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Indian Air Force contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for Air Force’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations

Feb 28, Colombo: A contingent of Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy personnel arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (27) to participate in the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The Indian Air Force aerobatic display teams, the fixed wing “Suryakirans’ and rotary wing ‘Sarang’ , along with Light Combat Aircraft Tejas arrived at Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 27 Feb 21 on an invitation from Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), the Indian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

SLFP says conspiracy to destroy the party is in progress:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Former General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa says that a conspiracy to destroy the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and its leaders is in progress.

Coronavirus update: 352 new COVID-19 cases identified Sunday, total rises to 83,242:
	Feb 28, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 352 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Sunday.

Sri Lanka reports seven COVID-19 deaths Sunday, toll rises to 471:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed five deaths on Sunday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 471, according to health authorities.

Indian Air Force contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for Air Force’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations:
	Feb 28, Colombo: A contingent of Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy personnel arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (27) to participate in the 70th Anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

Police arrest ‘exorcist’ after a girl beaten to death in ritual:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Sri Lankan police on Sunday arrested a woman claimed to be an exorcist in connection with the beating to death of a nine-year-old girl.

Sri Lanka Cricket appoints Tom Moody as Director of Cricket:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Sunday has announced the appointment of former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody as the director of cricket of Sri Lanka. Moody’s appointment will be effective from 01st March 2021.

Tourism Minister requests President to give priority to factory workers in COVID vaccination:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has made a request to the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to give priority to all factory workers in the country in administering the Covid vaccine.

Compensation payment to terminated workmen doubled to Rs. 2.5 million:
	Feb 28, Colombo: Minister of Labor Nimal Siripala de Silva has stated that the maximum amount of compensation that should be paid to an employee of the private sector and semi-government institutions (corporations and statutory bodies), if the relevant institution terminates his service as required, has been increased to Rs. 2.5 million.

John Keells Properties to commence next phase of Victoria Golf and Country Resort residences :
	Feb 28, Colombo: John Keells Properties (JKP) reports reason to be bullish this year, having sold 90% of its exclusive Peacock Valley land plots at the Victoria Golf and Country Resorts (VGCR) in Digana within three months of launch.

Several areas in Batticaloa district released from Isolation:
	Feb 28, Colombo: General Shavendra Silva, Army Commander, head of the National Operations Center for the Prevention of the Spread of Covid 19 Outbreak, announced that the following areas in Kattankudy MOH area of Batticaloa District will be released from isolation from 5.00 a.m. tomorrow (March 01).

An air travel bubble between Sri Lanka and India to be launched soon:
	Feb 28, Colombo: A decision has been taken to launch an air travel bubble between Sri Lanka and India soon, the Government Information Department said.

Sri Lanka Air Force to procure two high-tech aircraft from US and India to monitor the seas:
	Feb 28, Colombo: The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana has told Silumina that steps have been taken to procure two state-of-the-art aircraft from the United States and India for monitoring Sri Lankan waters to prevent maritime crimes including all extremist activities conducted across the Indian Ocean centering Sri Lanka.

Government to amend the Criminal Code to expedite the punishment of criminals:
	Feb 28, Colombo: The government has decided to amend the Criminal Law Act to curb the rising crime rate. The aim is to set up a judicial mechanism that can resolve a criminal case and impose a sentence in as little as three months.

Prime Minister launches National Program for Establishment of Export Agricultural Zones from Hambantota:
	Feb 27, Colombo: The National Program for the Establishment of Export Agriculture Zones in accordance with the “Vision of Prosperity” policy commenced Saturday (27) at the historic Kasagala Rajamaha Viharaya in Hambanthota under the patronage of the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Burial of Covid bodies not allowed until the circular is issued - DGHS:
	Feb 27, Colombo: Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena states that it has been decided to prepare a preliminary draft of the Corona Victim Burial Guide.

Angelo Mathews named stand-in T20I Captain for Windies tour:
	Feb 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket today announced that Angelo Mathews has been appointed as the stand-in captain, for the T20 International series vs West Indies.

China commends the efforts taken by the Sri Lankan government to promote and protect human rights:
	Feb 27, Colombo: China says Sri Lankan government is committed to protecting human rights and social development and strongly opposes state intervention and the use of human rights for political purposes.

Coronavirus update: 460 new COVID-19 cases identified Saturday, total rises to 82,890:
	Feb 27, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 460 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Saturday.

Program to sink discarded buses and boats in sea to promote fish breeding:
	Feb 27, Colombo: Another program to sink discarded buses and fishing vessels with the objective to increase the fish population in the sea was launched at the Galle Fisheries Harbor today under the patronage of State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekara.

President instructs to alleviate teacher shortage in schools, poverty in remote villages:
	Feb 27, Colombo: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today instructed the relevant authorities to alleviate long-term teacher shortages in schools in villages and introduce new technology to farmers to increase their harvest as measures to alleviate poverty.

Guidelines for burials of COVID corpses next week:
	Feb 27, Colombo: The necessary guidelines for the burial of people who died of COVID-19 will be announced next week, the Ministry of Health said on Saturday (27).

ComBank ranked the ‘Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka in 2020’ by Asian Banker:
	Feb 27, Colombo: The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has been declared the ‘Strongest Bank in Sri Lanka in 2020’ by the Asian Banker Magazine, based on the strength of its balance sheet.

All arrangements are in place to conduct the GCE Ordinary Level Examination on Monday :
	Feb 27, Colombo: All arrangements are in place to conduct the GCE Ordinary Level Examination from Monday ensuring the health and safety of the students, the Minister of Education Prof. GL Peiris said.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship arrives at port of Hambantota:
	Feb 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy, in accordance with naval traditions, welcomed the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship Setogiri arrived at the Port of Hambanthota on Thursday, February 25.

Sri Lanka Navy personnel deployed to hospitals to ensure uninterrupted services amid strike:
	Feb 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) has deployed naval troops including medical staffers to several hospitals to avoid inconveniences faced by the general public in view of the recent strike announced by a section of healthcare minor staffers.

Sri Lanka reiterates concern over country specific resolutions at the UNHRC:
	Feb 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka has reiterated it concern over the UNHRC practice of selectively adopting country specific resolutions and suggested the Universal Periodic Review as the appropriate mechanism to address the human rights situation of all countries.

Average land prices in Colombo increased by 4.6 percent in second half of 2020:
	Feb 26, Colombo: Land values in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital Colombo on average has increased 4.6 percent in the second half of 2020, according to the biannual Land Price Index compiled by Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Coronavirus update: 497 new COVID-19 cases identified Friday, total rises to 82,430:
	Feb 26, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 497 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Friday.

NMSJ urges Sri Lankan leaders to unite to face the UNHRC challenge with ‘intellectual and diplomatic maturity’:
	Feb 26, Colombo: The National Movement for Social Justice, an independent collective of civil societies, urged the Sri Lankan leaders to respond in unity with ‘intellectual and diplomatic maturity ‘to the resolution tabled by several countries against the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic and economic collapse.

Sri Lanka reports five COVID-19 deaths Friday, toll rises to 464 :
	Feb 26, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed five deaths on Friday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 464, according to health authorities.

Sri Lanka to vaccinate people above age 30 in high risk areas :
	Feb 26, Colombo:The Ministry of Health has decided to vaccinate all the public aged 30 years and above those who are resided in Grama Niladhari Divisions at high risk of spreading Covid 19 in Colombo and Gampaha Districts, commencing today (26).

Permission to detain and interrogate soldiers caught with Rs. 450 million worth of heroin:
	Feb 26, Colombo: Magistrate Chanima Wijayabandara issued a seven-day detention order allowing further interrogation of the two soldiers who were arrested yesterday while transporting heroin worth over Rs. 450 million in a luxury van belonging to the Army.

Four Police officers suspended for assaulting law student:
	Feb 26, Colombo: The Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekara has instructed the Inspector General of Police to suspend the police officers involved in an assault on a law student at the Peliyagoda Police Station.

State Vesak Festival in Jaffna this year:
	Feb 26, Colombo: The Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and the Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has given instructions to hold this year’s State Vesak Festival centering the Northern and Eastern Provinces at the Nagadeepa Raja Maha Viharaya.

Prime Minister Imran thanks the Sri Lankan government for allowing burials of COVID-19 victims :
	Feb 26, Colombo: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan took it to Twitter to thank the Sri Lankan leadership for allowing the burial of COVD-19 victims.

Ranil must go to Parliament, UNP seniors say:
	Feb 26, Colombo: A group of senior members of the United National Party (UNP) Thursday called on former Prime Minister and party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe to go to parliament immediately to reveal the truth about the previous government’s cabinet papers, agreements and commission reports.

Finance Secretary says tax relief promised in the budget for businessmen and investors soon :
	Feb 26, Colombo: All tax ordinances are being amended to expedite the provision of tax relief promised by the Government including the President to businessmen and investors in the 2021 Budget, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance SR Attygalle has said.

A single prison cell for MP Ranjan Ramanayke:
	Feb 26, Colombo: The Prisons Department has taken steps to keep parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake, who was convicted of contempt of court and given a four-year prison sentence, in a single cell at the Angunakolapelessa Prison.

CNN features Sri Lanka Tourism’s ‘bio-bubble’ welcoming visitors :
	Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka Tourism Chairperson Kirmali Fernando was interviewed by Julia Chatterley on First Move for CNN where she detailed the safety protocols for tourism which was successfully resumed in the country since 21st January 2021.

Sri Lanka permits burial of COVID-19 victims:
	Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka today granted permission to bury the bodies of the people who have died of COVID-19 infection.

Coronavirus update: 466 new COVID-19 cases identified Thursday, total rises to 81,933:
	Feb 25, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 466 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Thursday.

Sri Lanka reports two COVID-19 deaths Thursday, toll rises to 459:
	Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed two deaths on Thursday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 459, according to health authorities.

SLFP decides to reject PCoI report on Easter Sunday attacks :
	Feb 25, Colombo: The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), a constituent party of the government today decided to reject the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate and inquire into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

Gazette notification permitting burial of COVID victims is to be issued today:
	Feb 25, Colombo: A gazette notification is to be issued today giving permission for the burial of the bodies of those who died due to COVID-19 infection.

Sri Lanka ‘categorically’ rejects UN High Commissioner’s report, calls upon members to reject any resolution:
	Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lanka ‘categorically’ rejected the report presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the 46th session in Geneva yesterday and called on the members of the Council to reject any resolution based on the report.

UK shares concerns on Sri Lanka’s reversal of progress in human rights issues:
	Feb 25, Colombo: The United Kingdom welcoming the UN High Commissioner’s detailed and most comprehensive report on Sri Lanka shared its concerns regarding the reversal of progress on issues of accountability, and also the current human rights situation, and the risk and recurrence of past violations.

Sri Lanka committed to introduce new technologies to increase market share in the global economy:
	Feb 25, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa says that the government is committed to introducing new technologies in every sector to enable the country to increase its market share in the global economy.

PCoI report on Easter Sunday attacks handed over to Attorney General :
	Feb 25, Colombo: The final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) to investigate and inquire into the Easter Sunday attacks that was presented to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been handed over to Attorney General Dappula De Livera.

COPA directs to develop an action plan within two months to resolve the human-elephant conflict:
	Feb 25, Colombo: The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) directed the Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation and its respective officials to prepare a formal plan in order to expedite the implementation of the recommendations made to resolve the human-elephant conflict which is now a grave concern in Sri Lanka.

Police arrest two Army personnel with 45 kg of heroin:
	Feb 25, Colombo: The Panadura Police Special Investigation Unit arrested two Army personnel with 45 kilograms of heroin during a search operation in the Horana area on a tip off received by the police this morning.

Part of the Chapelton Estate in Bogawantalawa isolated:
	Feb 25, Colombo: The Pradeshiya Sabha section of Chapelton Estate in Bogawantalawa Health Medical Area in the Nuwara Eliya District will be isolated with immediate effect, the Government Information Department announced.

ComBank ends tough 2020 with platform for growth:
	Feb 25, Colombo: Strong asset and other income growth combined with an emphasis on prudent provisioning in one of the most challenging years on record, have enabled the Commercial Bank of Ceylon Group to end 2020 on a stable platform for growth

Colombo Dockyard hands over new pilot boat to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority:
	Feb 25, Colombo: A new pilot boat manufactured for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was handed over to SLPA on Monday at the Colombo Dockyard PLC.

COPE questions why Litro Gas Lanka and Litro Gas Terminal not audited through the Auditor General:
	Feb 25, Colombo: The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) pointed out that Litro Gas Lanka and Litro Terminal Lanka, operating under the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation have conducted their audits through a private company disregarding the Auditor General’s notice to have the audits conducted through them.

Sri Lanka Cricket appoints 12 School Cricket Provincial Coordinators:
	Feb 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed 12 ‘School Cricket Provincial Coordinators’ to find young talent in the country, covering all age groups.

Saharan’s original target was the Dalada Perahera, PCoI report reveals:
	Feb 24, Colombo: According to the report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) into the Easter Sunday attack, the mastermind of the Easter Sunday attack Saharan Hashim’s original plans was to attack the Kandy Esala Perahera.

State Minister acknowledges problems in administering the Covid vaccine, blames top officials of Health Ministry :
	Feb 24, Colombo: Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control today admitted that due to the decisions taken by certain parties, problems have arisen in the method of administering the Covid vaccine.

Coronavirus update: 458 new COVID-19 cases identified Wednesday, total rises to 81,467:
	Feb 24, Colombo: According to Epidemiology Unit of the Health Ministry, 458 new COVID-19 cases were reported so far on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka, Pakistan foreign ministers agree to expand bilateral trade to US$ 1 billion:
	Feb 24, Colombo: The visiting Pakistan Minister of Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on his Sri Lankan counterpart Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Foreign Ministry today, 24 February 2021.

Sri Lanka Bar Association elects Saliya Peiris as president :
	Feb 24, Colombo: The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has elected President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris as the new President of the Association for the year 2021-2022.

Sri Lanka reports four COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, toll rises to 457:
	Feb 24, Colombo: Sri Lanka confirmed four deaths on Wednesday due to COVID -19 raising the death toll from the viral disease to 457, according to health authorities.

PM attends Trade and Investment Conference with Pakistan Prime Minister:
	Feb 24, Colombo: Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attended a “Trade and Investment Conference” together with visiting Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan in Colombo this morning, Prime Minister’s Office said.

Presidential Commission of Inquiry appointed to regularize Sri Lanka Customs:
	Feb 24, Colombo: President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa has appointed a Presidential Commission of Inquiry to study the current situation of the Sri Lanka Customs Department and make recommendations to enhance its efficiency.

Central bank releases a new 20 rupee coin for circulation:
	Feb 24, Colombo: The new 20 rupee coin issued to mark the 70th anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was presented by the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Prof. W.D. Lakshman to President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (24).

UK announces measures to boost international study opportunities with Sri Lanka:
	Feb 24, Colombo: The UK has launched new measures aimed at boosting access to global student exchanges for thousands of people, and supporting international education partnerships.

Pakistan offers Sri Lanka $50 million credit line for defense cooperation:
	Feb 24, Colombo: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who concluded a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday has announced a new $50 million credit line facility to Sri Lanka for defense cooperation, a joint communiqué on the visit said.

Sri Lanka President and Pakistan PM discuss bilateral relations:
	Feb 24, Colombo: The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, who is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka called on President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (24).

Core Group tables draft resolution on Sri Lanka at UNHRC:
	Feb 24, Colombo: The Core Group on Sri Lanka consisting of United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Malawi, Montenegro, and North Macedonia has tabled the draft resolution at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

Dialog connects Sri Lanka and Maldives with high speed submarine cable:
	Feb 24, Colombo: Dialog Axiata PLC (“Dialog”), announced the commissioning of the Maldives Sri Lanka Cable system (MSC), enabling the delivery of high-speed broadband services.

Sri Lanka Central Bank explains why Repatriation and Conversion of Export Proceeds needed:
	Feb 24, Colombo: On 18 February 2021, the Monetary Board issued Rules in respect of repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka and conversion of such proceeds into Sri Lanka rupees, and also issued Operating Instructions to Licensed Banks on the same.

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