Colombo (LNW): A 20-year-old youth was killed by gunfire in Martis Lane at Keselwatte area this (30) afternoon, Police said.
Two gunmen arrived on a motorcycle and opened fire with a T-56 rifle at the victim who was staying on the roadside, according to Police.
The victim, 20 and a resident of Colombo 12, was pronounced dead upon being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
Police are conducting investigation into the incident.
Colombo (LNW): New graduates will be recruited as teachers for the subject streams of Science, Technology, and English and foreign languages, said Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.
The next steps regarding the recruitment of new graduates as teachers will be undertaken at the provincial level, the Minister went on, adding that the recruitment of teachers and principals, on the other hand will be delayed due to interim orders issued by the Court.
The Minister made these observations in Kalutara.
As it is important to properly understand the current situation in the country, as a basic step to control and eradicate the drug menace immediately, it was decided to summon all relevant institutions and discuss the matter in the ‘Select Committee of Parliament to look into and identify the mechanisms to be implemented in order to immediately control and eradicate the rapidly spreading drug menace in the country and to submit observations and recommendations to Parliament in that regard’.
This decision was taken July (27) when the first meeting of the said committee was held under the chairmanship of Minister Tiran Alas.
Accordingly, the Sri Lanka Police, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol should be summoned before the committee to hold a wide discussion in this regard and identify the current situation, said the chairman of the committee, Minister Tiran Alas.
Accordingly, it was decided to summon the relevant institutions before the committee on August 10.
In addition to this, the need to establish a strategic plan for the immediate control and eradication of the drug menace and the need for coordination between the agencies working in this regard was also emphasised.
MPs Jayantha Samaraweera, Dr Upul Galappathi and Upul Mahendra Rajapaksa were present in this committee. Also, Acting Secretary General of Parliament Hansa Abeyratne and Director of Legislative Services and Director of Communications (Acting) H.E Janakantha Silva were also present.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has informed that anticipating the fuel price revision next month, 101 fuel station dealers for 92 Petrol and 61 fuel station dealers for Lanka Auto Diesel have failed to maintain 50 per cent stock capacity, revealed Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara.
These dealers, however, have placed adequate orders to maintain stock requirements as of yesterday (29), the Minister disclosed on Twitter.
Last month, the CEYPETCO took over the management of a few fuel stations that had not maintained minimum stocks and legal proceedings are being made on multiple other dealers as well, Wijesekara added.
CPC has informed that anticipating the fuel price revision next month, 101 fuel station dealers for 92 Petrol & 61 fuel station dealers for Lanka Auto diesel have not maintained 50% stock capacity & placed adequate orders to maintain stock requirements as of yesterday. Last month… pic.twitter.com/nsqtr16hN0
— Kanchana Wijesekera (@kanchana_wij) July 30, 2023
Colombo (LNW): It appears that a group of people who consider rugby as part of their heritage are attempting to control its dissemination across the country. They seek to impose censorship on its inherent nature and widespread accessibility.
However, their efforts to achieve this control are being challenged by an individual from the countryside who gained recognition in a society where wealth and power are symbols of status. Despite the initial praise, their influence and power seem to be diminishing over time and are becoming less visible in today’s society.
It is according to the faith of the law and country. Although there is no shortage of those who make the law a law, we have also experienced situations where it is not so. At present, there are doubts emerging about the possibility that this might be the final endeavor.
We can see that the motives of theft are now driving them to the point of profit prospects to the extent that it is difficult for any person or his or her posterity to live with a conscience. Therefore, a sense of distrust has taken root in the minds of the people, leading to doubt in everything.
The most fitting punishment for the Rugby administration is not power struggle. The goal they set at the beginning of their hard work was to take the game of Rugby to an Asian tournament medal. What is now required is either a delay in the fair judgment of law and justice or the creation of an opportunity for it. This matter is felt at a minor level by the elites of the upper class. Whatever any contribution made to the country by a group outside their own class is only considered relevant by the elites if it has a connection to their own class.
Currently, the court has ordered the minister, the ministry secretary, and the director of the development department, instructing them not to interfere with Ruby’s independence. Therefore, they had to maintain silence on the matter. Despite the possibility that the decision might render the minister’s actions invalid, the Stabilization Committee is determined to cling to power and is reluctant to step down from their positions. Like they are trying to hold on to it without coming down from its seats.
That’s because the decision to suspend the power of the Stabilization Committee, which should be read directly in one part of the decision about, is not included in the words.
The court’s decision to postpone it until August 4 also suggests that the court’s attention has not been directed towards the Asian Games. Also, it is essential to consider that despite the Court of Appeal’s order not to influence the Minister, the Stabilization Committee has not resigned from their positions. They have stated their intention to challenge the decision and take certain matters to the Supreme Court even after the ruling.
Reconsideration is needed because the court, despite ordering the Minister not to exert pressure on Rugby, delayed signing the rest of the decision after the Stabilization Committee, appointed by the minister, declared their intention to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
It is crucial to utilize whatever profession we pursue for the betterment of the country, regardless of whether it is law, medicine, or any other occupation or public service. As citizens, our conditions and status are closely tied to the responsibilities entrusted to us based on the extent of decision-making authority we hold. When individuals are entrusted with more power and authority, they also possess the capacity to serve across a broader scope and influence a larger segment of the society.
The issue at hand seems to be primarily based on the judicial process. It is crucial that the principles of law and justice are applied in a manner that prioritizes the well-being of the country and its citizens.
One of the essential purposes of the law is to eliminate barriers and obstacles from doing well and contributing positively to the progress of the country. In certain instances, we do not strongly believe the situations that do not do so in the hope of future profits. But we believe that there may be. It is not believed that several times the higher political power tied the foot of the Rugby journey while tying it up and release was done by the law itself.
Professionals in the country may gain physical benefits from participating in injustices, but the most difficult aspect is not how society perceives them, but the personal burden they carry and shame.
If everyone prioritizes the welfare of the country, the National Olympic Committee is working on behalf of the Sri Lankan team participating in the Asia Cup through the International Olympic Committee on legal grounds and not with the Stabilization Committee. They should be responsible for dealing with the Rugby Union, which is the governing body for rugby in Sri Lanka.
It is extremely important to understand this situation. It appears that anyone attempting to obstruct the pursuit of the medal goal would be perceived by society as traitors lacking love for rugby, the country, or the country’s sport.
Time is increasing its severity and impact, but can ensure that not diminishing it. More important than deciding whether or not to betray generations is to avoid facing the disgust they feel in themselves and those close to them for complicity in preventing the Asian tour.
We have a responsibility to contribute positively and refrain from spreading negative things that can harm or have a detrimental impact on the community. Because there is no doubt that its bad effects will also affect us.
It seems that the responsibility for preventing or hindering the journey of Sri Lankan rugby, which is on track to achieve results in the next 40 days and prepare for the Asian medal, lies not with the referees on the field but with the judges in the court. It is a normal situation.
As citizens of the country, it is our responsibility to take legal and prompt actions to ensure justice and protect the achievements of the country. If on a day in history participates in a tournament and does not win a medal, it will not be talked about for long. But if it is not possible to participate in a tournament or an opportunity is missed, it will affect future generations as well, and it will pass from generation to generation as a mistake.
*Adapted from original article, “ආසියානු රගර් ගමනේ අවිනිශ්චිත හෙට දවස…?” published on 29.07.2023
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): A token strike will be held on August 03, 2023 in demonstration of the disapproval of the failure to cancel the circular issued by the Health Secretary censoring health workers from producing statements to the media without the consent of their departmental heads.
The strike action has been organised by the Academy of Health Professionals, and its Chairman Ravi Kumudesh revealed that the Health Secretary has not yet responded to the queries made regarding the communique in question.
A special conference will also be held on August 03, with health professionals and civil organisations together disclosing many other issues pertaining to the country’s Health Service, Kumudesh asserted.
Earlier, trade unions and concerned individuals pointed out that the communique in question is a direct blow in the head against the health employees’ freedom of expression and freedom of speech.
The said circular failed to mention the provisions of the Establishment Code concerning trade unions and health professionals’ associations, Kumudesh added.
The Hindu: As a large creditor to Sri Lanka, China is welcome to join the effort steered by Japan, India and France to help the island nation cope with its debt distress, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Saturday.
She also called upon the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to speed up relief measures for countries facing debt vulnerabilities.
Terming multilateral development banks’ (MDBs) reforms and debt-relief measures for many stressed economies as the top two finance track priorities for India during its G-20 Presidency, Ms. Sitharaman said that a comprehensive, better and quicker approach is required to address the problem within the common framework of the IMF and World Bank, as well as “outside” it.
“I quote the ‘outside of it’ equally as much as within the framework, as we have the example of Sri Lanka, a middle-income country which got into distress because its earnings were limited to tourism and some other areas like export of tea… Sri Lanka required a quick redressal, although outside of the framework because they are a middle-income country,” she noted in a discussion at the India Japan Forum.
In Sri Lanka’s case, Japan, which holds the G-7 Presidency currently, quickly took the lead to address the distress, she pointed out. “Japan came up, along with France and India, with a quick committee of creditors group, which started addressing the issue. And of course, it was an open forum, it wasn’t limited to just to the three countries, China is welcome to participate as one of the big creditors,” Ms. Sitharaman said.
Japan’s leadership in such cases with “a constructive approach to address debt distress” has been well-received, the Minister said, adding that this is an indicator that the G-7 and G-20 together would come up with solutions to the problem.
While the MDBs are acting to alleviate debt distress, they need to be “more nimble”, the Minister said, noting that “we are looking at situations where countries are waiting for more than three or four years after the application seeking some redressal, to get the actual resolution of the issues”.
Source: The Hindu
BBC: England bowler Stuart Broad says he will retire after the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.
The 37-year-old has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, making him the second most successful paceman in Test history behind team-mate James Anderson.
Broad said he made the decision on Friday evening.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and the England badge as much as I have,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’ve been thinking about it for the last few weeks but England v Australia has always been the pinnacle for me.
“I’ve loved the battles I’ve had with Australia. I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.”
England reached 389-9 on day three of the series finale, leading by 377, with Broad batting late in the evening.
If they complete victory over the final two days, they will draw the series 2-2, denying Australia a first Ashes win in England since 2001.
Broad has taken 20 wickets in the series, the most by an England player, and has admitted his own surprise at being fit to play in all five Tests which have been played in just six weeks.
He has been one of England’s great performers in Ashes cricket, taking a record 151 Test wickets against Australia.
“I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have,” Broad said.
“It’s been such a wonderful series to be a part of and I’ve always wanted to finish it at the top.
“This series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I’ve been a part of.”
Broad made his debut against Sri Lanka in December 2007. Last week, during the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester, he became just the second pace bowler after Anderson to take 600 Test wickets.
He and Anderson, who has ignored calls to retire himself, are the most successful bowling partnership in Test history.
“He just said ‘are you joking?’,” Broad told BBC Test Match Special, after being asked when he gave Anderson the news.
“We then had a hug. It is always hard.
“When I spoke to Jimmy, I got a bit emotional. But ultimately we have a game to win here. We can do the reminiscing afterwards if we get the job done.”
After defeat in the 2021-22 Ashes series in Australia, Broad and Anderson were dropped for a tour of West Indies in the spring of last year but were then recalled when captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took over.
“I told Stokesy [England captain Ben Stokes] last night and told the changing room this morning and to be honest, it felt the right time,” Broad said.
“I have thought a lot about it and even up until 8 o’clock last night I was – I wasn’t 50/50 – but I was a little bit unsure.
“But once I went to Stokesy’s room and told him I felt really happy.
“I feel really content with everything I have achieved in the game and ultimately the decision came down to I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and my last memories being a really enjoyable changing room.”
Broad also played 121 one-day internationals and 56 T20s – leading the T20 side between 2011 and 2014 – although has solely played the Test format since 2016.
He took 8-15 at Trent Bridge against Australia in 2015 – one of a number of superb wicket-taking spells that have defined his career.
He also took 5-5 in just 5.1 overs against India at the same ground in 2011, including his first Test match hat-trick as MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar fell in successive deliveries.
Against South Africa in 2016, he claimed a remarkable 5-1 in 31 balls.
Speaking on Test Match Special, Sir Alastair Cook, Broad’s former England captain, paid tribute to the bowler’s ability to perform on the biggest stage.
“I’m a bit emotional,” said Cook, who played 123 times with Broad in Tests.
“You always get questioned about heart and whether you’re good enough in big moments.
“The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad. And what a feeling that must be for a player.”
Michael Vaughan was England captain when Broad made his debut.
He said: “I have nothing but a huge amount of respect.
“I remember when he first came into the England side, he was just different. He wanted to captain himself, thinking about the game all of the time.
“If there has been a bit of niggle or a hot moment in the game, it has always been when Stuart has been around. He has been fantastic for the England side.”
Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, paid tribute to Broad, calling him “quite simply one of England’s all-time greats”.
Source: BBC Sports
Debt restructuring support, infrastructure projects, and high-tech investment opportunities among key topics during high-level talks.
Foreign Minister of Japan Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa paid a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo,July (29). During the meeting, the two dignitaries engaged in discussions concerning the bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka, with a mutual commitment to further strengthen their traditionally robust ties.
President Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for their support in the debt restructuring process and shared details of French President Emmanuel Macron’s offer, aiming to play a pivotal role in enhancing the common platform for debt restructuring and expediting the process.
Another significant aspect of their talks revolved around key areas of cooperation, namely the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the East Terminal, the Kandy Development Plan, Central Highway, and the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Both parties expressed the importance of expediting the implementation of these projects.
Additionally, they delved into bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasizing their shared commitment to maintaining the region as a peaceful and stable area. President Wickremesinghe also highlighted the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s high-tech industries, envisioning a transformation from a labour market-oriented economy to one that caters to cutting-edge technological advancements. This strategic move is expected to present significant prospects for Japanese investors.
The visiting Minister, Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, arrived in Sri Lanka on July 28th for a two-day official visit. During his stay, he will engage in discussions on bilateral relations with President Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry.
Accompanying Hon. HAYASHI Yoshimasa for these discussions were esteemed Japanese officials, including Murakami Manabu, the Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator; Arima Yutaka, the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs; Endo Kazuya, the Director General of International Cooperation; and Okano Yukiko, the Deputy Press Secretary from the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, present at the talks were HE Hideaki Mizukoshi, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Mr Tomosaburo Esaki, Executive Assistant to the Minister, Mr Taro Tsutsumi, Director of the Southwest Asian Affairs Division, and a delegation of Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.
The Sri Lankan delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Ali Sabry, the Senior Advisor to the President on National security and Chief of Staff Mr Sagala Ratnayaka, Foreign Secretary Ms Aruni Wijewardane, Economic Advisor to the President Dr R.H.S. Samaratunge.