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GovPay: Sri Lanka’s leap towards digital governance

Feb 10 (SO) Sri Lankans will soon be spared the long hours spent at State agencies queuing to make payments for various services. As part of its ongoing digitisation efforts, the Govt has taken a major leap forward with the launch of the GovPay service. Initially introduced as a pilot project in April 2024, this timely initiative aims to streamline financial transactions with Govt institutions. The official launch, last Friday, marks a key milestone more..

The Lasantha case, a govt caught in the glare of hostile headlights

Feb 10 (ST) What is most remarkable about the directive by the Attorney General to discharge three key suspects relating to the magisterial inquiry on the 2009 assassination of Sunday Leader editor, Lasantha Wickrematunge, easily one of Sri Lanka’s most emblematic cases of political impunity at the highest levels of political and military command, is the (apparently) stunned surprise of the state law office at the heated public controversy that has ensued in its wake. more..

Govt’s promises and the silence of the lambs

Feb 10 (DM) Our govt is battling it out on many fronts in regard to the promises it made while campaigning for the presidential and general elections. It spoke of bringing down the cost of living and lessening the burdens on the worse-off section of our people. Unfortunately though four long months have passed, our people are finding it difficult to find rice these days. To make this situation worse, the price is way beyond the means of the consumer. While salaries have remained stagnant, more..

Poverty in post-crisis SL still a concern

Feb 10 (TM) While there has been a reduction in poverty figures along with Sri Lanka’s gradual restoration of macroeconomic stability following the economic crisis, much work remains to be done to empower vulnerable populations to break free of the cycle of poverty. Poverty rates, as per the official poverty line measured by the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), have declined from a high of 28.8% in 1995/’96 to 4.1% in 2016. more..

Lasantha’s driver abduction & Concealing evidence, two different issues

Feb 10 (CT) The shocking letter sent by Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe (Jr) has taken centre stage in the news sphere during the last few days. The efforts of some to put pressure on the AG to relinquish his post and the belated start by others to defend him need to be addressed carefully with emphasis on the evidence that has been presented to Magistrates Court in Mt Lavinia, where the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge is heard. I read carefully, a lengthy two-page spread more..

Protect AG’s autonomy: Justice must remain uncompromised

Feb 10 (DM) Last week’s events—AG’s advice to drop charges against three suspects in the Lasantha murder case, protests outside his office, and the Prez summoning him—raised critical questions about his autonomy and independence. Justice Mark Fernando once said, “What is required are Just Persons. Not Just Constitutions, Just Laws or Just Institutions. Right persons and not institutions, because Paradise even on earth is not a physical place of material development, but a set of more..

FCID papers reveal widespread multi-layer deception in MiG-27 deal

Feb 9 (ST) Behind the polished corridors of SL’s political landscape lies a labyrinth of power and influence. One of the most prominent figures in this maze was Udayanga Weeratunga, nephew of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. From managing a modest rice-and-curry restaurant in Kiev, he skyrocketed to diplomatic prominence as SL’s ambassador to Russia with concurrent accreditation in Ukraine. more..

SLAS senior to be HC in London, several new dpl appointments

Feb 9 (Island) Senior SL Administrative Service (SLAS) officer and former Senior Consultant at the SL Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Nimal Senadheera, has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to the UK. Senadheera, who took leave in 2023 to pursue higher studies at the Uni of Strathclyde in Scotland, completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy in January 2024. This is not his first tenure in the foreign service. more..

No foreign visits during Budget debates, Prez’s Office instructs ministers & state...

Feb 9 (ST) President’s Office has instructed ministers and senior state sector officials not to undertake foreign visits during the month- long Budget debate period in Parliament commencing on Feb 17. A circular has been sent by President’s Secretary N S Kumanayake to all secretaries of ministries and relevant officials. Prez Anura Dissanayake who is also the Minister of Finance will present NPP’s first Budget to Parliament on Feb 17 at 9.30 am, while 2nd & 3rd Reading debates more..

Wickrematunge murder case: Police revisits files of two suspects

Feb 9 (TM) Police Department is currently reviewing the files of two cases related to the high-profile murder of former Editor of The Sunday Leader Lasantha Wickrematunge following the Attorney General’s Dept’s decision last week, according to SSP Buddhika Manatunga. He confirmed that the two individuals ordered to be released had been arrested in connection with the abduction of Wickrematunge’s driver and more..

Govt to establish 24-hour Passport Office in Jaffna

Feb 9 (AD) The govt has decided to establish a new Immigration and Emigration Office in the Jaffna District, says Minister Ananda Wijepala. Participating in an event held today (8), he said that the new Immigration and Emigration Office to be established in the Jaffna District will also be open 24 hours a day. Meanwhile, Minister said that the Cabinet has also approved the recruitment of employees for the new Immigration and Emigration Office to be established in the Jaffna District. more..

Teacher, partner arrested for kidnapping and attacking deputy principal

Feb 9 (DM) A couple, including a teacher, has been arrested for abducting and assaulting a deputy principal of a school in Biyagama. Suspects forced the victim into a jeep near a temple in Siyambalape, Biyagama on Feb 4. They then took the victim to a house where he was assaulted. An investigation has been launched, and the couple, aged 37 and 32, both residents of Siyambalape, have been arrested. Victim is a deputy principal and one of the suspects is a teacher at the same school. more..

පත්තරේ විස්තරේ

No need to panic, first vehicle shipment to arrive by February 27: Importers

Feb 9 (DM) The first shipment of vehicles will arrive between Feb 25 and 27 following the relaxation of import restrictions on Feb 2, president of the VIASL Prasad Manage said. He said that importers have successfully opened new Letters of Credit (LCs) for all categories of vehicles. The second and third shipments are expected to arrive by March, covering all vehicle categories. He assured consumers that there is no need to panic, as this marks the beginning of a long-term import process. more..

Luxury tax anomaly for cabs not linked to vehicles for MPs: Minister

Feb 9 (EN) SL’s exemption of a luxury tax from cabs was not linked to attempts to give vehicles to MPs, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. “Cabs are not only vehicles used by MPs,” he said. “They are used for economic activities as land vehicles. We use it for personal work but others use it for commercial activities.” “We have had to put some limits because it may affect foreign reserves.” The luxury tax exemption of so-called double cabs (two rows of seats) is a puzzle to some observers more..

United Petroleum: 64 UP fuel stations taken over by CPC

Feb 9 (TM) Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has taken over the operational control of 64 fuel stations previously operated by the Australia-based United Petroleum (UP). This follows UP’s decision to cease its Sri Lanka operations last December, despite having commenced operations in the country in August last year. As part of the previous Govt’s initiative to bring international fuel retailers into the country, more..

BIA arrival lobby to undergo redesign for enhanced passenger experience

Feb 9 (NW) Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is set to undergo a significant redesign of its Arrival Lobby to improve the passenger experience, particularly for the growing number of tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Key changes include: Relocation and increase in the number of ATM machines to reduce congestion. Expansion of the Arrival Lobby area to create a more spacious and welcoming environment. Establishment of a central travel information counter to assist arriving tourists. more..

Five Senior DIGs, including STF Commandant, transferred

Feb 9 (DM) Five Senior DIGs, including Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, who served as the Commanding Officer of the Police STF, and Senior DIG Ajith Rohana, have been transferred. Police said these transfers are scheduled to take effect from Feb 12th, with the approval of the National Police Commission. STF Commandant Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara will be transferred to the position of Senior DIG in charge of the Eastern Province, while Senior DIG Ajith Rohana more..

පොලිස් මාරු සහ තවදුරටත් වන්දි කතා

Technical discussions ongoing to implement India’s DigiLocker in Sri Lanka: envoy

Feb 9 (AD) The High Commissioner of India, Santosh Jha has commended the digital initiatives recently launched by the Sri Lankan govt, including the GovPay platform for digitization of all govt payments, and the introduction of the Electronic Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates facility for Sri Lankans abroad. He stated that these initiatives form part of the special emphasis laid on digital transformation by the SL Govt led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. more..

Krrish building fire: Possible reason revealed

Feb 9 (NW) Fire Dept has launched a preliminary investigation into two fires at the Krrish building, the tallest structure in Colombo, attributing the incidents to the unsafe use of gas cutters. According to initial findings, fires were likely caused by gas cutters being used to remove iron structures within the building. Authorities have since advised against this practice to prevent further incidents. A forensic examination report has been requested as part of the investigation. more..

Starting the path to a digitised country

Feb 9 (TM) With the unveiling of three digital projects on Friday, questions have arisen about whether SL is ready to embrace the challenges of digitised infrastructure, particularly regarding the consistency of high-speed internet. At present, internet coverage across SL remains inconsistent, with many rural areas still experiencing limited or no connectivity. Even in Colombo, where infrastructure is more developed, internet more..

National Olympic Committe to conduct forensic audit on Olympic Solidarity funds

Feb 9 (ST) Following the suspension of Maxwell de Silva, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), over allegations of financial irregularities and procedural deficiencies, the NOC Executive Committee has taken the step to order a forensic audit into the handling of Olympic Solidarity funds. This decision marks a significant effort to unearth long-standing financial misconduct and establish much-needed transparency within the organisation. more..

CSE urges CBSL to ease forex restrictions on MCB listings

Feb 9 (TM) Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) has requested the Central Bank of SL (CBSL) to consider relaxing the current restrictions imposed on the repatriation of foreign currency-denominated funds raised by listing shares on the Multi-Currency Board (MCB). CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara revealed that interest in the MCB, launched by the CSE in 2018, continued to be poor due to the restriction imposed by the CBSL’s foreign exchange control regulations. These regulations limit more..

As Dimuth Karunaratne bids goodbye, an era begins to end

Feb 9 (CI) Dimuth Karunaratne had begun his final trek to the pavilion when his batting partner Dinesh Chandimal called out to him. They've shared dressing rooms, team buses, and hotels for a decade-and-a-half for various SL teams, and at this moment knew they would never again bat together in internationals. Chandimal wanted one more moment with his friend. As soon as Karunaratne turned around, more..

Rugby: Airmen ground Soldiers in their own backyard

Feb 9 (ST) Air Force SC secured a historic place in the Super Round of the SLR-Mastercard Club Rugby League after 13 long years, overcoming Army SC by 27-19 in a fiercely contested battle at the Army grounds in Panagoda yesterday. The Airmen, holding a narrow 15-12 lead at halftime, capitalised on their attacking momentum to clinch the all-important victory, scoring four tries, two conversions and a penalty. The Soldiers fought bravely, responding with 3 tries and 2 conversions, more..

Visa says 2024 tourist transactions up by 40% in Sri Lanka

Feb 9 (FT) Visa, the global leader in digital payments, announced it saw a marked uptick in spending by both tourists and domestic consumers in SL during the holiday season at the end of 2024. Visa Consulting and Analytics (VCA), Visa’s advisory arm, highlighted key findings of consumer spend patterns during this period that saw an increase in commerce across payment options and channels. An analysis of end-of-year spends of 2023 and 2024 showcased 40% increase in cross-border more..

ලිහා දැමූ මන්ත්‍රීන්ගෙන් ආණ්ඩුවට...

Independence and its Detractors: The Coming of Age after 77 Years

Feb 9 (Island) Both the observance of Independence Day and its erstwhile detractors would seem to have come of age at last, after 77 years. Tongue in cheek commentators have been harping too much on the irony of a JVP-led govt celebrating independence. But the JVP was not the first political organization to question the authenticity of SL’s independence in 1948. That honour goes to the LSSP, rather the BLPI, the LSSP’s more doctrinaire variant at that time and led by a formidable triumvirate more..

Local rugby mired in more legal wrangles: Deen files contempt of court charges

Feb 9 (TM) Former Council Member of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Roshan Deen on Friday filed a petition before the Court of Appeal charging SLR Competent Authority Shemal Fernando with contempt of court. This is over Fernando’s failure to hold the AGM of SLR before the end of January this year as promised in an undertaking to the court. Fernando is also the Director General (DG) of the Sports Ministry. These details were conveyed to the press by TNA MP M.A. Sumanthiran, who represented Deen. more..

Australia on brink of SL Test series sweep

Feb 9 (CI) SL's hopes of setting a tricky chase faded late on day three as Beau Webster provided key contributions with the ball and in the field to inch Australia close to a series victory. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis had breathed life into the second Test with an outstanding 70-run partnership as SL's lead grew to 41 runs. But less than 30 minutes before stumps, Mathews lost his concentration on 76 and swept Nathan Lyon more..

Walking away with grace

Feb 9 (Island) With runs drying up like a parched wicket under the blazing sun, the writing had been on the wall for Dimuth Karunaratne. Before the selectors could raise the finger, he walked, announcing his retirement – a decision so typical of a man known for his pragmatism. Once again, he put the team ahead of himself, just as he always had. It was the kind of selflessness you’d expect from someone who, two years ago, voiced his dismay when the selectors failed to name more..

Editorial: Cat out of the bag

Feb 9 (Island) One of the best kept secrets following the 2022 Aragalaya which saw the end of the Mahinda/Gotabaya regime was revealed in parliament on Thursday when Minister Nalinda Jayatissa let the cat out of the bag stating that 43 former ministers had together collected over Rs. 1.2 billion compensation from the government for property lost and damaged during the tail-end of the rioting when gasoline carrying mobs torched the homes and offices of govt politicians. more..

Clean Sri Lanka: Fort Railway Station

Remembered at elections, then forgotten

Feb 9 (ST) My dear Lasantha, It is rarely that we write to our own tribe. Having written to the departed Victor only a fortnight ago, it is even rarer to do so again within such a short time. However, I feel I must because you are now making headlines in Paradise though it has been 16 years since you left us suddenly. This is after Junior told us the charges against three people allegedly involved in your murder will not be proceeded and that they could be released. That has taken everyone by more..

Bridging the Gulf

Feb 9 (ST) Prez A.K. Dissanayake travels to the UAE for the annual World Govts Summit 2025, where he will meet some of the big guns in the world of governance and commerce, and on the sidelines have talks with the UAE on investing in energy cooperation in SL. There have already been advanced discussions during the Ranil Wickremesinghe presidency on the possibility of SL tapping into the India-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) initiative to have a multi-product more..

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