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More ganu than denu

In a move that brings about more ganu than denu, online lottery booths have come up in Colombo, provoking protests by national lottery ticket sellers, who say it has brought them bad luck for the New Year. Pic by Indika Handuwela.

Four killed: Govt. sees bid to revive LTTE

The manhunt for a former Tiger guerrilla cadre Selvanayagam Kajeepan alias Gopi ended in the Nedunkerni jungles in Mullaitivu on Friday when he was shot dead by troops, a military official said. The official who did not wish to be identified said that also killed in the incident was Sunderalingam Kajeepan alias Thevian , another guerrilla [...]

New Authority to control medicinal drugs and devices

Tough new laws giving effect to the Government’s policy on medicinal drugs will require all manufacturers, importers and sellers to register with a new Authority and conform to strict new procedures. This is to ensure that poor quality or outdated drugs are not passed off to patients. The move will benefit thousands of Sri Lankans who [...]

National lottery sellers slam online lottery

A major protest campaign has been launched by state-run lottery sellers, calling on President Mahinda Rajapaksa to cancel the new online lottery which began operations this week. The protest came as a major clash was simmering between sellers of the state-run lotteries and the agents of the private online lottery. Some 45 booths for the new [...]

Traders play dirty tricks with avurudu rice

By selling the normal rice as ‘super grade’, traders have adopted a ruse to get over the Trade Ministry’s decision to introduce controlled prices for rice. The ruse came as the Government imposed a control price for normal rice after traders started increasing prices following a drop in paddy production due to the drought. An [...]

Compulsory medical tests for resident visa applicants

A compulsory health assessment will be introduced to resident visa applicants to Sri Lanka in an attempt to eliminate imported cases of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, a senior Health Ministry official said. Under the first phase of the project, the Ministry of Health is to introduce the health assessment to those [...]

Erabudu is the flower of the Avurudu season but you will hardly be able to find erabadu these days. Instead, rosy trumpet (tabebuia) flowers bloom, marking the onset of the New Year season. This is the famous sakura flower season in Japan with thousands of cherry trees in full bloom. The cherry trees shed their [...]

Four killed: Govt. sees bid to revive LTTE

Compulsory medical tests for resident visa applicants

New Authority to control medicinal drugs and devices

National lottery sellers slam online lottery

Traders play dirty tricks with avurudu rice

Mass promotions create top-heavy police

Police top brass now have the unenviable task of finding replacements as officers-in-charge for almost a quarter of the country’s police stations. The reason — for the first time in their near one and half century of existence, some 120 officers-in-charge have been promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. Whilst the vast [...]

Serving Army officer as deputy envoy to Russia

A serving Army officer will be Sri Lanka’s Deputy Ambassador in the Russian Federation. He is Major General A.W.J.Chrisanthe de Silva who is currently serving as Chief of Staff or the number two to the Army Commander. He will serve two years in Russia. Major General de Silva succeeds Major General Nandana Udawatte who is [...]

Two ministers to counter Ananthi’s ‘genocide’ charge

Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Northern Provincial Councillor Ananthi Shashitharan is perhaps one among few opposition politicians who have come under severe criticism from the Cabinet of ministers. This came after her speech at a side event during last month’s UN Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva. Speaking in English though not cohesive, Ms. Sasheetharan claimed [...]

Big boss fumes at team mates

The boss of the political team, insiders say, has rapped two of his team mates for being critical of the administration. One of them was told in stronger words that “If I have to go, I will make sure I take along the likes of you with me.” The crestfallen team member was heard to [...]

Ajantha’s baby catch at Galle Face cricket party

It was a case of a human ball, or a little child, who fell on the hands of one Sri Lankan cricketer last Tuesday. The triumphant Sri Lankan team that won the T-20 International Cricket World Cup in Dhaka, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Tuesday. They boarded an open deck double decker bus [...]

Muslims like UPFA biriyani – not Govt.

Southern Provincial Councillor Weerasumana Weerasinghe was the last to take his oaths as Minister at a ceremony before President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Monday. The ceremony over, those present sat down to lunch at “Temple Trees.” Ministers Susil Premajayantha, D.E.W. Gunasekera and Mahindananda Aluthgamage were among those present. “Apita Muslim kattiya Chandey dunn nethe aie (Why [...]

Pacts with China to prop up coal power plant

The UPFA Government is to now enter into agreements with China to obtain technical assistance to run the controversial project the Chinese built – the Norochcholai coal-fired power plant. The move comes amidst reports that costs of thermal power production by the CEB are soaring. A Power and Energy Ministry official said there would be [...]

Ports directors get Rs. 100 m for five more years

For five more years, the board of directors of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will be empowered to utilise a financial limit up to Rs. 100 million, a ministerial source said yesterday. In May 2005, the source said, it had been decided to increase the limit to Rs. 100 million and that expired in [...]

Politico told: Shut up and eat

The event was last month but the story is doing the rounds now. It was the official dinner for visiting Afghan leader Hameed Karzai. The dinner was under way. Suddenly one politico, known for his many antics, thought it was boring to remain seated and nibble food that was served. So, he rose from his [...]

No bull fight for high-flying chief

The high flying big boss was scheduled to be in the bull fighting country for a conference with like-minded entities. Only when the conference began did the hosts and even the participants realise there was “no show.” That reduced the Sri Lankan presence to only one. Instead, the boss had arrived in New York with [...]

From Geneva bashing to birthday bash

External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris briefed Colombo-based diplomats on Sri Lanka’s position vis-à-vis the latest US-sponsored resolution adopted at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last month. He asserted at the meeting on Wednesday that the UPFA Government would neither accept nor cooperate with the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) [...]

Govt. bond-violating academics given pardon on condition

Academics who violated their bonds and agreements by remaining abroad after their study leave expires will be given a pardon, a new circular issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) said. According to the circular any academic who had not resumed duties after their study leave is over will not be disqualified from taking up [...]

“Determination to be crowned the ‘Miracle of Asia’ through national reconciliation”

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a New Year message said, “Our determination in the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year should be to be crowned the ‘Miracle of Asia’ by bringing about national reconciliation.” Wishing the nation a Happy and Prosperous New Year President Rajapaksa said, “We are delighted to welcome the Sinhala and Hindu New [...]

Fill your minds with right thoughts, transform country into a better place…

Leader of the Opposition and the National Leader of the United National Party, Ranil Wickremesinghe said in his New Year message: “In this Sinhala-Hindu New Year, we need to fill our minds with right thoughts to transform our country into a better place to live in.” Mr Wickremesinghe’s message said: “With the dawn of the [...]

They are not soldiers but ‘militarised civilians’- Army

The Sri Lanka Army’s Media Spokesman contacted the Sunday Times with reference to our page 1 picture of last week, saying that, “Those shown in the photograph, repairing the roof of the Dutch Hospital premises in the Colombo Fort area, with mattresses on their backs to shield themselves from the midday sun, which was directly [...]

Up, up and away with 2 more domestic airlines

Two more companies have applied for certification to the Director General of Civil Aviation to start domestic private and charter services, bringing the total number of such firms to nine. Existing private airline companies already own 14 aircraft- eight airplanes and six helicopters, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Dept said. The latest to apply [...]

NDDCB opens Monitoring, Information Centre to tackle SL’s drug menace

A Monitoring and Information Center for Industry Interference of Tobacco, Alcohol and Illicit Drugs was established this Wednesday (9) by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) at its premises on its 30th anniversary. Gathering information on drug smuggling and consumption, analysing, reviewing and sharing the data collected with the relevant authorities are expected to [...]

Forest officers team up with STF to combat felling

The Forest Department and the Special Task Force have joined forces to combat illicit felling in Sri Lanka’s dwindling forest reserves, Environment Minister Susil Premajayantha said. He said that in terms of a new proposal from his ministry, the STF and Forest Department officers would carry out joint raids to arrest persons involved in felling [...]

Addict dies of injuries caused by a fall due to a heroin overdose

A man who had an ‘overdose’ of heroin, collapsed and died of the injuries sustained, in his house at Narahenpita, a coroner’s court inquiry was told. The victim, Mahendiran, was a resident of Elvitigala Flats, Narahenpita, and family members had told the inquiry that he had taken an overdose of heroin and fallen. The JMO [...]

‘Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya 2014’ in Nuwara Eliya exhibits what’s cooking in the SL Army

‘Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya 2014’ – first-ever grand Exhibition of Culinary Arts and Skills of Army personnel will open in Nuwara Eliya, on Tuesday around Gregory’s Lake. Commander, Security Force Headquarters- Central (SFHQ-C), Maj. Gen. U.A.B. Medawela, chief organiser of the programme, said that, for the first time in Army history, soldiers stationed in all [...]

Nabbed with jumbo tusks, firearm

A man was taken into custody along with a shot gun and a pair of elephant tusks at Mahaoya last night, police said. They said the suspect was picked up on a tip-off and the tusks were found buried at a location inside the forest in Mahaoya. According to police the suspect is alleged to [...]

National New Year heralds 2014’s first eclipses and a highly visible Mars fly by

The National New Year festival begins with the planet Mars’s closest approach to Earth on April 14th night and two eclipses- a total lunar eclipse due on April 15, and a partial solar eclipse due on April 29, said Prof Chandana Jayaratne- Professor in Physics, University of Colombo. He said that, on April 14, Earth [...]

100 new traffic signs to reduce road accidents

Government is to introduce 100 new road signs next month, in a fresh bid to reduce road accidents and keep up with international traffic regulations, a Motor Traffic Department official said. The gazette notifications regarding these regulations are to be published within the next two weeks. A sign prohibiting areas for pedestrians, a sign for [...]

News in brief

Cell death in Wattala Police Station A probe has been launched into the death of a man who died while in overnight custody at Wattala Police Station, a Police Media Office spokesman said a short while ago. The death had apparently taken place on late Thursday night, following the man’s arrest for alleged drunken behaviour [...]

Troops taking part in the military operation in the Nedunkerni jungles in Mullaitivu to capture former LTTE cadres who are said to be trying to revive the separatist movement.

Pakistan’s top military officer at Shri Maha Bodhi

Pakistan’s Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Rashad Mahmood visited the Shri Maha Bodhiya on Friday. This was his first overseas visit after taking over as the CJCSC. Earlier he called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees. General Rashad also visited the National War Memorial and laid a wreath to honour all [...]

Crafty car racket left victims on every side

A racket in which a gang offers help to people struggling to pay monthly vehicle lease instalments and later steals and sells the vehicle has been busted by Mirihana police. The gang has been advertising that vehicles are being sought for a rent-a-car service and individuals unable to pay their lease instalments could benefit from [...]

Under-performing women MPs

For a South Asian Country, Sri Lanka might be considered relatively progressive, given the high positions that have been held by women: Sri Lanka boasts the world’s first woman prime minister (and head of state), has had a woman executive president, a woman chief justice and a woman attorney general. Yet, the current parliament does [...]

Rotten fruit juice and spoilt onions: CAA steps up raids during festive season

Festive shopping on a warm day can be exhausting and many people settle for a quick maalu pan or elavalu roti and a glass of fresh fruit juice, little realising what they are eating are spoilt potatoes or onions and their juice is made out of rotten fruits. Investigations by Consumer Affairs Authority officials following [...]

Is it RIP Avurudu kevum and crackers as CoL bites?

It is not a “happy New Year” with the cost of living dampening Avurudu celebrations in all parts of the country as the public cuts down drastically on shopping and travelling expenses. H.W. Chamara, 21, from Polgasowita, said normally people formed queues to buy homemade kevum, kokis, mun aluwa and asmi from the stall his [...]

Auspicious Times for National New Year 2014

NEW MOON The new moon can be seen on Thursday, May 1. BATHING FOR THE OLD YEAR Bathing for the old year, with herbs mixed in water, falls on Saturday, April 12, before the New Year dawns. DAWN OF THE NEW YEAR The New Year dawns at 07.37 a.m. on Monday, April 14. PUNYA KAALAYA [...]

Heating milk until it overflows in homes is a tradition during Avurudu times – a practice meant to bring joy and success to the family. The clay pots in which the milk is heated are rarely left out of Avurudu shopping lists but production of the pots has dropped sharply though demand remains high. “People [...]

Pakistani asylum seekers continue in limbo while living on the edge

An influx of Pakistani asylum seekers in Sri Lanka is putting a strain on the authorities dealing with the issue, as religious organisations supporting them are strapped for finances. At least 100 more Pakistani asylum seekers arrived in the first two months of this year, after a sudden increase of arrivals since mid 2013. According [...]

Drought dries up the ‘two leaves and a bud’

Januka Rangoda has seen no leaf growth this year in his small tea plantation at Imaduwa in the Galle district, and his average monthly production of 700kg per acre has fallen to 300kg. Mr Rangoda is among thousands of low country tea small-holders in Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kalutara who are experiencing heavy losses due [...]

Crocodile rocks households bordering canals, waterways which provide easy access

A five-foot marsh crocodile that entered a garden in Batticaloa on Monday night was captured by the residents, the latest in a series of crocodile incursions into human habitations. The crocodile was taken away the next morning by Ampara Wildlife Dept officials, who released it into the Kalmunai lagoon. The Dept has now initiated a [...]

Note of caution: Fake currency rackets on the rise

An increasing number of forged currency detections at petrol sheds, grocery shops, banks and other outlets countrywide have prompted not only big-time financial institutions but also small shop owners to invest in machines that detect forged currency, the Sunday Times learns. As people become increasingly wary about big notes in the wake of recent detections, [...]

It’s that time of year when Nuwara Eliya comes alive

For the 131st time the annual Wasantha Udanaya (Spring Festival) has got underway in Nuwara Eliya. With holidaymakers during this period heading to this picturesque hill station, popularly known as ‘Little England’ the Municipal Council has expanded on the annual event. The festival that was launched with a band competition that saw around 1500 students [...]

Beware of bends, choose your transport with care

With many holiday makers expected to hit cooler climes to beat the heat, officials have warned those visiting Horton Plains to be more mindful when selecting their mode of transport because of the many bends that have to be negotiated en route. They warned the public that some private buses are driven by inexperienced drivers [...]

Experts warn: Avert conflicts over energy-food nexus

Water for food is a core issue that can no longer be tackled through a narrow sectorial approach, a major international conference held in Colombo last week was told. Nearly 500 experts from 40 countries participated in the three-day Fifth International Conference on Water Resources and Hydropower Development in Asia at the BMICH. Addressing the [...]

Strong call for sterilisation with Rs. 6m dog ‘shelter’ to be shut

The Anuradhapura Municipal Council has decided to close down a controversial dog shelter on April 15 following protests from villagers and animal rights activists over negligence resulting in the death and suffering of dozens of dogs. The Rs. 6 million shelter was built by the Health Ministry last year in a 4.5 acre property bordering [...]

With the high cost of expenditure for fuel and the government’s inability to implement a fuel subsidy scheme for fishermen, many fishermen now opt to use traditional fishing methods, without going out to sea. Fishermen in the Puttalam district use the traditional nets known as ‘Madel’ for fishing and say that the cheaper method nets [...]

Students, teachers face hardships coming to remote school in Kalpitiya

Teachers and students in Uchimunai, Kalpitiya have been facing hardship in travelling to school due to lack of transportation facilities. The school is situated in the isolated island or spit of Uchimunai which could be reached only by boat as there is only a sand route by land which is impassable at most times. Teachers [...]

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