Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka Meteorology Department

Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka

Kalani, kalu and ging and Nil-wala rivers approach spill over levels

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm ‘Nilam’, South-western parts of the island ( Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces) are receiving  heavy rainfalls  and it is likely to continue for next 09 hours, The meteorology department said.

However,Department said that the cyclonic storm “Nilam” is moving away from Sri Lanka and there is no direct effect to the weather over the island.

The Disaster Management Centre says that there is a threat of floods, since the Kelani, Kalu, Ging and Nilvalaa rivers have reached spill over level due to the prevalent heavy rain weather condition.

The Disaster Management Centre said further that 72000 persons belonging to 18 thousand 187 families are in distress due to  the inclement weather.

Read More

Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka Meteorology Department

Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka

Kalani, kalu and ging and Nil-wala rivers approach spill over levels

Under the influence of the cyclonic storm ‘Nilam’, South-western parts of the island ( Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces) are receiving  heavy rainfalls  and it is likely to continue for next 09 hours, The meteorology department said.
-->
However,Department said that the cyclonic storm “Nilam” is moving away from Sri Lanka and there is no direct effect to the weather over the island.

The Disaster Management Centre says that there is a threat of floods, since the Kelani, Kalu, Ging and Nilvalaa rivers have reached spill over level due to the prevalent heavy rain weather condition.

The Disaster Management Centre said further that 72000 persons belonging to 18 thousand 187 families are in distress due to  the inclement weather.

Read More

Sri Lanka New FM Frequency Plan

Sri Lanka New FM Frequency Plan

Successfully developed the new FM broadcast frequency plan,TRCSL said.

The New FM broadcast frequency plan at aims at minimizing technical problems hindering listeners from obtaining a clear sound reception.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) is pleased to announce that it has successfully developed the new FM broadcast frequency plan prepared under the National Telecommunications Policy which was drawn upon the instructions of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and executed under the direction of Mr. Lalith Weeratunga(Secretary to President of Sri Lanka). 

-->

There are about 45 FM broadcasting channels which operate within the 87.5-108 MHz frequency range.

New FM Frequency in Sri Lanka

Under the new plan, the frequencies have been allocated in such a manner to ensure that all FM radio channels could be accessed with ease and sound broadcast from these radio channels is clearly received and heard by the listeners without loss of quality in any part of the island, including remote areas. The existing frequency separation of 100 khZ between two channels has now been increased to 300KHz. This new arrangement will enable the radio listeners to get a clearer reception in any part of the country from any single frequency.

The new system will come into operation on the 1st November 2012.

Read More

Sri Lanka-New zealand tie abandoned

Sri Lanka-New zealand tie abandoned due to rain

Match abandoned due to rain

The T20 international between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was abandoned because of rain at Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka New T20 captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and sent New Zealand in to bat.

New Zealand earlier struggled to score 74-7,No. 9 batsman Tim Southee top-scoring with an unbeaten 21, including four boundaries in an over off seamer Shaminda Eranga.

-->

Seamers Thisara Perera and Nuwan Kulasekara and 19-year-old spinner Akila Dananjaya(best figures of 2-9 ) each bagged two wickets for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, chasing a rain-revised target(according to the D/L method) of 72 runs off 14 overs, were six for no loss after two overs when play was called off.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand: 74 for 4 in 14 overs (Tim Southee 21, BJ Watling 14; Akila Dananjaya 2 for 9, Nuwan Kulasekara 2 for 13, Thisara 2 for 22) 

Sri Lanka: 6 for no loss (Dilshan Munaweera 4*, Tillakaratne Dilshan 2*) match abandoned due to rain.

The teams will now play five one-day internationals, starting in Pallekele,Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Read More

New playing conditions take effect from start of Sri Lanka vs new zealand series

ICCs new playing conditions for Tests

ICC’s new playing conditions for Tests

The ICC gave its seal of approval to the day/night Test matches while leaving the member boards to decide on the type and colour of the ball to be used, as it announced new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 Internationals ahead of Sri Lanka-New Zealand series beginning on October 30,2012.

--> “The new playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 internationals will come into effect with the series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, which starts in Pallekele on October 30. The amendments have been approved by the ICC Board following proposals made by the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting in London in May,” it said.

Read More

Tourist Arrivals Continue To Increase in Sri Lanka

Tourist Arrivals Continue To Increase in Sri Lanka

Visitor Arrivals Increased In September

The year 2012 has continued to exceed expectations for tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka.  Tourist arrivals in the month of September increased by 18.1 percent compared to the same period last year(2011).
--> Statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority indicated that 71,111 tourists arrived in the country in the month of September compared to the 60,219 tourist arrivals in September 2011. Arrivals during the first nine months of the year has increased by 16 percent to 693,772 from the 598,006 arrivals in the same period last year.

Sri Lanka Tourism is optimistic that Sri Lanka would attract over one million visitors by the end of this year

Read More

SLT Toastmasters Triumph at CIMA Toastmasters’ Quiz 2012

SLT Toastmasters Club won the first place at the
 CIMA Toastmasters Quiz 2012

CIMA Toastmasters’ Quiz 2012

Colombo, 26^th October, 2012 - SLT Toastmasters Club won the first place at the CIMA Toastmasters’ Quiz 2012 held at Cinnamon Lakeside recently, beating 34 Toastmasters clubs from around the Island. Serendib Toastmasters club and Colombo Toastmasters club were placed second and third respectively.

--> The CIMA Toastmasters’ Quiz was organized by the CIMA Toastmasters club for the second consecutive year, and is as an attempt to bring together toastmasters from around the country to foster learning, team spirit as well as fellowship. The quiz tests the participants’ knowledge on news and current affairs, sports, history and arts, entertainment, general knowledge and toastmastering skills.

SLT Toastmasters were represented at the Quiz by Prasad Bandara, Yasith Ganearachchi, Lakmali Hathurusinghe, Ishan Kumaranayake, Keerthi Sumanadasa and Mahesh Jayaratne.

“I am very proud of the team that participated at the CIMA Toastmasters Quiz, they have kept the SLT flag flying high. At SLT we believe in providing learning opportunities to our team members, this is one of the main reason we encourage our team to participate in self-development programmes such as the Toastmasters, where members learn-by-doing, which hones in the speaking and leadership skills,” said Greg Young – Chief Executive Officer, SLT.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success.

SLT Toastmasters Club is a part of Toastmasters International - recognized as the leading organization dedicated to communication and leadership skill development. Through its worldwide network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million men and women of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others.

By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge. They learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback - and accept it. They find their path to leadership.

Chartered in 2008, SLT Toastmasters provides a unique opportunity for all SLT Group employees to reap the benefits from Toastmasters International educational programs and leadership activities.  SLT Toastmasters club meets every first, third and fifth Wednesday at the SLT Head Office and is open for all SLT Group employees.

Read More

Angelo Mathews to lead Sri Lanka in T20

Angelo Mathews to lead Sri Lanka in T20

"We are giving Mathews a free hand to captain the T20 side"

Sri Lankan All-rounder, Angelo Mathews was appointed as captain of Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 team for one year(next 12 months). Angelo Mathews will lead Sri Lanka from the upcoming New Zealand tour, Chairman of Selectors Asantha de Mel said.

-->

Mathews, 25, the Sri Lanka vice-captain in all three formats of the game, succeeds Mahela Jayawardene who resigned as T20 captain after his side lost this month's World Cup 2012 final to West Indies.

“We are giving Mathews a free hand to captain the T20 side for one year after which we will review his performance,”chief selector Ashantha de Mel said.

Angelo Mathews will be to lead Sri Lanka in a one-off T20 international against New Zealand at Pallekele on October 30,2012. Sri Lanka Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been named at the T20 vice-captain, also for a one-year term.

Read More

Lafarge mahaweli cement & Microsoft partners sarvodaya To improve ict skills amongst youth

Lafarge Mahaweli Cement+Microsoft Sri Lanka

Lafarge Mahaweli Cement+Microsoft Sri Lanka

Two premier companies operating in the country, Lafarge Mahaweli Cement and Microsoft Sri Lanka, joined hands with Sarvodaya, one of Sri Lanka’s foremost non-governmental organizations, to establish an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Centre in Gampaha.The Centre aims to improve ICT skills among youth in the Gampaha district,Sri Lanka.

-->

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with regard to the establishment of this Centre was signed at the Lafarge Head Office in Orugodawatte, between Anurag Kak, Managing Director of Lafarge Mahaweli Cement (Pvt) Ltd, Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka & Bangladesh and Dr. Vinya S. Ariyarathne, General Secretary of Lanka Jathika Sarvodaya Sangamaya. Jamie Harper, President, Microsoft South East Asia New Markets who was on a visit to Sri Lanka also graced the event.

Elaborating on the reasons that prompted Lafarge Mahaweli Cement to launch the ICT Centre project, Anurag Kak said that ICT is a key area in terms of development. “We realized that there was still a lot of room for ICT education in Sri Lanka to penetrate into grassroots level. This project was launched with the aim of increasing opportunities for local youth to improve their ICT skills. To fulfill this task, we partnered with Microsoft and Sarvodaya, one of the foremost local nongovernmental organizations, which has a proven track record. Sarvodaya has successfully reached out to the grassroots level through its various endeavours and therefore will add great value to the ICT Centre project.” 

Dr. Ariyarathna explaining why Gampaha was chosen as the location for the project, said “Gampaha is a district where you can find both urban and rural areas. Being adjacent to Colombo –the commercial hub of the country, Gampaha has enormous potential as far as the country’s economy is concerned. Therefore, we believe, an area like Gampaha is ideal for a project of this nature. It will empower the youth in the area, enhance opportunities and show them the correct path.”

Sarvodaya-Fusion, the ICT education arm of Sarvodaya, would be handling the implementation process of the project. Isura Silva, Manager of Sarvodaya Fusion said that the enrollment process for this Centre will be carried out in a manner that would provide more opportunities for the less-privileged youth in the area. “They are the ones who need guidance and empowerment. We will adopt a unique mechanism to identify them and reach out to them. Our network in Gampaha will assist us in identifying less-privileged students in the area,” he added.

In addition, Sarvodaya-Fusion will provide necessary administrative guidance and instructions to the ICT centre for project operations at field level. It will also handle the smooth functioning of budgets and disburse project funds to respective ends as guided by the project plan.

Microsoft Sri Lanka will facilitate the program with their experience in carrying out a range of similar initiatives across the country that is aimed at bridging the digital divide. Microsoft will also contribute by providing the globally recognized Unlimited Potential curricular, which will be used for the IT training courses conducted at the Center. Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka & Bangladesh, said “It is important that technology is made accessible to rural youth, which will open new avenues for them. In all our partnerships we aim to make technology accessible to as many people as possible. This project works towards that goal and through this initiative, we can offer something of value to the youth of Gampaha district and help them improve their IT skills and leverage the knowledge gained for better career opportunities. In this instance we have been able to make a greater impact by partnering with an organization such as Lafarge who has the same commitment and passion as we do, to make a noteworthy difference in the lives of our people. And with our long standing relationship with Sarvodaya we are confident that all of us will be able to make this shared vision a reality.” Jamie Harper, President, Microsoft South East Asia New Markets also said that a Lafarge - Microsoft partnership was not an unfamiliar one since the Companies have joined hands on a number of CSR projects in other parts of the world.

The collaborators of the project are also of the view that this is another small step towards the government’s vision of making Sri Lanka an IT hub, which is crystallized in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ manifesto. For that, IT facilities should be provided to the next generation - particularly to those who live in less privileged areas. This project will also be a ground breaker for Lafarge Mahaweli to go into similar partnerships in the future. 

Read More

Sri Lanka the most improving economy "Doing Business" report

Sri Lanka the most improving economy
 Doing Business report

"first time since 2005 that a South Asian economy has ranked so high." 

Sri Lanka is one of the ten economies in the world that are improving the most in the ease of doing business ranking in the South Asian region while bettering its ranking to 81 from 89, according to a new global survey by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and World Bank comparing 185 countries.
-->
"Sri Lanka implemented the most regulatory reforms among the eight economies covered in South Asia, helping to create a better environment for local entrepreneurs," the World Bank and International Finance Corporation(IFC)said. 

Maldives was ranked 95, Pakistan 107, Nepal 108, Bangladesh 129, India 132, Bhutan 138 and Afghanistan 168. According to the report, from June 2011 to June 2012, 


According to the 2013 "Doing Business" report South Asia has been the least active in strengthening investor protections. Over the past 8 years Doing Business recorded 3 investor protection reforms among the region's 8 economies - in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 

The 10 economies with the most business-friendly regulation are Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, China, New Zealand, the United States, Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Georgia, and Australia. 

Read More

Lonely Planet Ranks Sri Lanka Best To Visit In 2013

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013

The Lonely Planet ranks the top 10 countries and cities to visit in 2013

"The Lonely Planet", the world's largest travel guide and the digital media publisher ranked Sri Lanka as the top destination in the world to travel in 2013.

The travel experts and the voters have predicted that Sri Lanka will be on the top of thehottest new destinations for the travelers in year 2013.

The long-running civil war now over Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations, The 2013 travel guide "The Lonely Planet" says.

-->

"investment is again fuelling the tourist industry in Sri Lanka and visitor numbers are steadily increasing.Prices are affordable. Indeed, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet's best-value destinations," Under the title "Serenity returns to Serendib" the world's most trusted travel publisher says. 

The 2013 Travel Guide highlights the emerging new popular places to visit in Sri Lanka, including the newly opened up East coast and less traveled paths in the western coast as well.

Top 10 countries to visit in 2013

1. Sri Lanka

2. Montenegro

3. South Korea

4. Ecuador

5. Slovakia

6. Solomon Islands 

7. Iceland

8. Turkey

9. Dominican Republic

10. Madagascar

Lonely Planet's top 10 cities to visit in 2013

1. San Francisco, US

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

3. Hyderabad, India

4. Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland

5. Beijing, China

6. Christchurch, New Zealand

7. Hobart, Australia

8. Montreal, Canada

9. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

10. Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

Read More

Sri Lanka’s Madusha,second runner-up at Miss International pageant 2012

52nd Miss International 2012

Ikumi Yoshimatsu won the 52nd Miss International 2012 

Ikumi Yoshimatsu from Japan was chosen Miss Internationals and the first runner-up was Miss Finland, Viivi Suominen.

Sri Lanka’s Madusha Mayadunne was selected as the second runner-up at the 52nd Miss International 2012 pageant held in Okinawa, Japan.

-->

Madusha Mayadunne second runner-up
 at the 52nd Miss International 2012

The second runner-up Miss Sri Lanka
 Madusha Mayadunne

“I’m very thankful to everybody in Sri Lanka for giving me this opportunity to be here today and representing Sri Lanka and winning this tonight",Madusha Mayadunne said.  


Miss friendship was won by Ameeksha Dilchand of Mauritius, Best in Talent was awarded to Russia’s Ekaterina Meglinskaia, Nicole Velasquez of Honduras was adjudged Best In national Costume while Miss Photogenic was also won by Japan. 

52nd Miss International 2012 Winners 

• Miss International 2012: Miss Japan, Ikumi Yoshimatsu 
• The first runner-up: Miss Finland, Viivi Suominen 
• The second runner-up: Miss Sri Lanka, Madusha Mayadunne  
• The third runner-up: Miss Dominican Republic, Melody Mir Jiménez 
• The fourth runner-up: Miss Paraguay, Nicole Huber 

52nd Miss International 2012 Top 10

• Brazil, Rafaela Butarelli 
• Colombia, Melissa Varon 
• Haiti, Anedie Azael 
• India, Rochelle Maria Rao 
• Mexico, Jessica Garcia Formenti 
• Namibia, Paulina Malulu 
• Philippines, Nicole Cassandra Schmitz 
• United Kingdom, Alize Lily Mounter 
• USA, Amanda Renee Delgado 
• Venezuela, Blanca Aljibes

Read More

Five-star hotel opens in Sri Lanka's Pasikuda beach

Five-star hotel opens in Sri Lanka's Pasikuda beach

East coast five star hotels

A five star hotel for local and foreign tourists has come up on Pasikuda beach paving the way for a tourist spring.Uga Escapes, a Finco Group company has opened a beachfront luxury boutique resort, Uga Bay Hotel in Pasikuda,Sri Lanka.

The Uga Bay Hotel built at a cost of 850 million rupees includes a bay suite and a beach chalet on a nine-acre block of land in the Eastern coast which is famous for its white sandy beaches, whale watching and for surfing.

-->

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority has set up a tourism development zone in Pasikuda which is popular for its clean beaches and 14 hotels are to be built in the 150-acres.
Sri Lanka has been able to achieve a steady development in the tourism industry in the past two years. In 2011 exceeding the target, 854 thousand tourists arrived in the country. The tourist target this year has been stipulated to be 950 thousand. Already this target has been exceeded. It is envisaged to attract 25 million tourists by 2016.

Read More

Sri Lanka allocates funds to develop seeds and crops for fruits and vegetables

Sri Lanka allocates funds to develop
seeds and crops for fruits and vegetables

Sri Lankan government allocates funds...

The Sri Lanka allocated funds to develop seeds and crops for fruits and vegetables in several parts( Matara, Moneragala, Ratnapura)of the country.
The Agriculture Ministry allocated Rs. 19 million for the project and it plans to carry out the project in the Matara, Moneragala and Ratnapura Districts.
-->
Out of the monies allocated for the project, Rs 1.22 million has been set aside for the development of banana, pineapple and dry chillies crops in the Matara district, Rs 13.7 million for the development of dry chillies, peanuts, green peas, corn maize, and big onions in the Moneragala district and Rs 4.6 million to develop fruits and vegetables in the Ratnapura district.

Read More

Desktop computers for new SLT Megaline customers

SLT introduces the Mega Twenty 20

SLT introduces the Mega Twenty 20

SriLanka Telecom (SLT), the national telecommunications provider, introduces the Mega Twenty 20 promotion whereby new customers have the opportunity to win a desktop computer and printer. Beginning October 20, anyone purchasing an SLTMegaline connection, till November 20, will stand the chance of winning one of the “All-in One” twenty desktop computers and printers on offer. 

-->

SLTMegaline has grown from strength to strength over the years, and its Triple Play capability is one of its most unique attributes. The Mega Twenty20 promotion is one way to give the public added incentive to take full advantage of all the services offered through Megaline, and in turn contribute to the further dispersion of technology in the country.

As a part of the SLT Mega Twenty 20 promotion, customers purchasing new Megaline connections, regardless of if they are Single Play, Double Play or Triple Play customers, will enter into a grand draw from which winners will be picked daily. Each daily winner will be awarded an “All-in-One” desktop computer and printer; SLT is geared to hand out 20 such sets for this promotion. 

Additionally, SLT Citylink customers have the opportunity to qualify for the SLT Mega Twenty 20 grand draw by converting their current connection into an SLT Megaline connection. Those customers will be eligible for a special discount relative to the usage period of their Citylink connection as an added bonus. 

SLT interlinked the broadband platform with existing services to devise SLT Megaline which was launched with Single Play (Telephone only), Double Play (Telephone and Broadband or PEO TV) and Triple Play (Telephone, Broadband and PEO TV), with the positioning ‘One line offering three unique experiences’. 

Read More

Sunshine Holdings - SBL Celebrates 45th Anniversary

The long serving employees-Sunshine Holdings
45th Anniversary

45th Anniversary of Sunshine Holdings Sri Lanka.

SBL a Sunshine Holdings enterprise, one of the premier business ventures in the healthcare sector, reached a significant landmark in its history when the company celebrated its 45^th anniversary on the 12^th of October. With its beginnings tracing back to 1967, SBL, formerly known as Lanka Medicals, was the oldest business venture of the Sunshine Holdings Group, which was founded by Mr. G Sathasivam.

During its 45-year journey, the company has successfully expanded its scope of operations achieving remarkable success while contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare industry. SBL is the partner of choice for international healthcare companies seeking to grow their business in Sri Lanka, in the areas of pharmaceuticals, surgicals, diagnostics, medical devices and consumer health products. SBL is a leading market expansion services provider, with the largest specialized healthcare team, with over 300 medical marketing & sales personnel and over 200 physical distribution personnel in their employ.

-->

To mark its 45^th anniversary, SBL donated 500 lenses for cataract operations to the National Secretariat's 'Vision 2020' program through Dr. P G Mahipala, Additional Secretary – Medical Supplies, Ministry of Health, supporting this national program for prevention and control of avoidable blindness. The company also had a felicitation ceremony for its long serving employees and key customers, at an event held at the Taj Samudra Hotel on Friday, 12^th October. Key customers recognized at the event were across all major private sector hospital groups, Government sector institutions, key national retailers and the company’s longstanding international healthcare partners. Sunshine Holdings PLC, Group Managing Director Vish Govindasamy, graced the event along with the company’s founder, G Sathasivam and other board directors.

Sunshine Holdings, through SBL, has rendered an immense service to the healthcare sector of Sri Lanka, broadening the dimensions of its various aspects. It has emerged as one of the largest private sector companies in the Sri Lankan pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and surgical accessories segments. Speaking at the event the Associate Director of SBL, Shyam Sathasivam said “since its inception, SBL has provided the best healthcare products to its customers and has been widely recognized as one of the most admired healthcare products marketing companies in Sri Lanka”. He went on to state that "the company’s vision is to be the most admired healthcare marketing company in Sri Lanka and we hope to achieve this by providing our customers with the best healthcare products through our people and partners."

SBL offers the healthcare industry a broad range of customized services from registration to importation, customs clearance, sales, marketing and merchandising, warehousing, physical distribution, invoicing and cash collection. Some of their international healthcare partners are Abbott Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Johnson & Johnson Medical, 3M Healthcare, GE Healthcare and Siemens Diagnostics.

SBL has worked in partnership with leading healthcare companies across the world for more than three decades; the company has grown to become a top national player, marketing over 1,000 products from over 40 multinational organisations to more than 3,000 general practitioners, specialists, surgeons and associated healthcare professionals. The company’s distribution chain covers the entire country, supplying products to over 300 hospitals & clinics and 2,000 pharmacies through twelve regional distribution centres.

Healthguard Pharmacy Ltd, a 100% subsidiary of SBL, has established a network of 16 pharmacies across the Western Province over the last six years. Their modern pharmacy brand, offering a range of pharmaceuticals, wellness and beauty products has set the benchmark in healthcare retailing in the country. Healthguard Pharmacies are fully compliant with CDDA regulations with full time pharmacists on call at all times and proper storage conditions for all medicines and cosmetics, thereby assuring all customers of quality products, superior service and convenient locations.

Sunshine Holdings PLC, the parent company of SBL, is a diversified holding company, with interests in Healthcare, Plantations, FMCG, Packaging, Travel & Leisure and Renewable Energy. The Group, which has over 13,000 employees and has generated approximately US $ 100 million in revenue, is consistently ranked amongst the LMD Top 50 companies in Sri Lanka. Group companies include Swiss Biogenics Ltd, Watawala Plantations PLC, Watawala Marketing Ltd, Sunshine Packaging, Sunshine Travels & Tours, Sunshine Power and Healthguard Pharmacy.

Read More

"Pakistan safe to host international cricket"Jayasuriya says

Pakistan safe enough to host international cricket-
Sanath Jayasuriya say

Positive signals to the cricketing world.

Former Sri Lanka captain and opener Sanath Jayasuriya  arrived in Karachi,Pakistan to lead an international all-star XI in two exhibition Twenty20 matches, believes Pakistan is safe enough to host international cricket again.

Sanath Jayasuriya will captain the International  World XI, featuring former South African Test players Andre Nel and Nantie Hayward, against Pakistan All Stars, led by current Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi.
-->
The matches are organized by provincial sports minister Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah in hope of sending positive signals to the cricketing world.
No test-playing team has toured Pakistan since the deadly attack on the Sri Lanka team convoy in 2009 in Lahore.



"It depends on country to country (whether they tour Pakistan) but in my opinion Pakistan is a safe country",Sanath Jayasuriya said.

Read More

Sri Lanka line-up for Hong Kong Sixes 2012

Jehan Mubarak to lead Sri Lanka in Hong Kong Sixes 2012

Jehan Mubarak to lead Sri Lanka in Hong Kong Sixes 

1. Jehan Mubarak has been appointed as skipper of the Sri Lanka squad.The Hong Kong sixes will be held in Kawloon Cricket Ground from the 25^th to 29 October 2012.-->
2. The squad includes four players who had represented Sri Lanka at top level and three from the development squad.

Sri Lanka squad

• Jehan Mubarak (Captain)
• Kaushal Lokuarachchi
• Chamara Kapugedara
• Kosala Kulasekara
• Sachith Pathirana
• Ramith Rambukwella
• Kusal Janith

Mr.Channa Weerakkody -Manager

Read More

Sri Lanka launch first satellite in 2015

Sri Lanka launch first satellite

China to help Lanka launch first satellite

Two Chinese Company(China Greatwall Industry Corporation and Sino Satellite Comunications Company Ltd.)will help Sri Lanka launch its first  telecom satellite by 2015.Local company SupremeSAT, has taken every possible step to make this a reality and is expected to deploy the first Sri Lankan satellite at 87.5E, in the Geo-Stationary orbit, on November 22 from Xi-Chang in China.
-->
Sri Lanka would have their fully owned satellite in 2015 at a cost of US $ 320 million and Sri Lanka will be the 45th country to own a satellite in the world and also, the third country in the region, because India and Pakistan already have their own. Chairman of the SupremeSAT (Pvt) Ltd., R. M. Manivannan said.

Read More

First test flight lands at Sri Lanka's Mattala international airport

Test flight lands at Sri Lanka's Mattala airport

Sri Lanka hopes to start the commercial operation...

The first test flight on the new airstrip at Sri Lanka’s second international airport at Mattala,Sri Lanka landed  successfully yesterday.
A twin-engine Beechcraft Super king test aircraft belongs to Pakistan Civil Aviation Department successfully landed on the new runway in a measure to test air travel control instruments installed at the Mattala Airport.
-->
The construction work of the Mattala International Airport would be completed at the end of this year and its commercial operation will be launched early January 2013, Pasanna Wickramasuriya, Chairman Airport and Aviation Sri Lanka Ltd has said.
Sri Lanka hopes to start the commercial operation of the second international Airport early next year.

Read More

Angelo Mathews to lead Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews to lead Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews to lead Sri Lanka against New Zealand

The national selection committee may streamline the selection of teams, and have a separate Twenty20 squad, following Sri Lanka’s 36-run loss to West Indies in the fourth ICC  World cup Twenty20 final 2012 in Colombo,Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka chief selector Ashantha de Mel said.  The changes are likely to be introduced in the one-off T20 international against New Zealand to be played at Pallekele on October 30 2012.

-->

Sri Lanka Vice captain Angelo Mathews is expected to take the reins for the game against New Zealand, with Mahela Jayawardene having resigned from the captaincy of the Sri Lanka  following the World Twenty20 final.

“We will have to go with Mathews for the moment but we will assess the captaincy. The team should be captained by a player who has a permanent place in the side,” Ashantha de Mel said  “We need to separate the Test and ODI players from the T20 players and pick a squad that will fulfill the requirements of T20 cricket. “We will pick a young side with players who can make a clean strike of the ball,” de Mel said. Sri Lanka hit the least sixes of the four semi-finalists in the World Twenty20 and managed only one six to West Indies’ seven in the final. “We really have to assess the situation and start building a team of T20 cricketers for the next World T20 in Bangladesh in 2014,” Ashantha de Mel said.

Read More

United National Party (UNP) to hold annual summit 2012

United National Party (UNP) 2012 annual summit

United National Party (UNP) Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) is to hold its 2012 annual convention on 1st December at its party headquarters,Sirikotha,Colombo.

-->

UNP Pradeshiya Saba (PS) members are also allowed to participate in the convention.

However some UNP PS members have expressed their reservations about the selection process as to who will be attending the convention.

These PS members had asked why there should be a selection process since it is only UNP members who would attend the annual convention.

While pointing out UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe extended his term for another six years merely at a Working Committee meeting, they alleged that restricting PS members from attending the annual convention is a new trick of Wickramasinghe’s to achieve his ulterior motives.

Read More