Apr 19 (DM) With the Presidential Election scheduled to be held in the first week of October, political parties have begun vigorous campaigns in electorates as well as closed door discussions with MPs in a bid to secure a basic 50% vote base which will win them the presidency. As reported earlier, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe will present himself as a national candidate who will contest from a brand new symbol and more..

Apr 19 (FT) Immigration and Emigration Dept Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya said the introduction of new visa procedures and the rollout of an online visa issuance system are set to attract a broader range of visitors, strengthening the country’s standing as a premier tourist destination in the region. “One of the key objectives behind the implementation of the new visa system is to attract new visitors to Sri Lanka, whilst also ensuring a seamless experience for repeat visitors,” more..

Apr 19 (CT) Ambassador of France to SL, Jean-Francois Pactet, embarked on a significant visit to the Hambantota International Port (HIP) with a keen eye on fostering trade prospects between France and SL. During his recent tour of the port, Envoy Pactet engaged in discussions with key stakeholders to gauge the potential for collaboration and investment by French companies. Pactet met Tissa Wickremasinghe, the Chief Operating Officer of HIPG (Hambantota International Port Group). more..

Apr 19 (FT) Govt issued an update on the progress of the divestiture of the initial set of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) saying all transactions other than SriLankan Airlines will be concluded by Aug 2024. Timeline for SriLankan Airlines is likely to extend to end Sep 2024, said a statement from the SOE Restructuring Unit (SRU). The update comes amidst concerns from prospective investors and their advisors over the inordinate delay in more..

Apr 19 (FT) Govt has published the proposed electricity sector reforms in the gazette on Wednesday, now named the SL Electricity Bill. The crucial legislation is now set to be presented to Parliament during the next sitting week. Minister Kanchana Wijesekera noted that amendments proposed by stakeholders in January have been incorporated into the revised Bill. He also stated that the Bill allows the public a two-week window from the date of its presentation in Parliament more..

Apr 19 (FT) The counsels appearing for the former personal assistant to former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission Janaka Ratnayake, Gayathri Bimba and others yesterday objected to the conditional injunction issued by the Colombo Magistrates court under the Online Safety Act (OSA) to prevent the publication of Ratnayake's personal information on social media platforms. Ratnayake, who is also a Presidential hopeful through his counsels had filed the case under latest OSA more..

Apr 19 (FT) The ICC announced that ICC cricket rights in Sri Lanka up until the end of 2025 have been awarded to MTV Channel Ltd. MTV will exploit the broadcast rights via their free to air channels, TV1, Shakthi TV and Sirasa TV. The digital rights will be exploited via www.sirasatv.lk and by icc.tv enabling more fans to watch ICC world events over the next two years. MTV network covers a large proportion of the SL population with channels covering the main three languages more..

Apr 19 (CNN) Polls opened Friday for the first and largest phase of India’s marathon general election, kicking off a vote in which PM Narendra Modi is seeking to win a rare third consecutive term. About 969 million people are eligible to vote in the biggest election in human history, with polling taking place in seven phases over the next six weeks in the world’s most populous country. The nationwide vote is considered among the most consequential in decades as Modi’s powerful right-wing BJP more..

Apr 19 (CT) A retired SL Army Major General and another individual were arrested yesterday for allegedly scamming people promising job opportunities in the Russian Military. Aged between 61 and 63 years, the two individuals were apprehended by the CID in Rajawella and Wariyapola. The arrests had been made following complaints lodged by victims of the duo. While an official confirmation surrounding more..

Apr 19 (DN) The man who was sentenced to death for brutally killing Dr. Wadu Arachchige Amarasiri, a CEB engineer due to an affair, he had with his wife and had been in hiding for 34 years was arrested by the CID from Pugoda yesterday. He was arrested on a tip off received to a CID Police Sergeant. The convict, Colambage Sarathchandra Sumanasekera alias Nandana Sumanasekera had been working as a security officer of a leading company. This convict with the support of his wife had dismembered more..

Apr 19 (FT) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) – the UN Migration entity, on 18 April, facilitated the voluntary return of eight SL migrants who were trafficked for forced criminal activities in the cyber scamming compounds in Myanmar. SL migrants have been forced into various cyber scamming activities in Myawaddy area of Myanmar, under the pretext of legitimate job offers in the IT and other customer service job fields. more..

Apr 19 (FT) SJB MP S. M. Marikkar proposed yet another alternative plan for a public debate between the SJB and the NPP party yesterday by suggesting the parties hold a debate between the economic councils of both parties, led by their respective party leaders Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Politicians from the SJB and NPP have continued to exchange rhetorical challenges regarding a public debate with no concrete plan to hold one being announced. more..

Apr 19 (FT) Bank of Ceylon said it yet again set a record during Avurudu Season with over Rs. 503 billion worth transactions carried out by customers via its service points. Bank said Rs. 185 billion worth transactions took place in BOC’s very own CRM and ATM terminals. Transactions made on the ATM and CRM network were recorded from 1 to 15 April was over 9.7 million transactions worth Rs. 185.9 billion. BOC from its countrywide branch network recorded 0.82 million transactions more..

Apr 19 (TM) In the wake of the proposed Electricity Sector Reforms Bill being published in the Govt gazette on Wednesday as the SL Electricity Bill, energy expert Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya claimed that the electricity consumers will not have the expected benefits from this particular Bill since certain long-term issues in the sector have not been addressed by the Bill. Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that more..

Apr 19 (DM) As scorching temperatures continue to sweep across Sri Lanka, the Vets in SL have issued a stark call to action, urging public to provide water access to animals especially birds. SL Veterinary Association Secretary Dr. Desika Jayasinghe said animals, much like humans are susceptible to a range of heat-related ailments including heatstroke, rashes, sunburns, diseases and parasite attacks. "Dehydration is the main challenge that both wild animals and pets face this season," more..

Apr 19 (FT) NatCon 2024, the most awaited youth leadership conference will take place from 19 to 21 April 2024, at the Hotel Sudu Araliya Polonnaruwa. This isn’t just any conference; it’s the cornerstone event for AIESEC in Sri Lanka, charting the course for leadership and growth in the year ahead. With a special emphasis on diversity, leadership, and skill-building, NatCon 2024 will bring together over 400 students from over 20 universities across SL. And the event is open to all AIESECers, more..

Apr 19 (FT) Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa voiced concerns on the Govt’s decision to increase visa fees through its new online system, warning of potential setbacks for the thriving tourism industry. Premadasa highlighted the recent recovery of the tourism sector from various challenges and expressed concern over the Govt’s decision to raise visa fees while abolishing the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. more..

Apr 19 (ST) 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 Dept of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and security forces personnel are doing their best to ensure a safe environment for these nesting turtles. Sea turtles, which have been inhabiting the oceans for millions of years, are now a critically endangered species. Out of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide, more..

Apr 19 (DM) Port City Colombo officials expressed frustration over delays in opening the downtown duty-free mall in Colombo. Originally scheduled to commence operations in April, the facility now faces an uncertain timeline for opening to the public, primarily due to unexpected legislative hurdles. While concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact of the duty-free mall on local businesses and SL’s taxation framework, CHEC Port City Colombo Deputy Managing Director more..

Apr 19 (FT) People’s Bank has announced the successful selection of 100 students to take part in its Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators Youth Tech Skill Development program. This initiative, in partnership with Sarvodaya Fusion—the IT education arm of the Sarvodaya movement, aims to equip the nation’s youth with essential technological skills for future careers. The initiative reflects People’s Bank’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility by promoting social progress more..

Apr 19 (FT) The Revamp SL Youth Start-Up Challenge 1.0, an initiative spearheaded by the Lanka Impact Investing Network (LIIN) in collaboration with the International College of Business and Technology (ICBT Campus), was held successfully on 4 April at the ICBT Campus in Batticaloa. The event showcased the entrepreneurial prowess of young minds in the Eastern Province, providing them with a platform to nurture and develop their innovative start-up ideas more..

Apr 19 (Island) Badminton player Viren Nettasinghe has secured his spot in the men’s singles badminton event at the upcoming Paris Olympics, SL Badminton Association announced yesterday citing Badminton World Federation information. Currently ranked 72nd internationally, Nettasinghe earned an impressive 24,030 ranking points throughout the season, placing himself in the 32nd spot among the qualified players for more..

Apr 19 (Island) No Avurudu would be complete without an Avurudu Ulela. It has become part of our national social calendar, an event that must be organised, a tradition that must be kept. Practically every institution, from nurseries to universities to companies to Rotaract Societies, has a shot at holding one. The result is that somehow or the other, an Avurudu Ulela unfolds somewhere every other day until the end of April. In Colombo, and most major cities, Avurudu Ulela, more..

Apr 19 (TM) Twenty-first April of this year (2024) marks the 103rd birth anniversary of Joan De Mel who founded Sumithrayo. She was a mentor and her selfless passion towards social change has inspired and touched all. Though her soul is free in the blissful realms beyond this world since 27 December 2008, the love and care that she showered on the SL community linger on still through the emotional support provided to the needy. She will always resonate through her beautiful example. more..

Apr 19 (Island) One wonders whether the Parliament of Sri Lanka, which is full of self-righteous members who moralise to the point of queasiness, has taken upon itself the task of serving as a moral compass of sorts for the nation. Its sessions are characterised by endless tub-thumping. During the past several weeks, Parliament has torn some public officials to shreds over matters related to their salaries and perks, which have since been put on hold pending downward revisions on the grounds that more..

Apr 19 (TM) The planned visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Colombo has stirred up a flurry of diplomatic protests, mostly through unofficial channels, with govt sources stating that the United States and others are unhappy about the official visit. According to reports the two day visit, which has been planned for 24 April, is yet to be confirmed. Last year, Prez Ranil Wickremesinghe invited Iran's President to visit Colombo, which the Iranian President had accepted. more..

Apr 19 (GV) The govt’s decision to conduct the funeral of Dr A T Ariyaratne with state honours is a recognition of the contribution that the founder of the Sarvodaya Movement made to the country over the past 65 years when he set up the organisation. Concepts he pioneered such as Shramadana (donation of labour), Gramodaya (village awakening) and Sarvodaya (the wellbeing of all) are today part and parcel of more..

Apr 19 (CT) I was extremely sad to hear the news of Dr A. T. Ariyaratne’s passing at the ripe old age of 93. He was the founder and President Emeritus of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement (SSM) of SL. He was untiring in his efforts to put into practice Sustainable Development and Peace based on the Buddhist precepts of Awakening of all. In principle, he was against the patterns of economic development based on neo-liberal values, which is unfortunately all the rage more..

Apr 19 (GV) What is consent? When it comes to sexual relations, the concept of consent is that it must be between two consenting adults. In the case of legality, the age of consent for girls in SL is 16 years. This is a general global standard with countries such as Japan, Malaysia and Pakistan following the same. India and Nepal, however, currently have the legal age stipulated at 18 years for sexual relations. On Feb 9, the govt gazetted a Bill to amend Sections 363 and 364 of the more..

Apr 19 (CT) Teaching Hospital Karapitiya in Galle serves as a lifeline not only for the Southern Province but also for neighbouring regions. Patients from diverse backgrounds flock here seeking treatment, but many encounter the challenge of securing attendants to aid them during their hospital stay, a task burdened with financial strain and emotional stress. Presently, it’s common for families to pay between Rs 4,000 to more..

Apr 19 (DM) April 21 this year will mark five years since the deadly 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The targets included two Catholic churches in the Archdiocese of Colombo, Zion church in the Eastern province, and three high-end hotels in Colombo. Around 315 people, including about 40 foreigners and 45 children, were reported to have been killed, making it the biggest post-civil war massacre in Sri Lanka. The damaged churches and hotels were quickly rebuilt. more..

Apr 19 (DM) These are days when politicians in the country are getting ready for upcoming elections, hence there are thoughts about whether anyone of them would use schools and education to promote their cause. Some of the candidates have already started mingling with students and presenting them with opportunities to ask questions on hot topics that are bothering them. One of the probable candidates in the presidential elections is seen offering material goods to students. more..