“Power-ful” blame game
“Power-ful” blame game View(s):Sri Lankans are angry, nay furious over the latest round of power cuts. Even Ravi’s apology was very feeble,” he said, settling in for a long conversation on the power crisis. It has been reported that the authorities didn’t want to rely too much on hydro power generation as water was required for farming purposes. Be that as it may, the Government’s much touted solar power generation plan has also run into a storm of protests from potential solar power producers, who this week complained of inordinate delays in getting their projects approved. Sri Lankans have always been willing to brace themselves to face any crisis and the power crisis is nothing new.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Hoteliers see dollars, DMCs cash on rupees
Hoteliers see dollars, DMCs cash on rupees By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka’s tour operators have been hit by the new budget proposal mooted by hoteliers to carry out transactions in US dollars causing dissent among the Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Nkar Travels Managing Director Nilmin Nanayakkara said that this request for a dollar transaction was made by only a few hoteliers who are interested in lobbying the Finance Ministry to get their payments in dollars from the DMCs. “Not giving the correct picture to the Finance Ministry when lobbying prior to the budget is disastrous and in my view this is misleading the Finance Ministry if they did so,” he stated. He explained that it was those hoteliers that had obtained dollar loans who had been involved in lobbying the Finance Ministry to make payment in dollars mandatory which is what we are against. Paying back the dollar loans that hoteliers have obtained is the need of the hour of most hoteliers and these hoteliers believe would ensure that the hard currency comes into the country.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
A most wanted man
A most wanted man View(s):My dear Arjuna,I thought I must write to you because you seem to be always in the news, even when you are not in the country and nowhere to be found. We all know that you were appointed only because the Green Man insisted on you. However, he now says he is not responsible for that and that it was Aiyo Sirisena who signed your appointment letter! That is now escalating into a spat between the two countries, with Aiyo Sirisena opening his mouth and putting both his feet firmly in. Had you offered some of that bond money at that time, you would have been a free man by now!
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
New unified employment law to be introduced soon
New unified employment law to be introduced soon By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):Sri Lanka government will phase out the implementation of labour market reforms while pushing through a new unified employment law to gradually replace 28 archaic labour legislations currently in force, the Labour and Trade Union Relations Ministry revealed. The Wages Board Ordinance No.27 of 1941, the Factories Ordinance No.45 of 1942, Shop and Office Employees Act No.19 of 1954, Maternity Benefit Ordinance, and Factories Ordinance will be revised and these laws are to be integrated into a single employment law. Labour and Trade Union Relations Minister Ravindra Samaraweera while confirming the introduction of this law had informed the National Labour Advisory Committee (NLAC) on Tuesday that trade union leaders will also be consulted before presenting the relevant bill in Parliament, a trade union leader who attended the meeting said. The minister also noted that a document is now being drafted and that it will be tabled before the NLAC for discussion. The National Workers Charter was promulgated as state labour policy by the then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in September 1995.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Two friends on an artistic journey
At six he was diagnosed with a kidney failure, a condition that spelt death in three months. Mueen Saheed, the owner of the Billari Gallery, is artistically the opposite of Jimmy. “I try to create/ paint a story, so that you sit- and like reading a book read the painting. That is why I would call myself a narrative abstract artist.”The Billari Art Gallery opened with 300 paintings by Saheed, and around 70 by Jimmy. The Billari Art Gallery, is situated at 165/11 Park Road, Colombo 5 and is open every day from 10.30 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Quarter finalist found
Quarter finalist found By Lakshman Ranasinghe View(s): View(s):Tall scoring marked the four pre quarter-final matches played yesterday at the Mercantile Cricket Association grounds and Irrigation grounds, Ratmalana in the morning and evening of the MCA ‘E’ Division 25 Over Cricket Tournament 2019. Emerchemie NB (Ceylon) with 244 runs and Maliban Biscuits with 220 runs scored wins over Ceylon Tobacco Company and Commercial Bank while in the other two matches played Brandix ‘A’ and Stafford Motor Company defeated David Peiris Motor Company (DPMC) and MAS Holdings Active respectively to book their berths in the quarter final line up. The top scorers for the day were Sanjula Madushan (51), Kanishka Jayasekera (50) of Emerchemie NB and M. Zilmi (61) of Malibans and the best bowling performance of the day was by Kasun Sanjaya (4 for 37) of DPMC. At MCA (M): Brandix ‘A’ beat DPMC by 69 runsBrandix ‘A’ 174 for 8 (25) (Udaya Dushan 41, Shanaka Walgama 30, Navindu Perera 22, Rohan Priyadarshana 21, Kasun Sanjaya 4 for 27)DPMC 105 (22.5) (Kasun Sanjaya 45, Ashan Madushanka 3 for 22, Ashan Sanjaya 2 for 8, Navindu Perera 2 for 21)At Irrigation Grounds, Ratmalana (M): Emerchemie NB (Ceylon) beat Ceylon Tobacco Co. 109 runsEmerchemie NB 244 for 7 (25) (Sanjula Madushan 51, Kanishka Jayasekera 50, Amila De Silva 36, Eranga Madushan 26*, Navin Jayasuriya 3 for 46)Ceylon Tobacco 135 (20.1) (Navin Jayasuriya 33, Iman Ameen 26, Amila Maduranga 23, Harsha Madusanka 3 for 21)At MCA (E): Stafford Motors beat MAS Holdings Active by 4 wktsMAS Holdings Active 158 for 7 (25) (Neranjan Peiris 41*, Geeth Sankalpa 41, Kanishka Abeywardene 21, Misitha Poornajith 2 for 22, Janith Maduwantha 2 for 33, Dammika Kumara 2 for 42)Stafford Motors 159 for 6 (24) (Anjelo Eranga 22, Neranjan Peiris 2 for 22, Shalinda Perera 2 for 22)At Irrigation Grounds (E): Maliban Biscuits beat Commercial Bank by 92 runsMaliban Buscuits 220 for 8 (25) (M. Zilmi 61, Risith Upamal 33, Maleesh Silva 28, Lahiru Dushantha 26, Tharindu Siriwardena 26, Indika Kumara 2 for 27, Raveen Samarakkodi 2 for 35)Commercial Bank 128 for 9 (25) (Tharaka Gunatilleka 32, Tharindu Nirmala 23*, Amal Kolinda 23, Lahiru Dushantha 3 for 14, Malith Silva 2 for 21)
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
TNA repeating history
The TNA, which for decades had a monopoly over the politics of the North is currently under pressure from within its own polity. Those who were left were forced to cringe before the AK-47-toting LTTE and recognise it as the “sole representative of the Tamils” in Sri Lanka. Has not the new generation of TNA legislators heard the saying “those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. The bulk of it has been by the much slandered Government of Sri Lanka. Or is this just the TNA bluffing its own people – and whipping up communal fervour in the rest of the country?
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
‘Colombata kiri, apita kekiri’
Colombo and other ‘privileged’ areas are exempted from power cuts imposed on other locations, supposedly on the basis of optimal self-generation. On the other hand, if the logic is that Colombo should not suffer power cuts due to impact on city-based businesses and industry, reduced power cuts could be imposed. But why should the capital be exempted from otherwise nation-wide power cuts altogether? There is a terse saying among rural folk to the effect that it is always, ‘Colombata kiri, apita kekiri,’ which loosely translates to declaring that state policies invariably privilege Colombo, giving the city ‘milk’ while others get the sour ‘kekiri’ (snake cucumber). But deadly bumbling of ‘yahapalanaya’ politicians have an additional edge by buttressing the perception that this is a Government which has no thought for the common citizen.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
“Integrity vs Corruption”
“Integrity vs Corruption” View(s):Sarath Jayamanne – Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (centre), Asoka Obeyesekere, Executive Director – Transparency International Sri Lanka (left) and Sujeeve Samaraweera – former President of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, at a discussion on “Integrity vs Corruption” organised by the Sunday Times Business Club on Thursday. The event was hosted by the Kingsbury Colombo hotel.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
CEB runs after suppliers to fuel thermal power generators
CEB runs after suppliers to fuel thermal power generators View(s):The Ceylon Electricity Board is seriously considering available options in purchasing furnace oil or diesel from international suppliers such as Lanka IOC other than the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) to run thermal power generators. Sales of furnace oil, which is supplied to the CEB and industries for power generation, had shot up sharply at present due to increased thermal power generation because drought reduced hydro-power capacity, official sources said. The CPC has found it extremely difficult to supply furnace oil or Diesel to run thermal power generators at the subsidised price of Rs. Furnace oil is imported for thermal power generation by the Ceylon Electricity Board. Power shortages and rising fuel imports are particularly problematic considering the country’s rising demand.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Hirantha and Hirusha power STC Matara to 5-wicket win
Hirantha and Hirusha power STC Matara to 5-wicket win By P.D. Electing to bat first, the Servatians were back in the pavilion with 231 runs on the board with four deliveries remaining. Chamika Ranasinghe, Hirantha Lakshan, Mihisal Amoda and Gishanthika Jayaweera bowled well to curtail the runs as well as take wickets. Woshita Athsara (40) and Gishanthika Jayaweera (unfortunate to be run out for 38) saw the Thomians to 137/4 after which Hirantha and Hirusha finished the game with over five overs to spare. Hirantha Lakshan was named man-of-the-match for his allround performance.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Final rites of Srima Dissanayake tomorrow
Final rites of Srima Dissanayake tomorrow Gamini and Srima were icons of a generation, says Sajith View(s): View(s):The final rites of Srima Dissanayake, wife of the late Minister Gamini Dissanayake, will take place tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Borella General Cemetery. Mrs Dissanayake passed away at a private hospital in Colombo on Friday. She was the loving mother of sons Minister Navin Dissanayake, MP Mayantha Dissanayake and daughter Varuni Dissanayake. A Lawyer by profession, Mrs Dissanayake was also a former member of the Central Provincial Council. “Gamini and Srima Dissanayake were icons of a generation, gifted professionals who dedicated their lives to serving our country and especially those less fortunate,” he noted, extending his deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Dissanayake family.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
Importing exotic cows which performed poorly under local conditions
Importing exotic cows which performed poorly under local conditions By Ananda Wickramasinghe View(s): View(s):In 2017, over 5000 young pregnant cows (heifers) imported from Australia and New Zealand, were sold to some farmers. This article is an attempt to examine the reasons for the poor performance of imported cows under local conditions. The quantity and quality of milk governed by factors such as cow’s genetic makeup, quality of feed, management practices and surrounding environmental conditions. Impact of local environmental condition on imported heifersGlobally, many studies have been conducted on environmental stress on cattle. When environmental conditions are not favourable, the stored energy is utilised to overcome the stresses.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
‘Wonder Park’ where imagination comes alive
‘Wonder Park’ where imagination comes alive View(s):‘Wonder Park’ animated adventure movie revolving around an amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive, is now being shown in theatres. Directed by Dylan Brown in his directorial debut, the film is produced by Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies, with Ilion Animation Studios handling animation. Over time, Mrs. Bailey starts to get sick and is sent away for recovery, June starts alienating from Wonderland, and burns the blueprints of the park in a fit of rage. The film stars the voice talents of newcomer Brianna Denski, Matthew Broderick, Jennifer Garner, Ken Hudson Campbell, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Mila Kunis, John Oliver, Kath Soucie, Norbert Leo Butz, and Kevin Chamberlin. ‘Wonder Park’ is now being screened at Scope Cinemas (CCC), Liberty by Scope Cinemas, Savoy 2 andMC Cinemas.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC
‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ in Minuwangoda
‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ in Minuwangoda View(s):‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’- ‘A Man Much Needed’ award winning playwright Rajitha Dissanayake play will go on the boards at 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm on April 9 at Nalanda Balika College, Minuwangoda‘Nethuwa’Beri’Minihek’ revolves around the family of Jayantha, a Sinhala nationalist businessman who enjoyed close ties with the previous regime, and worries for his future in the transformed political climate. Jayantha’s son returns from London with a Tamil friend who is in search of his mother who went missing during the war. The cast of ‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ comprises Dharmapriya Dias, Shyam Fernando, Nadeeshani Peliarachchi, Bimsara Premaratne, Pasan Ranaweera, Anuradha Mallawarachchi, Nalin Lusena, Charindra Chandrasena and Kasun Chathuranga. The lighting is by Ranga Samarakoon and costume design by Nalin Lusena and Samadara Mabuluge. Vijith Nuwan and Nalin Lusena will be the stage managers.
Source:Sunday Times
March 30, 2019 19:07 UTC