crisis spirals, Govt. extends deadline for imports till January 10

Amidst irregularities in rice supply and shortages in some places, the government, upon request by importers, has decided to extend the deadline till January 10, 2025 for imports, a top source said. The previous deadline ended yesterday.

Understanding Sri Lanka’s seasonal rice shortage: An analytical perspective

Sri Lanka’s recurring rice shortage during December and January has become a predictable yet pressing issue. This challenge is rooted in the country’s reliance on its two main paddy cultivation seasons, Maha and Yala, alongside structural inefficiencies in production, distribution, and storage systems. Understanding the statistical trends and underlying causes provides clarity on the situation and highlights actionable solutions.

Lanka T10 match-fixing scandal: Indian team owner granted bail

The Colombo Chief Magistrate granted bail to the Indian national Prem Thakur, the owner of the ‘Galle Marvels’ team in the Lanka T10 Super League Tournament, on heavy bail conditions.

High Court notifies death sentence on DIG Vaas Gunawardena, son Ravindu

The Colombo High Court yesterday notified the accused in the businessman Mohamed Shyam murder case that the Supreme Court’s five-judge bench has affirmed the death sentence and conviction of former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, his son Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena, and four police officers for the murder of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam.

60 civil society - media orgs, TUs request President to repeal PTA and repressive laws

The Coalition against the Repressive Laws (CARL) comprised of more than 60 civil society and media organisations as well as trade unions and professional associations have requested President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to repeal repressive laws including the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Over 200 trees felled near Yala National Park

About 200 trees, including Satin, Margosa, Palu, and Weera, have been felled at Galara in Tissamaharama, which is adjacent to Yala National Park, according to the Lunugamvehera Wildlife Conservation Office. The raid was conducted based on a tip-off given by local residents.

18th SIP Abacus National Competition 2024 held in Colombo

The 18th SIP Abacus and Mental Arithmetic National Competition 2024 was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo Saturday December 14 under the patronage of SIP Abacus Sri Lanka Country Manager Rishard Raheem. Picture shows Sri Lanka Country Manager Rishard Raheem presenting a token of appreciation to the Principal of Zahira College Trizviy Marikar and Hassim Omar Foundation Chairman Hassim Omar at this ceremony. SIP Abacus Manager, Inte

Dayasiri defends use of President’s Fund, rejects misuse allegations

There are no legal provisions which prevent politicians from seeking assistance from the President’s Fund, as it has been set up to assist all Sri Lankan citizens, MP Dayasiri Jayasekera said yesterday.

Masked woman questions MP Kottahachchi about hidden money in Uganda

A masked woman at a cultural event was seen lobbing questions at NPP MP for the Kalutara District Nilanthi Kottahachchi whether her government plans to recover stolen assets allegedly stashed in Uganda as mentioned by her during the election campaign period.

Minister’s parliamentary seat challenged over alleged unconstitutional occupation

Another writ petition has been filed before the Court of Appeal seeking an order declaring that the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Pannilage, is disqualified from being a Member of Parliament (MP) and, therefore, not entitled to hold office as an MP. According to the writ petition, this claim arises from the fact that he remained an employee of the University of Ruhuna at the time he was decla

Abuse of President’s Fund: None were given over Rs.1 million outside procedure except on one occasion : RW

In response to allegations about reimbursements of medical expenses of political representatives from the President’s Fund, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said there were numerous requests at personal levels for financial benefits, but none was paid in excess of Rs.1 million and outside the procedure except on one occasion.

CBSL takes proactive measures against alarming increase in prohibited pyramid schemes

Central Bank (CBSL) yesterday said it has taken proactive measures to address the alarming increase in prohibited schemes under Section 83(C) of the Banking Act No 30 of 1988, as amended

The media is not to blame, Prime Minister!

Last week, the government faced a diplomatic blunder when Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya accepted a consignment of school uniforms from China and ended up thanking the ‘Republic of China’ which Taiwan is officially known as instead of the ‘People’s Republic of China’,in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador and other officials. Taiwan has been China’s arch rival and Sri Lanka too has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan and in fact does not recog

I will resign if proven I did the law exams alone in a hall: Namal

I will resign from Parliament if it is proven that I did the examination alone in the room and that I earned the law degree in a fraudulent manner. The Minister should resign from his post if he is unable to prove his allegation,” MP Rajapaksa told Parliament yesterday.

India- Sri Lanka land bridge project abandoned or put on hold?

India – Sri Lanka land connectivity project has been dropped from the joint statement issued after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra in New Delhi last Monday, triggering doubts whether the project is put on hold or abandoned.

Belgium-based NGO claims Israel soldier ‘terminator’ in SL

Belgium-based NGO Hind Rajab Foundation has accused that Gal Ferenbook, an Israeli soldier allegedly responsible for the death of a Palestinian civilian and the degrading treatment of the body, is now in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Christmas just around the corner...

With a few more days for Christmas, people are seen buying decorations and Christmas trees from temporary stalls set up on the roadside in Havelock Town, Colombo. PIC BY NISAL BADUGE

Govt. to save Rs.1,200 Mn annually by removing Tri-Forces security from former Presidents

The government announced yesterday that it would save over Rs. 1,200 million annually by reducing the security of former Presidents, replacing tri-forces security with the police, Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala informed Parliament yesterday.

Dr. Archchuna’s eligibility for Parliamentary seat challenged in Court

A writ petition was filed before Court of Appeal seeking an order declaring that Jaffna District Parliamentarian Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is not qualified to be a Member of Parliament and is thus not entitled to hold office as a Member of Parliament. Social activist Oshala Herath filed this petition seeking an order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Warranto declaring that Dr. Ramanathan Archchuna is disqualified to be a Member of Parliament.

Only Ministers and MPs have benefited most from President’s Fund: Minister

Former Ministers and Parliamentarians have benefited from the President’s Fund as they have been assisted for medical treatment going beyond the purpose for which it was created, Parliament was informed yesterday.

Over 80 drugs fail quality tests in 2024

A total of 82 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2024, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.

Plan to relocate President’s House, Temple Trees to Sri J’pura Kotte put on hold

The new government led by the National People’s Power (NPP) has put on hold plans by the previous rule to relocate the President’s House, Temple Trees, the Prime Minister’s office and the Presidential Secretariat to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, a top source said.

‘Who called me Dr.?’ - Justice Minister goes to CID

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara lodged a formal complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) yesterday requesting an inquiry into the inclusion of inaccurate educational qualifications in the Parliament database.

AKD, Modi agree to continue talks on ETCA

In what appeared to be reaffirmation, if not extension of the previous joint statement signed during the time of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, India and Sri Lanka agreed during the visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to explore the possibility of concluding a framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation between the two countries.

Housing consumes coconut triangle, leading to low nuts

The coconut triangle which is located in Kurunegala, Gampaha and Puttalam where coconut cultivation is done has been converted to housing lands which is against the law according to the Tea, Rubber and Coconut Estates (Control of Fragmentation) Act which states Partition by Deed of a tea, rubber or coconut estate to be null and void in certain circumstances, an official from the Coconut Development Authority said.

An Explainer by FactCheck.lk: Is the government at risk of over-borrowing in 2024?

In the wake of Sri Lanka’s recent presidential election, there has been growing debate over the government’s borrowing strategy for 2024. While some critics warn of excessive borrowing, others argue that it is necessary for fiscal stability.

Prez holds talks with Indian External Affairs and Finance Ministers

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who arrived in India yesterday held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr.S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharama New Delhi.

Rice crisis: Importers cite inability to stick to control prices

Importers insist that the government should reduce duty on rice from Rs.65 to 50 a kilo and extend deadline for placement of orders till December 31 st at least as otherwise local retailers will find it challenging to stick to the price controls stipulated by the government, a spokesperson said.

Over 300 errant rice traders netted in raids

Over 300 traders have so far been found violating rice control price regulations during recent nationwide raids, according to Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) Director of Information Asela Bandara.

14 teachers caught with forged certificates in North Central Province

The service of several teachers in the North Central Province who had forwarded forged education certificates to join the government service have been suspended.