May 2 (Island) JVP/NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday said that victory was assured for his party in any forthcoming election as they had won support, trust and confidence of more than 51% of the electors throughout the country. Dissanayake addressed two May Day rallies of the JVP/NPP in Matara and Colombo. He said: “Our enemies mocked us saying that converting 3% of popularity into 51% would be a miracle. more..

May 2 (CT) Addressing the rally to celebrate International Labour Day, former Prez Mahinda Rajapaksa said the true popular opinion of the country was still with the SLPP and the candidate who will win the next Presidential Election will be from the SLPP. The former Prez was speaking at the May Day rally at Campbell Park in Colombo. “First of all, I pay my respects to the working-class people gathered today at Campbell Park. Today, you have shown strength of SLPP to the country. more..

May 2 (AD) Former SL cricket captain and former minister Arjuna Ranatunga joined the May Day rally of the SJB which was held in the Thalawakele area this morning (May 01). Speaking during the event, the 1996 World Cup-winning captain said he was invited to attend the May Day rally by former Minister Palani Thigambaram and that he gladly accepted the invitation. Ranatunga had recently joined the Anti-Corruption Coalition led by former Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe. more..

May 2 (CT) Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa asserted that the SJB’s work, even while not in power, has positioned them as the foremost advocates for the people, contrasting with those presently in power, who he claims have only worked while holding office. “I want to address the events of 26 Oct 2022. They urged me to take the PM position 61 times, but I remained steadfast in my commitment to prioritise the greater good more..

May 2 (FT) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday urged political parties, including the SJB and JVP, to collaborate with the govt in safeguarding the country›s economic stability by ensuring the success of the agreement with the IMF. Speaking at the UNP May Day rally in Colombo, Prez Wickremesinghe emphasized the importance of not disrupting the IMF program and preventing the country from regressing to the economic situation of 2022, engaging in traditional political stances. more..

May 2 (FT) Former Prez Maithripala Sirisena announced Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe as the SLFP Prez candidate. Sirisena denied he would contest at the polls himself and said instead the party would field Rajapakshe at the upcoming election. “Majority in the party are in favour of Rajapakshe’s candidacy,” Sirisena said. When questioned about the party’s stance on Sirisena’s candidacy, the former Prez reiterated that he had fulfilled an electoral promise to serve only more..

May 2 (EN) Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a 70% increase in the daily wage of plantation workers to Rs. 1700 in an unprecedented move amid his plans to run for presidency later this year. Wickremesinghe announced the wage hike when he addressed the May Day rally of the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) held in the central Sri Lankan town of Kotagala, an area predominantly plantation workers live. “It was the up country people who suffered the most during the hard times. more..

May 2 (DM) Former Pakistani legend Wasim Akram will conduct a two-day training program for national players, SLC High Performance Coaches, and the coaches of the major clubs, the Sri Lanka Cricket said. The SLC said that Akram arrived in Sri Lanka this morning and will conduct five sessions, covering the SLC pace academy, HPC, and major club coaches. He will also observe SL’s national players’ preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. more..

May 2 (DM) May Day was observed yesterday in the country and elsewhere across the world, but the question remained whether it was done in a befitting manner as usual in SL with politics taking center stage rather than the rights of workers. The day has been observed across the globe since 1886 commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the workers at Hay Market, Chicago, in the US for working eight-hours a day and more..

May 2 (FT) The SL Purchasing Managers’ Index for Construction (PMI – Construction) indicates an expansion in construction activities in March, as reflected by the Total Activity Index, which recorded an index value of 55.9. “This is the third consecutive month that the index remained above the neutral threshold, denoting a steady improvement in construction activities,” Central Bank said. It said new orders increased in March at a slower pace on month-on-month basis. more..

May 2 (FT) In a move set to enhance passenger experience and expand commercial offerings, Govt announced plans to introduce a gold shop in the departure/transit area of BIA. “At present, the departure/transit area of BIA does not feature a gold shop, leaving a gap in the range of retail options available to travellers. Recognising this untapped potential, the Airports and Air Services (SL) Ltd, aims to capitalise on the lucrative business opportunity presented by the absence of such facilities more..

May 2 (Forbes) Blessed with a tropical coastline that stretches over 830 miles (1,340 km), Sri Lanka beckons travelers with promises of sun-drenched shores and azure waters. Whether you’re looking for tranquil coves for sunbathing and snorkeling, thrilling surf breaks on a pristine reef, or vibrant beachside cultural hubs, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of experiences to cater to every taste — with plenty of beautiful boutique hotels to boot. Thanks to its two monsoon seasons, more..

May 2 (FT) Promoters of the City of Dreams SL, the first of its kind integrated resort in South Asia have described it as both a game changer and a catalyst. The mega deal was announced on Tuesday whereby John Keells Holdings (JKH) has partnered with world famous Macau casino operator Melco for its former’s $ 1 billion integrated resort project developed by subsidiary Waterfront Properties Ltd. (WPL). Melco will also invest approximately $ 125 million in the fit-out and equipping of more..

May 2 (Island) Asian Games gold medallist Thrushi Karunaratne and former national record holder of the women’s 800 metres, Gayanthika Abeyratne, 400 metres sprinter Nadeesha Ramanayake and Italy based sprinter Yupun Abeykoon will vie for Paris Olympic Games qualifying standards when they compete against tough opponents at the Dubai Grand Prix on Friday. Both Karunaratne and Abeyratne have not more..

May 2 (CT) Vishmi Gunaratne’s unbeaten 73 runs propelled SL women to a resounding 67-run victory over Uganda Women in their third game of the ongoing Women’s ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers worked off at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi yesterday. Batting first, SL posted a decent 154-4 riding on the back of a half century by Vishmi Gunaratne, and in reply, Uganda fell well short of the target as they were bundled out for 87 runs. The opening partnership between Chamari more..

May 2 (FT) Electronic media baron and high net worth investor Raynor Silva has within weeks raced to become the third largest shareholder at SL’s most diversified blue chip Hayleys. The accession follows Raynor buying around 7 million shares of Hayleys between last Friday and Tuesday this week, thereby increasing his holding to around 13.5 million shares or 1.8% stake, which is slightly above the previous third largest shareholder McLarens Holdings, owning 13.2 million shares or 1.76%. more..

May 2 (FT) Exports in March have risen to a 19-month of $ 1.14 billion propelling first quarter performance by 5.7% to $ 3.17 billion. Exports in March were the highest since the Aug 2022 figure of $ 1.22 billion, and 9.8% above the achievement in the corresponding month of last year and above Feb 2024 figure of $ 1.05 billion. Expenditure on merchandise imports recorded an increase of 4% to $ 1.5 billion in March more..

May 2 (Island) Earlier this month the Cabinet approved a proposal presented by the Prez (as Minister of Defence) to admit fee-levying local students to the medical faculty of the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). Thereafter, the KDU posted a call for applications from local students (day scholars) to its MBBS programme with a May 5th, 2024, deadline—barely two weeks after the call appeared on the KDU website. Medical education is delivered by 13 state medical faculties, more..

May 2 (DM) As one who had the opportunity to serve as the Chairman and Director General of the Greater Colombo Economic Commission and later converted to the Board of Investment from 1991 to 1993 and prior to that as the Chairman of the People’s Bank during the period of Prez Premadasa, it will be appropriate for me to write about the importance to implement the economic policies of the Premadasa period to overcome the current economic crisis and achieve sustainable economic recovery on more..

May 2 (FT) In a significant development aimed at revitalising maritime infrastructure, Cabinet of Ministers approved the signing of a MoU to obtain a proposed financial grant from India for the renovation of the Karainagar Boat Yard. The decision follows the clearance received from the AG for MoU, which will facilitate the receipt of the proposed financial grant from India. Additionally, approval from Foreign Affairs Ministry has been secured, further advancing the process. more..

May 2 (FT) The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved accepting of a financial grant from India to proceed with the renovation of the Kankesanthurai Port (KKS) in Jaffna. Originally slated for implementation under the Indian credit facility, the project faced setbacks due to higher-than-expected costs estimated by consulting service agencies. Consequently, discussions were initiated with the Government of India to explore alternative funding options. more..

May 2 (ST) Persuaded by local agents that they’ll get non-combat jobs with hefty salaries, citizenship and residency for their families, Sri Lankan ex-military are flocking to Russia only to find themselves deployed to the front lines. “Even last week, a group of 40 arrived,” said one former Special Forces soldier hospitalised in Russia with injuries sustained in a Ukrainian drone attack. “A friend called me after landing. more..

May 2 (Island) The police have embarked on a campaign, parallel to their war on drugs, to clear busy intersections of beggars who solicit alms near traffic lights, causing much inconvenience to motorists. Scores of beggars have already been arrested and hauled up before courts for doing so, we are told. Sri Lankans drive and ride like bats out of hell, and champ at the bit at intersections to zing. Amber, for them, means go. So, the beggars at traffic lights not only become a nuisance to more..

May 2 (TM) SL’s school education system is gearing up to roll out reformed education methods that have been in the pipeline for three years. As the timeline nears for schoolchildren to experience the new methods of learning, there have been various suggestions to add subjects and redesign curricula in a manner best suited to shape the thinking of a citizen in the 21st century. Among the latest such topics or subjects that the Ministry of Education has been requested to include in the curriculum more..

May 2 (ST) Inconclusive talks on debt restructuring between the SL Govt and its private creditors revolving around US$ 12 billion invested in sovereign bonds have cast a shadow over any final agreement on a scheduled calendar of payments. Into the quagmire also falls the forthcoming elections with a former Treasury Secretary last week expressing concern that if no agreement is reached by June, the hopefully continuing discussions would enter the pre-election phase and more..

May 2 (CT) Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe (Ex PM, Ex MP and now the Prez) is reported to have berated the present Govt Authorities, for going around begging for funds to purchase the Anti-Corona Virus Vaccines from India (Astro-Seneca (Oxford)) and from China (Sinovac). Yes. It is great shame that our nation has managed its finances very poorly and recklessly. Even before the Robber Barons, invited by RW’s uncle “Dickie” got here, the local models were well immersed in the technology more..

May 2 (TM) The much-debated Electricity Sector Reforms Bill has come under fire once again, with engineers attached to the State-run CEB reportedly having prepared draft petitions challenging its legality. Sources indicate that the bill, recently gazetted, has prompted concerns over its quality and technical accuracy. The origin of the current controversy traces back to the turbulent journey of the bill through legislative process. more..

May 2 (CT) The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the identity and operations of facilitators involved in importing fully electric vehicles for SL migrant workers is deeply disappointing and raises serious questions about the integrity of the scheme. The Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment’s Gazette No. 2368/24, which introduced this scheme, has come under scrutiny due to the absence of clarity regarding the facilitators’ roles and operations. more..

May 2 (TM) Yesterday (1), on this year’s May Day, Govt responded to long-drawn-out salary related issues raised by the country’s plantation sector workers. Issued by the Commissioner General of Labour H.K.K.A. Jayasundara, a gazette notification dated Tuesday (30) said that the minimum daily wage for workers employed in the tea and rubber growing and manufacturing trade has been increased to Rs. 1,700. According to Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe, who spoke about more..

May 2 (TM) The presence of beggars at traffic lights in populated areas including Colombo has been causing disruption for motorists and motorbike riders. This growing concern has prompted the Police, along with certain other agencies, to embark on a campaign aimed at curbing begging at traffic lights and discouraging motorists and riders from handing out spare change. Yet, the topic is fraught with sensitivity, more..

May 2 (DM) SL's current State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) reforms coincide with an unprecedented economic crisis and the 2024 election year. The economic crisis heightens the need for reforms, but the election timing dictates that privatization should be off the table for now. Instead, reforms should focus now on fixing management, transparency, competition, and regulation. This will substantially improve the value of these SOEs to investors as well as society before privatization. more..

May 2 (DM) Historically and traditionally, democracy’s four pillars have been the Executive, legislature, judiciary and the press or media. In recent years, social media has also come to the scene largely with dramatic reports, some of which are alternative facts, twisted reports or outright lies, as we see. The US’ Republican Party Prez candidate, Donald Trump, is seeking re-election in November while he faces more than a hundred criminal charges relating to malpractice, more..