Dec 17 (TM) With Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India this week, speculation is rife that the arrest of Indian fishermen in SL waters could figure prominently during discussions between the SL Prez and senior members of the Indian Govt. However, Deputy Minister of Fisheries Rathna Gamage said that the release of the Indian fishermen would not be a point of discussion but rather a potential solution to the ongoing more..

Dec 17 (DM) Former Election Commission Chairman Deshapriya has challenged former Speaker Ashoka Ranwala to prove his academic credentials; he says, if Ranwala fails to do so, he should step down, urging the NPP to take action. Such an accusation is not made lightly, leaving it to Ranwala to address the matter and clear the name of the NPP and its 6.8 million voters. The key question is whether Ranwala possesses a degree in chemical engineering from the Uni of Moratuwa and more..

Dec 17 (DM) The Anura Kumara Dissanayake govt, which was sailing smoothly despite unsolved economic issues, suffered the first jolt since coming to power, when parliament Speaker Ashoka Ranwala resigned on Friday amidst accusations that his PhD was fake. Urban Development and Housing Minister Anura Karunatilake and Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara were also assailed for falsely claiming that they had Doctoral degrees. Ranwala maintained that he had acquired a PhD, more..

Dec 17 (TM) Trade Unions (TUs) attached to the education sector are up in arms over the Govt’s plan to provide sewn school uniforms to students, terming it impractical. The new Govt has decided to provide sewn school uniforms to address inefficiencies in the current system. Earlier this month, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Hadunnetti announced the Govt’s plan to provide sewn school uniforms more..

Dec 17 (DM) It seems to be a ritual rather than a custom for the SL Presidents in the recent past to undertake their first overseas tour to India, geographically closest country. Mahinda Rajapaksa during his first tenure as the Prez in 2005 paid his first official visit to New Delhi in December in the same year while his successor Maithripala Sirisena did the same in February 2015. The maiden official overseas destination for both Prezs Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Anura Kumara Dissnayake more..

Dec 17 (CT) When Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) concluded that the law had been implemented like a spider’s web, where small animals are caught, while larger entities can break through and evade it, Prez AKD hit the nail on the head of CIABOC authorities. CIABOC must understand the fact that the law is not for the authorities to sit on and ensure continuous impunity for culprits and hence to sow injustice anymore under the regime of AKD/NPP because AKD/NPP is fully committed to more..

Dec 16 (AD) Parliament will convene tomorrow where a new Speaker shall be elected following the Oaths and Affirmation of new Members of Parliament as provided by Standing Orders and the Constitution, said the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera. The matter was discussed when the Committee on Parliamentary Business met today, chaired by the Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih. Several amendments have also been made to more..

Dec 16 (ST) The Embassy of Netherlands, in collaboration with SL Press Institute (SLPI), has announced the arrival of the prestigious World Press Photo Exhibition (WPP) 2024 in SL. The exhibition, running from January 10 to February 2, presents a curated selection of the best and most impactful photojournalism and documentary photography from around the world to engage in critical reflection on crucial global issues. Exhibition will be showcased across Colombo, Jaffna and Galle more..

Dec 16 (EN) A joint statement was released after a meeting between SL President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Narendra Modi of India. The full text of the statement is reproduced below: PM of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi and President of SL Anura Kumara Disanayaka had comprehensive and fruitful discussions at their meeting in New Delhi on 16 Dec 2024, during the latter’s State Visit to the Republic of India. more..

Dec 16 (OP) India plans to deliver LNG to SL as part of efforts to boost bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the Indian foreign ministry said on Monday as SL’s newly elected president visited India. Indian PM Narendra Modi welcomed SL’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on his first visit to India since Dissanayake won the prez election in September. The two countries also continue discussions on establishing a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India & SL, more..

Dec 16 (TM) Ministry of Plantation is in the process of determining whether SL will seek a Geographical Indication (GI) for Ceylon pepper on a region-specific basis, while the GI for Ceylon golden pineapple is in its final stages, awaiting the conclusion of local registration. Ministry of Plantation Industries Development of Minor Export Crops Plantation Division Director R.C. Watawala stated that they had been working towards obtaining a GI for Ceylon pepper for a while. more..

Dec 16 (CT) The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has announced that Sri Lankans residing abroad who have contributed by repatriating money to the country’s Treasury Bills and Treasury Bonds will be exempted from paying income tax on the interest earned from those investments. In addition, the Dept has stated that any Samurdhi community-based bank established under the Samurdhi Development Dept has been exempted from income tax more..

Dec 16 (NW) SL govt has repatriated 27 nationals, including eight women, who were held in a human trafficking camp in Myanmar. The group returned this afternoon on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 405, which landed at Katunayake. Authorities escorted the individuals to their homes under special security arrangements. The victims had been trapped in illegal cybercrime operations linked to human trafficking networks. Officials report that 14 Sri Lankans remain in similar camps in Myanmar, more..

Dec 16 (FT) French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Secretary General Anne-Marie Descôtes undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 10-11 December to attend the inauguration of the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) on 11 Dec. The Regional Centre for Maritime Studies is a Sri Lanka-France bilateral initiative that aims to strengthen capacity and knowledge mainly in maritime safety and security. more..

Dec 16 (EN) SL’s Prez Anura Dissanayake and Indian PM Narendra Modi discussed energy connectivity including picking up pace on the Sampur project, during Dissanayake’s first foreign State visit since assuming office. Modi and Dissanayake addressed a joint press conference and outlined their vision for strengthening bilateral ties. “In our economic cooperation, we have laid emphasis on investment-led growth and connectivity,” Modi, who spoke in Hindi, more..

Dec 16 (FT) The appointment of highly qualified finance professionals as chairpersons and board members of major banking and financial institutions is driven solely by merit to ensure competent leadership to address challenges and opportunities effectively, a top official said. Some of the recent appointments feature current and former professional bankers, including Kavinda De Zoysa as Bank of Ceylon Chairman, Prof. P.N.D. Fernando as People’s Bank Chairman, more..

Dec 16 (DM) Former Prez Maithripala Sirisena, through his counsel, informed the Court of Appeal today that he will not claim any rights to the SLFP chairmanship in the future. Prez's Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing on behalf of the former Prez, informed court that the contempt of court application filed against his client for allegedly disregarding an order issued by the Colombo District Court concerning the SLFP chairmanship more..

Dec 16 (CT) The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has announced that it can authorise special Police investigations in cases where a complainant does not receive justice through other law enforcement channels or when the severity of the case requires immediate intervention. In such instances, the Chairman of the NCPA has the authority to grant permission for a special investigation to ensure that the rights and protection of children are upheld. more..

Dec 16 (DM) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake was ceremonially welcomed by Indian Prez Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. The ceremonial reception began with Prez Dissanayake being escorted to the Rashtrapati Bhavan by a horseback parade. He was warmly greeted by Indian Prez Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi. The event included a 21-gun salute, marking the occasion with full state honours. Following the formalities, more..

Dec 16 (DM) Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara has lodged a formal complaint with the CID today requesting an inquiry into the inclusion of inaccurate educational qualifications in the Parliament database. Minister expressed concerns that the erroneous data might have been deliberately entered with the aim of defaming him or eroding public trust in the country. Minister Nanayakkara's name had been listed as more..

Dec 16 (TM) The Competent Authority (CA) for the three disbanded sports bodies, to netball, automobile and cycling, Dr. Shemal Fernando says, that each of those defunct federations could be revived in no time. However, he was quick to point out that there was a catch to it and noted for that to materialise, the pending legal cases filed against him, before the Court of Appeal, will need to be withdrawn by the respective petitioners. He said the onus was currently on those, more..

Dec 16 (AD) The Former SL High Commissioner to India, Austin Fernando, claims that there is a possibility that incumbent Prez Anura Dissanayake may reconsider the 13th Amendment to the Constitution when proposing a new Constitution. He noted that it is an excellent intension of the government to reduce corruption and bring back some of the money that are due to Sri Lanka but are hidden elsewhere. Meanwhile, he also highlighted that, under its vision statement, more..

Dec 16 (AD) The Indian owner of the Galle Marvels team in the Lanka T10 Super League, who was arrested on Thursday over match-fixing allegations, has been ordered to be further remanded until December 18 after being produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today. The case was taken up before Colombo Magistrate Thilina Gamage this morning. During the trial, the defendant Indian national has informed the court that he is prepared to provide a confidential statement more..

Dec 16 (AD) Three SL photographers made headlines with their remarkable captures at the prestigious Sanctuary Asia Wildlife Photography Awards 2024, showcasing the beauty and challenges of wildlife through their lenses. SL’s Tharindu Dilshan Sendanayake claimed the coveted first prize with his breathtaking photograph titled Primal Fury, taken at Yala National Park. The image vividly captures a dramatic life-or-death struggle between a dominant SL leopard more..

Dec 16 (NW) Chairman of the Citizen’s Movement Against Fraud, Corruption, and Waste, Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, has lodged a complaint with the CID against MP Namal Rajapaksa, alleging irregularities at the SL Law College exam. Thushara claimed there is a witness who can testify that MP Rajapaksa received special assistance during the competitive exam at the Law College. “There is a witness who can testify more..

Dec 16 (AD) The public consultation conducted by the Public Utilities Commission of SL (PUCSL) regarding the proposed tariff revision is scheduled to get underway from tomorrow. Accordingly, the general public are allowed to submit their opinions regarding the matter virtually or in writing before Jan 8, 2024. The relevant submissions can be forwarded to the PUCSL via; Email – info@pucsl.gov.lk; WhatsApp – 076 4271030; Facebook – www.facebook.com/pucsl; more..

Dec 16 (DM) India plans to supply liquefied natural gas to Sri Lanka's power plants and will work on connecting the power grids of the two countries as well as lay a petroleum pipeline between the neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday. Modi was speaking at a joint press briefing with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi. India will collaborate with Sri Lanka on a Unique Digital Identity program, said PM Modi. more..

Dec 16 (EN) Prez Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region, when he met Indian PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. Prez Dissanayake is India on a three-day official visit through Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and other cooperation including defence. This is Dissanayake’s first foreign visit since elected as the president in September this year following more..

Dec 16 (DM) A Cabinet Paper has been drafted to provide concessionary loan facilities for farmers affected by disruptions to their piggeries by the spread of the African Swine Disease in the country, Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Namal Karunaratne said. According to the Department of Animal Production and Health, the disease, which initially affected wild boars, has started to spread to piggaries. Hence, steps are being taken to contain the disease. more..

Dec 16 (FT) SL adventurer Johann Peries is on the cusp of making mountaineering history as he sets out to conquer the prestigious Seven Summits challenge — scaling the tallest peak on each continent. Already celebrated as the first Sri Lankan man to summit Mount Everest, Johann has reached the peaks of four of these iconic mountains. Now, with unwavering resolve and a desire to elevate SL’s standing on the global stage, he’s preparing for the final three summits more..

Dec 16 (FT) One side-effect of the polarising effect of nationalism and populism around the world in recent years has been a decrease in the political stability and mandate enjoyed by incumbent regimes. From the erosion of nationalist hegemony in Malaysia or India to the rise of populism in the United States and pockets of Europe, swings in both directions have led to fragile coalitions, divided legislatures and a rise in uncertainty. One of the few silver linings to emerge from this cloud of more..

Dec 16 (FT) PM Harini Amarasuriya, on assuming duties at the vocational training ministry, is reported to have highlighted the importance of integrating school education, higher education, and vocational education as interconnected components of the education system. This policy goal of education is in line with the London University’s educationist Alison Wolf who said that education matters only if it involves both education and training and is connected to economic activities. more..