Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Alistair Burt arrives Sri Lanka

Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Alistair Burt arrives Sri Lanka

“Sri Lanka: 2013 and beyond”

Minister Alistair Burt, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for South Asia, arrived in Sri Lanka this morning. This is his second visit to the country. During his two-day visit, the Minister will meet senior members of the government and opposition parties, the business community and INGOs and visit the North.

Hashan Tilakaratne appointed as full time member of the Cricket Selection Committee

Hashan Tilakaratne appointed as full time member of
 the Cricket Selection Committee

Sri Lanka new Cricket Selection Committee 

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Hashan Tilakaratne has been appointed as a full time member of the Cricket Selection Committee, informed sources said. The five-member select committee is headed by Sanath Jayasuriya. Thilekarathne will be appointed in place of Hemantha Wickremarathne who was appointed initially to the committee. Pramodya Wickremasinghe will be the other full time selector in the committee.

Vaas,Murali lined up for Sri Lanka coaching roles

Vaas,Murali lined up for Sri Lanka coaching roles

"They are two of our best products"

Sri Lanka Cricket is considering Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas for spin and fast bowling coaching positions respectively, SLC chief executive Ajit Jayasekara said. 
"They are two of our best products, and have had huge success all over the world," said Jayasekara. 
"We are looking to tap that knowledge and make use of it for the betterment of cricket in Sri Lanka. The fact that they don't have coaching qualifications isn't a big issue when you consider how much they have to offer." 

Mathews ODI & T20 captain,Chandimal is Vice-Captain

Mathews ODI & T20 captain,Chandimal is Vice-Captain

Sri Lanka Cricket- New Captain and Vice Captain

Informed sources claim that Angelo Mathews is to Captain ODI and T20 while Dinesh Chandimal is to be Vice Captain. The Test Captain and Vice Captain are to be appointed later.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have revamped their cricket selection panel with a new team under new chairman, Sanath Jayasuriya.

Sanath Jayasuriya appointed as the head of Cricket Selection Committee

Sanath Jayasuriya appointed as
 the head of Cricket Selection Committee

Sri Lanka new Cricket Selection Committee

Former Sri Lankan test cricket captain and the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance parliamentarian Sanath Jayasuriya  has appointed as the head of the national new Cricket Selection Committee.

The committee comprises Sanath Jayasuriya as Chairman, former fast bowlers Pramodya Wickramasinghe and Eric Upashantha, and former batsmen Chaminda Mendis and Hemantha Wickramaratne as members. Hemantha Wickramaratne has been a selector in the previous panel Ashantha de Mel. 

Deviating from the previous norm of having a one-year term for the selection panel, the new panel has no term limit.

Sri Lanka beat Australia by 3 runs

Sri Lanka beat Australia by 3 runs

Sri Lanka vs Australia

Sri Lanka beat Australia by three runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method in the second and final Twenty20 cricket international in Melbourne,and they clinched the series 2-0.

Sri Lanka Cabinet reshuffled

Sri Lanka Cabinet reshuffled

10 ministers, 6 deputy ministers take oaths 

Ten new Ministers, two project Ministers and six Deputy Ministers have sworn in before the President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Following are the Ministers together with assigned ministries

Sri Lanka Cabinet reshuffle today

Sri Lanka Cabinet reshuffle today

Sri Lanka new cabinet

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa will reshuffle his cabinet today, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at Temple Trees at 11 a.m.Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayaka said.

Eight cabinet portfolios are expected to be changed at the reshuffle, and they will be in Power and Energy, Petroleum, Education, Environment, Sports, State Administration, Labor, Technology and Research portfolios.

Sri Lanka wins 1st T20 by 5 wickets against Australia

Sri Lanka wins 1st T20 by 5 wickets against Australia

Sri Lanka vs Australia

Sri Lanka defeated Australia by five wickets in the 1st T20 international at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.Chasing a target of 138, Thisara Perera smashed two consecutive sixes off Ben Laughlin in the 19th as Sri Lanka romped home with seven balls to spare and take a 1-0 lead in the two- t20 match series.

Sri Lanka Women's cricket team leaves for World Cup 2013

Sri Lanka Women's cricket team leaves for World Cup 2013

ICC Women's World Cup 2013

The Sri lanka women's Cricket team will be leaving for India to take part in the ICC Women's World Cup 2013 with Captain Shashikala Siriwardene and coach Lanka de Silva, Siriwardena believes her side's bowling attack gives her hope of a good show at the tournament that begins on 31 January in Mumbai.

Victoria Lakshmi elected Netball President

Victoria Lakshmi elected Netball President

Sri Lanka Netball Federation

Former Sri Lanka netball captain Lakshmi Victoria was elected as president of the Netball Federation 2013 its Annual General Meeting which was held at Sports Ministry premises.She beat former president Trixie Nanayakkara to the post.Victoria received 26 votes while Nanayakkara received only eight votes.two clubs abstained from voting.

Mattala International Airport to be opened in March 18

Mattala International Airport to be opened in March 18

Sri Lanka's second international airport

Mattala International Airport in Hambantota will be declared open on March 18,The Minister of Civil Aviation, Piyankara Jayaratne said. 
The Hambantota eco-friendly International Airport is the Sri Lanka's second international airport which is construction in Mattala.

DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB) launches "Vardhana Garusaru" Senior Citizens Savings Account

DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB) launches
Vardhana Garusaru Senior Citizens Savings Account

"Garusaru means respect"

DFCC Vardhana Bank (DVB), the everyday banking unit of the pioneer development bank, honours senior citizens of Sri Lanka with the launch of the Vardhana Garusaru Senior Citizens Savings Account - a first of its kind for DVB.
"Garusaru means respect," said Lakshman Silva, CEO, DFCC Vardhana Bank. The Vardhana Garusaru savings account caters exclusively towards the requirements of Sri Lanka's senior citizens. Senior Citizens who are over 55 years have only to deposit Rs. 10,000 to enjoy a premium interest rate which is 3.5% greater than the rate offered on normal savings accounts.

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 32 to even ODI series

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 32 to even ODI series

Sri Lanka vs Australia

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 32 runs in the fifth and final ODI played at Hobart. Australia tied the series 2-2 with Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, set 248 to win and clinch their second series victory in Australia since 2010, could not find a top-order batsman to match the earlier efforts of the Australia centurion Phil Hughes and, despite a dashing knock from Mathews (67) in the middle order, were bowled out for 215 with nine balls remaining.

Ceremonial welcome of new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris

Ceremonial welcome of new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris

44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka

The Supreme Court will be held A welcome ceremony for welcoming new Chief Justice Mohan Peiris today,january 23rd 2013 at the Colombo Hulstdorp Court Complex.A majority of the country's lawyers would participate in this function,said Former BASL Vice Chairman Anomaa Gunatilake. However BASL Secretary Sanjaya Gamage said, that the BASL lawyers would not participate in the ceremony for welcoming the new Chief Justice.

Firstpost Economy India, Sri Lanka to double trade to $10 bn by 2015

Firstpost Economy India, Sri Lanka to double trade
 to $10 bn by 2015

India and Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka have set a target to double bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2015, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said.“We have set a target to double bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2015. Captains of industry have accepted and endorsed it,” Sharma said. Sharma along with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Economic Development Rishad Bathiudeen and Minister of Industry and Commerce Sarath Amunugama, inaugurated the event.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa donates Rs.1 million rupees to Rizana`s family

President Mahinda Rajapaksa donates Rs.1
 million rupees to Rizana`s family

Rizana Nafeek executed

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has donated one million rupees to the family of Rizana Nafeek, President’s Media Unit said. Rizana Nafeek was executed by the Saudi authorities over allegations she killed an infant(four-month-old boy)under her care in Saudi.

UNP Working Committee appoints Assistant Leader and National Organizer

UNP Working Committee appoints Assistant Leader
 and National Organizer

UNP Deputy Leader appointment postponed

Sri Lanka’s main opposition, the United National Party (UNP)  Working Committee  re-appointed UNP veteran Gampaha district parliamentarian Joseph Michael Perera and Member of the Eastern Provincial Council Daya Gamage as Assistant Leader and National Organizer respectively while the appointment of the Deputy Leader has been postponed,as the party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe has told the working committee that he needed more time to decide on the reappointing the present Deputy leader again to the same position. 

Sirisoma clinches 21st national billiard title

Sirisoma clinches 21st national billiard title

60th Annual Billiards Championship

Defending national billiard champion K.H. Sirisoma of  Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) made history by clinching National Billiards title for the 21st time, beating S.H.M. Aslam of Moors Sports Club six sets to three in the final of the 60th Annual Billiards Championship conducted by Billiards and Snooker Association of Sri Lanka at the Sugathadasa Sports Complex.

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

Second in the Air Express category for cargo exports

TNT Express in Nepal was recognised by THAI Airways as second in the Air Express category for cargo exports, during an official ceremony held at Godavari Village Resort on the 1st of December 2012.

Thai Airways had started its first flight to Nepal on 4th December 1968, and to mark its 45th anniversary of successful operations in Nepal the airline honoured the top five cargo agents and the top 10 ticket sales agents. The reception was followed by a team building exercise among the agents and Thai staff.

Sri Lanka vs Australia 4th ODI match abandoned

Sri Lanka vs Australia 4th ODI match abandoned

Sri Lanka vs Australia

The 4th ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia was abandoned because of a wet outfield much to the disappointment of the large crowd at Sydney Cricket Ground.Sri Lanka needed 209 more runs off 46.4 overs with all their wickets in tact when the umpires took the players off the Sydney Cricket Ground.Sri Lanka were 14 in 3.2 overs,Skipper Mahela Jayawardena was on four and Tillakaratne Dilshan nine.

High-level US delegation visits Sri Lanka

Discussing various issues such as the implementation of the
 LLRC recommendations and National Action Plan

Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission(LLRC)

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James Moore, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Vikram Singh, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jane Zimmerman will travel to Sri Lanka and Maldives from January 26-February 1,aimed at discussing various issues such as the implementation of the LLRC recommendations and National Action Plan. the US embassy said.

President Rajapaksa declares open Dickowita fisheries harbour

President Rajapaksa declares open
 Dickowita fisheries harbour

South Asia largest fisheries harbour 

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor constructed at a cost of Euro 51 million (Rs. 850 million) on 18 January 2013.The Dikkowita largest fisheries harbour in South Asia project, commenced in 2008, has been funded by a soft loan of Euro 41 million from the Government of Netherlands, HSBC Bank, and the government of Sri Lanka.

Navanetham Pillay to submit report on Sri Lanka to UNHRC

Navanetham Pillay to submit report on Sri Lanka to UNHRC

United Nations Human Rights Council

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is to submit a report on Sri Lanka at the February-March session of the Human Rights Council, focusing on the engagement of UN mechanisms in support of the accountability and reconciliation processes, “We are also concerned that the impeachment process has caused bitter divisions within Sri Lanka, and that it sends an ominous signal about the Government’s commitment to accountability and reconciliation,” the UNHRC office said.

Sri Lanka beat Australia by four wickets in 3rd ODI

Nuwan Kulasekara (5/22) demolished
the Australia batting lineup

Sri Lanka vs Australia

Sri Lanka defeated Australia by four wickets after right-arm pacer Nuwan Kulasekara destroyed Australia with a fine display of swing bowling in the third one-day international at the Gabba stadium in Brisbane on Friday to take a 2-1 series lead.
Nuwan Kulasekera took five wickets for 22 and Lasith Malinga three for 14 while Mitchell Starc (22 not out) and and Xavier Doherty (15) to scored for the home side. 

Sri Lanka to import 4,500 dairy cows

Sri Lanka to import 4500 dairy cows

Boost dairy production in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will import 4,500 dairy cows from Australia and develop farms belonging to National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) to increase the milk production in the country.The cows will be distributed among three farms belonged to the NLDB at Bopaththalawa, Nikaweratiya and Siringapatha with 4,500 upgraded dairy animals at a total cost of US$ 28.5 million.

Sri Lanka Media Center for National Security (MCNS) website hacked

Sri Lanka Media Center for National Security (MCNS)
website hacked

Game Over

The official website of Sri Lanka Media Center for National Security (MCNS) has been hacked and defaced by a hacker, known as Game Over. The Media Centre for National Security (MCNS) was established for the specific purpose of disseminating all national security and defence-related information and data to the Media and the public from one co-coordinated centre.

SLT Rainbow pages directory promotes Gem and Jewellery industry

Local Gem and Jewellery industry Gets Boost from
 SLT Rainbow Pages

SLT Rainbow pages

SLT Rainbow Pages the national directory information services provider has focused to promotes Gem and Jewellery industry in 2013 edition,"We believe in using the SLT Rainbow pages to bring important insights and information to people across the island. Every year, we look for an industry, that is deserving of the far reaching publicity our directory offers. Having examined our options carefully we determined that in 2013 our strength would be placed behind the promotion of the local Gem and Jewellery industry. We believe that this industry plays a pivotal role in the country's development and is a vital component of future growth in terms of trade, revenue, tourism, jobs and income generation, and more"CEO of SLT Rainbow Pages Malraj Balapitiya said

Deyata Kirula Exhibition 2013 postponed to March

Deyata Kirula Exhibition 2013 postponed to March

Deyata Kirula Exhibition 2013

The Deyata Kirula Exhibition 2013 has postponed to March 23-29, the massive development exhibition Deyata Kirula that was scheduled to be held in parallel with Independence day celebration on 04 February 4 to 10  Ampara in Eastern Province. 
The exhibition was postponed since constructions delayed due to adverse weather in the area. Minister of Telecommunication and Information Technology Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said. 

CIC Holdings in the Forefront in Supporting Professionalism and Efficiency

Mr. Samantha Ranatunga, Chief Executive
Officer/Managing Director of CIC Holdings PLC

"This sort of support is extended further to the rural areas and young farmers in the future"

CIC Holdings PLC believes in continuously empowering the youth of the nation and developing professionalism in the work force, and especially leads the way in developing skills in the areas of farming and technology. The “Shoora Goviya” television show takes precedence in these endeavours, where CIC recognizes the best farmers in the country through a competition held island wide. This show has been a major factor in raising the social status of farmers in the country and encouraging more youth to be a part of the industry.  

The Jaffna Music Festival-1st & 2nd March 2013

The Jaffna Music Festival 2013

Jaffna Music Fest 2013

The Jaffna Music Festival returns to Jaffna Municipal grounds in March 2013. This time around the festival will host an eclectic array of music – including folk, contemporary and classical to name a few.This is a sister event of the Galle Music Festival, which attracted an audience of over 22,000 people over two days in 2012. 

The Jaffna festival promises to be as exhilarating as the Galle festival bringing together an exciting line up of musicians, dancers, performers and ritualists. On the 1st and 2nd March 2013, the Jaffna Municipal Grounds will be bursting with a combination of vibrant music, colour and culture.

Mohan Peiris to be appointed new Chief Justice

Mohan Peiris to be appointed new Chief Justice

44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka

Mohan Peiris, a former Attorney General and currently Legal Adviser to the Cabinet of Ministers  will take oaths today as the 44th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. He is scheduled to be sworn in before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at 12.30pm today.President Mahinda Rajapaksa removed Sri Lanka’s chief justice from office with immediate effect on Sunday, after parliament voted to impeach Shirani Bandaranayake, Sri Lanka’s first female chief justice, on Friday. 

Another Sri Lankan sentenced to death

Another Sri Lankan sentenced to death

Death penalty in Qatar

A 22-year-old Sri Lankan Wengadasalm Sudeshkar has been sentenced to death by a court in Doha after he was found guilty of killing an Indian.Wengadaaslam Sudeshkar who is a resident of Kandana has left for employment in Qatar in March in 2010.The incident occurred in 2011.Wengadasalm Sudeshkar was arrested in June 2011 and a Qatar court had sentenced him to death on December 31, 2012.

Sri Lanka wins 2nd ODI by 8 wickets

Thirimanne guides to win

Thirimanne guides Sri Lanka to resounding win

Sri Lanka won the 2nd ODI by 8 wickets with nearly 10 overs to spare,against Australia at Adelaide Oval.Lahiru Thirimanne struck his first one-day century(102 not out) as Sri Lanka levelled the one-day series.
Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (51) and unbeaten Lahiru Thirimanne  (102) recovered from the early loss of Upul Tharanga (0) in a match-winning 137-run stand as Sri Lanka finished 2/172.

Sri Lanka President removes Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

Sri Lanka President removes Chief Justice
Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

Impeachment against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa has signed the removal notice of the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake,from her post and the removal letter was hand delivered to her official residence this morning,the Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake said. 
Parliament on January 11, 20013 passed an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice with a two thirds majority. 

Bar Association of Sri Lanka(BASL) meets president

Bar Association of Sri Lanka(BASL) meets president

Impeachment against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has decided to seek a meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa to discuss the situation following the impeachment of Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.President of the BASL Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said,that the President will need to decide if he is going to remove the incumbent Chief Justice or not following the impeachment vote in parliament.

The President would take a final decision during the next few days and a new Chief Justice will be appointed on the 18th of this month,government news sources said.

Impeachment motion passed

Impeachment motion passed

Impeachment against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

The impeachment motion against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake was passed in parliament with a majority of 106 votes with 155 voting for and 49 MPs voting against it.Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa said that motion against the Chief Justice was passed in parliament.The impeachment motion against the Chief Justice was taken up for debate on January 10 and 11 while the vote was taken at 6.30pm today (January 11).

Australia wins 1st ODI by 107 runs

Australia wins 1st ODI by 107 runs against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs Australia

Australia have clinched the first one-day international against Sri Lanka by 107 runs in the opening one-day international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Jaffna International Trade Fair 2013 begins Jan.18

Jaffna International Trade Fair 2013 begins Jan.18

JITF 2013 

The biggest ever exhibition in Jaffna peninsula, the fourth Annual Jaffna International Trade Fair 2013(JITF) will start 18th after the end of the Thai Pongal Festival. 
The trade fair which will have both local and international stalls will cater to a diverse variety of needs and services and will be held at the Duraippah Stadium in Jaffan is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors is considered as the single most focal point for a wide spectrum of investors and citizens.

Three candidates to contest Bar Association (BASL) presidency

Three candidates to contest Bar Association
(BASL) presidency

Bar Association of Sri Lanka

Upul Jayasuriya, R.R.S. Thangaraja and Thirantha Walaliyadde PC to contest for the Presidency of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka(BASL) on February 20. Upul Jayasuriya and Tirantha Walaliyadda PC handed over their nominations at the BASL head office at Hulftsdorp yesterday. 

Current President of Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President's Counsel Wijedasa Rajapakse who is also an opposition United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian has decided not to seek reelection for the post of President of the BASL.

Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Saudi recalled over Rizana execution

Sri Lanka’s ambassador to Saudi recalled
 over Rizana execution

Rizana Nafeek executed

Sri Lanka government has decided to recall the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia,Ahamed Javad, with immediate effect in a mark of protest over the beheading of Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek.

The External Affairs Ministry has confirmed that Rizana Nafeek’s remains have been buried in Saudi Arabia after being executed in the country. The Sri Lankan government has requested Saudi Arabia for Rizana’s remains however the Sri Lankan embassy stated that this request was not fulfilled due to Saudi Arabian law.

No response for visit from Navanetham Pillay

No response for visit from Navanetham Pillay

Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission 

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanetham Pillay has yet to respond to the invitation by the Sri Lankan government to visit Sri Lanka and asses the post-conflict situation, despite the two conditions she set out as a preamble for her visit have already been fulfilled. “When we extended an invitation to her 11 months before the resolution against Sri Lanka, taken up last March, she communicated to us that her visit would be most productive if she arrived after the release of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report and a preliminary visit by a team from her office,” Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peries said

Turkish Airlines to fly to Sri Lanka

Turkish Airlines to fly to Sri Lanka

Service Launch from Feb 2013

Turkish Airlines plans to extend existing 5 weekly Istanbul – Male service to Colombo,Sri Lanka from next month(1st of February).As a result of the service extension, operational schedule on Istanbul - Male is being revised, and Turkish Airlines has local traffic rights on Male - Colombo sector, UK-based Routes said.

Divi Neguma draft bill passed

Divi Neguma draft bill passed

Divineguma Bill

The controversial Divineguma draft  Bill was passed  in to law with a majority in parliament with a majority of 107 votes. 160 voted in favour of the Bill while 53 voted against it.Eleven MPs abstained from voting. The UNP, JVP and TNA voted against the bill.
The government has made 10 amendments to the Bill based on the recommendations made by the Supreme Court to avert a referendum.

Impeachment vote 6 p.m. on January 11th

Impeachment vote 6 p.m. on January 11th

Impeachment against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake

Parliament will debate the Parliamentary Select Committee report that probed the charges against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake on January 10 and 11, and the vote will be taken after 6 p.m. on January 11th.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that a majority of party leaders have agreed to hold the debate on January 10 and 11.

However The main opposition United National Party (UNP) today decided to participate in the two day debate on the impeachment motion and vote against it at the end, informed sources said.

Sri Lanka targets 1.25 million tourists in 2013

Sri Lanka targets 1.25 million tourists in 2013

"Sri Lanka is popular as a green and natural tourism destination"

In 2012, 1 million(approximately 1,000,4000) international visitors travelled to Sri Lanka, up compared to 2011, and itself a new record. Achieving the targeted 1.25 million tourists by the end of 2013 is an attainable target, given that the industry and the authorities give priority to proper marketing and promotion for the destination.