The Spices and Allied Products Producers’ and Traders’ Associ-ation (SAPPTA) yesterday called on the Government to reconsider its decision to import spices for re-export, warning of potentially detrimental consequences for the local industry and economy. “The move could undermine the local spice industry, impacting numerous farmers, exporters, and stakeholders in the value chain,” – SAPPTA…
A police officer has been suspended following accusations stemming from a viral video. The officer is charged with failing to secure a packet of cannabis found in a vehicle under inspection and performing his duties in a manner that caused public inconvenience by chewing betel leaves. The incident occurred on the 25th when the officer,…
The Committee for the Protection of Rights of the Prisoners has filed a writ of mandamus in the Honourable Supreme Court under Article 104 (U) (1) of the Constitution. The petition lists the Election Commission and its members among the nine respondents and seeks to address the systemic inadequacies that have deprived prisoners of their…
Ajith Parakum A country embroiled in conflict among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches inevitably descends into complete anarchy. To prevent such a scenario, these three branches must act with mutual understanding. This understanding should aim to maintain the current social system while implementing necessary transformations. A revolutionary coup is a different matter; it involves…
President’s Counsel Ronald Perera has placed deposits on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe as an independent candidate for the forthcoming Presidential Election. He had placed the deposit this morning (26) at the Election Commission Office in Rajagiriya. The Election Commission announced that the deposit money for the 2024 Presidential Election can be deposited from 8.30…
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has issued the Gazette notification announcing the date of the 2024 Presidential Election and the date for the accepting of nominations. Accordingly, the Presidential Election will be held on 21 September, 2024 and Nominations will be accepted on 15 August 2024, according to the Gazette notification. The Gazette states…
The Joint Federation of Samurdhi Trade Unions states that since the introduction of the Aswesuma welfare benefit program in July 2023 and the subsequent suspension of the Samurdhi program, approximately 18,000 Samurdhi Development Officers are left without work. Since around 1995, the Samurdhi movement has been operational with 1,097 Samurdhi Banks across the country. According…
The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that 450,000 new applications have been received for the Aswesuma welfare benefit program. The data collection process has already begun and is expected to be completed by the end of July. The data will be gathered via a mobile app, focusing on six key parameters: the household’s economic status,…
This year, under the overarching theme “Anyone can drown, no one should,” the World Health Organization has chosen the touching slogan “Seconds can save a life”. This highlights the dual nature of drowning: it can occur in a matter of seconds yet taking a brief moment to act—whether by wearing a lifejacket, keeping watch over…
Sri Lanka is witnessing renewed international support as it implements critical measures to emerge from its economic crisis. Japan has announced the resumption of funding for stalled infrastructure projects, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring efforts. This development follows the completion of a $10 billion restructuring agreement with official creditors, including Japan,…
