21 (DM) The approval rating of the govt fell from 9% in October 2023 to 7% in Feb 2024, according to the latest round of the Gallup style Mood of the Nation poll of Verité Research. The survey showed that only 9% rated the current economic conditions as either excellent or good, which is a drop from 16% in Oct 2023. Further, 90% thought that the economic conditions in the country were getting worse, whereas in Oct 2023 only 66% had more..

University dons got 89% pay hike: SB

Mar 21 (Island) SLPP MP S. B. Dissanayake told Parliament that misinformation was being disseminated about the recent salary revision at the Central Bank (CBSL). Participating in an exchange of views after COPF Chairman Harsha de Silva presented the COPF report to the House on the CBSL salary issue, Dissanayake said that there were some facts that had been overlooked in the process. CBSL employees got their salary increment once in three years. more..

Tea exports show positive signs inFebruary

Mar 21 (TM) Tea Exports for the month of February totalled 22.31 M/kg, showing a positive variance of 3.76 M/kg vis-à-vis 18.55 M/kg of Feb 2023. All categories except for Tea Packets and Green Tea have shown improvements in comparison with the corresponding month of the previous year. F.O.B value in February was recorded at Rs.1,789.43, a decline of Rs. 250.82 y-o-y compared to Rs. 2,040.25 of February 2023. All categories have witnessed negative variances in SLR term more..

ගරු කථානායකතුමනී

Australia tightens student visa rules as migration hits record high

Mar 21 (Reuters) Australia will begin enforcing tougher visa rules for foreign students this week as official data showed migration hit another record high, which is likely to further exacerbate an already tight rental market. From Saturday, English language requirements for student and graduate visas will be increased, while the government will get the power to suspend education providers from recruiting int'l students if they repeatedly break rules. “The actions this weekend will continue to drive more..

ADB launches new partnership strategy for Sri Lanka

Mar 21 (ADB) Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new country partnership strategy (CPS) for SL covering the period 2024–2028. The strategy will focus on restoring the country’s macroeconomic stability, reviving growth, and establishing the foundation for sustainable recovery and resilience. “This new partnership strategy will build on ADB’s ongoing assistance to support the country’s efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, and to achieve green and long-term sustainable growth,” more..

No-confidence motion against Speaker defeated in Parliament

Mar 21 (AD) The vote on the no-confidence motion against Speaker of the Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, was defeated in the Parliament today, following a three-day debate. The Speaker survived the no-confidence motion, moved by the SJB, by a majority of 42 votes. A total of 117 lawmakers had voted against the motion while 75 voted in favour. Accordingly, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena will continue to function as more..

Duminda Nagamuwa and Lahiru Weerasekara remanded

Mar 21 (AD) Four persons including FSP activist Duminda Nagamuwa and youth activist Lahiru Weerasekara, who were arrested during the demonstration by the Jana Aragala Viyaparaya in Colombo yesterday, have been remanded until March 27 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. Accordingly, the court ordered to remand in custody Duminda Nagamuwa, Lahiru Weerasekara, Ven. Rathkarawwe Jinarathana Thero and a female arrested during yesterday’s protest. more..

Fertiliser subsidy for Yala season to cost Rs7.5 bn

Mar 21 (EN) Sri Lanka is to allocate 7.5 billion rupees for fertiliser subsidies this yala season for paddy cultivation or other agricultural needs, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera has said. “The government will allocate 7,500 million rupees to facilitate farmers to buy fertilizer required for paddy cultivation in the 2024 yala season, or to use for other agricultural needs,” Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was quoted in a statement by the Department of Govt Information. more..

Video: IMF and Sri Lanka reaches staff-level agreement following second review

Mar 21 (AD) IMF staff and the SL authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies to conclude the second review of the 4-year EFF-supported program and the 2024 Article IV Consultation. Once the review is approved by IMF Management and completed by the IMF Executive Board, SL will have access to SDR 254 million (about US$337 mil) in financing, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed under more..

‘If I am fit to become MP, why can’t I function as COPE Chair?’ asks Rohitha

Mar 21 (DM) COPE Chairman MP Rohitha Abeygunawardane asked today if he was fit to be elected as a MP, why he cannot function as the Chairman of the COPE. Abeygunawardane told Parliament that Standing Orders must include qualifications required to hold the Chairmanship of Parliamentary Committees such as COPE and COPA. “We must include in Standing Orders the educational qualifications required to hold the Chairmanship of the COPE, COPA and more..

CBSL advises against wilful mutilation and defacement of currency notes

Mar 21 (AD) Central Bank of SL (CBSL) has raised concerns about the recent trend of using currency notes to prepare ornaments and gift items and promotion of such activities through social media. In a special notice issued to the members of the public, the CBSL’s Superintendent of Currency advised against wilful mutilation or defacement of currency notes. Pursuant to Section 55 of CBSL Act, No. 16 of 2023, any person found guilty of cutting or perforating; affixing any seal or stamp by more..

අධ්‍යාපන ප්‍රතිපත්ති රාමුව

Students in N&E to get Spot Admissions to study in UK, Canada & Germany

Mar 21 (DM) Int'l Centre for Foreign Studies (ICFS) is set to host a special spot admissions program for students, especially in the N&E provinces, who aspire to pursue higher education opportunities in countries such as Canada, UK and Germany for the upcoming September 2024 intake. Chathurika Dissanayake, CEO of ICFS Education Center said they plan to host a special 2-day program called Project Education Yalpanan on March 30 and 31 at the Jetwing Hotel in Jaffna, free of charge. more..

Ranil’s reticence, Basil’s broken base, Harsha’s Hotel California and Eran’s...

Mar 21 (FT) Prez Wickremesinghe’s first public political rally at Kuliyapitiya was odd. He delivered a zestful, even rollicking speech, remaining in the high spirits he displayed in the Mustang’s tent at the Royal-Thomian Big Match. He was rude and crude about his former lecturer at Colombo’s Faculty of Law, Prof. G.L. Peiris. He praised his pet members of the SJB, Dr. Harsha de Silva and Eran Wickramaratne. He insulted SJB leader Sajith Premadasa while pitching for SJB to join him. more..

CoPF recommends CBSL to defer salary hike, appoints independent committee

Mar 21 (FT) The CoPF recommended the Central Bank (CBSL) postpone the salary increase till an independent committee appointed by the Finance Minister submits a comprehensive review within four weeks. CoPF Chairman Dr. Harsha de Silva submitting a report to Parliament on the recent CBSL salary hike acknowledged the independence granted to the CBSL in monetary policy under the new Act, more..

FUTA claims academic allowance yet to materialise

Mar 21 (TM) The FUTA said that the Treasury is yet to increase the proposed academic allowance given to university teachers and that instead, 25% of the basic salary has been added to the salary as an allowance. Earlier this year (2024), the Cabinet of Ministers green-lit President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s proposal seeking to increase the study allowance granted to university lecturers by 25%. It was decided that this allowance would be included in their January salary. more..

SJB to launch hunger strike to remove COPE Chairman

Mar 21 (Island) A hunger strike campaign will be initiated soon if Rohitha Abeygunawardena is not removed from the Chairman post of the COPE with immediate effect, says SJB Kurunegala District MP Nalin Bandara told Parliament. MP Bandara said yesterday: “The members of the COPE are resigning one by one. Already eight members have tendered their resignations. Their protest is a reflection of displeasure the public have against appointing Abeygunawardena to this position. more..

JVP accuses Speaker of stuffing family members into whatever high posts available

Mar 21 (Island) Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena may be able to stay in his position by mustering a majority to defeat the no-faith motion against him, but he would never be able to get re-elected, JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Parliament. The level of abuse of power for personal gain by Speaker Abeywardena was unprecedented in Parliament history, Dissanayake said, participating in the debate more..

PAFFREL concerned over proposal to amend electoral system, warns of election delay

Mar 21 (AD) The elections are likely to get postponed if the proposals put forward to amend the parliamentary electoral system are not properly implemented, PAFFREL has said, raising concerns about the Cabinet of Ministers green-lighting a proposal in this regard. Acknowledging the need to revise the country’s electoral system, the executive director of the election watchdog Rohana Hettiarachchi, however, highlighted the importance of finalizing the delimitation process more..

Total of 298 elephants electrocuted since 2018: Wildlife Dept

Mar 21 (DM) Wildlife Conservation Department has reported a total of 298 elephants falling victim to electrocution since 2018. They attributed the elephants' deaths to the installation of various obstacles and traps, including substandard electric fences intended to restrict the movement of wild animals or target wild elephants and other wildlife for lethal purposes. Reports indicate that 72 elephants were killed in 2023, followed by 50 in 2022, 66 in 2021, 31 in 2020, 41 in 2019, and 38 in 2018. more..

හිරු ටීවී පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

Video: COPE convenes under Rohitha’s chairmanship amidst string of resignations

Mar 21 (AD) The first meeting of the COPE under the chairmanship of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana convened at the parliament complex on Tuesday (19) amidst a string of member resignations. As many as 10 COPE members – namely MPs Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Duminda Dissanayake, Eran Wickramaratne, Gamini Waleboda, Prof. Charitha Herath, Dayasiri Jayasekara, S. M. Marikkar, Hesha Withanage, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam and Wasantha Yapa Bandara – have thus far quit more..

Backlog of containers caused by Customs trade union action will take at least 3 weeks...

Mar 21 (Island) It would take at least three weeks to clear the backlog of containers at the Colombo Port, Sanath Manjula, President of the Container Transport Owners Association (CTOA), said. Customs unions suspended their union action on Tuesday (19) night following a discussion with Finance Ministry officials and resumed clearing containers on Wednesday. About 5,000 containers had been stuck at the Colombo Port by 20 March due to the trade union action, Manjula said. more..

Bilateral crime fighting: MFA & Police divided on need for defence attachés

Mar 21 (TM) Foreign Affairs Ministry and Dept of Police seem to have differing positions on the issue of the nexus between the role played by designated defence attachés attached to Lankan overseas diplomatic missions and their role in bilateral mutual assistance and cooperation in the criminal justice process including the extradition of suspects of crime. When questioned about the recent media reports of the lack of designated defence more..

A rose by another name will still retail for up to Rs 400 a kilo

Mar 21 (ST) SL will import mid-sized, rose’ onions from India as a temporary substitute for big onions, said Trade Ministry Secretary A.M.B. Attapattu. These onions are already available but are smaller and substandard in flavour in comparison to the big onions. They are sold at Rs. 350 per kilo at wholesale and Rs. 400 per kilo at retail. However, shipments of big onions are due from Turkey, China, and the Netherlands as per discussions on Thursday, but they will take time to arrive, more..

117th Battle of the Maroons: Dharmaraja favourites against Kingswood

Mar 21 (Island) Dharmaraja captained by Dulara Bandulasena hold the edge when they meet Kingswood in the 117th Battle of the Maroons which starts at the Pallekelle Int'l Cricket Stadium on Friday. With seven outright victories under their belt, Dharmaraja are among the top teams this season. They ended up among the top four teams in their group at the end of the group stage in the Division I tier B tournament by virtue of the four outright wins in the league. They concluded the tournament more..

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