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Last Update: Sat, Sep 19, 2020, 11:50 pm SL Time 		Serving the Sri Lankan community globally since 2000
 
  President requests tea industry not to tarnish ‘Ceylon Tea’ brand name

Sept 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Friday made an appeal to tea factory owners not to tarnish the reputation of Ceylon Tea brand, which has long been an attractive brand around the world and request them to supply high quality tea to global market.

President Rajapaksa noted that media recently reported instances of adulterating the quality tea by mixing sugar, glucose, sodium bicarbonate and ferrous sulfate and the tea industry has suffered a major setback due to the rejection of such tea in the world market.

 National Coastal and Marine Resources Conservation Week launched:
Sept 19, Colombo: The inaugural event on the National Coastal and Marine Resources Conservation Week and Coastal Cleanup Programme, organized by the Marine Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management, was held today (19) at Mount Lavinia Beach with the participation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

 President inspects development projects in Puttalam District:
Sept 19, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa today (19) inspected the development projects in the Puttalam District.

 Presidential Commission of Inquiry decides to name former Prime Minister as a witness :
Sept 19, Colombo: The Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Political Victimization today decided to name former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had been named as a respondent in connection with several complaints lodged against him, as a witness.

 Navy recovers Rs. 5 million worth Kerala Cannabis hidden in a Kalpitiya island:
Sept 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy on information received by the naval intelligence officers of the Kalpitiya Vijaya Naval Base have seized a stock of Kerala Cannabis hidden in a fishing hut in Paramunai Island close to Baththalangunduwa, Kalpitiya.

 Laboratory reports on MT New Diamond oil tanker submitted to Attorney General:
Sept 19, Colombo: The Marine Environment Protection Authority states that the laboratory reports of the analysis of oil samples from the MT New Diamond oil tanker ship have been submitted to the Attorney General.

 ITX360 partners with UiPath to introduce a new paradigm in hyperautomation to Sri Lanka:
Sept 19, Colombo: ITX360 (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Expolanka Holdings PLC, announced a groundbreaking partnership with global Robotic Process Automation (RPA) experts, UiPath

  Sri Lankan Niro Cooke appointed to Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) Board :
Sept 19, London: The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) announced this month the appointment of Niro Cooke to its Board.

 Four suspects, who assaulted police in Atulugama remanded until 22nd :
Sept 19, Colombo: Balangoda Magistrate Jayaruwan Dissanayake yesterday (18) remanded four persons arrested in connection with the attack on police in the Atulugama area in Bandaragama until the 22nd of this month.

 ComBank presents grand prizes to e-statement promo winners:
Sept 19, Colombo: Two lucky Commercial Bank Credit Card holders have won cash to the equivalent of a holiday in Singapore by opting for electronic statements instead of the printed monthly statements.

 No decision to withdraw from UNHRC, government clarifies :
Sept 19, Colombo: Responding to media reports on remarks made by the Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at the Cabinet Press Briefing on Thursday (17) in relation to the UN Human Rights Council, Director General of Government Information Nalaka Kaluwewa said the government has not taken any decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

 Two sluice gates of Upper Kotmale Reservoir opened:
Sept 19, Colombo: Two sluice gates of the Upper Kotmale Reservoir have been opened since last night (18) due to heavy rains that continue to fall in the catchment areas in the western slopes of the central hills.

 Court orders to investigate former chairman of Arachchikattuwa over bulldozing Anavilundawa sanctuary :
Sept 19, Colombo: Chilaw Magistrate and District Judge Manjula Ratnayake yesterday (18) ordered the police to inquire into the involvement of former Chairman of the Arachchikattuwa Pradeshiya Sabha Jagath Samantha in the destruction of the mangrove system at the Anavilundawa bird Sanctuary.

  President requests tea industry not to tarnish ‘Ceylon Tea’ brand name:
Sept 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Friday made an appeal to tea factory owners not to tarnish the reputation of Ceylon Tea brand, which has long been an attractive brand around the world and request them to supply high quality tea to global market.

 Two LNG plants by 2023 for power generation :
Sept 18, Colombo: Dullas Alahapperuma. Ministry of Power has stated that two liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plants will be constructed by the year 2023 as a solution to the power crisis in the country in the future.
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 President hands over motorcycles to public health inspectors:
Sept 18, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today (18) symbolically distributed official motorcycles to public health inspectors who served with great risk to their lives in the face of the COVID-19 epidemic.

 Former Secretary of Defense testifies before Presidential Commission probing Easter Sunday attacks:
Sept 18, Colombo: Former Secretary of Defense Hemasiri Fernando testifying before the Presidential Commission probing Easter Sunday attacks Thursday revealed that former President Maithripala Sirisena had not summoned Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara to the Security Council until the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks over the transfer of former CID Inspector Nishantha Silva.

 The Bribery Commission case against Fowzie on December 8:
Sept 18, Colombo: The Colombo Magistrate’s Court today ordered that a case filed by the bribery Commission against former minister AHM Fowzie be called on December 8.

 Sri Lanka to import 100,000 MT of rice to maintain buffer stock:
Sept 18, Colombo: Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena said that steps will be taken in the future to import around 100,000 metric tons of rice with the approval of the Cabinet.

 Additional 405 students to be admitted to the six major engineering faculties:
Sept 18, Colombo: The Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris said that it has been decided to admit an additional 405 students for the six major engineering faculties in the country.

 Education Minister highlights the need to change education to fit modern job market:
Sept 18, Colombo: The Minister of Education, Prof. G.L. Pieris said the gap between the modern job opportunities and the education provided through the schools and the universities in this country

 Sri Lanka to do utmost to prevent human trafficking :
Sept 18, Colombo: The Government of Sri Lanka will do its utmost to prevent human trafficking, Minister of Justice Ali Sabry has assured the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

 U.S. Ambassador meets Sri Lanka Speaker:
Sept 18, Colombo: The United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina B. Teplitz paid a courtesy visit on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena at the Speaker’s office in Parliament.

 Sri Lanka introduces e-GP System for registration of Suppliers, Vendors, Service Providers and Contractors:
Sept 18, Colombo: The Government of Sri Lanka is inviting supplier community to register with Electronic Government Procurement System (e-GP System) who wish to supply goods, works and consultancy and non-consultancy services to the Government.

 Sri Lanka Coast Guard seizes Rs. 4 million worth turmeric stock smuggled in Chilaw:
Sept 18, Colombo: The officers of the Chilaw coastal inspection unit of Sri Lanka Coast Guard has seized nearly 1000 kilos of turmeric worth Rs. 4 million being brought ashore across the Chilaw estuary.

 LAUGFS Terminals complex at Hambanthota Port celebrates 100th ship call:
Sept 18, Colombo: Laugfs Gas PLC fully owned subsidiary, Laugfs Terminals Ltd., celebrated the 100th ship call yesterday, for loading of LP Gas at its port based, all weather LP Gas Storage and Transhipment Terminal Complex, located at the Hambantota International Port.
  Sri Lanka’s Colombo Stock Exchange goes fully digital:
Sept 18, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) organized a special market opening ceremony Thursday (17) to mark the digitalization of the Sri Lankan Stock Market.
 33,000 kilos of illegally imported turmeric seized:
Sept 18, Colombo: Bloemendal Police acting on information received have seized three 40-foot containers containing 33,000 kilograms of Turmeric and 3,000 kilograms of black lentil (Undu) illegally imported into the country and smuggled out of Customs.
  President criticizes both public and private sectors for slow pace of work :
Sept 18, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says as he has observed, the common problem in the country is that no one is working and sadly the slow pace of activity in both the public and private sectors is unfortunate.
 2021 Draft Appropriation Bill in second week of October :
Sept 18, Colombo: The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to present the draft appropriation bill for the year 2021 to be tabled in Parliament during the second week of October 2020.
 Sri Lanka Manufacturing and Services sectors continue expansion in August 2020:
Sept 17, Colombo: Purchasing Managers’ Indices for both Manufacturing and Services activities continued to expand in August 2020, compared to July 2020 benefitting from the normalizing of economic activities, the Central Bank said Wednesday.
  Minimum age of employment to be raised to 16 years:
Sept 17, Colombo: Co-Cabinet Spokesman, Minister of Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated that the Cabinet has approved to increase the minimum age for recruitment to employment to 16 years from the earlier age limit of 15 years.
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 The President and the Cabinet will accept the responsibility of the 20th Amendment:
Sept 17, Colombo: Co-Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella said the President and the Cabinet will take full responsibility for the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which has been gazetted.
  Captain of fire-stricken oil tanker summoned to appear in Sri Lankan court :
Sept 17, Colombo: Niros Helias, the Greek captain of the MT New Diamond oil tanker, which caught fire in the seas off Sri Lanka’s Eastern Coast has been summoned to appear in court on the 28th of this month.
  PM visits Colombo Port City marking 6th anniversary of the project:
Sept 17, Colombo: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today made an observation tour to Colombo Port City to mark the 6th anniversary of the project building a world class city on 269 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea.
 Sri Lankan underworld figure Angoda Lokka died of a heart attack, India’s CB-CID says:
Sept 17, Colombo: The Sri Lankan underworld leader Maddumage Lasantha Chandana Perera alias Angoda Lokka, who was hiding in India, died of a heart attack in Coimbatore, India’s Criminal Investigation Department CB-CID has concluded.
 President advises principals not to admit children to schools based on letters mentioning names of President or PM :
Sept 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has strongly advised the principals of schools to totally disregard requests to admit children to schools based on letters that mention the names of the President, Prime Minister and other high ranking state official.
 Sri Lanka progresses in human capital gains, needs to improve in nutrition and learning outcomes:
Sept 17, Colombo: The World Bank Group’s 2020 Human Capital Index, released today, finds that a child born in Sri Lanka today will be 60 percent as productive when she grows up as compared to if she enjoyed complete education and full health.
 ComBank joins Sri Lanka Army “Thuru Mithuru” project to drive Sri Lanka towards self-sufficiency in food:
Sept 17, Colombo: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced a partnership with the Sri Lanka Army to financially support the second phase of the ‘Thuru Mithuru Nawa Ratak’ initiative designed to transform Sri Lanka into a country self-sufficient in essential food.
  Police arrest 12 persons for attempting to travel to Canada with forged visa:
Sept 17, Colombo: The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has arrested 12 persons at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport for attempting to travel to Canada through Qatar using forged visas.
 Sri Lanka ranks 83 on the Economic Freedom of the World index:
Sept 17, Colombo: Sri Lanka ranks 83 out of 162 countries and territories included in the Economic Freedom of the World: 2020 Annual Report, released by Canada’s Fraser Institute in association with the Advocata Institute Sri Lanka.
 Sri Lanka airports will not be opened until COVID-19 is 100% controlled - Tourism Minister:
Sept 17, Colombo: Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga says that the airport will not be reopened until they receive confirmation from the Ministry of Health that COVID-19 epidemic has been brought under control 100 percent.
 20th Amendment to be presented in parliament with no changes:
Sept 17, Colombo: The cabinet of Ministers at the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday (16) has decided to present the 20th Amendment to the Constitution as it was gazetted with no changes.
 ADB expects Sri Lanka’s economy to contract by 5.5% this year:
Sept 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s output will contract by 5.5 percent in 2020 before recovering to 4.1 percent growth in 2021 as the country is recovering from the heavy economic toll caused by the pandemic on the livelihoods and businesses, according to Asia Development Bank (ADB).
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  Delhi Court convicts ex-regional manager SriLankan Airlines:
Sept 16, Colombo: A Delhi Court on Wednesday convicted of Lalit D’Silva Former Regional Manager (India) of SriLankan Airlines on charge of outraging the modesty of a female employee, Press Trust of India reported.
 16 foreigners arrested for defrauding Rs. 60 million:
Sept 16, Colombo: The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Police Media and Information Division Lal Seneviratne said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received 101 complaints from people alleging that more than Rs. 60 million was swindled through the internet by scams.
 16 foreigners arrested for defrauding Rs. 60 million:
Sept 16, Colombo: The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Police Media and Information Division Lal Seneviratne said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has received 101 complaints from people alleging that more than Rs. 60 million was swindled through the internet by scams.
 Chairman of the Court of Appeal recuses himself from hearing the case against Gnanasara Thera:
Sept 16, Colombo: Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeal A. H. M. D. Nawaz recused himself today (16) from hearing the case against three persons, including Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera, on charges of contempt of court.
 Sri Lanka claims Rs. 340 million for extinguishing fire on MT New Diamond :
Sept 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s Attorney General has submitted a written claim to the lawyers of the owners of the fire-stricken MT New Diamond to reimburse the costs incurred for extinguishing the fire onboard the ship and related activities.
 Sri Lanka responds to UN Human Rights Chief’s “unwarranted and pre-judgmental” concerns:
Sept 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka responding to the references made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michele Bachelet at the 45th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Monday in Geneva, said the High Commissioner’s comments on the proposed 20th Amendment are unwarranted and pre-judgmental, based on presumption.
 Five member committee appointed to look into the affairs of the Sri Lanka Medical Council:
Sept 16, Colombo: A five member committee has been appointed by the Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi to look into the activities of the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC).
 Sri Lanka Army to take over printing of driving licenses from 01 January:
Sept 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka Army at the government’s request will take over the printing of driving licenses from a private company from 01 January 2021, the Army Media Unit said.
 Commercial banks should protect local industrialists - Prime Minister:
Sept 16, Colombo: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that commercial banks have a huge role to play in protecting local industrialists.
 Expolanka responds to unusual trading activity in its securities :
Sept 16, Colombo: Expolanka Holdings, a global diversified conglomerate rooted in Sri Lanka explained about the unusual trading activity in the securities of the company, to the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) today(16).
 Navy recovers assortment of explosive items in Mullivaikkal:
Sept 16, Colombo: During a special search conducted in Mullivaikkal, Mullaitivu on Tuesday (15), the Navy has managed to recover an assortment of explosive items from a private development site, the Navy Media Unit said.
  Three killed in lorry-three wheeler collision:
Sept 16, Colombo: Three persons were killed when a three-wheeler collided with a lorry in the Divurumpitiya area on the Ratnapura-Avissawella main road.
 Shivajilingam to be produced before the court today:
Sept 16, Colombo: Former Northern Provincial Councilor M. K. Shivajilingam, who was arrested by the Kopay Police on Tuesday (15), will be produced before Jaffna Magistrate’s Court today.
 BOI signs agreement to set up a sea cucumber processing factory in Jaffna:
Sept 16, Colombo: The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with Suganth Seafood (Pvt) Ltd to set up a Sea Cucumber processing factory for export market.
  I am ready to work with SJB in Opposition’s affairs - UNP Deputy Leader:
Sept 16, Colombo: The new Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ruwan Wijewardene has said that he is ready to work with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in the affairs of the Opposition and that several members of the Opposition have held discussions with him in the last few days.
 Committee Report on the 20th Amendment to the Cabinet:
Sept 16, Colombo: The report of the committee appointed to study the 20th Amendment to the Constitution handed over to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday is due to be presented to the Cabinet today.
  Construction of 100,000 km of rural roads will be completed in 2024:
Sept 16, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has entrusted officials with the responsibility of completing the construction of 100,000 km of rural roads and connecting them to the main road network by 2024.
 Three wheelers and motorbikes in the bus priority lane from tomorrow:
Sept 15, Colombo: Three wheelers and motorbikes should travel in the bus priority lane from tomorrow (16), said Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon.
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 Instructions to expedite the work of Aruwakkalu landfill:
Sept 15, Colombo: On the advice of the President and the Prime Minister, as a scientific and eco-friendly solution to the solid waste disposal problem work at Aruwakkalu landfill in Puttalam will be expedited
  Construction work on the first section of the Central Expressway begins with Chinese funds:
Sept 15, Colombo: Construction work on the first section of the Central Expressway began today (15), the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said.
 PM instructs to look into a special program for children imprisoned with mothers:
Sept 15, Colombo: A report on 46 children imprisoned with their mothers in the country’s jails was handed over to the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today by the State Minister of Prison Reforms & Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Sudarshini Fernandopulle at the Temple Trees.
  Discussion on confiscation of illegal property and money acquired by criminals:
Sept 15, Colombo: A group of high ranking officials from the Attorney General s Department, the Sri Lanka Police and other relevant government agencies met Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday (14) to discuss the future course of action regarding money acquired by illegal methods including drug trafficking.
 President emphasizes development of ports to make Sri Lanka one of world’s leading maritime hubs :
Sept 15, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that Sri Lanka can use its unique locational advantage to become one of the world’s leading maritime hubs.
 Core Group on Sri Lanka expresses concerns over new government’s domestic process for reconciliation :
Sept 15, Colombo: The Core Group on Sri Lanka while appreciating the new government’s continuing commitment to reconciliation among communities told the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to pay special attention to the new domestic process for reconciliation as previous such processes were not sufficient.
  Australia calls for inclusive business partnerships in Sri Lanka to help COVID-19 recovery :
Sept 15, Colombo: The Australian Government under its Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) has called for inclusive business partnerships to help improve livelihoods in Sri Lanka and recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the Australian High Commission in Colombo announced.
 Sri Lanka non-life insurance premiums may fall increasing competition: Fitch Ratings:
Sept 15, Colombo: Global rating agency, Fitch Ratings says price competition among non-life insurers in Sri Lanka is likely to intensify as a ban on auto imports and an economic downturn hinder premium growth.
 Sri Lanka trade deficit narrows in July 2020 as exports surpass US$ 1 bn, imports decline:
Sept 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka’s trade deficit significantly narrowed in July 2020, as exports increased to surpass US$ 1 billion while imports recorded a decline, the Central Bank reported Tuesday in its External Sector Performance review for the month.
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