Sep 15 (ANI) SL received a major injury blow before the Asia Cup 2023 final as spinner Maheesh Theekshana is struggling with his right hamstring. SL were already trying to fill the void left due to the absence of Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga. Theekshana could be the latest name to feature in the injury list after he strained his right hamstring while fielding during the Super 4 clash against Pakistan on Thursday. The spinner, who went off the field multiple times more..

Sep 15 (Island) Mohamed Mihlar, the father of Channel’s 4’s whistle-blower Mohamed Mihlar Hanzeer (aka Maulana), had been among the top EPRLF cadres killed by the LTTE in Chennai, India in June 1990, well-informed sources said. Hanzeer was about eight years old when an LTTE hit squad operating in South India stormed the EPRLF safe house at an apartment complex in Kodambakkam, TN on June 19, 1990, more..

Sep 15 (CT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe marked the 25th National Prisoners’ Day, observed on 12 Sept, by announcing a special State pardon for a total of 933 inmates. Thus, 926 male and seven female prisoners are to be released under the authority vested by Article 34 of the Constitution. Criteria for the release of these inmates encompass a variety of circumstances. First, those who have been serving sentences are granted a one-month pardon for each year of their term served. more..

Sep 15 (DM) The Court of Appeal today issued an order preventing Nadun Wickramaratne alias Harak Kata from being moved to another location from his current detention custody by the CID, without informing the Court of Appeal, Colombo Fort Magistrate's Court and the Attorney General. This order will be effective till the final determination of the writ petition filed by Nadun Wickramaratne. He is challenging the legality of the detention order issued on him by the Minister of Defence. more..

Sep 15 (PMD) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, embarked on an official visit to Cuba ahead of his participation in the G77 plus China Summit in Havana on Sept 15-16, hosted by Cuba as the current Chair of the G77 plus China. During his visit, Prez Wickremesinghe engaged in bilateral discussions with Cuban Prez Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and dialogue between the two nations. Prez Wickremesinghe’s arrival in Cuba was more..

Sep 15 (AD) Former SL cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been further remanded, until 25 Sept, on orders of the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, in the case filed in connection with allegations of match-fixing. The relevant order was issued by Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis, when Senanayake was presented before the court this morning. Senanayake was arrested on 6 Sept, after he reportedly surrendered to the Special Investigations Unit of the Sports Ministry, over match-fixing allegations. more..

Sep 15 (EN) SL’s egg production would pick up by year end and there would be no need to import eggs while costs will also fall with taxes on inputs being lowered, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. “There would be no need to import eggs from next year,” Amaraweera said at a press briefing held at the Presidential Media Center on Thursday. The daily requirement of eggs in the country is 7 million. Amaraweera said by last week local production was up to 6 million eggs. more..

Sep 15 (FT) It is a known fact that successive govts did not mete out justice for the atrocities committed by the previously elected rulers. It would be more accurate to say that in some instances though legal action was initiated, it has been either thrust into temporary cold storage or totally dismissed making a mockery of the Rule of Law. Therefore, we cannot expect any meaningful steps being taken to expose the rampant corruption and other acts of despicable governance in the past. more..

Sep 15 (FT) While the economy is still struggling to steady itself, new and startling revelations about the Easter massacre, had appeared like a phoenix through a British TV channel, and caught many politicians on the hop. The timing of those revelations closer to the next session of UNHCR in Geneva may have prompted President RW to take some action. It has been reported that he would appoint a retired judge to probe into the matter soon after he returns from his trip to Cuba and US. more..

Sep 15 (TM) Former Central Bank of SL (CBSL) Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and incumbent UNP Govt MP Wajira Abeywardana have been summoned before the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) appointed to look into the causes of economic bankruptcy in the country today. In July 2023, Speaker of Parliament Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana appointed the said PSC to look into the causes of economic bankruptcy in SL more..

Sep 15 (DM) With reference to the decision of the health Ministry to recall the retired medical specialists, medical specialists opined that it is neither a feasible nor a longstanding move to address the shortage of specialists. Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama said, “I don’t know how feasible the decision would be given a spate of reasons. “There is no guarantee that every specialist who is recalled is willing to continue to work. Some may opt to come whereas some don’t," more..

Sep 15 (AD) Notorious underworld figure Nadun Chinthaka, alias Harak Kata, was reportedly admitted to the Colombo National Hospital this afternoon (14.) after suffering from a heart attack. Meanwhile, investigations into Harak Kata’s failed attempt to escape from the custody of the CID on Sunday (10) have revealed that no CCTV footage related to his escape was obtained, owing to the fact that the CID’s CCTV cameras have been inoperative for over one year. more..

Sep 15 (FT) State Minister Shehan Semasinghe reaffirmed the Govt’s unwavering dedication to establishing a sustainable economy at the inaugural meeting of the IMF first review of the EFF program at the Prez Secretariat yesterday. “We are collaborating closely with the IMF team throughout this process to overcome the challenges ahead of us,” he said via ‘X’ yesterday. State Minister also underscored the importance more..

Sep 15 (DN) Minister Bandula Gunawardhana said that he will lodge complaints with the CID and CIABOC against the false allegations made by Railway Locomotive unionist Indika Dodangoda. Dodangoda alleged that Minister has received Rs.50 Mn as a bribe from an Indian company and that he is one of the most corrupt Ministers in the country. Minister will send a Letter of Demand to Dodangoda claiming Rs.500 Mn as damages. Minister mentioned that Dodangoda is a person more..

Sep 15 (TM) Nearly 20 civil organisations launching a satyagraha protest campaign in front of the Ministry of Health condemning MPs who voted against a no-confidence motion (NCM) targeting Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and demanding solutions to issues in the health sector are to be supported by the SJB, and other Opposition groups. Representatives of several civil organisations, such as Electricity Consumers Association (ECA), Magen Ratata org, more..

Sep 15 (EN) Central Bank has identified informal money remitters who transfer money through hawala and undiyal possessing high-risk in the island nation’s money laundering activity, while real estate agents, banking sector, and finance companies are identified as possessing medium high risk, a report showed. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) under the CB in its latest Sanitized Report of the Second National Risk Assessment (NRA) on Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (ML/TF) more..

Sep 15 (DM) Galoya Plantations (Pvt) Ltd (GOPL) has invested Rs. 12 billion in the construction of a new factory to increase sugarcane-crushing capacity and boost sugar production. “We will also utilize sugarcane waste to generate electricity, with the goal of adding 8.75 MW to the National Grid, of which 5 MW will power our operations,” said Danesh Abeyratne, Executive Director of the Galoya Plantation Company. The generation of 15MW of electricity by the Galoya Plantation more..

Sep 15 (DM) Monetary Board, as the custodian of the Employment Provident Fund (EPF), yesterday announced that it has considered the options available and has decided to opt for the Debt Exchange offer with a long-term view in the best interest of the members of the Fund. Accordingly, the EPF tendered Rs. 2,667,512,169,237 face value of Treasury Bonds for Debt Exchange, including an additional Rs. 149,890,740,000 in excess more..

Sep 15 (FT) A delegation from Mayo Clinic, a global icon in healthcare, education, and research, is currently in SL to discuss the progress of the Port City Colombo Hospital project. Partnering with Asiri Hospital, they seek to shape the future of healthcare for the region. Visiting team met the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman, Dinesh Weerakkody and officials. Asiri Hospitals Chairman, Ashok Pathirege and PwC SL Managing Partner, Sujeewa Mudalige also participated in more..

Sep 15 (SLN) Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nireekshak arrived at the Trincomalee harbour on a formal visit this morning (14). Visiting ship was welcomed by the SL Navy in compliance with naval tradition. INS Nireekshak is a 70.5m long Diving Support Vessel manned by a crew of 137 and the ship is commanded by Commander Jeetu Singh Chauhan. Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of the ship called on Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva more..

Sep 15 (ST) A special police operation was launched yesterday to crack down on underworld gangs. Involving more than 4,000 officers the operation will be conducted islandwide, with special focus on the Western and Southern provinces. Recently these two provinces have witnessed a spate of deadly shootings mainly related to underworld activity. STF, CID, SIS, PNB and other police units will be part of the operation, which will continue indefinitely until further notice. more..

Sep 15 (Island) Port City Colombo took center stage as the Gold Sponsor of i3 Summit by Khaleej Times in Dubai, which was held under the theme, Redefining Innovation, Inspiring Change, and Shaping the Future of Business. ‘This key sponsorship strategically captured the attention of the global investor community, while highlighting Port City Colombo’s unwavering commitment to nurturing innovation and fostering collaboration in the region. It firmly reinforces Port City more..

Sep 15 (DM) Court of Appeal today was informed that there was no citizenship certificate issued to State Minister Diana Gamage by the Minister. Counsel Hafeel Farisz appearing for the petitioner who challenged Diana Gamage’s citizenship by way of a writ petition submitted to court, said that in her statement to the CID, Diana Gamage herself had admitted that she is a British citizen. He further said the Controller General of Emigration more..

Sep 15 (ST) In a display of exceptional skill and determination, Sri Lanka badminton players showcased their prowess at the Badminton Asia (South Asia) Regional Championships 2023 (Individual Event) held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The championship, organised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia Confederation, saw SL’s shuttlers dominate the competition across various categories. The championship, which unfolded against more..

Sep 15 (DN) SL under 19 team led by Sineth Jayawardena turned in a fine team effort to record a seven wicket win over West Indies under 19 team in their second four day game to gain a 1-0 series win at Dambulla yesterday. SL youth team chasing a winning target of 79 runs reached their target with seven wickets in hand and celebrated a series win before lunch yesterday. It was great bowling by SL spinners led by off spinner Vihas Thewmika and leg spinner Malsha Tharupathi more..

Sep 15 (FT) Former UK PM David Cameron has come forward to promote the Colombo Port City, dubbed as SL’s game changer for the future. Cameron is slated to promote the Colombo Port City at a invitee-only separate top events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 26 Sept. He will be involved in a conversation on “Now is the time to invest in the Port City Colombo, SL.” The exclusive event will also focus on the role of SL more..

Sep 15 (FT) Singapore-based, Lankaisla, sees immense potential in SL’s tourism sector, and is set to expand its presence to Sigiriya and Colombo shortly, in what is billed to be a major acquisition. The company has invested over $8 million in SL over a year, and will hold as many as 1,000 rooms across the country by the year end, during its first-phase of expansion. Lankaisla Chairman Dakshitha Bogollagama said, SL holds many underutilised potential tourism hotspots, more..

Sep 15 (CI) Ever ask yourself: What am I doing here? Cricket fans - at least those who take our privileged position of being able to watch the game regularly for granted - surely do. Especially sitting through interminable rain delays, mopping-up, pitch inspections… repeat. Then you witness another fairytale and realise, this is what I'm doing here. This time, it was Nat Sciver-Brunt's turn. Playing her 100th ODI and captaining the side after Heather Knight was forced to return to the team hotel more..

Sep 15 (Island) Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Ayomal Akalanka improved the Under 18 boys’ 400 metres hurdles meet record for the second time as Ambagamuwa Central continued to dominate hurdles events on the second day of the Sir John Tarbat Senior Championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Thursday. National Youth record holder commenced the championships with a record-breaking performance in the heats (52.3 secs) on Wednesday and on Thursday more..

Sep 15 (DN) The opening ceremony of the MCA cricket Academy was held on Wednesday at MCA premises. MCA President Nalin Wickramasinghe opened the indoor nets by bowling to immediate Past President of MCA Rohana Dissanayake at the indoor nets in the presence of SLC top officials and past President of MCA Chrishantha Obeyeseksra who was the man behind the MCA Academy in 2002. The past MCA Presidents Mahesh Wijewardena, Niran Mahawatte, Neil Perera, more..

Sep 15 (CI) In a game of multiple compelling storylines, it was Charith Asalanka who stood tall in the end as SL edged Pakistan out by two wickets in final-ball thriller in Colombo. With it, SL made it to their 11th Asia Cup final, where they will face India on Sunday. Asalanka remained unbeaten on 49 off 47 balls to see home a nervy chase, but it was a win built on Kusal Mendis' 91 from 87 and Sadeera Samarawickrama's 48 off 51. more..

Sep 15 (Island) Nobody dared trifle with Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence Secretary. It was jokingly said then that he exercised 50% of Prez Mahinda Rjapaksa’s executive powers! Many a true word is said to be spoken in jest. Even senior Cabinet ministers used to bow and scrape before him. Never did any of them utter a word against him even behind his back. In 2019, everyone in the SLPP hitched his or her wagon to him, and came in from the cold to savour power again. more..