http://www.sundaytimes.lk Official website of the Sunday Times Newspaper in Sri Lanka Sat, 28 Oct 2023 18:50:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/lankas-free-indian-ocean-policy-draws-more-ships-537234.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:58 pm lt;img class= quot;aligncenter size-full wp-image-537235 quot; title= quot;ST-20231029-M01-ST quot; src= quot;http://sundaytimes.lk/231029/uploads/2023/10/ST-20231029-M01-ST.jpg quot; alt= quot; quot; width= quot;600 quot; height= quot;404 quot; / gt; With the controversial visit of a Chinese research vessel coming here on a compromise reached by Beijing and Colombo, Sri Lanka also hosted two ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/new-body-will-hold-mps-accountable-for-misconduct-537232.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:53 pm lt;ul gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Provision to expel any member found guilty; registry to record conflict of interest lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; lt;/ul gt; lt;strong gt;By Sandun Jayawardana lt;/strong gt; A proposed Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) will have powers to expel MPs found guilty of serious acts of misconduct, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/lycamobiles-french-company-bosses-fined-and-jailed-for-money-laundering-537230.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:52 pm Lycamobile's French companies were on Thursday fined 10mn euros by a Paris court for money laundering and value-added tax (VAT) fraud. The group rsquo;s former chief executive officer Christopher Tooley also received a prison sentence and a heavy fine for complicity in the VAT fraud, agency reports said. Lycamobile, owned by Subaskaran Allirajah, has said it disagreed with the decision and h... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/port-city-duty-free-business-minimum-investment-laid-down-537228.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:52 pm Investors wishing to start duty-free retail business operations and duty-free shopping mall operations at Colombo Port City will be required to bring in a minimum investment of USD 5 million and USD 7 million, respectively. This is in terms of new regulations gazetted by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC). In addition to an investment of USD 5 million, investors looking to sta... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/lanka-votes-for-un-resolution-on-gaza-truce-india-takes-pro-israel-stance-537226.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:51 pm lt;strong gt;By Our Diplomatic Editor nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; Sri Lanka voted for a Jordanian draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, co-sponsored by 40 others, mostly Arab states, calling for a truce to the ongoing armed conflict in the Palestinian Gaza and voted against a Canadian amendment naming and condemning Hamas for the terrorist attack in Israel on October 7 withou... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/lanka-reaches-compromise-with-china-on-controversial-visit-of-research-vessel-537223.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:50 pm Sri Lanka permitted the Chinese vessel Shi Yan 6, now docked at the Colombo port, to engage in a two-day quot;joint research quot; with local partners limited to two specific days starting from tomorrow onwards with the Navy as observers. As the local partner, National Aquatic Research Agency's (NARA) marine scientists will be on board throughout the period. The University of Ruhuna, which was... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/al-exams-sc-calls-for-preliminary-objections-to-fr-petition-filed-by-students-537204.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:47 pm The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered respondents to file preliminary objections over a fundamental rights petition filed by a group of GCE Advanced Level students asking the court to issue an order further postponing the Advanced Level Examination scheduled to begin on January 4, next year. When the petition was taken up before a three-judge SC bench comprising Justices Murdhu Fernando, Kumudini ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/president-calls-for-collective-effort-to-forge-a-new-future-at-royal-college-event-537201.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:19 pm President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (28) urged politicians and citizens alike to set their sights on a new vision for the nation, emphasising the need to build a new country, a fresh economy and a reinvigorated political system, united for the common good. He made the appeal while addressing a ceremony at his alma mater Royal College, Colombo, to mark a century of educational excellence at... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/donation-or-drug-dumping-new-scandal-rocks-health-sector-537199.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:16 pm lt;ul gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Unsolicited and not-used-in-Sri Lanka medicines enter the system; NMRA issues waivers and nbsp; lt;/strong gt; lt;strong gt;tax-relief requests; WHO guidelines ignored nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Questions over whether big pharmaceutical companies are sending short-expiry drugs for incineration here lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/former-army-commanders-final-rites-held-with-full-military-honours-537194.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:14 pm The funeral of former Army Commander, General Lionel Balagalle took place yesterday at the Borella General Cemetery with full military honours. General Balagalle passed away on Thursday at the age of 75 from a brief illness while being treated at the Army Hospital, Narahenpita. He became the 16th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army in August 2000 and relinquished his duties four years later in J... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/top-financier-ravi-abeysuriyas-funeral-held-537185.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:09 pm Top finance sector professional Ravi Abeysuriya rsquo;s funeral was held yesterday. Mr Abeysuriya had a proven track record of establishing and managing several financial sector institutions in credit rating, investment research outsourcing, investment banking, stock broking and asset management. He possessed over 20 years of hands-on practical experience, and broad knowledge of financial ma... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/much-needs-to-be-done-to-address-lead-poisoning-in-sri-lanka-cej-537180.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:03 pm lt;strong gt;By Tharushi Weerasinghe nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; Lead is a heavy metal known for its toxicity, states the World Health Organisation (WHO), adding that lead exposure leads to 21.7 million years lost to disability and death worldwide. About one million people die from lead poisoning worldwide, with countless others, including children, suffering from various lead-related health... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/as-rafah-crossing-remains-shut-17-lankans-trapped-in-gaza-have-no-way-out-537173.html 28 October 2023 @ 11:01 pm lt;ul gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Ramallah mission says they appear to be safe; some living in a refugee camp, some in a church lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Lankan migrants come in for high praise from Israeli officials, Tel Aviv renews visas of legal visitors nbsp; lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; lt;/ul gt; lt;strong gt;By Sandun Jayawardana nbsp; lt;/strong gt; As Is... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/multibillion-heroin-haul-seized-from-local-trawlers-537166.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:56 pm lt;strong gt;By S. Rubatheesan nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; Two Sri Lankan vessels - Sri Lanka Coast Guard rsquo;s Samudraraksha and the Navy rsquo;s SLNS Vijayabahu were engaged in patrolling in deep southern waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line last Thursday following intelligence from the State Intelligence Service of movements of narcotics. The two vessels on Thursday and ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/its-a-crime-sri-lanka-lacks-proper-laws-to-fight-increasing-online-violence-against-children-537163.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:46 pm lt;strong gt;By Namini Wijedasa nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; Sri Lanka is experiencing a serious spike in online violence against children and the threats will continue to rise unless laws are implemented urgently, a high-level Committee appointed by the President to study and make recommendations for the protection of children, has warned. At present, these crimes are barely addressed. And t... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/importance-of-maintaining-excellence-in-challenging-times-strong-words-from-senior-doctor-537156.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:44 pm lt;ul gt; lt;li gt; lt;strong gt;Prof. Janaka De Silva speaks as Chief Guest at the Academic Sessions nbsp; lt;/strong gt; lt;strong gt;of the Sri Lanka College of Oncologists lt;/strong gt; lt;/li gt; lt;/ul gt; The searchlight was turned inward recently when a respected medical academic took a critical look at the role of doctors. ldquo;Doctors are expected to make the care of their p... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/alert-over-festive-period-road-death-risks-from-speeding-and-booze-537151.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:37 pm lt;p style= quot;text-align: left; quot; align= quot;center quot; gt; lt;strong gt;By Nadia Fazlulhaq nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; lt;/p gt; If the government fails to strictly implement laws against road traffic violations, the coming festive period will see many lives lost, experts warn. According to the police, 1,790 people have died in 17,965 road traffic accidents this year (up to October ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/power-tariffs-anger-directed-at-rs-42-7m-overdue-bills-from-politicos-537145.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:31 pm lt;strong gt; lt;em gt;By Kasun Warakapitiya nbsp; nbsp; lt;/em gt; lt;/strong gt; Angry people, trade unions, industrialists, and political parties continue their protests countrywide against the increased electricity tariffs. They complain that the new tariffs imposed last Friday were a measure taken to cover up the losses of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). They point out that one ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/eoi-ad-next-week-plans-to-wrap-up-srilankan-airlines-restructuring-deal-in-two-months-537245.html 28 October 2023 @ 10:11 pm lt;strong gt;By Damith Wickremasekara lt;/strong gt; Expressions of interest to restructure SriLankan Airlines will be invited next week, with its catering service, ground handling, and destinations on offer. Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary Ruwan Chandra said they hoped to advertise in the international media calling for EOI with the hope of completing the process within two... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/many-milestones-as-orthopaedic-association-holds-annual-meeting-537103.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:42 pm The 15th Annual Meeting of the Sri Lanka Orthopaedic Association (SLOA) will be held on Thursday, November 2, in Colombo, on the theme lsquo;Stability and Growth in Uncertain Times rsquo;. Fifteen Teaching Hospitals, 17 District General Hospitals, 4 Base Hospitals and 1 Provincial General Hospital around the country have orthopaedic units which provide a range of services from trauma care to e... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/marooned-in-their-homes-by-flood-waters-matara-residents-point-fingers-at-the-salinity-barrier-537094.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:33 pm lt;em gt; lt;strong gt;By Dilushi Wijesinghe lt;/strong gt; lt;/em gt; Stranded in one's home for over a month, submerged in nearly 2 frac12; feet of water-- this has been the fate of many people residing in Matara. Wattage Chandana, a resident of Kamburupitiya owns a rice mill and is the father of two. He and his family have been stranded in their home since the beginning of September. ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/seethas-tale-team-of-veterinarians-conclude-investigative-report-537082.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:24 pm Prof. Pushpakumar, Dean at the University of Peradeniya's Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Faculty, has sent the report on Seetha the elephant to the Mahiyangana Magistrate. The findings of the report were put together by a team of veterinarians, headed by Dr K. Nisantha. They said Seetha is being held at Ranawana, after she was shot in Mahiyanganaya. Prof. Pushpakumar believed no x... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/dead-fish-in-mundalama-tank-537077.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:22 pm Dead fish have been found floating in the Mundalama tank in Udappuwa near Chilaw. It was suspected that wastewater from adjacent factories was causing an environmental hazard. A fisheries department official said the matter would be investigated. [caption id= quot;attachment_537079 quot; align= quot;alignleft quot; width= quot;500 quot; caption= quot;Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe quo... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/rat-fever-danger-increases-in-flooded-provinces-537071.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:17 pm lt;img class= quot;alignright size-full wp-image-537072 quot; title= quot;RatFever quot; src= quot;http://sundaytimes.lk/231029/uploads/2023/10/RatFever.jpg quot; alt= quot; quot; width= quot;488 quot; height= quot;310 quot; / gt;Make sure to wear gloves and slippers or boots when gardening, farming, and during cultivation, health officials advise, as they warn of an increase in leptospirosis (ra... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/caa-raids-outlets-selling-rice-above-gazetted-price-537068.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:14 pm As certain samba rice varieties are hard to come by in the market, the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has intensified raids on wholesale and retail shops to crack down on hoarding and take legal action against traders creating an artificial scarcity. A CAA spokesman said the move follows complaints that several retail shops were selling rice above the maximum retail price. Keeri Samba and Sup... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/usab-rules-senior-jaffna-university-lecturers-dismissal-unlawful-537065.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:11 pm The University Services Appeals Board (USAB) has ruled that the dismissal of a senior university lecturer from the University of Jaffna (UoJ) over examination malpractices was contrary to law. While Prof. Sarvananthan has been deemed guilty of improper conduct in relation to official duties, the USAB has recommended the payment of back wages and allowances to him, subject to any pecuniary punis... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/teachers-and-principals-dig-in-their-heels-on-overdue-pay-537055.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:09 pm [caption id= quot;attachment_537061 quot; align= quot;alignright quot; width= quot;500 quot; caption= quot;Teachers protesting in Colombo. Pic by Akila Jayawardena quot;] lt;img class= quot;size-full wp-image-537061 quot; title= quot;_DSC8722_18- quot; src= quot;http://sundaytimes.lk/231029/uploads/2023/10/DSC8722_18-.jpg quot; alt= quot; quot; width= quot;500 quot; height= quot;334 quot; / gt;[/c... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/more-lankan-women-are-becoming-dependent-in-old-age-a-survey-finds-537029.html 28 October 2023 @ 9:04 pm [caption id= quot;attachment_537049 quot; align= quot;alignright quot; width= quot;500 quot; caption= quot;Around 50% of women are dependent on the government, despite their ability to work hard and earn an income (file pic) quot;] lt;img class= quot;size-full wp-image-537049 quot; title= quot;1 quot; src= quot;http://sundaytimes.lk/231029/uploads/2023/10/116.jpg quot; alt= quot; quot; width= quot... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/new-mushroom-species-found-in-home-gardens-and-university-537041.html 28 October 2023 @ 8:44 pm lt;strong gt;By Malaka Rodrigo nbsp; nbsp; lt;/strong gt; The rain has become a hassle for most Sri Lankans these days, but keep an eye on your garden as these damp conditions could wake up sleeping mushroom beauties. ldquo;Sri Lanka has very good mushroom diversity, but as these are largely understudied, perhaps the mushroom in your garden too can be a species new to science, rdquo; says ... http://www.sundaytimes.lk/231029/news/pick-of-the-pix-537030.html 28 October 2023 @ 8:37 pm [gallery link= quot;file quot; columns= quot;4 quot; orderby= quot;rand quot;]...