By Hiran H.Senewiratne The CSE yesterday saw an end to its four-day-strong winning streak, influenced by price declines in heavyweights Expolanka and LOLC Holdings, with active investors booking profit and others abstaining, market analysts said. However, heavy rallies on Hayleys stocks were noted during the day. Major transactions took place yesterday when Finco Group, being one of the largest shareholders of Hayleys, divested/shed 22 million shares, which is equal to a three per cent stake of Hayleys, to several high net worth individuals and institutional buyers to the tune of…
Read MoreDay: 17 December 2021
Directives not given to pay salary arrears to Dr. Shafi – Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission on Friday (December 17) insisted that it has not directed the Health Ministry s Secretary to pay the arrears of Dr. Shafi Shihabdeen who was sent on compulsory leave from May 24, 2019, over allegations of performing illegal sterilization operations. MORE.. Thank you
Read MoreNumber of journalists in arbitrary detention surges 20% to 488, including 60 women
According to Reporters Without Borders’ (RSF) annual round-up published today, a record number of journalists – 488, including 60 women – are currently detained worldwide, while another 65 are being held hostage. Meanwhile, the number of journalists killed in 2021 – 46 – is at its lowest in 20 years. The number of journalists detained in connection with their work has never been this high since RSF began publishing its annual round-up in 1995. RSF logged a total of 488 journalists and media workers in…
Read MoreThe Sri Lanka Virtual MICE Expo 2021 breaks new ground – The Island
Industry attempting to attract FDI to Eravur from leading players in fabric – Aroon Hirdaramani Sri Lanka’s apparel industry expressed confidence in reaching its target of $8 billion in export earnings by 2025, by implementing the concerted initiatives put in place by the sector, in collaboration with the authorities. These views were expressed at the ‘Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2021’, the flagship event of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, held this year on 6th and 7th December 2021, under the theme ‘Springboard for revival: Opportunity to reset’. Strengthening backward vertical…
Read MoreCOVID- 715 cases in total confirmed today
The daily count of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Sri Lanka moved to 715 today (December 17) as 177 more people were tested positive for the virus, the Epidemiology Unit said. MORE.. Thank you
Read MoreUpdated Guidelines For Travel To Sri Lanka
Amid the scare of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Govt of Sri Lanka has announced updated guidelines for passengers arriving in the country. And, if you need help such as having to travel while i 751 pending, you can try searching for solutions online. The new guidelines will be applicable to all passengers (except Sri Lankans and Dual Citizens). Sri Lanka – New Guidelines For Travel As per the new guidelines, arriving in Sri Lanka must have an appropriate “Valid Visa” which has been issued by the Department…
Read MoreMajor transactions in Hayleys related stocks; CSE winning streak ends
By Hiran H.Senewiratne The CSE yesterday saw an end to its four-day-strong winning streak, influenced by price declines in heavyweights Expolanka and LOLC Holdings, with active investors booking profit and others abstaining, market analysts said. However, heavy rallies on Hayleys stocks were noted during the day. Major transactions took place yesterday when Finco Group, being one of the largest shareholders of Hayleys, divested/shed 22 million shares, which is equal to a three per cent stake of Hayleys, to several high net worth individuals and institutional buyers to the tune of…
Read MoreCOVID- 22 more deaths take death toll to 14,720
The Director-General of Health Services has confirmed 22 more coronavirus-related deaths for December 16, increasing the death toll in the country due to the virus pandemic to 14,720. MORE.. Thank you
Read MoreGTF calls for deep reflection of the messages conveyed by the US and urges for meaningful course correction in Sri Lanka
PRESS STATEMENT 17 December 2021, London GTF calls for deep reflection of the messages conveyed by the US and urges for meaningful course correction in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is in the midst of many crises. The trajectory it is heading – increasing authoritarianism and militarised governance; further marginalisation of Tamil, Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities; and the debilitating financial crisis and the economic challenges engulfing the people – has the potential to seed new conflicts in the country. Sri Lanka’s credibility as a trusted member of the international community…
Read MoreCovid-19 pandemic related economic toll rises to Rs 5 trillion
The economic toll of the pandemic-induced lockdowns and related restrictions has cost the Sri Lankan economy a thumping Rs.2.5 trillion in nominal terms for a year, bringing the total loss of economic output during the pandemic’s two years to a whopping Rs.5.0 trillion. According to a projection made by the Central Bank on the potential economic output for 2020 and 2021 under normal circumstances, Sri Lanka’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated to grow up to Rs.17.39 trillion in 2020, expanding to Rs.19.17 trillion…
Read MoreSri Lanka Athletics launches centenary year celebrations – The Island
Rugby, arguably one of the most followed Schools sports in Sri Lanka, will see a resumption after almost two seasons of no play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, kicking-off with a schools 7s tournament from the 18th to the 31st of December 2021, which will see the best teams from the top rugby playing regions battling it out for supremacy. Committed to developing talent and investing in our Future, Today, the Dialog Schools Rugby 7s will give students, who missed out on their final year of schools Rugby, the chance…
Read MoreDarley Road in Colombo blocked due to protest
December 17, 2021 02:46 pm Traffic congestion is reported on the Darley Road in Colombo 10 due to a protest march launched by the Higher National Diploma (HND) students. The police have urged the motorists to use alternative routes as much as possible. …
Read MoreThe final report of the Gas committee is ready to be submitted!
The Presidential Committee appointed to investigate and make recommendations on gas explosions has prepared its final report. Chairman of the committee Prof. Shantha Walpolage of the University of Moratuwa says that a request has been made for a date and time to submit the report to the President. He said statements had been recorded from about 40 parties, including gas companies, standards bureau officials, and consumers. Thank you
Read MoreLocal art to get a global clientele with Kathbitha.Com – The Island
Industry attempting to attract FDI to Eravur from leading players in fabric – Aroon Hirdaramani Sri Lanka’s apparel industry expressed confidence in reaching its target of $8 billion in export earnings by 2025, by implementing the concerted initiatives put in place by the sector, in collaboration with the authorities. These views were expressed at the ‘Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2021’, the flagship event of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, held this year on 6th and 7th December 2021, under the theme ‘Springboard for revival: Opportunity to reset’. Strengthening backward vertical…
Read MoreAt least 27 people feared dead in blaze at clinic in Japan
At least 27 people were feared dead after a fire swept through a psychiatry clinic in the Japanese city of Osaka on Friday, and media said police were investigating suspected arson. Some 27 people were in cardiopulmonary arrest, an official at Osaka’s city fire department told Reuters, the term used in Japan before a death is officially confirmed. Another person was injured, the official said. Nine people were confirmed dead at hospital, broadcaster TV Asahi said. Police were investigating suspected arson, including reports that a man started the fire in…
Read MorePrasanna Ranatunga says that he has not read the LNG agreement? (VIDEO)
Minister Prasanna Ranatunga emphasizes that if the people are to get relief from the agreement regarding the LNG power plant, it must be implemented regardless of who opposes it. Q: A big question has arisen about the LNG power plant. What is your opinion on this? “The pros and cons of this are being discussed. The opinions depend on each other. But in the end, the people of the country will be brought to the point and do the right thing.” Q: Did you see…
Read MoreState Minister may have erred – EC Chief – The Island
LG polls likely to be delayed: Polls monitors alarmed By Shamindra Ferdinando Election Commission (EC) Chief Nimal G. Punchihewa yesterday (16) said Provincial Council polls couldn’t be put off through the intervention of the Cabinet. Attorney-at-law Punchihewa emphasised that there was no provision under any circumstances for the Cabinet to request the EC to postpone PC polls though Local Government polls could be put off. LG bodies comprise Municipal Councils, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas. The EC Chairman said so when The Island sought his response to Provincial Councils and…
Read MoreSeveral areas to receive fairly heavy rains above 75 mm
The low-pressure area to the southeast of Sri Lanka lay over the Southern Bay of Bengal, says the Department of Meteorology. MORE. Thank you
Read MoreTotal omicron infectees rise up to 04 in Sri Lanka
The number of persons infected with Omicron the new variant of Covid-19 has surged up to 04 in Sri Lanka. The new Covid variant has been identified in the biosamples collected from the recent infectees, said Dr. Chandima Jeewandara, Director of the Institute of Allergy Immunology Cell Biology, University of Sri Jayawardenapura. Considering the situation, the number of infectees reported in Sri Lanka is expected to surge at a significant phase in the near future, he warned, urging the public that it was essential for…
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