AGs Dept. officers take exception to JSA objections to one of them being appointed to High Court

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department, on Thursday (28) noted with concern a letter sent by the Judicial Service Association (JSA) of Sri Lanka, addressed to the President, opposing the appointment of a Senior State Counsel of the Attorney General’s Department, Nayani Kasturiratne, as a High Court judge on the basis that the officer was a junior officer.

“The facts stated in the aforesaid letter are factually incorrect. It is a matter of regret that the JSA should make representations that do not accurately represent all material facts when stating that the officer from the Attorney General’s Department is “a far junior

officer compared to the judicial officers who are next in line in judicial seniority”. It has long been the tradition that officers of the Attorney General’s Department have enriched the judiciary, at various levels, and there are more appointments to be made to the judiciary in the near future,” the Legal Officers’ Association said in a statement.

Given below is the statement:

“Four new High Court judges were appointed recently. Among those appointed was a former Senior State Counsel, having 16 years of experience in the Attorney General’s Department, who had been nominated by the Attorney General for this judicial position.

“The Legal Officers’ Association expresses its appreciation that one of its officers has been recognized for this judicial office. Officers of the Attorney General’s Department have wide experience in both the civil and criminal courts as well as in original and appellate courts. They are exposed to high profile litigation and are often opposed to the best in the profession.

They are in court on a daily basis and carry a large volume of work often appearing in multiple cases on a single day. These officers also perform other duties such as providing advice to government departments and corporations and appear in commercial arbitrations, international arbitrations and before various other tribunals and participate in international conferences and workshops. They are also subject to continuous training and most officers at the rank of Senior State Counsel and above hold Masters Degrees in Law.

“In this background the Legal Officers’ Association notes with concern that it was reported that the Judicial Service Association (JSA) of Sri Lanka had addressed a letter to His Excellency the President opposing the appointment of the aforesaid Senior State Counsel as High Court judge on the basis that the officer was a junior officer. This position is factually inaccurate. The Officer nominated by the Attorney General had 16 years of service in the department and had a vast experience supervising officers in the circuits as well as in Colombo.

In comparison, one of the officers from the career judiciary who was appointed as a judge of the High Court last week also had 16 years of experience in the judiciary and had only a few more months’ experience in judicial service than the nominee of the Attorney General. It is a matter of regret that the JSA should make representations that do not accurately represent all material facts when stating that the officer from the Attorney General’s Department is “a far junior officer compared to the judicial officers who are next in line in judicial seniority”. It has long been the tradition that officers of the Attorney General’s Department have enriched the judiciary at various levels. It is thus that the judiciary is composed of judges with a wide and varied experience drawn from the official bar, the un-official bar and the career judiciary. It would be inimical to the interests of having a competent judiciary with a wide range of experience to give to one source of judicial appointments priority over another.

The Legal Officers’ Association of the Attorney General’s Department resolves that these concerns be communicated to his Excellency the President, His Lordship the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission, for consideration in the making of future judicial appointments.”

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A historic moment

Saturday 1st July, 2023

Parliament is scheduled to take up for debate the government’s domestic debt restructuring (DDR) plan today and vote on it. Parliamentary debates in this country are devoid of proper discussion, analysis and evaluation of bills, resolutions and other issues, for the ruling party MPs and their Opposition counterparts tend to view them only in a binary form—whether any political mileage could be gained from them or not. This sorry state of affairs leaves no room for a collective or consensual approach to problem solving, and the House is invariably thrown into turmoil when debates on such issues take place.

It is no exaggeration that the government and the Opposition see eye to eye only on enhancing their perks and privileges. Therefore, when the House meets today, it will be divided along party lines as usual, and there will be no dispassionate appraisal of the vital issue of domestic debt restructuring; the government will go all out to steamroller its DDR plan through Parliament amidst howls of outrage from its opponents. Odds are that the ayes will have it because the SLPP-UNP combine has a working majority in the House.

Unfortunately, the dissenting voices of economic experts like former Central Banker, Dr. W. Wijewardena, will not be heard in the House, where most members cannot read and understand complex bills, etc., much less make informed decisions based on in-depth analyses thereof. Dr. Wijewardena has expressed some serious concerns about the government’s DDR plan, and cast doubts about the workability of some proposals therein, according to media reports. His arguments, in our book, are cogent, and the government should take them on board. It was to bring experts representing specialised fields to Parliament that the National List mechanism was introduced, but it is often abused to appoint misfits as MPs through the backdoor. One may recall that after the 2015 general election, Sarath Mayadunne, a former Auditor General, whom the JVP appointed a National List MP, had to step down for a senior party member who had failed to be returned to enter Parliament. But for his unfortunate resignation, he could have been appointed the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, which was appointed to probe the Treasury bond scams under the Yahapalana government.

The government’s wisdom of causing the Central Bank to absorb much of the debt restructuring shock has been questioned. This measure will be at the expense of the public, in the final analysis, some economists have argued. They are also of the view that the DDR will take its toll on the superannuation funds contrary to the government’s assurances that they will be safe.

Commercial banks are reportedly making sizeable profits without passing the benefits of falling interest rates on to their customers. They promptly lower interest rates on deposits while keeping lending rates unconscionably high. Some banks have even increased ‘fixed’ interest rates on loans by trotting out implausible excuses! Some economic experts maintain that banks will be able to participate in the DDR process to some extent without risking their stability or endangering the interests of their customers. This argument sounds tenable. However, it can also be argued that the reasons the government has given for its decision to exempt the local banking system from the DDR process are equally valid, given the high taxes they pay. There should have been an extensive discussion on this issue.

Time allocated for the parliamentary debate on the DDR plan is woefully inadequate, given its complex nature. One can only hope that the MPs will refrain from wasting limited time and try to have a serious discussion on the issue, as far as possible and the government will be flexible enough to accommodate sensible suggestions from the Opposition and other stakeholders.

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Sri Lanka survive Edwards scare to defend 213

Sri Lanka survived an almighty scare as they scraped past Netherlands by 21 runs to kickstart their Super Six campaign on a nervy but winning note. It was a victory built on the back of a career-best 93 from Dhananjaya de Silva and a backs-against-the-wall bowling effort led by the excellent Maheesh Theekshana, who picked 3 for 31.

But every inch of this win was contested by a persistent Netherlands outfit, who first restricted Sri Lanka to a subpar 213 and then nearly pulled off a nail-biting chase. Better sides than them have fallen foul of the twin threats of Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, who picked up five wickets between them on the day. Two run-outs, when the required rate throughout was essentially less than four an over, only adds credence to this notion. Netherlands captain Scott Edwards was left stranded on an unbeaten 68-ball 67, as he ran out of partners on a sticky surface that was taking turn and displaying some uneven bounce.

The result means Sri Lanka join Zimbabwe on six points at the top of the table, with the winner of their clash on Sunday guaranteed qualification to the World Cup. As for the Netherlands, they can still get up to a maximum of six points but will now need one of Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe to lose both their remaining games.

Theekshana also made an impact with the bat, sticking it out in the middle with Dhananjaya during a vital 77-run eighth wicket stand. With the game won by 21, the importance of Theekshana’s gritty 28 cannot be overstated, especially seeing that it came after Sri Lanka had been reduced to 131 for 7.

Netherlands did all the running for much of the game. Starting with the very first delivery of the game, when Pathum Nissanka slashed wildly at one outside off stump to be caught at cover. That would be one of three wickets for the excellent Logan van Beek, who would also send Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka packing – all before the end of the first powerplay.

Nissanka’s wouldn’t be the only questionable stroke by a Sri Lankan batter, as several were dismissed trying to hit out. This though was down to Netherlands persisting with nagging lines and lengths, allied with Sri Lanka’s inability to find singles and rotate strike consistently. The build up of pressure had batters falling while attempting to break the shackles. And, if not, the odd one that kept low would do the trick.

This was essentially the tale of Sri Lanka’s innings, as Netherlands bowled wicket to wicket and refused to allow for easy runs. It was only Dhananjaya who showed the patience to thrive on this surface. He stitched together successive stands of 33, 29, 35 and 77 with Dimuth Karunaratne, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Theekshana respectively, to drag Sri Lanka to a defendable total.

In defence of their target, Sri Lanka knocked over both openers for ducks inside the first two overs. But then the game began to slip away. Wesley Barresi and Bas de Leede – who had grabbed three wickets earlier – put on 77 for the third wicket, in a partnership that was highlighted by its industrious nature. The pair found boundaries frequently, but more than that they scrambled for every run.

By the start of the 15th over they were going at a rate beyond six an over. But it would be their exuberance to grab every advantage that would be their downfall, as an ill-advised second would see Barresi run out. Barresi’s wicket would be followed by Teja Nidamanuru five balls later. De Leede and Edwards then put on a 41-ball 36.Theekshana returned to go through a gap between de Leede’s bat and pad to clean him up. He then executed a double-wicket maiden to send Netherlands tumbling to 133 for 7.

From that point on it was a lone hand from Edwards, who employed the sweep to great effect and found ones and twos with ease. This would bring the target closer, but Sri Lanka were into the tail and so they chipped away. After an incredible throw to the non-striker’s end by keeper Kusal Mendis saw Shariz Ahmad run out, Hasaranga castled Klein with a googly.

Edwards then looked to farm the strike alongside Dutt, but an inswinging yorker from Shanaka dispatched the latter. That Shanaka was even bowling at that stage was only down to the fact that Lahiru Kumara had been able to complete just two overs before being withdrawn with a side strain.

Brief scores :

Sri Lanka 213 in 47.4 overs (Dimuth Karunaratne 33, Dhananjaya de Silva 93, Wanidu Hasaranga 20, Maheesh Theekshana 28; Logan van Beek 3-26, Basde Leede 3-42) beat Netherlands 192 in 40 overs (Scott Edwards 67, Wessley Barresi 52, Bas de Leede 41; Maheesh Theekshana 3-31, Wnidu Hasaranga 2-53) by 21 runs

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A fungal disease threatens rubber cultivations in high rainfall areas

By Emeritus Professor Asoka Nugawela
(Former Director, Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka)

A new addition to the list of economically important diseases affecting natural rubber cultivations in the country is Circular Spot Leaf Disease (CLSD). It is also known as Pestalotiopsis Leaf Disease (PLD). This fungal disease was first reported in Sri Lanka in 2019 and by 2021 it had spread to around 20,000ha. Currently the affected extent is much higher. The disease severity is found to be more in rubber growing areas receiving a high annual rainfall with a higher number of wet days (Fig. 1). As per the rubber growers in such wet areas the new disease has caused around 30% loss in rubber production. Further the disease has also retarded the growth of young rubber plants. These situations are despite of the disease management programs undertaken incurring high costs. The rubber growers also fear that if this disease continues leading to secondary leaf fall the rubber plantations will become very weak leading to uneconomical rubber yields and poor growth rates in young rubber cultivations. Prolonged immature periods will result in high capital costs and lower the return on investments. At national level the rubber production will decline compelling the rubber product manufacturing sector of the country to import this raw material using scarce foreign exchange. The national rubber production has declined by nearly 6,000 MT from 2021 to 2022. The value of this production loss in 2022 is around 12 million US$.

Disease management

Based on research conducted by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka two of fungicides are currently recommended for the management of the disease. In the initial interim recommendation of the institute, the concentration of the fungicides is 3 g/ml per liter of water. Subsequently it was increased up to 5 and then again to 10 g/ml expecting to get a better control. In addition to the chemical control, the necessity to adhering into other important agronomic practices such as soil management, weed management, fertilizer application and harvesting is emphasized to enhance growth vigor and disease resistance of the trees.

High costs of the chemicals, spraying of the fungicides to cover the entire canopy of the tall rubber trees and continuous wet weather prevalent in traditional rubber growing areas are some constraints faced by the growers to adopt the chemical control of the disease. After application of the fungicides at least a 5-hour dry period is needed to prevent chemicals getting washed away.

Disease severity

It is clearly evident that since the first appearance of the disease in 2019, the disease severity has shown an increasing trend especially in the relatively more wet rubber growing areas. This is true in both young and mature rubber cultivations. Generally, in mature rubber the full quantum of leaves is present soon after re-foliation in March/April each year. Subsequently with the onset of monsoonal rains the disease incidence take place leading to leaf fall. Disease severity surveys undertaken by a particular plantation management company managing around 3,000 ha of mature rubber in the wetter region clearly shows the progression of the disease since its first detection (Table 1). Surveys had been undertaken in the month of December in each year prior to the onset of wintering.

Out of the total tapping blocks only 21% showed 76 to 100% secondary leaf fall by December 2020. However, in December 2022 this figure was 67%. Hence certain tapping blocks have shown more than 76% defoliation for three consecutive years which will invariably lead to the weaking of such trees leading to less growth and crop production. (See Table 1)

Impact on rubber production

The trend in land productivity of rubber plantations located in the relatively dry and wetter regions managed by this company reveal the impact of CLCD/PLD on the rubber production. Whilst the land productivity shows a gradual increasing trend in the relatively dry regions where the disease is not prevalent, it declines significantly in the wetter region. In both drier and wetter regions, the agricultural practices adopted are similar. Hence it is apparent that CLSD/PLD has led to around 30 to 35 % decline in rubber production in the disease affected areas (Table 2). This decline in rubber production could increase further in the coming years if the disease persists leading to secondary leaf fall. It should be stated that in the financial year 21/22 there were reasons other than CLSD/PLD to lower the land productivity. (See Table 2)

Interventions needed

As shown previously, the severity of the disease, is in an increasing trend since the initial year of infection. The significant negative impact on latex production and growth of young rubber plants are a serious threat to the sustainability of the rubber cultivations in the country, financial performance of investors/growers and the national economy. The potential consequences to the growers, investors and to the economy of the country is too significant for this issue challenging the industry to be taken lightly. Hence the government should be mindful of the consequences of this problem faced by the industry and extend its fullest corporation to the relevant government institutions and departments to come out with suitable a solution. The main strategies to be considered in combating this disease are chemical control methods which includes effective chemicals and application methods, identifying resistance varieties/clones, developing mixed cropping systems, agroecological zoning for crops and escaping from the disease by promoting growing of rubber in regions of the country where this disease is not prevalent to the extent to make rubber cultivations uneconomical.

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Grieving Titanic relatives 'will never be reunited with loved ones' after disaster

Catastrophic high-pressure implosion makes it unlikely full remains will be found, experts say as search and retrieval mission is called off

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President Putins diktat challenged but global power balance intact

Only time will tell whether Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority has been significantly eroded as a result of the unprecedented challenge that was posed recently to his diktat by Wagner group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. However, it could be safely assumed that Russia’s political leadership would be having a massive internal damage-control exercise on its hands from now on if the Putin regime’s hold on power is to be sustained.

Some international observers have noted that there have been no spontaneous and marked gestures of support for President Putin on the part of the Russian public in the wake of the attempted armed power take- over and they are to date correct. This ought to disconcert Russia’s rulers and should be taken into consideration by them in their future efforts at power consolidation.

What could be expected, though sometime in the future, are government-orchestrated shows of mass scale popular backing for the Putin regime. It will be up to democratic opinion in Russia to prove that they have the numbers in the face of these state propaganda exercises. However, they would need to brace for stepped-up state repression from now on.

International opinion is correct as well in wondering at what may be called the leniency shown to Prigozhin and his supporters by the Putin regime. Despite their having committed ‘treachery’ from the viewpoint of the Putin administration, they are being allowed to go scot-free, as it were, with guarantees of security in Belarus. The arrangement seems just too good to be true, considering the severity with which dissension is handled by the Russian authorities back home. If there has been a ‘deal’ between the sides here, what its terms are, emerges as a matter of the first importance.

Meanwhile, the international power balance could be expected to be intact in the near term in the wake of these developments. This is mainly in view of the fact that China has called the attempted power grab a matter that is ‘internal’ to the affairs of Russia and, therefore, a development that does not justify China in making any comments on. That is, the China-Russia alliance could be expected to continue unruffled. It is plain that the events in Russia could have no immediate major impact on current global power configurations.

However, these developments could have some consequences for the China-Russia bilateral relationship. If the latter has been seen thus far as an alliance between equals this could no longer be the case.

Since President Putin’s image as an unchallengeable, supreme leader has been considerably dented in the recent attempted power grab, the relegation of Russia to junior partner status in China-Russia bilateral ties could not be avoided.

It is a matter for the future whether the Putin regime could command the same degree of authority and respect in its bilateral dealings with China and in its multilateral engagements with the wider international community. However, as mentioned, the global power balance would continue for the time being with its basic features intact.

It does not follow, though, that the international power system would not be witnessing any modifications in the medium and long terms in particular. This is in view of the currently strengthening US-India alliance. If Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to the US served to emphasize anything, it is the core political values and ideals the two vibrant democracies continue to share.

While India would be careful to ensure the flourishing of its bilateral ties with China and Russia, it sees itself as having a basic bonding with the US, which India perceives as being in its interests to perpetuate strongly. Needless to say, this commonality of interests is upheld and celebrated by the US’s ruling strata as well.

The warm sentiments expressed by Prime Minister Modi on the US-India alliance while in the US and the exuberant welcome accorded to him by the US Congress alone are proof of the strong ties that are seen as binding these major powers in the political sphere. The sense of commonality between the countries was neatly summed-up by the Indian Prime Minister when he told the US Congress: ‘There have been many advances in AI – Artificial Intelligence. At the same time, there have been even more momentous developments in another AI – America and India.’

At this juncture, the commentator would not be wrong in taking the position that the US needs India as never before. While the countries’ shared political values play a significant role in cementing their alliance, besides common interests in trade, commerce and advanced technology, to name a few such areas, it is the need to check China’s growing global influence and power that motivates the US to ensure that its bridges with India are unshakable.

However, given its growing economic power and its position as the head of the G20 grouping, an obligation is cast on India to ensure that the current world economic downturn is stemmed to the extent possible. As a country that has its roots in the developing world, India, one believes, needs to see it to be in the interests of both North and South to lay the basis for stronger economic links between the countries of the two hemispheres.

India is in a unique position to achieve this because it enjoys vibrant ties with the foremost powers of the West, such as the US, while being a principal power of dominant Southern-based economic groupings, such as BRICS. Indeed, India could do much to make the West as well as the East to look beyond Realpolitik to a world order where East-West cooperation would be the dominant tendency.

India and the US, one believes, should explore the possibility of energizing and strengthening democratic development the world over. This is another way in which their shared political values could be made to matter much in the present world order. They are obliged to utilize their shared democratic identity to ensure that anti-democratic, authoritarian tendencies are stymied in the international system to the extent possible. In this enterprise they need to be proactive. They could begin by seeking to be more assertive against those authoritarian tendencies within the UN system.

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Attempt to storm police station thwarted

Hanguranketha police Monday (26) night fired in the air to thwart a large group of people from storming their station. Police said that dozens of rounds had been fired to bring the situation under control. The crowd dispersed after having blocked the Hanguranketha-Kandy road opposite the police station for about one hour.

Protesters demanded action against those responsible for the death of a resident of Diyathilakapura, Hanguranketha, who succumbed to his injuries at the Kandy National Hospital after being assaulted on Sunday (25). Police arrested a woman in connection with the attack but eight others were still at large, sources said.

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Petitions against postponement of LG polls: SC rejects preliminary objections by the State

The Supreme Court yesterday (27) rejected preliminary objections filed by Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, seeking the dismissal of two Fundamental Rights (FR) petitions filed against the postponement of the 2023 Local Government (LG) elections.

The two FR petitions have sought a court order confirming that the postponement of the 2023 Local Government elections was a violation of the public’s fundamental rights.

The relevant order was issued by a five-member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Priyantha Jayawardena, Vijith Malalgoda, Murdhu Fernando and Gamini Amarasekara.

Two FR petitions were filed by the National People’s Power (NPP) and the People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), seeking a court order that the postponement of the 2023 LG polls, which were initially due to be held on 09 March, was a violation of the fundamental rights of the people of Sri Lanka.

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Father arrested after three-week-old baby girl killed with crossbow

Police allege that Patrick D Proefriedt, 26, fired the weapon at his wife while she was holding their daughter at their home in upstate New York, injuring the mom and killing the baby. The man has been charged with three felonies by police, who described the incident as ‘heartbreaking and senseless'.

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Court of Appeal quashes Fort Magistrates summons on SDIG Deshabandu

… also invalidates AG’s move to name top cop as suspect in May 09 attack

The Court of Appeal yesterday (26) quashed the summons issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court on Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Thennakoon, asking him to appear before courts as a suspect in an ongoing case over Rs. 17.8 million in cash found at the President’s House during Aragalaya on June 09 2022.

The Appeal Court bench comprising Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and A. Marikkar issued the ruling on the writ petition filed by the Senior DIG.

The court also issued a writ order invalidating a letter issued by the Attorney General to name SDIG Tennakoon as a suspect in respect of an attack on the “GotaGoGama” protest site at the Galle Face Green on 09 May 2022.

SDIG Tennakoon filed a writ petition calling for a court order to prevent the hearing of a case against him before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court. The SDIG stated that the summons issued by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court ordering him to appear before the court in relation to the private complaint filed was against the law.

The private complaint in question was filed against SDIG Tennakoon pertaining to the money found by the Aragalaya activists at the President’s House in Fort, Colombo on 09 July 2022.

The funds were later handed over to the Fort Police, and thereafter the Colombo Fort Magistrate called for a report on the investigation into the matter owing to certain discrepancies.

SDIG Tennakoon also filed a petition before the Court of Appeal seeking the annulment of a letter sent by the Attorney General to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) asking it to name him as a suspect in the case pertaining to the attack on the ‘GotaGoGama’ protest site.

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Russian currency slumps again following short-lived Wagner rebellion

The rouble slumped by nearly three dollars on US money markets before bouncing back a little as the money markets weighed up the consequences of the mutiny by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner army.

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Van Beeks Super Over fireworks put West Indies World Cup hopes on the line

“I can’t really explain it,” Player of the Match Logan van Beek said. Netherlands, chasing 375 against West Indies, were deep in trouble with 205 required from the remaining 125 balls with only six wickets in hand. Who would have known they would end up getting 204 of them in a frenetic finish that would force the game into a Super Over?

And if you thought that was enough excitement for the day, van Beek bashed 4, 6, 4, 6, 6, 4 to smash the record for most runs in a one-over eliminator. In reply, West Indies lost two wickets for eight runs, and that was it. Netherlands took two vital points into the Super Six of the World Cup Qualifier, leaving West Indies with nothing to carry forward after being beaten by both Netherlands and Zimbabwe. The two-time World Cup champions are now teetering, their hopes of making the World Cup proper hanging by a thread.

Before van Beek batted like a free spirit, it was Teja Nidamanuru and his captain Scott Edwards who made that finish possible, adding 143 for the fifth wicket to give Netherlands hope from the most helpless of situations. That stand consumed only 90 deliveries. West Indies stormed back, though, taking 3 for 14 in a hurry to leave Netherlands needing 30 from the last two overs.

At the crease was none other than van Beek. The first three legal balls of the 49th over, bowled by Roston Chase, disappeared for 4, 6, 4. Nine needed off six balls. Four more from van Beek. But there was a twist. With one to get from the last ball, he swiped to mid-on, where Jason Holder tumbled to his right to grab the ball. It would be given out only after the third umpire made sure Alzarri Joseph hadn’t overstepped.

Van Beek hit 28 at a strike rate of 200 during the run chase after Nidamaduru belted 111 off just 76 balls, with 11 fours and three sixes. Edwards, meanwhile, smashed 67 from 47. Not only did they find boundaries at will, they also made the West Indies fielders look ragged, converting ones into twos and twos into threes. Every run counted towards a remarkable Super Over win.

The game was set up by West Indies’ centurion Nicholas Pooran. After half-centuries from Brandon King and Johnson Charles laid a solid foundation, Pooran added 108 with Shai Hope for the fourth wicket in less than 13 overs.

Pooran was on 7 off 17 balls at one stage. He then took Saqib Zulfiqar for a four and a six in the 35th over. In the 39th, he targeted the same bowler with a six and four again, before reaching his fifty in the 40th with another run of boundaries off Vivian Kingma.

West Indies added 118 in the last ten overs. Pooran reached his second century of the World Cup Qualifier in the penultimate over, before Keemo Paul took over, ransacking Aryan Dutt for 20 in the final over to propel West Indies to 374. Who knew even that wouldn’t prove enough?

Brief Scores:

West Indies 374/6 in 50 overs (Nicholas Pooran 105*, Brandon King 76; Saqib Zulfiqur 2-43) vs Netherlands 374/9 in 50 overs (Teja Nidamanuru 111, Scott Edwards 67; Roston Chase 3-77). Match Tied, Netherlands win in Super Over

(Cricinfo)

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Millions of Americans face potential power cuts this summer

With sweltering temperatures blitzing much of the country, people are being warned of possible power blackouts this summer. Officials warn that virtually the entire US west of the Mississippi River could suffer energy shortages with New England and Ontario also at risk.

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SriLankan crisis: Pilots lambaste top management for mess

‘How can we sustain operations due to over 70 resignations in one year’

Airline Pilots Guild of Sri Lanka (ALPGSL) yesterday (25) said that the top Sri Lankan Airlines management should take responsibility for the pathetic situation that prevails in the national airline. Alleging that the crux of the matter is that over 70 pilots have quit the airline during the 2022-2023 period, the Guild says many others are expected to resign.

The following is the full text of the statement issued by Capt. Manil Abeyaratne, Secretary – ALPGSL: “We write with reference to the recent statements in Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation services Nimal Siripala De Silva and other members of Parliament regarding the purported conduct of Pilots of the Airline.

Whilst iterating our commitment and dedication to our beloved Airline, the passengers of the Airline and the country as a whole we wish to state that there has been serious and oftentimes critical issues which have not been addressed by the Management of the Airline resulting in the current catastrophic state of affairs.

The Pilots of the Airline have been left in the lurch as a result of a spate of decisions by the Management of the Airline compelling us to be overworked.The Airline requires at least 330 Pilots to function in full capacity for the designated flights. However, over 70 Pilots have resigned from the Airline during the last year (2022- 2023) with many more resignations pending due to the issues faced by the Pilots.This has resulted in a complete depletion of Pilots.

The severity of the issue was witnessed in the recent incident where there were no Pilots on standby to be assigned to a flight which eventually departed more than 12 hours later than scheduled time of departure.SriLankan Airlines pays one of the lowest wages, well below industry standards to Pilots. Prior to June 2023 the Pilots were paid their salaries at an arbitrary USD [ the contracted currency by which Pilots are remunerated capped at the rate of initially LKR 188 then LKR225 subsequently LKR295 (since December) which was nearly 40% below the rate of the Central Bank. This issue took years of union intervention and discussions to resolve.

During the Covid-19 pandemic the Pilots salaries were approximately lowered by 50 percent.Despite the said “salary cut” the Pilots continued to work helping the Airline generate revenue and most importantly providing our services for critical medical supplies and other essential and urgent requirements for the Country during the crisis.

Today however, despite all other departments in the Airline being given increments and ex-gratia payments(bonuses) the Pilots are yet to receive a substantial part of their contractually due salary package which was in place before the Covid outbreak. These are despite predictions by the Chief Executive Officer of the Airline promising a profit of 50 Million USD this year.

All Pilots of the Airline have educated themselves with private funding and over the years borne the cost of their training at SriLankan Airlines. The cadre of Pilots which should ideally be at 330 now only has approximately 250 as a result of the shortsighted, arbitrary and callous decisions of the management.

It is obvious that we as individuals and professionals focussed on flight safety,cannot be expected to sustain the extra burden on each individual which the Airline now demands as a result of its own folly.The recent issues regarding flights stem from these actions and/or inactions of the Management itself to which the Management have continuously refused to pay heed to.We have as a body at all times raised these concerns repeatedly including by way of litigation due to the attitude of the Management of the Airline.We urge that these matters be brought to the notice and the attention of the general public and all stakeholders of the Airline in order to facilitate the issues raised being addressed and resolved.”

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Bogawanthalawa incident: Minister Thondamans statement

Minister Jeevan Thondaman issued the following statement yesterday evening: I categorically deny the allegations regarding an alleged confrontation between me with the Bogawantalawa Police. Contrary to the allegations, my intention was to address the issue of police brutality and ensure justice for the 28-year-old father of two who was reportedly subjected to violence and arrested on what appears to be a civil matter.

It is disheartening to witness instances where individuals from marginalised communities often become victims of police brutality due to their lack of awareness regarding their rights or full comprehension of the Sinhala language. As an elected representative, it is my duty to advocate for those who are often unheard and overlooked.

I firmly believe in upholding the rule of law, and that includes zero tolerance for any form of police brutality. I would like to emphasise that I never made any death threats towards the police officers involved nor threatened to cut their water (which is provided by the local municipality and not the Water Board). I engaged with the police officers reminding them of their moral and legal duty to be respectful and uphold the rule of law when treating the general public, including suspects of crime.

In addition, I will be releasing a video taken by a concerned member of the public, which captures the police manhandling the accused in a public setting. This serves as further evidence and underscores the need for a thorough investigation into this incident. We cannot turn a blind eye to such acts of police intimidation.

I am committed to transparency and ensuring accountability. I stand firmly against any form of violence, especially when it comes to those tasked with upholding the law. My aim is to foster a society where the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected, irrespective of their background or social standing.

I call upon the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident, review the available evidence, and take appropriate action to address any misconduct or abuse of power. It is essential that we establish a system that protects the rights and well-being of every individual within our society.I remain dedicated to serving the people and working towards a just and equitable society where no one is subjected to violence or injustice.”

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Briton jailed in US for hacking Biden Musk and Obama in massive Bitcoin scam

Joseph O'Connor hacked the social media accounts of Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Elon Musk in a massive Bitcoin scam.

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Why Ramanis brides are so special and radiant

R Amani Fernando has been dressing brides for many years. She spoke to the Sunday Island about her experiences in the bridal industry, about make up, current trends and how she makes a bride feel the best on her wedding day! Overall goal is to walk brides through the planning process and to keep them stress free and through the wedding day!

(Q) Who is your June bride?

(A) For me as a makeup artist my vision is to make a bride glow with a natural make up look. I always want to transform her into confident and beautiful version of herself on that special occasion. Like every other month my June brides will always be radiant and stylish. My bride should always reflect her personality! The most rewarding part of being a make up artist is to make a bride feel beautiful on this special day.

It would be hard to pick one as there many beautiful brides that Romani will be dressing this season.

(Q) What is the strongest most unusual bridal makeup request?

(A) Brides wanting to appear “whiter” than their natural skin colour. They fail to understand beauty is in the eyes of the beholder! I always want maintain less is more.

Q Is it important to have a trial before the wedding and if this is possible how do you proceed?

A Yes, having a trial before the wedding is highly recommended for both the bride and the makeup artist. A trial allows the bride to communicate her preferences, experiment with different looks, and ensure that the makeup artist understands and can fulfill her vision.

We can discuss the pricing, timing, and any additional services you may require on the wedding day. Confirm the booking and ensure all details are clear for the big day.

Having a trial allows both the bride and the makeup artist to establish a rapport, understand expectations, and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the wedding day.

(Q)What’s the best thing about working with brides?

(A) Working with a bride as a makeup artist/ hair stylist is a rewarding experience. It allows for an emotional connection and the opportunity to contribute to her happiness on her special day. Collaboration and creativity come into play, as you bring her vision to life and design a personalized look. The trust and appreciation received from brides are fulfilling. Each bride brings variety and challenges, keeping the work exciting. Witnessing the transformation and being part of the wedding atmosphere adds to the joy of the experience.

(Q) What sets you apart from other bridal makeup artists?

(A) I take immense pride in the fact that I have had the privilege of not only dressing brides when I first started but also their daughters. It’s a true honour to have the trust and loyalty of mothers who have experienced my artistry first hand. Being able to enhance the beauty of their daughters as they embark on their own special moments is incredibly rewarding.

This generational connection is something that sets me apart as a makeup artist and hair stylist. It signifies the continuity of style and beauty across different eras, showcasing_my expertise and ability to adapt to evolving trends and preferences. By dressing both mums and daughters, I am creating a lasting legacy that transcends time, leaving a mark on generations to come. It’s a beautiful journey that I am grateful to be a part of.

(Q)What do you love most about bridal make up?

(A) I absolutely adore bridal makeup for numerous reasons. One of the things I love most is the ability to bring out a bride’s inner radiance and make her feel truly beautiful and confident on her wedding day. Witnessing the transformative power of makeup and seeing the joy it brings to a bride’s face is incredibly rewarding.

(Q) How world you describe your makeup style?

(A) My makeup style is all about versatility and catering to the unique preferences and looks of my clients. I love to create a wide range of makeup styles, whether it’s a natural, minimalistic look or a bold, glamorous transformation. I believe in enhancing the natural features of my clients while considering their individual style and desired outcome.

Attention to detail is one of my key focus. I strive for flawless execution in every aspect of the makeup look.

(Q) Where do find inspiration for makeup look?

(A) Runway and Fashion, I often draw inspiration from fashion trends, runway shows, and haute couture collections. I observe the makeup looks created by top designers and makeup artists and incorporate elements of those trends into my own work.

Celebrity and Red Carpet, Keeping an eye on celebrity makeup looks and red carpet events can be a great source of inspiration. I like to make note of the latest makeup techniques, colour combinations, and styles worn by celebrities to create similar looks.

(Q) What make up products do you use and why?

(A) MAC Cosmetics, 2. NARS, 3. Bobbi Brown, 4. Urban Decay, 5. Makeup Forever 6. Anastasia Beverly Hills, 7. Too Faced, 8. Charlotte Tilbury, 9. Huda Beauty, 10. Fenty Beauty, 11. Laura Mercier, 12. Tarte Cosmetics, 13. Benefit Cosmetics, 14. Smashbox

These brands offer a wide range of makeup products, including foundations, concealers, eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes, and more, catering to different skin types, tones, and preferences

(Q) Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see bride leave behind?

(A) Love:

1. Natural and Fresh Looks

Many brides have been leaning towards more natural and fresh makeup looks, focusing on enhancing their features rather than heavy contouring or dramatic effects. This trend highlights the bride’s natural beauty and radiance.

Soft and romantic colour palettes

Soft, romantic colour palettes with pastel shades, delicate pinks, peaches, and mauves have been favoured by brides.

Luminous and dewy Skin:

Brides often seek a luminous and dewy complexion, opting for glowing skin with a healthy sheen.

Trends to Move on From:

Overly Heavy Contouring

The trend of heavy contouring, where facial features are heavily sculpted and defined with contrasting shades, has become less popular among brides. Many now prefer a more subtle and natural-looking contour, focusing on soft definition rather than dramatic effects.

Excessive Glitter and Shimmer

While some brides still enjoy a touch of shimmer or glitter, the trend of excessive glitter or shimmer all over the face has diminished. Brides now tend to opt for a more refined and controlled use of shimmer, focusing on specific areas like the eyelids or inner corners.

(Q) What are the most popular requests and current trends you follow?

(A) Soft glamour makeup has been a popular choice among brides. It involves creating a polished and elegant look while maintaining a natural and luminous appearance

Statement Lips

While natural and muted lip colours are still popular, statement lips have also been trending. Brides may opt for bold, vibrant shades like deep reds, berry tones, or even rich plum colours to make a statement and add a pop of colour to their overall look

Soft Smoky Eyes

Soft smoky eyes remain a popular choice for brides. This trend involves using neutral or earthy tones to create a subtle smoky effect on the eyes, paired with well-defined brows and a soft lip colour.

(Q) What is your advice for brides as far as there beauty routine is concerned?

(A) Start early with a consistent skincare routine for a healthy complexion.Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet for glowing skin.Get enough sleep and manage stress for overall well-being.

Consult a hairstylist for a hair care plan and minimize heat styling.Schedule makeup trials with a professional artist to finalize your look. Maintain well-groomed nails and consider professional manicures.Incorporate regular facials to maintain skin health and radiance.Exfoliate and moisturize your body for smooth skin.Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.

Take time for self-care and relaxation throughout the planning process.Enjoy the journey and embrace the beauty of the moment.Remember to consult with professionals who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and preferences.

(Q) What are trends this season what colours are popular?

(A) Bold and vibrant colours are making a statement.Metallic accents add glamour and sophistication. Mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses allow for individuality. Statement floral installations create stunning focal points. Sustainability and eco-friendly choices are embraced.

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From freedom liberty and pursuit of happiness spring the dynamism and entrepreneurism that can develop a nation Ambassador Chung

United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung hosted an event in Colombo on June 22 to mark the 247th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence.  Ambassador Chung took the opportunity to also highlight the anniversary of 75 years of a strong and enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka.  Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry attended the celebration as the Chief Guest.

American citizens around the world celebrate Independence Day, the day on which the country’s founding fathers gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776 to sign the Declaration of Independence.  With the Declaration, America took its first step toward self-government, based on certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and government powers derived by the consent of the governed.

Ambassador Chung said at the event, “We firmly believe that from freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, spring the dynamism and entrepreneurism that can develop a nation, alongside the political and social stability that will secure it.  That is true in the United States, in Sri Lanka, and everywhere in between.”

Highlighting that the United States is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest partners, Ambassador Chung emphasized that mutual values and close collaboration have demonstrated that both countries can succeed together.  She said, “As we celebrate America’s national independence and our 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we are really celebrating a remarkable partnership with all the citizens and the Government of Sri Lanka.  For Americans, our founders stated it clearly, and to this day, we follow the course they laid – we respect and adhere to our Constitution in order to form a more perfect union.  The objective of the United States’ partnership with Sri Lanka is no less profound.”

Our partnership flourishes in government-to-government and people-to-people ties that deliver benefits to both Americans and Sri Lankans alike.  Since 1956, USAID has provided over US $2 billion in assistance across a variety of sectors, including nutrition, health, education, human rights and governance, disaster response, and the environment.  Just in the last year, when Sri Lanka was in the midst of an economic crisis, the United States Government provided over $270 million in new support, from fertilizer for farmers to funding assistance for small businesses.

Our military-to-military relationship, which has grown steadily over the years, is focused on bilateral training, exercises, and technical exchanges that will ultimately help to build a resilient force that can contribute to ensuring an open, free, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.  The Peace Corps has helped to form tremendous cross-cultural ties since 1962, with over 500 volunteers having dedicated two or more years of their lives, building capacities in Sri Lankan communities and developing relationships that will last a lifetime.

The United States is Sri Lanka’s largest export market, with $3.3 billion in exports in 2022 alone.  It is also one of the preferred destinations of Sri Lanka’s brightest, with 3,000 students travelling to the U.S. to study in the last year.  The U.S. Embassy directly supports other academic and professional training through exchanges such as the Fulbright and the International Visitor Leadership Programs, with nearly 3,000 Sri Lankans participating in these programs over the past 75 years.

Looking forward, the partnership that we have established will form the foundation of even greater development of people-to-people relationships; economic, political, and social progress; and a region that remains as free and open as it is geographically vital. America’s friendship, commitment, and support in Sri Lanka have achieved much over the past 75 years, and that is worth celebrating.  That same friendship, commitment, and support will endure, and together we can build a brighter future for Sri Lanka and its people.

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Dentist divulges the simple habit that is terrible for your teeth

A New York dentist has revealed that supping drinks could leave long-lasting damage to the enamel of your teeth

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Pontiac cars most likely to be involved in fatal accidents says new survey

Despite becoming defunct in 2010, Pontiac is the car brand that is the most likely to be involved in a fatal accident in the States, ahead of Buick and Nissan

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Titanic sub deaths to be looked at by police in Canada as questions mount over implosion

Officers are taking "initial steps" to determine whether or not any criminal activity took place.

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Sri Lanka name spin-heavy squad for New Zealand ODIs

Sri Lanka have named a spin-heavy squad for the three-match women’s ODI series against New Zealand at home.

From the 21-member squad that played three ODIs and three T20Is against Bangladesh in April-May, six players failed to make the cut. Those were Kaushini Nuthyangana, Prasadini Weerakkody, Tharika Sewwandi, Rashmi Silva, Malsha Shehani and Sathya Sandeepani.  Vishmi Gunaratne and Imesha Dulani, both of whom played in the recent Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Hong Kong, retained their spots. There were no new additions, though.

The experienced trio of Inoka Ranaweera, Oshadi Ranasinghe and Sugandika Kumari will lead the spin attack, with more options in the form of Inoshi Fernando, Kavisha Dilhari and captain Chamari Athapaththu.

Udeshika Prabodhani and 20-year-old Kawya Kavindi will share the responsibilty in the seam-bowling department. Kavindi made her ODI debut during the Bangladesh series but her sole appearance was a washed-out game.

The New Zealand series is part of the Womens Championship. It will be Sri Lanka’s fourth series in the current cycle. With six points from nine games so far, they are placed fifth on the points table while New Zealand are third with eight points from six outings.

The series starts on June 27, with Galle hosting all three matches. It will be followed by three T20Is in Colombo, for which the squad is yet to be announced.

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Hansima Karunaratne, Inoshi Fernando, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera

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House Speaker Kevin McCarthy supports expunging Donald Trumps impeachments

Kevin McCarthy has admitted that he agrees with representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Elise Stefanik who want to erase the charges against former president Donald Trump

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Prof. Atula elected SG Intl Association for Twin Research

Prof. Atula Sumathipala, founder of the Sri Lanka Twin Registry and one of the founding members of the Institute of Health and Social Research and Development in Health and Social Care, has been elected to the post of Secretary General of the International Association for Twin Research for the two years 2024-2025. Over 60 active twin research organizations and registries around the world are members of the association.

He was elected to the post at the 18th International Twin Research Congress held in Budapest, Hungary from June 15 to 18 this year (2023). Under his leadership, the Sri Lankan Twin Registry has contributed a wealth of new knowledge to the field of scientific research.

Prof Adam Domonkos Tarnoki Emmelweis of the University of Budapest, Hungary was elected as the President of the Twin Society. He is a twin himself is a founding member of the Hungarian Twin Registry. Prof Nicholas Martin was elected to the post of treasurer. He is a human geneticist and founded the Australian Twin Registry. He is also the Editor of the journal of Twin and Genetic Research.

Another six leading twin researchers were elected to the council; Prof Nancy L. Segal is an American evolutionary psychologist and behavioral geneticist, specializing in the study of twins. She is the Professor of Developmental Psychology and Director of the Twin Studies Center, at the California State University, Asma Khalil is a Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine at St George’s University Hospital (University of London), Prof Jeffery Craig, Professor in Epigenetics and Cell Biology at Deakin University, Melbourne Australia, Prof Petra Zwijnenburg.

Medical Specialist, Human genetics; Medical Specialist, ACS – Atherosclerosis & ischemic syndromes; Medical Specialist in Reproduction Medicine, Monica Rankin (She/Her), Chairperson, International Council of Multiple Birth Organisations, Melbourne Australia.It has also been decided to hold the International Twin Research Congress in 2025 in Sri Lanka.

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OceanGate co-founder tells people not to 'speculate' on Titanic sub disappearance

OceanGate co-founder Guillermo Sohnlein, founded the company alongside Stockton Rush, who was onboard the Titan when it went missing, in 2009.

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James Cameron says tragic submarine disaster reminds him of Titanic sinking

Four passengers and the pilot of the Titan submarine are presumed to have died after the vessel lost contact with the surface.

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Lab-grown meat given the go-ahead to be sold in the States

'Cultivated chicken', which is grown in large vats, like beer, will start to be sold in the US, after being approved by the US Department of Agriculture, but a lot of people are not on board with the idea

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Little b! Shocking moment Biden sparks all-out Republican civil war on House floor

Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert are on the outs after a series of catty back and forths.

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Pastor Jerome withdraws FR application

A writ application filed in the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the arrest of Pastor Jerome Fernando has been withdrawn.

Lawyers representing the self-styled ‘prophet’ on Wednesday (21) withdrew the writ application filed, requesting the court to issue an order preventing Fernando’s arrest by the CID.

On 26 May, Fernando filed a Fundamental Rights (FR) petition before the Supreme Court through his attorneys, seeking an order preventing his arrest.

The IGP, the DIG in charge of the CID, the CID Director and the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Cybercrimes unit of the CID were named as the respondents of the FR petition.

In his petition, the Fernando deemed the CID’s attempts to arrest him unlawful, claiming that the police had not presented any evidence to the court to prove that his comments threaten religious harmony in the country.

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Titanic sub search assets 'capable of reaching' necessary depths

The missing submersible Titan was diving to about 2.5 miles below surface sea level. The co-founder and chairman of Horizon Meantime Services, which owns Titan's mothership, said that some of the equipment being used to search for the missing vessel is 'certainly capable of reaching those depths'.

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Titanic sub crew 'may already be dead from lack of oxygen and could take months to find'

A former submarine commanding has delivered a gloomy outlook on the hope of finding the five passengers alive on board the missing tourist submersible that was diving down to explore the wreck of the Titanic

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Sajith wants immediate action to halt use of substandard anaesthetic that causes deaths

By Saman Indrajith

Opposition and SJB leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday demanded in Parliament to know from the government why it had not taken immediate action to prevent the deaths of patients due to a substandard anaesthetic used in government hospitals.

Premadasa said the drug in question had caused the deaths of two persons at the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital, but no action to stop its use had been taken.

“The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) recently gave an assurance to the public that it would recall the remaining stocks of the substandard anaesthetic, but nothing has been done since then, and it is still being administered in the hospitals,” Premadasa said.

The Opposition Leader requested the Prime Minister to launch an investigation. “The NMRA assured the country that the substandard anaesthetic drugs would be removed from use. But we hear that the deadly drug is still in use,” Premadasa said.

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Concerns about missing sub's 'unconventional' design and trips to view Titanic

Marine scientist and oceanographer David Mearns says expeditions to explore the Titanic need a rethink

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Titanic missing submarine expert warn pitch black conditions will hamper search

The closer to the Titanic wreckage the sumbersible is, the bleaker the prospects are of the rescue mission being successful, Robert Blasiak has suggested.

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Prajapati leads Omans batting charge to stun Ireland

On just the second day of the ICC World Cup Qualifier 2023, Oman brought about the first upset of the tournament by chasing down 282 against much-fancied Ireland with five wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare in Bulawayo.

Brief scores:

Oman 285 for 5 in 48.1 overs (Kashyap Prajapati 72, Aqib Ilyas 52, Zeeshan Maqsood 59, Mohammad Nadeem 46*, Ayaan Khan 21; Mark Adair 2-47, Josh  Little 2-47) beat Ireland 281 for 7 in 50 overs (George Dockrell 91*, Harry Tector 52, Lorcan Tucker 26, Andy McBrine 20, Paul Stirling 23, Gareth Delany 20; Bilal Khan  2-64, Fayyaz Butt 2-65) by five wickets

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OceanGate's 195000 trip to see Titanic 'a scientific expedition with luxury hospitality'

Mission specialists can join the 10-day mission which features eight days at sea and is comprised of five mission legs

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Missing Titanic sub 'improvised from off-shelf parts from camping and DIY stores'

A journalist who joined an OceanGate Titanic trip has revealed that he had some misgivings when he climbed aboard the vessel this summer - and it lost contact with the surface for more than two hours.

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Titanic missing sub search faces 96 hour race against time before oxygen runs out

Rescuers have 96 hour window to find and recover the vessel, which has gone missing deep in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean with five people onboard. US Coast Guard says it is doing 'everything' it can to find the submersible vessel which was on a visit to the Titanic shipwreck.

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SLSEA provides energy and environment training to 12 journalists

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) recently concluded a training programme hosted to 12 journalists on Energy and Environment. After the one-year course, they were awarded certificates at the Auditorium of SLSEA where Eng. Ranjtih Sepala, Chairman of SLSEA and Eng. Athula Jayathunga, Director General of SLSEA, participated in. Fourteen energy experts conducted the lecture sessions and shared their knowledge with the journalists. The course consisted of lecture sessions and field visits to leading renewable energy power projects in the island.

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Sri Lanka Insurance partners with Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

12th June 2023, Colombo. Sri Lanka Insurance – The Nations’ protector entered in to a strategic partnership with Toyota Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd on the 8th of June 2023 to provide greater convenience for Sri Lanka Insurance Motor Plus customers and TOYOTA owners.

Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (TLPL) will facilitate expeditious collision repairs at their facilities and branches for customers that have a comprehensive Motor Plus insurance policy for their motor vehicles from SLIC. TLPL has the expertise and manufacturer recommended tools to carry out collision repairs and restore vehicles to their manufacturer’s specifications. This special offer is applicable for Toyota Passenger Cars, Double Cabs and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), which are imported and registered as ‘Brand New’, ‘Reconditioned’ or ‘Used’ for private use. These vehicles should be insured under a comprehensive Sri Lanka Insurance Motor Plus Insurance policy.

The official signing of the MOU took place at Sri Lanka Insurance head office in the presence of the senior management of SLIC and Toyota Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

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Gilgo Beach serial killer 'may be too old to strike again'

The infamous Gilgo Beach murder spree saw the remains of at least 10 victims discovered on the Long Island waterfront in 2010 and 2011. However, forensic psychologists say the killer may now be too old to strike again or may have learned to control their destructive instincts.

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Two redundant departments liquidated

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies has issued a Gazette Extraordinary announcing the closure and liquidation of two government departments.According to the Gazette, the Internal Trade Department and the Department of Telecommunications are the two entities being liquidated.

The Internal Trade Department was initially established under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act (No. 01 of 1979). However, with the enactment of the Consumer Affairs Authority Act, No. 9 of 2003 and the establishment of the Consumer Affairs Authority, the Internal Trade Department became redundant and has now been liquidated.

Similarly, the Telecommunication Department has undergone a transformation. It has been converted into a corporation through an incorporation order issued under Section 02 of the State Industrial Corporation Act, No. 49 of 1957. This conversion took place on February 6, 1990, as published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 596/11. (SI)

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Fears Harry and Meghan 'more dangerous to monarchy' as earnings dwindle

The decision to ‘part ways' with Spotify and end the award-winning Archetype podcast could lead to more ‘Spare on Steroids' revelations should the Duke and Duchess need to find ways to replace their reported $20m income drop, a media insider claims.

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Two VVIP towheads on the block and Sri Lankans lotus eating

This last week has seen two very white, very important politicians having to slide down the pallang, certainly not to obscurity but to real shame and huge setbacks. Yes, they are the yellow haired charlatan reprobates who think they know it all from the US of America and the UK.

Ex-President Donald Trump has been forced to face 37 charges relating to retention of classified documents including highly sensitive reports on nuclear warfare, etc. They were secreted away when he left the White House and kept in his Mar-a-Largo palatial residence in Palm Beach, Florida. He has termed his indictment baseless and a political hit job. He continues his rant on it all being a witch hunt and of course engineered by Biden and the Democrats. However, he continues campaigning for the presidency in 2024, sending shivers of horror along millions of adult American spines.

A past Prime Minister of Britain – Boris Johnson – resigned his seat in Parliament just before Partygate investigations closed in on him finding him guilty of lying about breaking Covid rules at No 10 Downing Street during the lockdown in Britain. He claims he is the victim of Partygate and Brexit witch hunts. (Britain left the EU in 2016 with Boris J a strong voice for exiting from the European Union). He too is not going to quit politics just like his twin Yellow Top across the Atlantic. He has made it clear he is ‘out of Parliament for now’ and will definitely make a comeback. Judging the ways of the two nations, it could safely be said that the British voter is much more sensible and choosier and uses his head when voting. So Boris’ future as a successful politician is definitely in jeopardy. We hope the same fate descends on Trump.

Polls are very much in the language of our country. Most clamour for elections to be held. Ranil W and his men are stubbornly averse to facing the polls. One obvious-to-all happening is the emergence of Namal Rajapaska, at least on TV news. He makes speeches here, there and everywhere, endorsed heavily, we believe, by his doting father. We wonder what the opinion of Uncle Basil is. No one, least of the family, we suppose, now takes into consideration what Ex Prez Gotabaya thinks or opines. He wangled a change of residence offered on a silver platter, courtesy of obligations to ex Prez-s and spouses, from one palatial house to another because he was bothered by noise in the former. Bothersome noise as against ruination of the entire agriculture of the land.

Cruelty to Elephants

In his lead article on Monday June 12, The Editor of The Island directed the reading public’s mind to suffering elephants who are gifted to temples in this country and to governments or zoos overseas. He mentioned the very sick elephant in a temple down south and the one gifted from Thailand which is direly ill. Thai mahouts came to Sri Lanka to care for him, but his condition is not improving so he is to be airlifted back home. Why on earth are elephants and even other animals used as tokens of goodwill exchanged between countries and leaders, or to pay back for favours received?

Cass immediately recollected on reading the editorial the case of four suffering elephants in 2009. Two babes were pinched from their mothers by order of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and gifted to temples in Kandy on August 5 that year. It was whispered along the grapevine that he was fulfilling a vow made on his behalf – for his political success or physical wellbeing or to overcome a sickness. It was in the broader sense another act of gloating and hogging the honours for defeating the Tamil Tigers and seeing the end of Prabhakaran.

The two elephant mothers grieved severely over the loss of their calves as they were still lactating and of course the little ones turned obstreperous and damaged a car and even themselves by rampaging in baby rage. They were restrained mercilessly, it was said. You who read this will certainly ask “Why did the authorities permit this?” The Pinnawela authorities and Wildlife authorities just kowtowed to the all powerful Prez and did as bid. No mercy in their hearts; no steel in their backbones; no strength to stand for the right; no brains in their heads.

Temples, including the Dalada Maligawa that holds annual peraheras seem to believe they need more and more caparisoned elephants parading the streets. This is in reality torture to the animals. Just a few elephants, if they must be paraded, is enough. During Maitripala Sirisena’s tenure as Prez we had an excellent Director General of Wildlife Conservation. He resigned his post refusing to allow elephants from the Uda Walawe orphanage to be conscripted for perahera parading as they were being rehabilitated to go back to their lives in the jungle. The President sided with the temple chieftains and wanted elephants released from the two orphanages. Future votes against maitri to animals.

We do hope the two elephants mentioned by the Editor – the gift to Sri Lanka from Thailand and the one in a temple down south – will soon return to good health.

Caste legislated on in California

It was with surprise that Cass read a BBC June 9 article titled The Divisive Debate over California’s Anti-Caste Bill that reported a political bill had been introduced in the Californian State Assembly to make caste discrimination illegal, to be discussed and determined later in the week.

In March this year, Senator Aisha Wahab, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, authored and introduced the SB-403 Bill that seeks to add caste as a protected category in the state’s anti-discrimination laws alongside gender, race, religion and disability, The bill was passed by the state’s senate in May. If it goes through the state assembly, California will become the first US state to ban caste discrimination. In February, Seattle became the first city in the US to outlaw caste discrimination.

Why was this necessary? Because Dalits working in California have been discriminated against and faced casteist insults from South Asian colleagues. Dalit rights activists say scores of caste–oppressed Californians face housing, educational, professional and social discrimination. The article mentioned that “nurses from upper castes pass slurs about chamars (a pejorative term for Dalits) being dirty and polluting.”

We cannot but cast the snide remark that Indians will be Indians wherever they are! Thankfully in Sri Lanka caste is not an issue, except perhaps when a marriage is being arranged. We have given up that bad habit of enquiring what a person’s caste is. Most of the present day sophisticated urban youth may very well ask the question ‘what is caste?’ A positive improvement in our collective psyche.

Laid back-ness

However, in contrast to the former social improvement of not being caste conscious, we suffer the great negative of malaise, lethargy, care less attitude. It looks like it is a national trait to be laid back. Go to any government office and you will get a taste of it.

A Sri Lankan now settled in Sydney came on holiday recently and had personal business to attend to. She complained heavily on how much time she had to spend on a minor matter because officials were so slow and lethargic in the attention they gave the matter in hand.

A young professional travels to Bangladesh and India on official matters. She wailed recently on how laid back our officials are compared to their counterparts in the two countries mentioned. The progress of India and Bangladesh, particularly in the economic arena, as against the suicidal decline of our land is a direct result of this work ethic and manner of carrying on work and business.

We were not this way all through our recent history. Remember that when we gained independence from British rule we were a prosperous nation, sharply in contrast to poverty ridden, over-populated India and newly created Bangladesh battling against exponential population increase and devastating nature raining storms and flooding. Look where we are now. Saved by India which is now sought after by nations that lorded it over the subcontinent. Consider the balance between Bangladesh we pitied and now turn to with our begging bowl. Evil politics ridden with corruption is one reason for our national downfall. The other two nations too suffered rife corruption but punishments were meted out. Ours is a nation that tolerates huge corruption and only punishes the puny thief.

Another reason to Cassandra is that they love and are truly loyal to their Mother Country while we lack such devotion and genuine nationalism. A third factor is our lethargy and being nationally laid back. Will we ever improve? Let us have hope that with system change that the original Aragalaya Braves called for, and dedicated young people holding more of the reins of government in the future, Sri Lanka will once again be an island of success and glorious serendipity.

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Remedy worse than malady

Thursday 15th June, 2023

Sri Lanka Customs has reportedly informed the government that it will not be able to meet its revenue targets due to the existing ban on vehicle imports. It has suggested that a foreign credit line be opened for the import controls at issue to be eased. But the question is why a credit line should be opened for the importation of non-essentials? Such measures will only worsen the country’s debt crisis. The government must remain maniacally focused on shoring up foreign exchange reserves, which are still woefully low. The lifting of restrictions on essential imports has already taken its toll on the rupee, and what has been gained painstakingly over the past few months on the economic front is likely to be gone in a jiffy if vehicle imports are allowed to resume at this juncture.

Given rampant corruption in Sri Lanka Customs, the Department of Motor Traffic, etc., thousands of vehicles paid for via Undial and Hawala systems will find their way into the country in the event of import restrictions thereon being eased. Imported cosmetics and food items such as grapes, apples, oranges and fruit juice have never been in short supply in the country despite import restrictions; only their prices have increased. This alone is proof that a lot of forex has flowed out of the country through illegal channels. After all, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena himself admitted at a media briefing on Tuesday that large stocks of imported goods paid for via Undial and Hawala systems remained in warehouses and that was why the prices of imports had not come down despite the appreciation of the rupee against the major foreign currencies in the recent past. How bad the situation will be if import restrictions on vehicles are lifted is not difficult to guess.

Efforts being made to straighten up the economy are showing signs of yielding the desired results, and they have to be sustained over a considerable period of time for full economic recovery to be achieved. No undue pressure must therefore be brought to bear on the government to lift import restrictions or do other such things that have the potential to deplete the country’s forex reserves; the task of easing import controls should be carried out carefully lest the economy should go into a tailspin again, causing shortages and socio-political upheavals. Dependent as the country may be on the US-dominated IMF to put its economy back on an even keel, in trying to achieve that goal, the government ought to follow the Chinese method of ‘crossing the river by feeling the stones’.

There is no gainsaying that import controls have caused the state revenue to decrease drastically. But there are some other ways of increasing the Customs revenue. One is to eliminate corruption, which deprives the state of a substantial amount of revenue annually. It must be found out how non-essentials have been brought in despite import restrictions, and a close watch should be kept on the Customs to prevent import rackets.

Besides, there is reason to believe that government politicians themselves cause huge losses to the Customs. The sugar duty racket is a case in point. The amount of money that the state coffers lost due to a duty waiver that the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government effected for the benefit of an SLPP financier, who imports sugar, is said to be huge. The Opposition has, in Parliament, accused the Customs of having lowered a fine on a government MP, who was caught smuggling in 3.5 kilos of gold and about 90 smartphones recently; MP Ali Sabry Raheem, who made that abortive smuggling attempt, walked free after paying only Rs. 7.4 million though the Customs had decided to fine him as much as Rs. 22.2 million, initially. In other words, the Customs as well as the state coffers have suffered a loss of about Rs. 15 million due to political interference.

The government had better tread cautiously, avoiding pitfalls, and clean up the economic mess it has created. It must not undertake anything that is fraught with the danger of causing a further depletion of the country’s foreign currency reserves. Most of all, it ought to tell the Customs to get their act together without blaming their failure to increase revenue solely on the restrictions on vehicle imports.

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Rupee weakens against USD

The Sri Lankan rupee depreciated to 303.19 against the US Dollar, on Wednesday, according to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The selling rate of the US dollar rose to Rs 318.99.

The rupee saw several weeks of appreciation against the US dollar.

The CBSL announced at the end of May that the Sri Lankan rupee had demonstrated a notable appreciation of 19.8 percent against the US. dollar during the year up to 26 May.

Sri Lankan rupee depreciated dramatically from 202 per dollar in March 2022 to around 360 after the government allowed the rupee to float.

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Inaugural Japan lecture series

The Lanka Japan Friendship Society (LJFS) will launch the Inaugural Japan Lecture series on 27th June at 5:00 p.m. at Sasakawa Hall.

The event which is a LJFS initiative to promote knowledge and awareness of Japanese culture, History, Politics and Socio Economic relations will be supported by the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka in the distinguished presence of Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.

Those interested in attending this event may contact Mr. Merrick Gooneratne (0777-751851) or Mr. Tony Saldin (0777-363366).

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Top Adani team here to assess ongoing projects

A top team from India’s Adani Group is here to discuss the ongoing projects with the Wickremesinghe-Rajapaksa government.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara yesterday (12) received the Adani team at his Ministry to discuss the progress of the 500 MW Renewable Energy Projects in Mannar and Pooneryn. Anil Sardana, the Managing Director and the CEO of Adani Transmission Ltd. led the project management team.

Sri Lanka, about a year ago, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Adani Group allocating two large-scale renewable energy generation projects, in Mannar and Pooneryn in the Northern Province . The two renewable energy projects are expected to generate a combined capacity of an average of 500 MW, while the value of both projects has been estimated at around USD 500 million.

The MoU with Adani was signed at the Finance Ministry soon after the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) signed a Joint Venture (JV) with India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to set up a 50 MW solar power park in Sampur, in Trincomalee

In a tweet, Minister Wijesekara mentioned that the challenges, road map and the timeline for the project completion were discussed during the meeting.

The Minister said that they also discussed the commitment by Adani Green Energy to complete the project by December 2024.

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Billionaire property tycoon caught on camera 'spitting in restaurant manager's face'

While the restaurant worker claims that the businessman physically spat on him, representatives for Carroll's insist it was a 'pantomime' spit

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Dengue: 25% of patients schoolchildren

By Rathindra Kuruwita

About 25 percent of Sri Lanka’s dengue patients were schoolchildren, a Health Ministry official said on Sunday.Dr. Nalin Ariyaratne, the Director of the National Dengue Control Unit said there were over 42,000 dengue cases.

Addressing the media, a day before schools opened for a new academic term, he said the spread of dengue, at school level, had to be curbed, as a national priority.He said around 50 percent of cases had been reported from the Western Province.

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Telephone dealers’ association promises 20 % reduction in mobile phone prices

The Sri Lanka Telephone Dealers’ Association on Saturday announced a 20 percent reduction in the prices of mobile phones.The Association’s President Samith Senarath said the decision had been taken due to the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar.

Senarath said that there had been a 40 percent decline in mobile phone purchases over the past six months due to high prices due to the appreciation of the US dollar.

He said the rupee had rallied against the dollar for several months and the time had come to pass the benefit on to their customers.

According to the 2022 annual report released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, there are close to 30 million mobile phones being used in the country, which is more than the population of the country.

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Nicky makes Sri Lanka Proud in Canada

Nicky Bin Sadoon is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur operating an award  winning bed and  breakfast property overlooking the picturesque Niagara Falls in Canada. She has won many Trip Advisor’s awards for best B&B. Nicky shared her thoughts on how she rose to the top and how she is above others in running this competitive business.

Tell us about how you got into the business of becoming B&B?

We were introduced by a close friend to this concept to utilize our talents, diverse and professional experience in the industry. We were lucky to get this It also gave us the opportunity to operate a business from the confines of our home…

How do you ensure you stand out from the others amongst competition?

The cutting edge is to provide service excellence consistently and deliver our promise above and beyond. We also never say “no” to a customer until we find an alternative. To quote, “in the quest for excellence there is no finishing line”

Since you have been in the hospitality industry do you feel the guests expectations are high in Bread and Breakfasts?

Of course,our guests always want the best and they expect full value for their money. They want to experience the best comfort and Graystone. Guests forget what we have offered but will never forget how we made them feel. So, it takes a major effort to ensure their arrival and departure is a memorable journey. After all at Graystone we live by the adage that hospitality is part of our business.

A little bit background, about Graystone and what made you to run a B and B?

Bin and Nicky

Nicky and Bin have been in the hospitality industry for innumerable years in Sri Lanka, we both worked for international brands in many countries as well. We can proudly boast of over 62 years in the industry. We were inculcated from the very onset that the cornerstone of this industry is “Guest Care” which we closely nurture…

You definitely hit the ground running by winning awards every year. What type of personality would you say it takes to run a successful bed and breakfast?

You need to be intuitive, savvy, transparent, socially and emotionally intelligent,friendly and always anticipate guests needs. We firmly believe our guests are special and make sure we give them a home away from home

Who would you say are your main customers?

We have a mix of baby boomers from the US (we live close to the US border the closest city being Buffalo) our guests are avid fans of the Shaw Theatre and wineries, domestic tourist’s comprising mainly of millennials who are lured by wine tasting, Casino’s, and bike trails. We also have international travellers from UK and other continents.

Nicky’s daughter Aaliah

Give me an example of when you thought outside of the box?

When the pandemic hit us unexpectedly we had to think quick since the business landscape changed overnight. For a couple of months our occupancies took a “nose dive” but domestic tourism started to pick up. However we made ways and means to attract numbers by giving them the much needed confidence to return. We took drastic measures towards their personal health and safety. We promoted Graystone as a safe haven and made it compulsory that all guests complete a COVID questionnaire prior to their arrival in order to protect all of our patrons. All guests were compelled to wear face masks in public areas of the property, hand sanitizers were placed in all rooms, body temperatures were checked upon arrival and social distancing during breakfast etc. These pro- active preventive measures went viral on social media and guests were enticed by rave reviews in social media and newspapers. Personal health and safety of our property went viral and our rooms were full always.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

To maintain consistency, and give our guests the best always and meet thier needs and challenges at all times.

Is owning a bed and breakfast was your dream?

It never was a dream until we migrated to the Great White North 20 years back and then by chance, got this opportunity. We have not looked back since then and we have grown from strength to strength. .

You have a unique style at Graystone. What influenced your design?

Ours was a turnkey operation when we purchased this property. We give credit to the previous operators for maintaining high standards, and of course the architect for his unique ambience. All bedrooms are in the ground floor and there is a large patio for guests to relax and unwind. Weather permitting we serve breakfast in the patio which is well received by our guests against the tranquil and scenic surroundings…

How does the self service work for you. Do you work around the clock to make your guests happy?

Yes ,I enjoy what I do. I love my guests and I am a firm believer of the cliche “do what you do, do well”. It has obviously paid rich dividends and the journey so far is nothing short of being enriching and fulfilling in the lens of an operator.

What is your B&B best known for?

My attention for impeccable cleanliness in all areas especially bedrooms, my home cooked gourmet, the flexibility we exercise to make our guests feel at home. Our ultimate satisfaction is when our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends. We always create a memorable experiences for our guests to come back.

 

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