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Home » NewsCrime-scene ignominy for crisis-ridden SLFP
The SLFP, embroiled in crisis after crisis, saw its headquarters being sealed yesterday as a crime scene, while the party’s one-time general secretary is seen reading a court order preventing party leader Maithripala Sirisena from entering the party’s Darley Road headquarters. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
As rupee value rises quick measures to bring down prices
Price control likely if super-profit-earning traders fail to act responsibly By Damith Wickremasekara With the rupee set to appreciate further against the US dollar, the Trade Ministry has been directed to formulate measures to ensure that the benefits are passed on to consumers of imported goods, including food items. A senior Treasury official told the [...]
Sri Lanka optimistic about finalising debt restructuring talks in London
By Bandula Sirimanna Given the current favourable macroeconomic headwinds and economic resurgence, Sri Lanka is optimistic about finalising debt-restructuring talks in London with international creditors and entering into an agreement on the US$12 billion debt re-work proposal, a senior Finance Ministry official told the Sunday Times. The talks ended this week with Treasury Secretary Mahinda [...]
Govt. to hold another round of talks with private creditors in Washington
Private creditors holding US$ 12.5 billion of Sri Lanka’s sovereign debt are expected to hold another round of talks with government officials next week in Washington, reports say. A first round of talks in late March in London between the ad hoc group of international sovereign bondholders and the Government of Sri Lanka has ended [...]
61 deaths by hanging in prisons in past four years
A total of 61 people—suspects and convicts—are alleged to have hung themselves while in prison between 2020 and last year, according to statistics released by the Department of Prisons in response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act. In the four years for which details have been released, a total of 631 [...]
SLFP headquarters sealed; charges of missing files
The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headquarters was sealed off yesterday, designating the area as a ‘crime scene’ after a senior party member complained that important files had gone missing. A Maradana Police senior officer said that security had been stepped up around the party headquarters at Darley Road, and investigations were in progress as [...]
7 to 25 years tax exemptions for investors setting up factories in Eravur BOI zone
New concessions declared by Govt. despite Sri Lanka’s commitment under the ongoing IMF programme to stop this scheme The Government has promised tax exemptions of seven to 25 years to any investor that sets up factories in the Board of Investment’s (BOI) dedicated textile manufacturing zone in Eravur, Batticaloa. The March 28, 2024, gazette amends an earlier [...]
Peradeniya new VC: Three names submitted to President
A new Vice Chancellor would be appointed to the University of Peradeniya after the Convocation on May 30. The present Vice Chancellor Professor M.D.Lamawansa would relinquish his position only in August. Three names have been submitted to the President for a final decision.
EC’s local council election decisions contravene the Constitution: AG
By Ranjith Padmasiri The Election Commission (EC) had taken all its decisions related to the local government election contrary to the Constitution and the Local Government Elections Ordinance, the Attorney General told the Supreme Court. Additional Solicitor General Nerin Pulle stated this while making submissions on behalf of the President, Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary to [...]
Chinese donation of data collecting equipment to help atmospheric studies
By L B Senaratne The University of Peradeniya could collect data of atmospheric conditions not only in the country, but in the region in the future, with the installation of equipment donated to the University by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences, officials said. The equipment has been installed at the University [...]
Govt. to upgrade defective RAMIS amid opposition from IRD unions
By Damith Wickramasekara The Treasury will submit a Cabinet Paper next week to upgrade the Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) over three years at a cost of several billion rupees. The upgrade is being undertaken in line with the International Monetary Fund’s instructions to increase the government’s tax revenue. Inland Revenue Department (IRD) unions, [...]
Radio-pharmaceutical facility to be set up in Katunayake
Cabinet approval has been granted for the establishment of a cyclotron radio-pharmaceutical facility to produce radio-pharmaceuticals critical for cancer treatment and diagnosis. Radio-pharmaceuticals are widely used in PET-CT scanning for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. Imported radio-pharmaceuticals cannot be stored for a long period due to the nature of the molecules. The cabinet has [...]
Customs trade unions oppose changes to Customs Ordinance
By Niranjala Ariyawansha The Finance Ministry has decided to amend a number of sections of the Sri Lanka Customs Ordinance. The Customs Trade Union Alliance is opposing the move that will curtail the powers of customs officials. The Sunday Times learns that a copy of the draft amendments prepared by the Ministry has been sent [...]
Rs 750m pledged, but India- Sri Lanka ambulance service faces funding emergency
By Hafsa Sabry In a country where access to timely medical care was once a luxury, Suwa Seriya emerges as a beacon of hope, delivering swift and free ambulance services to those in need. Praised by the World Bank for its remarkable efficiency, Suwa Seriya stands as a testament to the power of digital innovation [...]
Chemical on board Dali was raw material used to make industrial gloves, says BOI company
Vessel was carrying resin solution, categorised as hazardous; Ansell Lanka says it adheres to regulations By Sunimalee Dias A Board of Investment (BOI) company in Sri Lanka is the importer of the hazardous material scheduled to have been shipped to Colombo, according to the manifest of the “Dali” vessel chartered by Maersk. More vessels with [...]
Colombo identifies 100, unsafe crumbling buildings
By Dilushi Wijesinghe Authorities are in the process of identifying buildings in a dilapidated state in the city of Colombo following complaints to examine the stability and safety of buildings received by the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), National Building Research Organisation (NBRO), Urban Development Authority (UDA), and the police. CMC Municipal Commissioner Bhadranie Jayawardhana, Chief [...]
Tourism industy elated by Cabinet decision to allow imports of 1000 vehicles
By Nathara Abeywickrema The Tourism Ministry Secretary will chair two committees that will recommend criteria for the import of vehicles for the tourism sector, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando said. The Cabinet this week granted permission to import a limited number of vehicles for the tourism sector. The Cabinet’s decision to [...]
Newly discovered fireflies stir hopes of other species
By Malaka Rodrigo Fireflies are interesting insects as they produce a greenish light. While continuing their ongoing research on fireflies in Rammale Forest, a team of researchers from the University of Ruhuna noticed a few flying firefly species that looked different. In addition to fireflies, there were wingless alien-looking glow worms [known in Sinhala as're [...]
Avurudu shopping woes: Soaring prices pose major barrier at food markets
Ways and Means Committee highlights obscene profits food importers make; but merchants dispute its findings By Kasun Warakapitiya The usual hustle and bustle of markets, busy streets, and crowded supermarkets associated with the National New Year were absent, despite Avurudu being just a few days away, coinciding with the Ramadan festival. Traders said the moderate [...]
Sri Lankans asked to choose auspicious times from disputed almanac
By Kasun Warakapitiya With only a few days remaining for the Sinhala Tamil New Year, there is still confusion about auspicious times, following a dispute among astrologers. While the two factions—the state committee and a rival group of astrologers—presented different auspicious times and then refused to compromise, the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake, told [...]
Pay attention to safety as you celebrate Avurudu, warn health officials
By Nathara Abeywickrema With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year just days away, health authorities have urged the public to pay attention to safety issues when celebrating, as there is always an increase in various accidents during this holiday season. Head of Injury Prevention and Control Unit of the Directorate of Non Communicable Diseases at [...]
Naval snake charmers
By Jayaratne Wickramaarachchi As a part of the ‘snake handling’ module in the syllabus of the initial training of the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) programme of the Sri Lanka Navy, soldiers and officers engaged in the one-day programme at the Eluwankulama Gangewadiya Navy Camp on April 3. The programme is conducted annually for new [...]
Our Lady of Madu statue in Jaffna
By N Lohathayalan The Our Lady of Madu statue was brought to Jaffna on Saturday (6) for the centenary celebration. On a request by the Rt Rev Archbishop of Jaffna the “Madu Matha” statue will be taken to all the parishes in Jaffna till April 30. The Jaffna Diocese has made this arrangement for the [...]
China-Sri Lanka water research lab commemorative plaque unveiled
By L B Senaratne The China Sri Lanka Joint Research and Demonstration Center for Water Technology, worth 4 billion rupees, commenced in 2018 after an implementation agreement was signed between the two countries. The construction was completed in 2021 and the building was handed over to the University of Peradeniya. The centre is in operation [...]
Calypso and Dunhinda Odyssey to Badulla, Bandarawela
The ‘Calypso’ special tourist train operating from Badulla to Bandarawela was launched by Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana on Friday at the Badulla Railway Station. The train has a viewing coach and a dining compartment. A special luxury tourist train named ‘Dunhinda Odyssey’ operating from Badulla to Colombo Fort was launched in commemoration of [...]
Bakers, eateries won’t cut prices in response to meagre gas price drop
By Nathara Abeywickrema Despite the reduction in the price of gas, restaurant operators say they are unlikely to pass on the benefit to customers because they are already grappling with rising prices of bakery ingredients and commodities. All Ceylon Bakery Owners’ Association president N. K. Jayawardena assured that bakers will not reduce prices regardless of [...]
Safeguarding democracy by combatting hate speech and disinformation
By Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, exclusive to the Sunday Times In the last decade, hatred and misinformation on social media have contributed to violence across the world. When the UN Secretary-General launched his Plan of Action on Hate Speech in 2019, he said “public discourse is being weaponized for political gain with incendiary [...]
Transfer of expressways from RDA to Sahasya to take six months: Min Sec
It will take the Highways Ministry at least six months to devise a strategy under which Sri Lanka’s expressways can be transferred from the Road Development Authority (RDA) to the State-owned company named Sahasya Investments Ltd (SIL), although Cabinet approved the relevant management agreement to take effect on April 1 this year. SIL still has [...]
‘Let’s take SL’s healthcare to higher level through leadership, professionalism & efficiency’
New President of the College of Medical Administrators, Dr. Kumara Wickremasinghe proposes meticulous plan to improve patient outcomes By Kumudini Hettiarachchi The programme of the evening went like clockwork – amidst a rare downpour in an otherwise searing day of heat – for he is well-known for precision and efficiency. This was also his promise [...]
Hot weather brings bad news of white fly infestation in coconut trees
Agriculture officials introduce biological control agent to counter it By S. Rubatheesan Agrarian authorities have introduced a biological control agent to curb white fly infestations in coconut trees, which have been made worse by the prevailing heat that creates a conducive environment for the infestation. The biological control agent, Encarsia guadeloupe, one of the parasitoid [...]
The NPP’s sidestepping in Jaffna and repeating deadly mistakes
National People’s Power (NPP) presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s pronouncement in Jaffna earlier this week that he did not come to bargain for votes by assuring that he would give ’13 plus’ or a ‘federal solution’ begs the crucial question as to what exactly is the NPP’s public position in regard to these and other [...]
Spring festival in Nuwara Eliya
By Shelton Hettiarachchi in Nuwara Eliya The annual spring festival (Wasantha Uthsawaya) celebrated at Nuwara Eliya which commenced on Monday attracted a high number of local tourists. The Nuwara Eliya municipal council is organising the festival with the support of State-institutions. The festival kicked off on Monday, at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya. Central Province [...]
It’s nesting time for sea turtles, wildlife officials ensure safe haven
By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe Once again, sea turtles have started to surface on the northwestern shores of Sri Lanka for nesting. As large numbers come ashore at night, the officials of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and security forces personnel are doing their best to ensure a safe environment for these nesting turtles. Sea [...]