Another video of slaughtering, roasting a peacock by a foreigner to be probed
Oct 24 (DM) Wildlife officers are to launch an investigation into a new video showing a foreigner slaughtering, roasting and consuming a peacock inside Maduru-Oya National Park. The recent video, posted by a foreign YouTuber under the name Go With Ali, was uploaded on Oct 19, and came to light through social media. The footage has garnered over 63,000 views, sparking public outrage and prompting
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SJB questions President’s policy contrast in seeking absolute power for NPP
Oct 24 (DM) SJB Chairman Imitiaz Bakir Markar questioned the policy contrast of Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Referring to a newspaper report which quoted Dissanayake as having said in the past that absolute power corrupts, Markar said, in the contrary to what was said at that time when in the Opposition, Dissanayake now seeks an absolute majority for his party in Parliament. Bakir Markar said Dissanayake even highlighted at that time, as quoted in the newspaper report, how leaders like
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Namal leaves CID after recording statement
Oct 24 (AM) Former MP Namal Rajapaksa spent over two hours today at the CID, where he provided a statement regarding an ongoing investigation into a financial transaction. According to the police, Rajapaksa was summoned following a complaint filed by a Malaysian businessman, alleging irregularities in a financial transaction that occurred between 2010 and 2015. Speaking to the media after leaving the CID, Rajapaksa said he was unaware of identity of the person who lodged
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TISL launches General Election watchdog
Oct 24 (FT) The Transparency International SL (TISL) yesterday announced the launch of its 2024 General Election Observation program, focusing on the critical issue of public resource misuse by politicians for campaigning. Speaking about their organisation’s mission for the 14 November General Election at a media briefing yesterday, TISL outlined their efforts to foster an accountable and fairer electoral process,
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Security beefed up in Colombo, other areas where Jewish Chabad houses set up
Oct 24 (DM) Special security has been deployed and police patrols increased around Chabad houses (Jewish prayer halls) in several areas, in the country including in Colombo, following the warning of potential attacks on Israeli tourists. Accordingly, security has been heightened near Chabad houses in the Colombo, Arugam Bay, Ella and Weligama areas where Israeli tourists visit. Police said security had been provided to these areas prior to the advisory issued by embassies.
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Travel advisories for Sri Lanka can be withdrawn within 2-3 days: Minister
Oct 24 (AD) Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath says that the travel advisories issued by several foreign countries for SL could be lifted within the next two to three days. Minister stated this during a special press conference today, to brief on the steps taken following information received on possible attacks targeting foreign tourists in Sri Lanka. He reassured to public and the tourists that there is no cause for concern, as necessary security measures have been taken to ensure
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නාමල් පවා SIXES ගහන ආණ්ඩුවේ...
FR petition over Grade 5 Scholarship exam fixed for consideration
Oct 24 (AD) Supreme Court has ordered for the Fundamental Rights (FR) petition filed seeking an order preventing the release of the 2024 Grade 05 Scholarship Exam results and the cut-off marks, to be taken up for consideration on Nov 18. The petitioners have requested the Supreme Court through their FR petition that an order be issued invalidating question paper 1 of the 2024 Grade 05 Scholarship Exam of which certain questions are alleged to have been leaked, and
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Hope potential tourists will see beyond the smoke and mirrors: SL Tourism Alliance
Oct 24 (DM) While criticising the move by foreign embassies in Sri Lanka to issue advisories to their nationals from travelling to Arugam Bay, the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance stressed that the law should be enforced against tourists who illegally set up set up businesses and overstay their visas. In an open letter, written by its Chair Malik Fernando, the SL Tourism Alliance also expressed hope that tourists intending to travel to the country would see beyond the smoke and mirrors.
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Sri Lankans more positive about the country’s direction after Prez election
Oct 24 (GV) Sri Lankans views of the country’s direction improved dramatically in the Institute for Health Policy (IHP) SLOTS polling for September 2024. In the weeks leading up to the prez election, a net 43% of the public thought the country was heading in the wrong direction. This reversed after the election with a net 5% of Sri Lankans saying that the country was headed in the right direction in last 10 days of the month,
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Ekho Ella named Top Boutique Hotel in Sri Lanka by TripAdvisor
Oct 24 (FT) Ekho Ella, a boutique hotel tucked away in the serene hills of Ella, has just been recognised as the number one boutique hotel in Sri Lanka by TripAdvisor. This esteemed accolade is part of TripAdvisor’s much-anticipated list of the 10 Best Boutique Hotels to visit in SL. It’s a true testament to the charm and warmth that Ekho Ella offers its visitors. What sets Ekho Ella apart is its stunning vistas of the iconic Ella Gap, coupled with an exquisite fusion of natural beauty
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Video: Killing me is better than ruining my character: Rohitha
Oct 24 (NW) SLPP member Rohitha Abeygunawardena says it is better to be killed than to allow his reputation to be tarnished. Former SLPP MP said that it is not easy to pull him down through mudslinging campaigns. “I would like to say to those who hate me, instead of mudslinging and ruining my reputation, you should just destroy my life, like how several leaders were shot and killed or murdered,” he said. Rohitha Abeygunawardena said he was ready to sacrifice his life for nation & politics.
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Video: Three arrested over security threats to Israeli nationals
Oct 24 (DM) Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the security threats to Israeli nationals in the Arugam Bay area, Public Security Minister Vijitha Herath said. At a special media briefing, the Minister confirmed that the suspects, all Sri Lankan nationals, are currently being questioned regarding the incident. He said that further details about the suspects will not be disclosed to the public, as doing so could
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Emergency at BIA called off after another bomb scare on Vistara flight
Oct 24 (DM) The emergency declared at BIA following another bomb scare on a Vistara flight has been called off, according to the airport management. Flight operations at the BIA are continuing as usual without any disruption to the airport’s normal operations, says Airport and Aviation Services SL (AASL). The management of BIA declared a full emergency in response to another reported bomb scare on a Vistara flight from Mumbai to Colombo, which was scheduled to arrive
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AKD’s call for a powerful govt: Implications for political system
Oct 24 (FT) In his stump speech on the General Election campaign trail, President AKD has called for the voters to produce a powerful (balavath, prabala) govt. Interestingly, he did not call for a strong (shakthimath) govt which is conventionally the opposite of a weak one. Given where he’s coming from, that distinction and his choice of words should give us pause. SL, Ceylon at the time, was not only the first in Afro-Asia to have universal franchise but it was also the first
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අගය දාමයේ අගය!
Prez Elections 2024: Lessons for business
Oct 24 (FT) One could not ask for a better market place than the recently staged Presidential election – 17.4 million consumers (voters), targeted essentially by four brands (though there were 38 Prez candidates registered). Each brand had the stipulation of Rs. 1.8 billion within a two-month period. Given that Sri Lanka is an island nation, it was a perfect market place. All candidates had the freedom to travel, freedom to use any medium of communication.
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Sri Lankan Navy detains 16 Indian fishermen
Oct 24 (SLN) A search operation conducted by the SL Navy led to the seizure of 02 Indian fishing boats and apprehension of 16 Indian fishermen, poaching in Sri Lankan waters. This special operation was conducted off the Kachchativu Island, Jaffna on 23rd Oct. Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in SL waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing boats, taking into account the impact of those practices on the livelihood of local fishermen.
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Terror threat to foreigners: SL authorities confirm forewarning
Oct 24 (TM) SL’s law enforcement authorities were reportedly, by their own admission, aware of intelligence regarding the potential for a possible attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay (Ampara District, Eastern Province) area, Police Dept said, as SL authorities rush to take preventive measures to mitigate the impact from a terror threat. Revelation came following the US Embassy issuing a security alert for
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Indian Intelligence alerts Sri Lanka to potential attack in Arugam Bay
Oct 24 (DM) SL security forces have been alerted to a potential attack on Israelis in the Arugam Bay area by Indian intelligence agencies. According to intelligence information, the threat is believed to be targeted at foreign nationals. Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya also said that intelligence regarding possible threats was first received on Oct 7. “We had reports indicating a potential attack aimed at foreign nationals,” he said, adding that the issue was extensively discussed
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Cabinet puts a stop to Ministers and cronies hogging state holiday bungalows
Oct 24 (Island) Cabinet of Ministers has decided to establish a mechanism to ensure that resorts and bungalows operated by various state entities do not become private holiday homes for the Minister in charge, Cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath said. SL has a significant number of state-run resorts and bungalows, but the average Sri Lankan often finds it difficult to book these facilities, as they are frequently reserved by default for Ministers and their associates, he said.
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TID arrests two persons over threats to Israelis in Sri Lanka
Oct 24 (AD) Police says two persons have been arrested by the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) on suspicion of allegedly planning to attack Israeli nationals in SL. Security has been heightened at the popular surfing resort of Arugam Bay, following reports of a potential attack targeting foreign tourists, particularly Israelis. “There is information about a possible attack targeting Israelis at a building where they are staying"
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Visa issues, election concerns cut SL’s 2024 tourist arrival target
Oct 24 (DM) Sri Lanka is expected to attract around two million tourists this year, falling short of its initial target of 2.3 million by 11.6%. The shortfall is attributed to the recent visa processing issues that have hindered arrivals, along with concerns that the upcoming elections may further dampen the inflows. SL’s tourism authorities initially targeted 2.36 million arrivals for 2024 but the country has struggled to maintain momentum since mid-year, due to the visa-related disruptions.
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SC orders Election Commission to accept Udayarasa’s nomination
Oct 24 (CT) Supreme Court ordered the National Election Commission to accept the nomination of Pararajasingham Udayarasa of the Democratic National Alliance for the 2024 General Election. However, in a separate instance, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by YouTuber Ashen Senarathna, who challenged the National Election Commission’s decision to reject his nomination for the upcoming General Election. Commission had previously disqualified Senarathna’s
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පත්තරේ විස්තරේ
Sri Lanka’s precious gems to sparkle at 31st FACETS Expo
Oct 24 (DM) Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry is set to dazzle once again with the 31st edition of FACETS Sri Lanka, South Asia’s premier gem and jewellery exhibition, all set to kick off early next year. Taking place from January 4-6, 2025, at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, this highly anticipated event promises to be a glittering showcase for the world’s gem and jewellery elite, attracting traders, wholesalers, manufacturers, lapidarists, retailers and collectors.
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WFP launches project to strengthen climate change adaptation across India and SL
Oct 24 (Island) The UN World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Ministries of Environment of India and SL, on Monday (21) launched its Adaptation for Resilience (ADAPT4R) project. The five-year initiative aims to enhance the food security and livelihoods of farming communities facing climate-induced challenges, according to a statement released in New Delhi and Colombo on Monday. The text of the statement: “Supported through a US$ 14 million contribution from
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Key tourist-generating countries issue travel warning for SL amid security concern
Oct 24 (FT) Several key tourist markets, including US, UK, Australia, Russia, Canada, Israel & NZ issued travel warnings for Sri Lanka following reports of potential threats to international travellers, particularly in the eastern, southern, and western coastal cities. Interestingly, six of these countries, except for NZ, are among the top 20 source markets, which have collectively contributed to 28.2% of total arrivals so far in 2024.
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Home advantage: A bane or a boon?
Oct 24 (ST) West Indies coach Darren Sammy ignited a fresh and fierce debate on maximizing home advantage on pitch preparation and its implication on player development, following WI first T20 series loss to SL on Friday. Sammy’s frustration is rooted in the drastic transformation of the pitch conditions during the series. He described the initial match as a typical Dambulla wicket, suitable for competitive play. However, he noted a troubling shift in the subsequent games,
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Only 22% of FTZ workers allowed to vote
Oct 24 (CT) Of the 80,000 workers in Free Trade Zones (FTZ), including Katunayake, Biyagama, Watupitiwala, and Mirigama, only 22% had the opportunity to vote in the recently held Prez Election, according to several organisations working on the welfare of FTZ workers. They also pointed out that garment workers’ supervisors have demanded to vote for their parties and candidates at workplaces. At a media briefing held yesterday, these organisations highlighted 2 critical demands
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අරක්කු මාෆියාවේ හෙළිදරව්ව 01
Sri Lanka India Society commemorates 78th Independence Day of India
Oct 24 (FT) SL India Society (SLIS) President Kishore Reddy, and the executive committee of the society organised a commemorative dinner to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of India with Minister Vijitha Herath as the Chief Guest and Indian High Commissioner to SL Santosh Jha, as the Guest of Honour. Event also saw the presence of diplomats, society members, officials, and numerous other dignitaries, all gathered to celebrate an evening of camaraderie at Taj Samudra
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Nusith Kumaratunga new Chairman at Sri Lanka Insurance Corp
Oct 24 (FT) The Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) yesterday announced the appointment of Nusith Kumaratunga as the new Chairman with effect from 18 October, with Kumaratunga assuming official duties on 22 October 2024. A seasoned professional with extensive experience in finance, management, and entrepreneurship, Kumaratunga brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the leadership of Sri Lanka’s largest and most established insurance provider.
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Easter attacks: Gammanpila slams Govt’s rejection of 2 Ranil-era reports
Oct 24 (TM) PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila criticised the Govt’s decision to reject two reports on the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which were published in the public domain by him. Gammanpila argued that dismissing the said reports based on allegations against the committees’ members is unjustified and irresponsible. The reports in question were commissioned by former Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, and
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Maritime Security: Aussi donated aircraft due this week
Oct 24 (TM) Sri Lanka continues to build its maritime domain awareness (MDA) capacity with the arrival of another, maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), donated by the Govt of Australia. Aircraft which is expected to be ferried to SL today is a Beechcraft KingAir 350 which had been in service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and has been refurbished and modernised to perform the maritime patrol role. It is learnt that Australia has provided training for SL personnel on the platform.
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President and US Ambassador continue engagement despite security warnings
Oct 24 (FT) Despite the security advisories of potential threats in the Eastern Province yesterday, both Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake and US Ambassador Julie Chung continued with their political and official duties respectively. Prez participated in a political rally in Trincomalee as part of his Building the Nation Together — We are for Malimawa campaign series, drawing thousands of people despite concerns over safety. In a post on ‘X’, Prez expressed gratitude to the crowd:
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