Construction related counters active for second consecutive day

By Hiran H.Senewiratne

Construction related counters were notably active for the second consecutive day yesterday after President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s assurance that a considerable amount of funds will be allocated in the forthcoming budget to the sector. This gave some impetus to the sector despite witnessing profit- takings at month end, stock market analysts said.

Amid those developments both indices moved upwards slightly. The All Share Price Index went up by 7.5 points while S and P SL20 rose by 1.59 points. Turnover stood at Rs 5.1 billion with 12 crossings.

Those crossings were reported in HNB, which crossed 400,000 shares to the tune of Rs 140 million and its shares traded at Rs 350, Hemas Holdings one million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 114 million and its shares sold at Rs 114, Commercial Bank 700,000 shares crossed for Rs 103 million; its shares sold at Rs 148, Dialog six million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 68.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 22.8, Central Finance 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 44 million; its shares traded at Rs 220, Ambeon Holdings 850,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 28.4 million; its shares traded at Rs 33.50.

Hayleys Fabrics 500,000 shares crossed to the tune of Rs 26.75 million; its shares sold at Rs 53.50, Sampath Bank 200,000 shares crossed for Rs 24.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 120.50, Hayleys 3.5 million shares crossed for Rs 21.3 million; its shares traded at Rs 6.10, Access Engineering 516,000 shares crossed for Rs 20.6 million and its shares fetched Rs 40 and Alumax 1.2 million shares crossed to the tune of Rs 20.1 million; its shares traded at Rs 16.80.

In the retail market, companies that mainly contributed to the turnover were; Access Engineering Rs 999 million (26.3 million shares traded), Hayleys Fabrics Rs 197 million (3.6 million shares traded), Browns Investments Rs 166 million (18.4 million shares traded), Commercial Bank Rs 122 million (825,000 shares traded), Softlogic Rs 114 million (18.2 million shares traded) and JKH Rs 111 million (4.9 million shares traded).During the day 197 million share volumes changed hands in 31000 transactions.

It is said that banking, manufacturing and construction sector counters were active. Access Engineering was one of the highest contributors to the market. JKH was also active as manufacturing sector counters were also active during the day.

Union Assurance and Sampath Bank have entered into a bancassurance partnership for Life Insurance products, the company said.

“Union Assurance PLC entered into a long-term referral bancassurance partnership for Life Insurance products with Sampath Bank PLC (“Bank”), on 30 January 2025, consequent to Board approval,” the insurance provider said, according to CSE sources.

Yesterday, the rupee was quoted at Rs 297.30/40 to the US dollar in the spot market, stronger from Rs 297.70/85 to the US dollar the previous day, dealers said, while bond yields were broadly flat.

Stocks were up 0.29 percent. A bond maturing on 15.12.2026 was quoted at 9.00/10 percent, up from 8.95/9.10 percent. A bond maturing on 01.05.2027 was quoted at 9.50/55 percent. A bond maturing on 15.03.2028 was quoted at 10.09/12 percent. A bond maturing on 01.05.2028 was quoted at 10.15/20 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2028 was quoted flat at 10.25/35 percent. A bond maturing on 15.09.2029 was quoted at 10.71/76 percent, up from 10.68/75 percent. A bond maturing on 15.10.2030 was quoted at 11.20/25 percent, up from 11.20/24 percent.

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Dad of American Airlines pilot demands answers after 'worst day of his life'

Sam Lilley was the second in command on the American Airlines flight that collided with an army helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington DC on Wednesday.

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No, they are not clean

One of the NPP’s slogans was “Catching Thieves”, a sentiment the people eagerly supported. However, simply putting a “thief in prison” does not solve the country’s problems.

A fundamental yet unwritten rule of governance is that correspondence to state offices should be acknowledged promptly. But try writing to the President, his secretary, a minister, or the head of a government department or corporation—or even attempt a phone call. Despite being new brooms, none will sweep. The same applies to the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative—contacting its office or speaking to one of its so-called “cleaners” yields nothing.

At least the police took action, cracking down on vulgar content in public transport vehicles. But even that effort was halted by the authorities.

Listening to the President and his appointees, one can’t help but wonder—what’s wrong with them? After spending decades in opposition, are they still stuck in the same mindset? Or are they simply struggling with a deep-seated inferiority complex?

Deshapriya

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American Airlines plane crash LIVE: Trump appears to blame incident on diversity policies

A US Army Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane were involved in a mid-air collision over Washington DC.

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American Airlines crash: Five unanswered questions that Donald Trump will want to know

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but Donald Trump blamed it on diversity, equity, and inclusion .

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Deploying military to search hoarded rice sans intelligence a folly – FSP

By Anuradha Hiripitiyage

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) says that deploying troops to search for hoarded rice by millers would not yield the desired results.

Addressing the media in Colombo yesterday (29), FSP Propaganda Secretary, Duminda Nagamuwa, highlighted that there had been numerous instances where governments failed to recover hoarded rice from rogue millers with the help of the military.

“The military should not be involved in this process. It is not politically appropriate either. We remember how Gotabaya’s attempt to deploy the military to inspect the mills failed. Therefore, we urge the government to create a new structure to inspect rice mills and warehouses,” Nagamuwa said.

Nagamuwa emphasised that the government should form village-level committees comprising representatives from farmer cooperatives and state officials to inspect rice mills. Members of such committees would have access to real grassroots data on the quantities purchased by millers and would be able to trace where those stocks are being hoarded, Nagamuwa said.

“The rice mill mafia continues to control the market even under this government, which is struggling to resolve the issue. The President claimed that the mills did not have large stocks. This is a laughable statement. In the last Yala and Maha seasons, Sri Lanka produced 4.6 million metric tons of rice. Normally, 3.7 million metric tons are sufficient for the country’s annual consumption. The surplus is used for animal feed, beer production, and other purposes. Even so, there should be leftover stocks. Sixty percent of the total cultivated area was used for paddy cultivation. Now, there is a shortage of Nadu rice in the country. This is impossible. A shortage of red rice could happen, but what we are seeing now is the result of a cartel created by four or five major mill owners.

“These large-scale mill owners release around 300,000 kilos of rice to the market daily. The country’s daily requirement is 600,000 kilos. There are twenty second-tier rice mills in Sri Lanka. They release around 100,000 kilos of rice to the market daily, which is 30% of the daily requirement. If the major mill owners, who currently release 300,000 kilos daily, reduce their release to 200,000 kilos and then to 100,000 kilos, a rice shortage will immediately occur and prices will rise. This is an artificially created situation.

“The government claims that the mills do not have excess rice without conducting proper inspections. The so-called inspections that have been conducted cannot yield the desired results. Ongoing inspections involve sending government employees to the gates of the mills, where they simply turn back without conducting any real checks. This method will not solve the problem. Therefore, we propose that the government form a joint committee comprising representatives from farmer cooperatives and state officials from various regions to inspect the mills.”

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Mystery as shark born in aquarium inhabited only by female sharks

Yoko, a swell shark , was born in a tank inhabited solely by two adult females.

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Donald Trump announces plan for huge migrant detention centre at notorious Guantanamo Bay

The infamous US military prison is located on a strip of land on the coast of Cuba.

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Geoff Allardice steps down as ICC CEO

Geoff Allerd8e has resigned as chief executive of the ICC after four years in the role, citing a desire to “pursue new challenges.”

Allardice was appointed chief executive in November 2021, having taken over on an interim basis eight months previously when his predecessor, Manu Sawhney, was suspended. He has worked at the ICC since 2012, initially as general manager of cricket after a previous role with Cricket Australia.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council,” Allardice said. “I am incredibly proud of the results we have achieved, from enhancing the global reach of cricket to the commercial foundation put in place for ICC Members.

“I’d like to thank the ICC Chair, the board of directors and [the] entire cricket community for their support and collaboration over the past 13 years. I believe this is the right time for me to step down and pursue new challenges. I am confident that cricket has exciting times ahead, and I wish the ICC and the global cricket community every success in the future.”

Allardice’s decision to step down coincides with the early days of Jay Shah’s term as ICC chair. Shah, the ex-secretary of the BCCI, took over from Greg Barclay on December 1.

“On behalf of the ICC Board, I want to sincerely thank Geoff for his leadership and commitment during his tenure as Chief Executive,” Shah said. “His efforts have played a key role in advancing cricket globally. We are truly grateful for his service and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

Allardice, like his predecessor Dave Richardson, maintained a lower profile as CEO than predecessors such as Haroon Lorgat or Malcolm Speed, but he was an instrumental administrator within the ICC. In particular, during his stint as general manager cricket he can claim some significant achievements: overcoming the BCCI’s early concerns with DRS and ensuring it was implemented as standard across the international game; standardising and implementing the processes around illegal actions; overseeing the creation of the World Test Championship and the (now-defunct) ODI Super League as a means of bringing context to bilateral cricket. In an era in which domestic, cash-rich T20 leagues mushroomed, the latter was an important addition.

When he took over as CEO in an interim capacity, it was thought he had done so with some reluctance. And when he took on the role permanently, it was at a difficult time for the game, navigating its way through the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. But one of his major achievements as CEO was to get cricket into the Olympic Games, which could have a lasting consequence for the growth of the game. Overseeing a first ICC world event in the USA – the T20 World Cup last year – should have been a similarly seminal moment in the growth of the game, but the operations of that tournament have become the subject of an audit since, and board members have expressed unhappiness with the way it was run.

The ICC said in a statement that its board will “initiate the next steps to identify” Allardice’s successor, but it has not clarified if Allardice was leaving with immediate effect or whether he will stay until the end of the Champions Trophy in February-March.

Allardice is the latest in a spate of departures of senior ICC management, following the exits of Alex Marshall (the anti-corruption head), Chris Tetley (head of events) and Claire Furlong (general manager marketing and communication) in recent months.

(Cricinfo)

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Desi Fest brings the flavours of Kerala to Club Hotel Dolphin

Club Hotel Dolphin by Browns Hotels & Resorts, recently recognised as Sri Lanka’s Best Four-Star Resort at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards and the Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the South Asian Travel Awards, hosted Desi Fest, a three-day celebration of Indian cuisine and culture from 17th to 19th January. The festival brought together both local and international guests, creating a true feast for the senses and offering an authentic taste of India right in the heart of Negombo.

The event began with a warm welcome for Chefs Sanjib Jana and Chindu Thankachan from O by Tamara, Kerala. The chefs had the opportunity to experience Sri Lankan hospitality first-hand, from heartfelt greetings to engaging interactions with the team. They immersed themselves in the warmth and camaraderie that defines the island’s culture.

Alongside Executive Chef Viraj Kamal and his team at Club Hotel Dolphin, they curated an all-you-can-eat menu featuring some of India’s most beloved dishes. Guests indulged in street-food favourites like chaat, flavourful and aromatic biryani, freshly baked naans, rich, spice-infused curries, and refreshing lassi, all complemented by a selection of Indian desserts.

Beyond the exquisite food, the festival came alive with enthralling cultural performances by Club Hotel Dolphin’s renowned Animation Team. The lively atmosphere, filled with music, dance, and interactive experiences, created a truly immersive celebration of India’s rich heritage.

Adding a personal touch to the experience, the chefs took time to engage with guests, sharing their passion for Indian cuisine and their journey with Desi Fest. Their presence and stories brought a deeper connection to the dishes served, making the festival not just about food but about culture, tradition, and shared experiences. General Manager Thurashat Niyathapala, alongside the Club Hotel Dolphin team, ensured that every element of the festival reflected the essence of Indian flavours and tradition.

With a fusion of bold flavours, engaging entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, Desi Fest was more than just a dining experience—it was a journey through India’s diverse and colourful traditions. Browns Hotels & Resorts, with its diverse portfolio across the country, will continue to bring more exceptional culinary experiences from around the globe, creating unforgettable gastronomic journeys for its guests.

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Donald Trump fans think they've figured out exact year son Barron will become US president

The Trump legacy is likely to move to Barron as the President's son is reportedly being primed for power.

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Indigenous Lankans demand their rights be protected

Mechanisms are needed to prevent them from losing their identity, lands, resources and equality, they say

(UCAN) Leaders, representing indigenous people in Sri Lanka, have called on the government to formulate a special law to protect their rights and provide proper access to courts in case these rights are violated.

Five indigenous leaders, dressed in traditional attire, made the call at a press conference in the capital Colombo on 22 Jan., before handing a letter outlining their demands to Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.

One of the leaders, Uruwarige Wannilaaththo, said the government should pass an indigenous rights law to address important issues concerning ethnic minority groups and give equal treatment under the law.

“Tribal people face numerous challenges due to forest depletion and government administrative activities, with verbal solutions offered in the past, but no government has implemented permanent solutions to address ongoing issues faced by indigenous communities,” said Wannilaaththo.

He said that they expect a formal resolution to these issues, adding that they even travelled to Geneva to the U.N. to fight for their rights and live freely in the jungle.

Indigenous peoples, known as the Vedda community, make up less than one percent of Sri Lanka’s estimated 22 million people. They are mostly concentrated in 62 villages in rural, forested parts of the island nation.

Wannilaaththo said that the destruction of forests for various development projects threatens the existence of indigenous people, many of whom are facing lawsuits for allegedly trespassing in forest reserves.

“Our life isn’t just hunting, we go to the forest for medicine, potatoes, nuts, and firewood. Yet, for these actions, our people are being sued,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s indigenous people are considered one of the most marginalized communities in the country due to poverty and a lack of education and social development.

The country does not have a special law ensuring recognition of indigenous people’s rights in line with the 2007 U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The declaration calls on member states to implement effective mechanisms to prevent actions that deprive indigenous peoples of their identity, lands, resources, and equality.

Indigenous community leaders say the establishment of national parks has devastated their ancestral lands, forcing them to abandon age-old traditions and a self-sufficient lifestyle. Forced relocation and being restricted from entering their forests have left them grappling with serious challenges and a loss of heritage.

Sunimalee Somaweera, a rights activist from Colombo, said that due to their displacement, they can no longer return to the self-sufficient lifestyle they had enjoyed for generations. It has disrupted their way of life and their connection to traditional knowledge and practices, she added.

“The loss of their homeland has also forced them to abandon their unique medical practices, which combined plant and animal substances, ritual treatments, and witchcraft, all passed down orally through generations as vital aspects of their culture,” Somaweera told UCA News.

Sri Lanka’s indigenous people deserve the protection of their fundamental rights in the constitution that guarantees “the right to equality, freedom of occupation, and freedom of movement” for everyone, she noted.

She said the issues faced by the Vedda community have been discussed for more than 50 years, yet no practical solution has been provided to address them.

Various governments have made efforts to pass a law to protect the rights of indigenous peoples but have consequently failed to do so.

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Hidden dangers in pencils: A call for vigilance to protect children’s health

Colorful fancy pencils, a staple in every child’s school bag, may be hiding a silent threat. Recent revelations have raised concerns about the safety of low-quality pencils and stationery, which may contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals, posing serious health risks to children. Experts and activists are now urging parents, educators, and authorities to take immediate action to safeguard children from these hidden dangers.

Dr. Mahinda Wickramarachchi, Head of the Quality Control Unit at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH), highlighted the risks associated with substandard pencils. “Imported pencils and coloring pencils, especially those without any without any proper information about the brand and manufacturer, often fail to meet international safety standards. These products may contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which can enter a child’s body through chewing or prolonged use,” he warned.

The European Committee of Standardization (CEN) has introduced the EN 71 standard to ensure the safety of children’s products, including pencils and stationery. This standard mandates rigorous testing to detect harmful substances. For instance, pencils are immersed in a stomach acid-like solution for two hours to check for the release of toxic chemicals. However, Dr. Wickramarachchi noted that most of the pencils in the Sri Lankan market do not comply with these standards.

A school teacher, who wished to remain anonymous due to administrative regulations, shared her concerns. “Children often chew on pencils or put them in their mouths. If these pencils contain harmful substances, it could lead to serious health issues like allergies, infections, or even long-term illnesses such as kidney problems and cognitive impairments,” she said.

Ranjith Vithanage, Chairman of the National Movement for Consumer Rights Protection, echoed these concerns. “The market is flooded with low-quality imported pencils and stationery, particularly from countries like China. These products are sold at high profits but pose significant risks to children’s health,” he said. Vithanage criticized the lack of regulatory oversight, stating that the authorities have failed to introduce adequate standards for school equipment.

Joseph Stalin, Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU), emphasized the need for immediate action. “The authorities has a responsibility to ensure the safety of these products. We plan to investigate this issue and take legal action against those responsible for importing and selling substandard school items,” he said.

Despite these warnings, the market continues to be dominated by cheap, low-quality products. Vithanage urged parents to be vigilant. “When schools issue book lists, parents must pay attention to the quality of the items they purchase. Saving a few rupees now could cost your child’s health in the long run,” he said.

The call for action is clear. Parents, teachers, and authorities must work together to ensure that children are not exposed to harmful substances. By prioritizing safety standards and demanding better regulation, we can protect our children from the hidden dangers lurking in their school supplies.

As the anonymous teacher aptly put it, “Every pencil in a child’s hand should be a tool for learning, not a threat to their health.” Let’s ensure that our children’s creativity and education are nurtured in a safe and healthy environment.

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Stolen firearms from military camp linked to organised crime; Army Major in custody

By Norman Palihawadana

Special police teams have been deployed across multiple provinces to investigate the sale of firearms stolen from a military camp, as well as those who purchased them, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manathunga told The Island.

Over 70 firearms have reportedly gone missing, with 36 recovered so far, according to SSP Manathunga.

An Army Major has been taken into police custody in connection with the incident and is currently being questioned. Police stated that the distribution of the firearms could not have occurred without his knowledge, although the officer denies any involvement.

Police intelligence suggests that a significant number of the stolen firearms have been acquired by drug traffickers and members of organised crime syndicates. Investigations are ongoing.

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Dulwan Jayaratne honoured at Western Province Colours Awards

Dulwan Jayaratne, a former karate captain of Thurstan College and a decorated South Asian Karate Championship medalist, was awarded the prestigious “Best Player All Games 2023” at the Western Province Colours Awards Ceremony held at Royal College, Colombo.

Jayaratne’s outstanding performances in 2023 and 2024 set him apart in the competitive karate arena. At the 2023  National Karate Championship, he secured a gold medal in kumite and a silver medal in kata. His dominance extended to the All Island Schools Games, where he claimed two silver medals in kata and team kumite events.

The 2024 season saw Jayaratne continue his winning streak, capturing another gold medal in kumite and a silver medal in kata at the National Karate Championship. He added a bronze medal in the team kumite at the All Island Games.

Jayaratne has been a key representative for Sri Lanka at three South Asian Karate Championships since 2019. His international awards include a bronze medal in kata at the 5th South Asian Karate Championship in Bangladesh (2019), a silver medal in kumite at the 6th South Asian Karate Championship held in Sri Lanka (2022), and two bronze medals in kumite and team kumite at the 7th South Asian Karate Championship in Nepal (2023).

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SP asks govt. to address burning issues

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, addressing Parliament yesterday, raised several critical issues affecting various sectors, urging the government to take immediate action to resolve them.

Speaking during the debate on the government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ project, Premadasa highlighted pressing concerns, ranging from the law and order situation, to unemployment and public services.

Premadasa pointed to the alarming increase in homicides, citing Police Department data that revealed 101 shooting incidents and 60 deaths in 2024 alone. He emphasised the need for the government to prioritise law and order to curb these rising threats.

Despite the introduction of an online system, passport issuance remained a significant issue, with long delays persisting, Premadasa said, calling for effective solutions to streamline the process and reduce the burden on citizens.

The Opposition Leader highlighted a loss of approximately five billion rupees due to uncollected VAT and social security taxes on coconut oil imports since January 2023. He urged the government to address this issue promptly to prevent further financial losses.

Premadasa raised concerns about port congestion, with over 4,000 uncleared containers causing delays and forcing ships to bypass the Colombo Port. He stressed the need for quick solutions to ensure smooth operations and maintain Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a regional shipping hub.

The elderly community has been adversely affected by reduced interest rates on savings, which have dropped from 15% to 7-8%, and an increase in withholding tax from 5% to 10%. Premadasa urged the government to reinstate fair interest rates for senior citizens.

The jeep safari industry, a vital part of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, faces potential threats that could harm livelihoods and the broader tourism economy. Premadasa called on the government to protect these operators and ensure their continued contribution to the industry.

With 35,000 to 40,000 unemployed graduates and 22,000 Development Officers awaiting proper job opportunities, Premadasa emphasized the need for job creation and fulfillment of government promises. He also highlighted delays in recruiting teachers and student nurses, urging expedited action to address these gaps.

Premadasa called for improved allowances, service conditions, and retirement programmes for Grama Niladhari officers, who play a crucial role in local governance.

Despite promises to reduce electricity bills by one-third, recent statements suggest potential increases. Premadasa urged the government to honour its commitment and reduce tariffs, especially given the Ceylon Electricity Board reported excessive profits, the Opposition leader said.

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Dozens killed as fire engulfs Turkish ski hotel

At least 76 people have been killed in a fire that engulfed a popular Turkish ski resort hotel, leaving some to jump out of windows.

The fire broke out at the wooden-clad 12-storey Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu at 03:27 local time (00:27 GMT) during a busy holiday period when 234 people were staying there.

An initial toll of 10 dead was raised significantly in the hours after the fire by Turkey’s interior ministry. At least two people died after trying to jump to safety.

It took 12 hours for the fire to be put out. Nine people have been arrested, including the owner, the justice minister says.

The identities of all 76 are yet to be confirmed, but among those released so far are Vedia Nil Apak, a 10-year-old swimmer with Fenerbahce Sports Club in Istanbul, and her mother Ferda. The club said it had learned of the news with “deep sorrow” in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

Eslem Uyanik, a young chef at the hotel, died along with Ceren Yaman Dogan, the daughter of a well-known local businessman, and her 17-year-old daughter Lalin.

Nedim Turkmen, a writer for Sozcu newspaper, his wife Ayse Neva, and their two children aged 18 and 22 were also named, along with Prof Atakan Yalcin, who was dean of Ozyegin University Business School.

Dilara Ermanoglu, 24, was among the victims, and her father who had gone to Bolu to look for her was treated by health workers for a heart attack.

Health minister Kemal Memisoglu said that of the 51 injured people, one was receiving treatment in intensive care, and 17 people had been discharged.

Footage circulating in Turkey showed linen hanging from windows which was used by those trying to escape the burning building.

Ski instructor Necmi Kepcetutan told the BBC he was on the second floor of the hotel when the fire broke out and managed to get out via the ski room. He then helped with relief efforts.

Eyewitnesses said the family that owned the hotel had been there at the time of the fire and Mr Kepcetutan said he saw some of the family outside.

The cause of the fire has not yet been found, but Bolu governor Abdulaziz Aydin said initial reports suggested it had broken out in the restaurant section of the hotel’s fourth floor and spread to the floors above.

Aydin said the distance between the hotel, in Kartalkaya, and the centre of Bolu, paired with the freezing weather conditions, meant it took more than an hour for fire engines to arrive. Emergency services sent 267 workers to the site.

The hotel was investigating whether guests, including children, were trapped in their rooms as the fire spread.

The hotel had two fire escapes, according to the interior minister, and one hotel worker said they had managed to rescue 30-35 people.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said prosecutors had been allocated to investigate the blaze.

The hotel was last inspected in 2024, and the tourism minister said there had been no concerns regarding the hotel’s fire safety prior to Tuesday’s disaster.

However, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) said that according to regulations, an automatic fire extinguisher system is needed.

“In the photos on the hotel’s website, it is seen that the automatic sprinkler system, which was supposed to be installed in 2008, was not installed,” the union said in a statement.

It added that it was unclear if other regulations had been complied with, but based on the statements of survivors, “it is understood that the detection and warning systems did not work and the escape routes could not be determined”.

The Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said those responsible for negligence leading to the fire “will be held accountable”.

A day of national mourning has been declared and the Turkish flag will be flown at half-mast until sunset on Wednesday, he added in a statement on X.

The Bolu mountains are popular with skiers from Istanbul and Turkey’s capital Ankara, which is roughly 170km (105 miles) away, and the hotel was operating at high occupancy at the start of two-week school holidays.

Former UK ambassador to Turkey Sir Peter Westmacott told the BBC he had stayed in the area in the past, and that the fire “feels very personal”.

“The fact that so many people have lost their lives is just devastating news for those of us who care about Turkey,” he said.

[BBC]

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World Bank Vice President meets PM to discuss key development priorities

Mr. Martin Raiser, Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss the country’s key development priorities. The meeting centered on education, gender equality, and regional inclusivity, highlighting the needs to address national challenges and drive sustainable progress.

A major focus of the discussion was enhancing access to quality education, particularly through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. Both parties emphasized the importance of aligning TVET with mainstream education to create diverse career pathways for students.

Another critical topic was gender equality in the workforce. Both parties recognized the need for policy interventions and support systems to enhance women’s inclusion in economic activities.

The discussion reinforced the mutual commitment of Sri Lanka and the World Bank to collaborate on sustainable solutions that enhance education, gender equity, and regional development.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the World Bank, including Mr. David Sislen, Regional Country Director for Nepal, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, along with senior Sri Lankan government representatives, including  Pradeep Saputhanthri, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, . Samantha Bandara, Director General of the Department of External Resources, . Dharshana M. Perera, Senior Director-General for Economic Affairs (Bilateral) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Lashinka Dammullage, Director of the Southeast Asia & Central Asia Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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India script big win against Malaysia

India registered an easy 10 wicket victory against hosts Malaysia in the Women’s Under 19 T20 World Cup in Kula Lampur on Tuesday.

India’s left-arm spin duo of Vaishnavi Sharma and Aavushi Shukla set up the victory for India with big hauls, Vaishnavi starring with a hat-trick to complete a five-for.

India chose to field in the second game of the day, as they had in their first game against West Indies, and it took them just 14.3 overs to dismiss the hosts Malaysia for 31. India conceded 11 extras and no Malaysia batter made more than 5.

For India, VJ Joshitha started things off with a wicket in the second over, and Nur Aliya was run out in Joshitha’s next over. Shukla and Vaishnavi got going after that, with Vaishnavi taking 5 for 5 from her four overs, and Shukla 3 for 8 from 3.3 overs.

That target was never going to pose a problem for India, and they got home in just 2.5 overs without losing a wicket, Gongadi Trisha hitting 27 in 12 balls and her opening partner Kamalini G scoring 4 off 5.

Brief scores:
Malaysia Women Under19s 31 in 14.3 overs [Nur Aliya Binti Mohd Hairun 05; VJ Joshitha 1-05, Aayushi Shukla 3-08, Vaishnavi Sharma 5-05] lost to India Women Under 19s 32/0 in 2.5 overs [Gongadi Trisha 27*] by ten wickets

[Cricinfo]

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Sri Lanka crush West Indies by 81 runs to make it two in two

Sri Lanka crushed West Indies by 81 runs in the Women’s Under 19 T20 World Cup played in Kula Lampur on Tuesday [21]

It was a slightly improved performance from West Indies after they were beaten by nine wickets by India in their opener, but it was not enough to challenge Sri Lanka, who ran away 81-run victors.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka rode on contributions from opener Sanjana Kavindi (39 off 36 balls), captain and No. 3 batter Manudi Nanayakkara (41 off 31) and middle-order bat Dahami Sanethma (31 not out off 25), as well as 36 extras to put up a huge total.

The target of 167 might have been too much for West Indies to get to anyway, and left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda’s spell in the powerplay, where she accounted for Asabi Callender, Naijanni Cumberbatch and Jahzara Claxton, put the result beyond doubt.

There were pockets of resistance after the initial setbacks, especially from captain Samara Ramnath who scored a 23-ball 24 opening the innings, but there wasn’t much of note from the other batters – Claxton, Amrita Ramtahal and Kenika Casaar were the only others to just about make it into double digits.

Aseni Thalgune took 2 for 16 to complement Praboda’s 3 for 16, and West Indies, always well behind the asking rate, only got as far as 90.

Sri Lanka finish the group stage with a game against India on Thursday, a fixture that will determine the Group A toppers. It’s also a game that will pit an outstanding bowling side – India, who have shot out their opponents for 44 and 31 in their two games – and a high-scoring batting side – Sri Lanka, who have so far hit 162 for 6 and 166 for 5, the top two scores in the tournament so far.

Brief scores:
Sri Lanka Women Under 19s 166/5 in 20 overs [Sanjana Kavindi 39, Sumudu Nisansala 19, Manudi Nanayakkara 41, Dahami Sanethma 31*; Selena Ross 2-25, Jahzara Claxton 1-20, Kenika Cassar 1-10, Naijanni Cumberbatch 1-27] beat  West Indies Women Under 19s 85 in 19.4 overs [Samara Ranmath 24, Jahzara Claxton 15, Amrita Ramtahal 11, Kenika Cassar 12; Chamodi Prabodha 3-16, Aseni thalagune 2-16, Limansa Thilakerathne 2-07, Pramudi Methsara 1-16, Shashini Gimhani 1-01] by 81 runs

[Cricinfo]

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PRASL kicks off 2025 with talk on ‘Unlocking the Power of Diaspora PR’

Foreign expert Dr. Ved Sarvotham the speaker

Diaspora Public Relations is an emerging subject in public relations globally that is most relevant to Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka seeks to draw in support for the country, its initiatives and local communities, the Sri Lankan Diaspora of first and second generation emigrants, expatriate workers, students abroad, and increasing numbers Sri Lankans who have decided to make their home elsewhere, become a vital segment with special interests and deep connections with their motherland to tap into.

Governments obtaining professional expertise in Diaspora PR could be more successful in driving FDI and diaspora involvement in national initiatives while overcoming challenges in dealing with this group by leveraging deep insights into audience and process.

The talk takes place on Thursday 23rd January at the GAP HQ, 120/10A Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 7 at 6 pm and is sponsored by Asia Capital PLC. Attendance is free for PRASL members. Non-members could also register at a fee of Rs.5000 at info@prasl.lk or by calling Yasasi on +94 70 143 7115.

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Barron Trump shows his true colours as he comes face to face with Joe Biden

Barron Trump was seen greeting Joe Biden and Kamala Harris with a handshake after his father Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States

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Elon Musk inauguration speech sees fans accuse him of 'Hitler salute'

X users accused Elon Musk of doing the 'Hitler salute' during his inauguration speech in a huge blunder, but others defended him and said he was just celebrating

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Woman and four others arrested over home invasions

By Norman Palihawadane

A woman and four others suspected of operating an organised gang involved in home invasions and robberies across multiple police divisions were arrested on Saturday (18), the Wennappuwa Police said yesterday.

The gang reportedly used a toy pistol to intimidate residents and rob gold jewellery and other valuables.

Officers from the Crimes’ Branch of the Wennappuwa Police Headquarters recovered a stash of stolen items, including gold jewellery and other valuables worth approximately Rs. 10 million.

The suspects include a 36-year-old woman who had rented a house in Matugama, her 33-year-old husband, two of her brothers, and a friend.

Police said that investigations had revealed that the gang frequently stayed in holiday accommodations in various areas for a few days before breaking into nearby homes during the day and night to carry out robberies.

Police are conducting further investigations into the gang’s activities and their involvement in other similar crimes.

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Sajid, Abrar spin Pakistan to victory in Multan

Sajid Khan’s fifer and a post-lunch four-fer for Abrar Ahmed helped Pakistan roll out West Indies for 123 in their second-innings for a comprehensive 127-run victory inside three days of the first Test in Multan. The visitors went to Lunch at 54/5 with Sajid having ripped apart the top-order for the second time in the game. Alick Athanaze put on a brief fight through his half-century knock on the other side, but Abrar picked up three of the last-four West Indies lost on the same score of 123.

Pakistan were already smelling victory but Athanaze found some support in wicketkeeper-bat Tevin Imlach and together the duo frustrated the hosts for nine overs post lunch. Athanaze, particularly, impressed with his strokeplay in this fighting 41-run stand but once Abrar found a way past it, West Indies crumbled in no time. Imlach was caught behind after a patient 14 off 30 deliveries, while the half-centurion was trapped LBW by Sajid for his fifer after a 28-run partnership with Kevin Sinclair.

Abrar was, at one point, on the verge of making history as the first Pakistan spinner to claim a hat-trick on home soil. Having dismissed Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie off successive deliveries of his previous over, Abrar sent down a googly for Jomel Warrican who went for a slog and missed it but the extra bounce saved the batter and denied the spinner a rare milestone. Warrican survived only one more ball and was cleaned up without troubling the scores. For the second time in the game, West Indies collapsed for under 150 runs.

Earlier in the day though, it was Warrican’s superb seven-fer that had revived West Indies chances on the third morning. He single-handedly wiped out Pakistan’s overnight advantage with a seven-wicket haul – to go with his two run-outs – in the second innings, triggering a stunning collapse of 6 for 48. Pakistan folded for 157, setting the visitors a target of 251 before Sajid brought them roaring back into the contest with four quick wickets to end a 11-wicket session in the home team’s favour after all.

Despite a foggy morning, play began as scheduled for the first time in three days of this game and Warrican made an immediate impact. Pakistan’s top-scorer in the first innings, Saud Shakeel flicked one straight to short mid-wicket first ball of the day to depart without adding anything to the overnight tally. Warrican then had Mohammad Rizwan caught in the slips with a ripper that spun sharply to take the edge. Kamran Ghulam, similarly, was undone by one that turned away sharply, giving Warrican his fifer.

Noman Ali was beaten on the reverse-sweep and the umpire was quick to raise the finger. Much like in the first innings, Sajid Khan was on the attack right away with a first-ball boundary. West Indies burnt a review on him early but the fireworks weren’t meant to be this time as Warrican had him caught at backward point for just five.

The spinner then caught Khurram Shahzad short of his crease with an accurate direct-hit to reduce Pakistan to 154 for 9 with a hand in each of those dismissals until that point. The only one to get away was Salman Ali Agha, perishing in his attempt to fetch some quick runs off Gudakesh Motie just as Pakistan’s lead reached 250.

Much like in the first innings, Sajid Khan then ripped through the West Indies top-order to nudge Pakistan ahead once more in the see-sawing contest. After a positive start to his knock and a couple of boundaries, Kraigg Brathwaite holed out in the deep as Sajid struck in the fifth over to give the hosts the first breakthrough. Attempting a sweep, Keacy Carty gloved one that lobbed up for Rizwan to take an easy catch in Sajid’s following over.

Kavem Hodge was cleaned up by a classic offspinner that snuck past the inside-edge to crash into the stumps, giving Sajid his third. At 37 for 3, Mikyle Louis went for an ill-advised big shot only for Sajid to slow it down and shorten his length. The ball comfortably spun past his bat and hit the leg-stump instead. Justin Greaves had an LBW call overturned against Noman Ali early, but his luck ran out at the stroke of lunch when the spinner caught him plumb in front to leave West Indies in tatters at 54 for 5.

Brief scores:
Pakistan 230 & 157 (Shan Masood 52, Jomel Warrican 7-32) beat West Indies 137 and 123 (Alick Athanaze 55; Sajid Khan 5/50, Abrar Ahmed 4-27) by 127 runs

[Cricbuzz]

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Jewelry industry calls for reduced VAT to prevent collapse

By Kamal Bogoda

The jewelry industry in Sri Lanka is reeling under the impact of a steep Value Added Tax (VAT) of 18% imposed on gold coins and locally manufactured jewelry from Jan 1, 2024, industry sources said.

Stakeholders and businessmen in the sector have urged the government to introduce a more reasonable VAT in the upcoming budget to prevent the collapse of the industry, which supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods.

Previously exempt from VAT, gold coins and locally made jewelry are now subject to significant tax burdens, including a 2.5% Social Security Tax. This has caused a sharp increase in gold jewelry prices—by nearly 20%—making essential cultural and traditional practices unaffordable for many Sri Lankan families.

For instance, the market price of a gold coin, which stood at approximately Rs. 200,000, has risen by Rs. 42,000 with additional taxes. A gold Panchayudha baby pendant now costs over Rs. 50,000, a price deemed unaffordable for an average family.

“The new taxes are impacting essential traditions like weddings and coming-of-age ceremonies, where jewelry is an integral part,” said a stakeholder. “Sales are declining daily, and the industry is at risk of collapse.”

Gold coin importers face an 18% VAT on top of customs duties and other taxes, significantly increasing costs. Meanwhile, manufacturers and sellers of locally made jewelry face compounding challenges. Without the ability to obtain tax invoices for gold purchases from the Central Bank or authorized importers, they cannot offset the 18% VAT on inputs against the VAT collected on sales, further squeezing profit margins.

The jewelry industry’s plight contrasts starkly with neighboring India, where VAT on gold jewelry remains a manageable 3.5%. “The government must act swiftly to reduce VAT to a reasonable level in the upcoming budget,” urged a leading jewelry businessman.

Without intervention, stakeholders warn that the continued decline in sales and profitability could devastate the industry, affecting both large-scale manufacturers and small artisans.

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Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon appointed chairman People’s Leasing & Finance

People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a leader in non-banking financial services, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon as its new Chairman of the Board, with effect from 31st December 2024, subsequent to receiving approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

A distinguished academic and professional, Prof. Samarakoon brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role, underpinned by an accomplished career spanning academia, industry, and public service. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for People’s Leasing & Finance, as the company continues to build on its reputation for innovation and excellence in the financial services sector.

Prof. Samarakoon also presently serves as a professor at the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at the University of Kelaniya. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) Degree and a Master’s Degree from the same institution. He has also earned a PhD from the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic, supported by the prestigious Internationalisation Development Scholarship awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports.

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Ayurvedic Drugs – Unproven?

by Geewananda Gunawardana, Ph.D.
(Part I of this article appeared in The Island of 15 Jan., 2025)

The magic bullet theory was so convincing that it was presumed that all medicinal plants would have a single chemical compound that is responsible for its therapeutic property. This ensued a massive effort to isolate and identify the active chemical compounds not only from medicinal plants, but from all living organisms. Not only the pharmaceutical companies but the universities got involved in this effort earnestly as it offered the promise of curing all diseases. Thousands of hither to unknown compounds were identified, and some, albeit an exceedingly small number of them, were found to be useful in clinical use.

This isolation and identification process were done using bioassays: a pathogenic agent or the cells from a disease tissue, cancer for example, are grown in a test tube and the compound is added to see if it can kill the organism or the cells. As these tests are done in glass vessels, they were referred to as in vitro tests in Latin. A large majority of the compounds had in vitro activity. In academic settings, these findings lead to numerous publications, theses, and patents. But according to the rules enacted in 1962, that is not enough to be called the compound a drug. Its safety and efficacy must be demonstrated beyond doubt.

This is an arduous process including many steps: A) Preclinical studies often involve the demonstration of the activity in animal models of the disease. B) Phase I studies involve testing a crude formulation of the compound in healthy volunteers to assess the harmful effects and identify a suitable dose. C) Phase II studies are conducted with a well-designed formulation on a limited number of patients who qualify to receive experimental therapy. D) Phase III studies are done with a large number of patients to confirm the efficacy and safety in a statistically significant manner. The average cost of this process is $ 1.3 billion and takes an average of 12 years. The overall success rate in clinical trials is about 10%.

The overwhelming majority of the compounds from medicinal plants failed in preclinical studies. Not only did the pharmaceutical industry give up medicinal plant research as a result, but it also left a lasting negative impression in the research community: herbal remedies are nothing but deceptive marketing, health care fraud, or scams. The industry turned to synthetic compounds and biologics, the bioengineered proteins, and produced lifesaving drugs, but at a cost.

Nature of science

The nature of science is that it continues to evolve as more information becomes available. The advances in biology made it clear that the magic bullet theory was based on incorrect information. Chronic diseases have multiple causes, and in real life, the drugs designed to a specific target act on multiple targets. Thus, the term Polypharmacology came into use. It is common to use more than one drug in some treatment regimens. It will take some time before the industry changes direction, but the regulatory agencies saw the truth: they made allowance for plant preparations of defined composition to enter clinical trials.

Researchers who were confident about the utility of some of the centuries old recipes argued that their efficacy is due to polypharmacology, meaning there is more than one compound responsible for their medicinal properties. Based on this justification, instead of pure compounds, many preparations traditionally used for chronic diseases that had no standard therapies were taken through clinical trials. While some efficacy was seen, they were not statistically significant for regulatory approval. In such cases, sponsors of the trials tend to claim that the preparations were clinically tested, even though the regulatory approval was not received. What is going on?

Now we understand the problem, and there are two of them: one relating the medicinal preparation, and the other with the patients. Research has shown that there are multiple compounds responsible for their activity. In addition, there are other compounds that modulate the absorption from the gut and distribution into central nervous system, for example. There are some others that modulate the metabolism, and as a result any toxicity. Unfortunately, in most cases there is no information on these auxiliary compounds needed for efficacy; and most researchers focus only on the active compounds identified in previous studies. And the plant preparations are standardised for such compounds. Plant materials are highly variable; age, season, location, harvesting and storage can change the composition.

Chronic diseases

On the patient’s side, most chronic diseases are not homogeneous, that is, they have multiple causes, and they also can stay asymptomatic for a long time, sometimes decades. As a result, they may not respond to the preparation being tested. A third factor is the placebo effect. For statistical analyses, clinical trials are required to have a patient population that does not receive the drug being tested. They receive a pill that does not have the drug, a placebo, but the mere thought that they are being treated makes them get better. The placebo effect can be extremely high, and it often masks the benefits of the drug.

The good news is that now technology exists to overcome all these shortcomings. The identification of all compounds responsible and controlling their amounts present in the preparation can be done routinely. The same technique allows for the identification of prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in patients. That way the patients who are not suitable for the trial as well as the placebo effect can be eliminated. This way, clinical trials can be made more effective and avoid the pitfalls that masked the efficacy of the drug.

Synthetics and biologics

However, the pharmaceutical industry has no interest in going back to plant-based therapies. Synthetics and biologics keep them happy. But our situation as a country is different, we have a lot to gain by bringing Ayurvedic practices to the twenty-first century. Primarily, a sizable percentage of people depend on this system. They will benefit from having medications with proven safety and efficacy and knowing that they are not taken advantage of by snake oil paddlers. They will not waste their hard-earned money on worthless products by falling for flashy advertisements. Second, it will add value to products sold as dietary supplements and nutraceuticals and help bring much needed foreign exchange. Third, it will be possible to give legitimacy to therapies for chronic conditions for which there are no good therapies in western medicine and develop healthcare tourism.

The development work will provide plenty of opportunities for academic institutions to do applied research, provide training, and opportunities for gaining recognition through publications and patents. We have an advantage as we have a wealth of information and a history of practice. There will be other opportunities in the supply of raw materials: growing medicinal herbs instead of low-margin traditional crops.

This should be a collaborative effort of a consortium of industrialists, ayurvedic practitioners, academic and research institutions. The reader might think that this writer is trying to predict the future. No, no, no. I have written about things that have been around for 15 to 20 years. Designer drugs will arrive someday. The founders of Ayurvedic system thought about it in their own way; just as Buddha analysed the human cognition that neurologists are just beginning to find out. This is not a project that has to be started from nothing; the bulk of the work has already been done, there is a wealth of scientific literature, and there are plenty of low hanging fruits to be had. This is a plea to the academics of the of the country. Think of the generation after the next, do not pander to the past. The future of energy is not about fission, it will be fusion. The first commercial scale plant will come online soon. Despite the present questionable reputation, the world herbal products market is worth over $ 180 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow to $433 billion by 2033. Shouldn’t we try to capture some of it in a respectable way? (Concluded)

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ITAK to have crucial meeting on 18 Jan.

Disciplinary action against a prominent member, LG polls strategy on agenda

By Dinasena Ratugamage

The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) is set to hold its Central Committee meeting on 18 January in Trincomalee, focusing on preparations for the upcoming local government elections and deliberate on several key proposals.

According to C.V.K. Sivagnanam, former Chairman of the Northern Provincial Council, and a senior member of ITAK, the meeting will be held at an auditorium belonging to a local voluntary organisation there.

Reports indicate that Kilinochchi District Member of Parliament S. Sritharan, the party’s leader, will not attend the event. Allegations of breaching party discipline and supporting another candidate during both the presidential and parliamentary elections have been levelled against him. A proposal for his expulsion from the party is expected to be discussed during the meeting.

The Central Committee will also discuss legal cases the ITAK is facing. Additionally, the progress in the implementation decisions made at a previous meeting held in Batticaloa will be reviewed.

Also on the agenda is discussion on the new Constitution proposed by MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, which advocates for greater collaboration among Tamil political parties. The Central Committee is expected to assess the proposal and announce the party’s official stance.

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Celebrating 5 years of ‘transforming careers’

Your Writer, a leading name in career writing services, marks its fifth anniversary by unveiling a new website tailored to meet the career needs of Sri Lankan working professionals.

The newly launched platform introduces a comprehensive suite of online services, including custom resume writing, LinkedIn profile optimization, cover letter writing, and university/college essay reviews. Having successfully served over 350 professionals across the globe, the company now extends its expertise to its home base, delivering tailored one-on-one solutions designed to meet the unique career needs of Sri Lankans.

“Over the past 5 years, we’ve been honored to transform careers for clients globally by helping them land their dream jobs,” said Nazran Baba, Founder of Your Writer. “Clients come to us for many reasons, ranging from seeking higher paying salaries, promotion, migration, career switches, or even exiting toxic work environments. Whatever the reason, our goal is to help write their next career move. This milestone is about more than celebrating our success—it’s about giving back by making our services more accessible and affordable, and empowering Sri Lankans with online custom career services that inspire confidence to help them achieve their professional dreams.”

The website now offers pricing tailored exclusively for Sri Lankans, making high-quality career services both affordable and accessible to professionals across the region. Outfitted with multiple payment gateways, including credit cards, PayPal, and easy payment schemes, the platform eliminates traditional barriers, making it easier than ever to access services.

Moreover, the website features a seamless online catalog for clients to browse services, select career packages, and upload their current resumes directly to the site for the team’s review. This integration ensures an effortless start to their career transformation, with the team promptly reaching out to schedule personalized 1:1 virtual consultations.

What began as a one-person initiative has now grown into a full-fledged team that includes international resume writers and career experts. The Your Writer team’s collective expertise ensures tailored guidance and high-quality materials that align with clients’ aspirations.

A trusted partner in personal branding and career development, Your Writer delivers custom resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters to job seekers across diverse industries in over 30 countries. With over a 90% acceptance rate for first drafts, the company’s personalized one-on-one interview-based approach has garnered it 40+ perfect five-star ratings on Google, Facebook, and Yelp.

In one exceptional case, a client received an interview invitation just 48 hours after their resume was delivered. This quick turnaround resulted in not only a successful interview but also their eventual appointment as the CEO of that very company.

“Honestly, the secret sauce is in our one-on-one interview method; we listen to our clients, understand their full history of work experiences, and communicate it via crisp, proven resume writing techniques” says Nazran Baba. “Most clients already have amazing work experiences and achievements, but what we find is that nothing is on paper, or they just don’t know how to communicate it.”

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Sri Lanka’s largest cake made with Pelwatte butter

Leading local dairy company Pelwatte Dairy is pleased to announce that it is the main sponsor of Sri Lanka’s Largest Cake event, a noteworthy and historic endeavor put together by Swarnawahini in association with Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM). This one-of-a-kind occasion, which took place on December 31, 2024, united local cooks and artists to produce a huge cake that has now earned a spot in the national record books.

Pelwatte Dairy, a company that takes pride in its high standards and commitment to the community, was instrumental in making this event a success. The cake was prepared using Pelwatte Butter, which is renowned for its exceptional taste and texture, demonstrating its adaptability in producing dishes of the highest caliber. The butter used in the cake was made from Pelwatte Dairy’s fresh, 100% locally sourced milk, making the event not only a celebration of creativity but also a testament to the value and quality of locally sourced ingredients.

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Urgent red flag warning for Los Angeles as 'life threatening' winds set to spread wildfire

Authorities have issued an urgent red flag warning for Southern California as life-threatening winds bring even further danger to residents amid the wildfires

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More than 60 injured after Strasbourg trams collide

Two trams collided at Strasbourg’s central station on Saturday, injuring 68 people, authorities said.

Reports said that one tram, which had been stopped, moved backwards down a slope for unknown reasons, colliding with another tram that was stationary.

Videos and photos posted on social media showed two trams containing dozens of people inside. One video shows smoke rising and chaotic scenes as an alarm sounds.

A spokesman for the prefecture said an investigation into the cause of the accident has been opened and no fatalities have been confirmed. Prosecutors said the collision was not deliberate.

One eyewitness named Johan told AFP news agency that he saw one of the trams reversing at speed, adding: “We heard a big impact, a big bang.”

Another eyewitness told BFM TV that the doors of the tram flew off on impact.

The outlet reported that a large security perimeter was set up in front of the station.

The Bas-Rhin region’s Fire and Rescue Service posted on X urging people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to access the area.

The service’s director Rene Cellier said some of the non-fatal injuries reported were “mostly trauma”, but also include scalp wounds, clavicle fractures, and knee sprains.

“There are also around 100 people who have no particular injuries but are being seen by the doctors,” Cellier said.

He added that around 50 vehicles and 130 firefighters were dispatched to the scene and that the situation “could have been much more serious”.

Emmanuel Auneau, the director of the CTS – which is responsible for managing public transport in Strasbourg – said the two tram drivers were “not physically injured, but are very shocked”.

(BBC)

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Austrian woman kidnapped by unknown assailants in Niger

The Austrian foreign ministry says a female citizen has been taken by unknown assailants in the military-ran West African country, Niger.

It confirmed the incident to AFP and said they were aware of the “possible kidnapping of an Austrian woman” in Agadez which is 900 km (559 miles) from the capital Niamey.

The woman was reportedly forced into a 4×4 vehicle by unidentified individuals in Fada district, Agadez, on the edge of the Sahara Desert, reported Reuters news agency.

The victim, named Eva Gretzmacher, is a development worker in her mid-70’s and had lived in Niger for over two decades, according to local media site, Air Info Agadez.

Niger has not yet commented on the incident.

Air Info reported kidnappers showed up at Ms Gretzmacher’s house with a gun and forced their way in. They did not take anything else, reports said.

Ms Gretzmacher is said to have run projects in the areas of education, health, women’s empowerment and culture.

The Austrian foreign ministry said they are working with the EU delegation and authorities on the ground.

Niger has been battling an Islamist insurgency for years.

The military junta is under pressure for failing to curb militant attacks, one of its justifications for deposing democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

Niger, along with its neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, is grappling with attacks from groups linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Since the coup, Niger has urged France and other Western powers to withdraw their military bases and formed a security alliance with junta-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso.

(BBC)

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Mum of Brit ex-child actor who died in LA fires shares his heartbreaking last words

Devastated mum Shelley Sykes posted a tribute to her beloved son who perished in the fires that continue to ravage California.

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Expo Commodities wins three awards at 2024 NCE Export Awards

Expo Commodities (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary of Aberdeen Holdings, secured three awards at the 2024 NCE Export Awards in the Extra-Large category. The company won the Gold Award in the Organic Products Sector, the Silver Award in the Spices & Spices-Based Products Sector, and the Merit Award in the Coconut & Coconut Products Sector, said a release.

It said: Expo Commodities has successfully established its own operations across multiple strategic origins, including Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Comoros, Egypt, Europe, the USA, and India. Expo Commodities continues to expand its reach, contributing to Sri Lanka’s export economy with an emphasis on value-added exports. Aberdeen Holdings (Pvt) Ltd is a conglomerate operating across seven key sectors: pharmaceuticals, packaging & paper, commodities, transport and logistics, power generation, and recycling.

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LA fires: Water hydrant 'problems' hampered firefighters as blaze engulfed Palisades

EXCLUSIVE: A representative from the Los Angeles Fire Department has told Daily Express US of how "issues" with fire hydrants hampered crews in the Palisades hills.

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Denver De Zylva of Virtusa named among ‘Top 10 Diversity Champions for 2024’

Virtusa, a leading provider of digital strategy and IT services, is widely recognized for its pro-active actions on diversity and inclusion. Our diversity strategy is bolstered by investments in technology and security systems, enabling our teams to work remotely across geographical and social boundaries.

Global Head of Sustainability and Facilities, and Joint Country Head of Virtusa Sri Lanka, Denver De Zylva, has been recognized as one of the ‘Top 10 Diversity Champions for 2024.’ This prestigious accolade is awarded by the Women in Management (WIM) Foundation in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), under the ‘Respectful Workplaces’ initiative.

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Donald Trump breaks silence after 'friendly' chat with Obama at Jimmy Carter's funeral

The former US President and the US President-elect were seen talking and smiling at the event in Washington

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CID probes disappearance of Rs 162 mn worth of items from Presidential Secretariat

By A.J.A. Abeynayake

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) had launched an investigation into the disappearance of various items, valued at 162 million rupees, from the Presidential Secretariat, a representative from the CID informed Colombo Fort Magistrate Nipunika Lankapura on Wednesday (08).

The CID initiated this inquiry following a formal complaint. Investigators assured that progress on the case would be reported to the court in due course.

A statement has already been recorded from the relevant procurement officer, and further statements are to be obtained from those who were last in possession of the missing items.

A comprehensive inventory on what has been lost is being prepared by the CID for submission to the court. The CID pledged to provide further details as the investigation develops.

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Thurstan College 75th Founder’s Day Oration on 11 January

Thurstan College Old Boy’s Union together with Principle, the Staff and Students have organized its 75th Founder’s Day Oration on 11 January2025 at the Main Hall of the Thurstan College at 8.00 am under the patronage of Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to Ministry of Higher Education, Education and Vocational Education

This year Thurstan Founder’s Day Oration will be delivered by Sarath Jayathilake a distinguished Old Thurstanite and former Deputy Survey General.

In parallel to the Founder’s Day Oration, a series of other activities have also been organized on the same day. These activities include issuing of a commemorative stamp by the Postal Department and felicitating of Old Thurstanites who have excelled in their respective fields and the ceremonial launch of Thurstan History Book authored by Dr. Lanka Prasada .

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‘I live in LA – terrifying wildfires mean my house could burn down at any minute’

Exclusive: Express LA Correspondent Peter Sheridan on the agonising wait to see if the flames that have gutted the City of Angels will reach his own home

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CB Governor says economy is estimated to have grown by 5% in 2024

Sri Lanka’s economy is estimated to have grown by 5.2 percent, in the first three quarters of 2024, with key economic sectors recording expansions, Central Bank (CBSL) Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Wednesday, at an event in Colombo.

Addressing the launch of ‘Central Bank’s Policy Agenda for 2025 and Beyond,’ Dr. Weerasinghe said leading economic indicators of industry and service sectors reflect a continuation of the expansion in output in the last quarter of 2024 as well. Thus, the real GDP is projected to have grown by around 5.0 percent in 2024, registering the highest annual growth since 2017, Dr. Weerasinghe said.

This higher-than-expected growth shows that deflation in recent months was not due to demand factors but mainly due to supply-side factors, the CBSL Governor said.

Dr. Weerasinghe said that in 2024, the Central Bank had eased monetary policy on three occasions leading to lower interest rates.

This supported the economy to progress and encouraged consumer spending and promoted investments that laid the basis for the economic recovery, he said.

He added that the credit extended to the private sector expanded notably in 2024, while credit obtained by the public sector contracted, freeing up financial resources for private-sector investment.

The CBSL Governor said the Central Bank facilitated the increased demand for currency by providing adequate currency notes and coins to the banking system, which ensured that transactions could be carried out unhindered amidst the recovery in domestic economic activity.

He added that in 2024, the public adoption of digital payments continued to increase rapidly, and customers’ payments to government institutions through online payment platforms have also recorded a notable expansion.

He added that the Central Bank purchased the highest-ever annual amount of foreign exchange from the domestic foreign exchange market in 2024, exceeding 2.8 billion (net) U.S dollars.

The gross official reserves increased to around 6.1 billion dollars by the end of 2024 compared to 4.4 billion dollars at the end 2023, Dr. Weerasinghe said.

He added that in 2024 restrictions, in place since 2020, on investments made outside Sri Lanka by resident Sri Lankans and capital transfers by emigrants were significantly relaxed.

Meanwhile, the rules relating to the repatriation of export proceeds to Sri Lanka and their conversion into Sri Lanka rupees were relaxed, he said.

He mentioned that the Central Bank’s focus going forward will be on stabilizing inflation around 5 percent, while ensuring that the economy remains on track towards achieving sustained growth over the medium term, thereby ensuring the prosperity of the nation.

Dr. Weerasinghe added that with a view to making low-interest rate credit accessible, the Central Bank will closely work with banks and other financial institutions, in 2025, to reduce the excessive interest rates still prevalent in the market.   (RK)

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FM launches e-service for copies of birth, marriage and death certificates for expat Lankans

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in partnership with the Registrar General’s Department launched the pilot project to facilitate overseas Sri Lankans to obtain certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates through Sri Lanka Missions abroad. The system provides Missions access to the e-BMD database (electronic – Birth, Marriage and Death certificate Database) of the Registrar General’s Department in Sri Lanka.

The pilot project is initially implemented through the Sri Lanka Embassies / Consulates General in Tokyo (Japan), Kuwait, Doha (Qatar), Milan (Italy), Toronto (Canada), Melbourne (Australia), and Dubai (UAE). Building upon this, the Ministry and the Department will actively work towards periodically expanding the service to all other Sri Lankan Missions and Posts abroad, ensuring an efficient consular service to the Sri Lankan community.

Certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates are a mandatory requirement for several purposes. The significant aspect of the pilot project is that it facilitates overseas Sri Lankans to obtain the required certified copies through Sri Lanka Missions overseas instead of their representatives in Sri Lanka having to do so on their behalf from the Office of the Registrar General.

Upon application, the authorised Sri Lanka Missions will issue certified copies through retrieval of such certificates from the e-BMD database.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, launched the pilot project at the Ministry in the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra, Secretary of the Ministry Aruni Ranaraja, Registrar General W.R.A.N.S. Wijayasinghe and senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, Registrar General’s Department, and the Ministry.

Following the launch of the project by virtually connecting with the respective Sri Lanka Missions, Minister Herath described the initiative as an important milestone in the Government’s journey towards a digital Sri Lanka. He went on to emphasise that national initiatives on digitalisation should be extended to the Sri Lankans living abroad as well adding that this project – designed and implemented within two months – showcases the government’s strong commitment and support to digitalisation of services to the public.

Secretary Aruni Ranaraja in her remarks echoed the importance of delivering efficient and effective services to the public. While observing that digital platforms are an important tool for providing services to the public, she highlighted that through this initiative, the Ministry and Missions will enhance services to the overseas Sri Lankans.

Sri Lankan expatriates residing in countries where the pilot project is now operational can apply for certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates by submitting the application forms available at the respective Missions and Posts.

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Thilan Wijesinghe contributes to global South Blue Economy at ORF’s Cape Town Conversation

Thilan Wijesinghe, Chairman of TWC Group recently addressed global policymakers and experts at the ORF Cape Town Conversation, recently held in Cape Town, South Africa. Co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF), the event served as a critical platform for addressing pressing global South’s challenges, including the future of the Blue Economy. ORF – a globally renowned think tank based in India, has over the last 30 years evolved from primarily looking inward and engaging with domestic reforms, to gradually forging global partnerships. ORF today plays a seminal role in building political and policy consensus that enables the global south to interact with the world.

At the conference, Thilan provided insights on how to bridge the gap between high-level policy discourse and actionable strategies, focusing on inclusive frameworks that protect coastal communities while enabling economic growth. By spotlighting real-world examples and advocating for pragmatic solutions,

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Aubrey Plaza breaks silence on 'unimaginable tragedy' of husband Jeff Baena's death

US actress Aubrey Plaza has broken her silence after the death of her husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena who passed away at the age of 47

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Solving ethnic issues without PCs

Tamils and also Muslims to a degree in the North, East, Centre and Colombo voted for this government rejecting their own ethnic political parties helping the government secure a two-thirds majority. The significance of this change of heart, as it were, should be understood by the government as well as all political leaders of the country. Maybe they want, apart from solving the problems common to all communities, a different approach to the ethnic problem which had been all these years exploited by their politicians for their own political survival. They may have realised the inadequacy of benefits of Provincial Councils (PCs) where the huge expenditure they entail is concerned.

The PCs do not serve any useful purpose. One cannot see a single project or beneficial outcome accruing from the PC system anywhere in the country. Instead, they have led to another bureaucratic barrier to the people and an increase in the number of politicians. The devolution of power via these PCs is totally redundant as shown by the inability of the Northern PC, which was formed for the very purpose of solving the Tamil problem, to make use of the opportunity to serve the people. The work done by the PCs could easily be carried out by the Government Agents and the Kachcheri system we had previously, without the involvement of politicians.

The total revenue of the PCs in 2020 was Rs. 331 billion and their expenditure was more or less equal. Thus, financially there was no gain for the country. The state coffers would have received that revenue even if there had been no PCs with much less expenditure. The PCs have functioned under Governors without elected representatives for several years.

Further, several authoritative worldwide surveys have shown that power-sharing as a solution to ethnic conflicts has not been effective. About 78 countries in Asia, Africa, West Asia, Eastern Europe, the former USSR and the Caribbean experienced intense ethnic conflicts during 1980 to 2010. Of these, only 20 managed to conclude inter-ethnic power sharing arrangements. Some of them such as Rwanda witnessed genocide Sudan in 2005, and Sudan was divided into two states. Only four to six countries achieved stable arrangements but they are also facing political instability (Horowitz D, 2014).

The following are some excerpts of the research findings; The core reason why power-sharing cannot resolve ethnic conflict is that it is voluntaristic; it requires conscious decisions by elites to cooperate to avoid ethnic strife. Under conditions of hyper-nationalist mobilisation and real security threats, group leaders are unlikely to be receptive to compromise and even if they cannot act without being discredited and replaced by harder-line rivals” (Kaufmann, 1997). Proposals for devolution abound, but more often than not devolution agreements are difficult to reach and once reached soon abort” (Horowitz, 1985).

That Sri Lanka provides ample evidence in support of the above research findings. Of the nine PCs the worst failure was seen in the one in the North, where it was supposed to facilitate the efforts being made to find a solution to the ethnic conflict. Its Chief Minister, after willingly contesting for the post, made use of the opportunity to engage in secessionist propaganda. He did not make use of the government grants for the development of the North.

In consideration of the above, what would be more suitable for Sri Lanka is a power-sharing mechanism. The Tamils who voted for the NPP government may prefer such a system.

The government has a two thirds majority and could bring in the necessary constitutional changes to do away with the presidential system, get rid of the 13th Amendment and establish an institution for power sharing at the centre.

N. A. de S. Amaratunga

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Rahmat’s gritty hundred extends Afghanistan lead

Afghanistan dragged themselves to a position of advantage on an attritional third day, with Rahmat Shah’s gritty century, his third in Test cricket, headlining their much improved batting display from their first innings.

On the second day where 13 wickets fell, Afghanistan conceded an 86-run first-innings lead to Zimbabwe and lost three wickets before wiping out even half the deficit.

But on Saturday, Rahmat, with help from Shahidullah and debutant Ismat Aslam,  stretched Afghanistan’s lead beyond 200 with three wickets still remaining, before rain forced early stumps.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani added two wickets to his overnight tally of two, while Richard Ngarava struck twice, including the prized scalp of Rahmat, but they know with Ismat still at the crease along with Rashid Khan, who is capable of scoring some quick runs, they are going to be staring at a steep chase on a pitch where batting fourth is a daunting proposition.

Afghanistan’s innings revolved around two partnerships. The first was a 67-run stand between Rahmat and Shahidullah that saw the visitors take a 50-run lead by the time it was broken. The pair got together after Afghanistan lost two wickets in the first hour of play while still 17 runs behind.

From the way Rahmat started the day, it was evident he wanted to bat long for Afghanistan to get into a winning position. He played out 19 balls before scoring the first run off his bat on the day.

Ngarava removed the nightwatcher Zia-ur-Rehman the very next ball, and dismissed Afsar Zazai soon after.

This prompted Rahmat to take the initiative as he punished two consecutive bad balls from Muzarabani – a full toss and a half-volley – with drives down the ground for boundaries.

There was a short rain delay that followed, after which the two dealt in singles till Afghanistan were in the lead in the 30th over.

Rahmat and Shahidullah took on Sikandar Raza and Newman Nyamhuri for two boundaries off the next two overs before Rahmat brought up a half-century off 99 balls. The boundaries kept coming as the two trudged along to lunch with a 39-run lead.

In the fourth over after tea, a smart piece of captaincy brought about Shahidullah’s downfall.

Blessing Muzarabani accounted for two more wickets on Saturday  [Zimbabwe Cricket]

With Muzarabani testing him outside off from around the wicket, Craig Ervine brought on a silly point fielder and the next delivery, Shahidullah fended at a length ball in the corridor to offer the simplest of chances to Takudzwanashe Kaitano at silly point.

Zimbabwe knew they had to capitalise on the opportunity, and put the screws on Afghanistan.

Ismat, who was out without scoring in the first innings, copped a blow on the helmet trying to duck under a Muzarabani bouncer that stayed low and needed multiple check-ups from the physio over the next few overs.

Rahmat survived an lbw chance when Raza, who toiled away for 23 wicketless overs in the day, got one to spin in sharply to strike his pad only for the umpire to turn it down. Rahmat responded by dancing down the track and lofting him down the ground for a boundary before he took a hit on the shoulder from an Ngarava short ball.

But the two were unfazed and went about steadily increasing Afghanistan’s lead. Rahmat brought up his century with a single of Nyamhuri off 209 balls, following up on his double in the first Test.

Ismat, who was on 16 off 46 at the point, then started to shift gears with two boundaries off Nyamhuri before tea.

After tea, there were 11 consecutive overs of spin, but Raza and Bennett couldn’t break through or keep the scoring rate down to apply pressure.

As soon as the new ball became available, Zimbabwe found some immediate chances. Ngarava drew the edge from Ismat but he was dropped by Ervine at first slip, when he was three runs short of his fifty. One over later, Ismat brought up a half-century.

The set batters used the extra pace of the new ball to cash in on a few more boundaries before Muzarabani finally broke the stand on 132 – the highest for the seventh wicket for Afghanistan.

Muzarabani got a length ball to seam in past Rahmat’s inside edge and hit his back pad. Rahmat wasn’t best pleased when the umpire ruled him out leg before, but with no DRS available in this series, he had to walk back after a marathon innings.

Rashid then quickly moved to 12 off as many deliveries, hitting Nyamhuri through midwicket for a boundary off what proved to be the last ball of the day before the players were called off for rain.

Brief scores:
Afghanistan 157 and 291/7 in 91 overs (Rahmat Shah 139, Ismat Alam 64*; Blessing Muzarabani 4-71, Richard Ngarava 2-47) lead  Zimbabwe 243 in 73.3 overs (Craig Ervine 75, Sikandar Raza 61, Sean Williams 49; Rashid Khan 4-94, Yamin Ahmadzai 3-62, Fareed Ahmad 2-27) by 205 runs

[Cricinfo]

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