SPORTS NEWS

Practice games for Sri Lanka ‘A’ players

 

Couple of practice matches will be played from 13^th to 15^th May at the SSC and the Tamil Union grounds as warm up matches before Sri Lanka 'A' team's departure to England next month. Sri Lanka 'A' will play three un-official test matches and five un-official ODI games against the England 'A' team in England this summer. Team 'A' will meet Team 'C' while Team 'B' meet Team 'D'.

Team “A”  

Thilina Kandamby(CAPT), Dimuth Karunaratne, Dilshan Munaweera, Sachithra Serasinghe, Roshen Silva, Milinda Siriwardena, Sameera Soysa(WK KEEPER), Sachithra Senanayake, Sekuge Prasanna, Omesh Wijesiriwardena, Nilanka Premaratne, Ishan Jayaratne, Ashan Priyanjna.

Team “B”

Malintha Warnapura(CAPT), Mahela Udawatte, Banuka Rajapakshe, Kushal Janith(WK KEEPER), Kithruwan Vithanage, Sachithra Pathirana, Kosala Kulasekera, Dilruwan Perera, Sajeewa Weerakoon, Tharanga Lasitha, Shaminda Eranga, Isuru Udana, Udara Jayasundara.

Team “C”

Jeevan Mendis (CAPT), Ashen Silva, Yohan De Silva, Ramith Rambukwella, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera, Chathura Peries, Gihan De Silva(WK KEEPER), Malinda Pushpakumara, Chaminda Vidanapathirana, Kanishka Elvitigala, Yasoda Lanka, Lahiru Gamage.

Team “D”

Upul Tharanga(CAPT), Nadeera Nawala, Dhanushka Gunathilake, Chamara Kapugedera, Janaka Gunaratne, Denuwan Rakjakaruna(WK KEEPER), Malinga Bandara, Sohan Boralassa, Dhammika Prasad, Sanitha De Mel, Madura Lakmal, Romesh Buddika, Chinthaka Perera.

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Cricket Tournament Committee members resign amid controversy

 

Sri Lanka Cricket Tournament committee chairman Ravi de Silva and another key member of the committee Ashley Ratnayake have resigned from their positions in the key SLC committee.

The reasons for de Silva’s resignation were not available immediately but he had cited the necessity to devote more time to his professional commitments as the reason in his resignation letter, a top SLC official told “Daily Mirror”.

SLC has appointed Gihan Weerasinghe as the acting Chairman of the Tournament Committee to fill the void. Weerasinghe who is the brother of Sri Lanka spin coach Oshadee Weerasinghe was earlier the Secretary of the committee.

Efforts to contact de Silva failed yesterday as his phone went unanswered.

Sources however said that there are more reasons behind the resignations than given officially, and revealed that the Tournament Committee was embroiled in controversy. Another source indicated that Ratnayake had actually resigned during the World Cup tournament but his resignation has been held back secretly, and was not accepted.

The SLC official whom “Daily Mirror” contacted said that Ratnayake has indicated his intention to resign but has not done so officially in writing. Sources claimed that the main reason behind the resignations was the excessive interference by top officials in Tournament Committee affairs and not allowing them to handle their job independently.

“All of them are respectable gentlemen who do an honourary job without any gains monetarily or otherwise, just for the love of the game. When they are not allowed to do their job freely, what more can you expect?” voiced the source with concern.

Murali wants Hashan to prove allegations

 

Retired Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan wants his former team-mate Hashan Tillakaratne to either furnish proof of match-fixing by the country’s cricketers or stop making such allegations as he might just end up being sued.

“I don’t know why he has said this. If somebody is making such claims, he should first give enough proof to support them, otherwise someone can sue him,” Muralitharan told ‘PTI Bhasha’

At a television chat show last week, Tillakaratne said match-fixing existed in Sri Lankan cricket since 1992 and that he would reveal the names soon. He also expressed reservations about the team selection for the 2011 World Cup.

On being asked whether he had been approached by any bookie during his 18—year career, Muralitharan said he had never been contacted by a fixer.

“In any case, I will tell this to the ICC’s anti corruption unit only. There is a code and all the players follow that,” said the veteran, who plays for IPL debutant Kochi Tuskars Kerala.

He also rejected suggestions that Tillakaratne’s allegations have tarnished the image of Sri Lankan cricket.

“Hashan has made allegations and only he is answerable for that. I don’t know what to say. These are mere allegations which have not been proved yet,” he said.

ICC to reconsider 10-team 2015 World Cup

The controversial decision to restrict the 2015 World Cup to only the 10 full members will be reconsidered by International Cricket Council's (ICC) executive board in June, the governing body said on Tuesday.

“After receiving representations from the associate and affiliate members of the ICC, the ICC President Sharad Pawar has decided to request the ICC executive board to revisit the issue in Hong Kong in June,” the statement read.

“I have given this matter further serious thought and will request the board to consider this topic once more,” Pawar was quoted as saying in the statement.

Ireland felt they had justified their presence in the 2011tournament, where they upset England by producing the tournament's highest ever successful run-chase.

Cricket Ireland cautiously welcomed Tuesday's announcement.

“It's a welcome development but it's still the first step in a lengthy process because after all, it's the same individuals having the same debate on the same issue. So clearly there needs to be some catalyst for a change of heart,” its chief executive Warren Deutrom told Reuters.

 

Business

Insurance sector grows 19.63% in 2010

 

The Sri Lanka Insurance sector has recorded a 19.63 percent growth in 2010 compared with 2009, taking in a Gross Written Premium Income (GWMI) of Rs.68.4 billion, according to the data released by the insurance regulator, Insurance Board of Sri Lanka (IBSL)

The Life Insurance sector grew by 31 percent to Rs.31.1 billion in 2010 while the General Insurance Sector recorded a growth of 11 percent recording a GWPI of Rs.37.3 billion.

The Total Assets of the insurance companies have increased to Rs.222 billion at the end of year 2010. Total Assets valued at the end of year 2009 was Rs.181 billion

 

Amana Bank and Bank Islam ink Partnership Agreement in KL

 

 

 

Amana Bank Managing Director Faizal Salieh and Bank Islam Managing Director Datuk Seri Zukri Samat signing the agreement. Looking on are Bank Islam Chairman Datuk Zamani Abdul Ghani, Bank Negara (Central Bank of Malaysia) Assistant Governor Bakarudin Ishak and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Malaysia His Excellency Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe

Amana Bank signed a Technical Advisory Service Agreement with its strategic partner Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, the pioneer Islamic financial service provider in Malaysia, at an event held in Kuala Lumpur recently. At the ceremony Bank Islam was also presented with its Share Certificate confirming its 20% stake in Amana Bank, the Sri Lankan pioneer in Islamic Banking.



Under the Technical Advisory Service Agreement, Bank Islam will play a significant role in transferring Islamic banking expertise to Amana Bank. Having been involved with the Amana group since 1999 as a Strategic Partner, Bank Islam will render its valuable technical know-how and service to the new bank.

Speaking to the gathering at the ceremony, Bank Islam’s Managing Director Datuk Seri Zukri Samat said “this business venture was Bank Islam’s maiden overseas banking venture in line with our regional expansion plan.” He further added that “Sri Lanka was chosen not only to capitalize on our existing presence and familiarity with the business environment, but more importantly due to its favourable economic prospects and tremendous untapped potential of its promising Islamic financial service industry.”

Amana Bank’s Managing Director Faizal Salieh commented on Bank Islam’s continued support and commitment to establish Sri Lanka’s first licensed commercial bank to operate under the principles of Islamic Banking. He further said “Malaysia stands out as an icon in the world of Islamic Banking. I see today’s event here in KL as a significant milestone in the area of Islamic Banking cooperation between our two countries. We are indeed happy to be at the centre of this cooperation.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Bank Islam Chairman Datuk Zamani Abdul Ghani, Bank Negara (Central Bank of Malaysia) Assistant Governor Bakarudin Ishak and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Malaysia His Excellency Dr. D.D. Ranasinghe.

Both Bank Islam’s Managing Director Datuk Seri Zukri Samat and Chief Operating Officer – Business Support Jaafar Bin Abu have been appointed as directors of Amana Bank. In addition Bank Islam’s AGM and Head of Sharia Division Mohd Nazri bin Chik is also sitting in the Independent Sharia Supervisory Council of Amana Bank.

Amana Bank is well poised to offer the Sri Lankan market a unique and rewarding banking experience and expects to commence operations during the second half of this year

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Entertainment

Inauguration of VLCC Healthcare Lanka pvt ltd

VLCC, India’s largest health and wellbeing brand celebrates the opening of two new VLCC Centres in Sri Lanka. Having redefined the wellness industry, VLCC boasts an impressive network spread across 237 locations in 102 cities, in 8 countries, including India, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Nepal and Bangladesh. VLCC employs over 7000 professionals, a majority of whom are doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, cosmetologists, beauticians and physiotherapists.  Since its inception, VLCC has served over 10 million satisfied customers, and is now an icon, making it the most preferred slimming, beauty and health brand in India.

 

Naumi Oshini Facing challenges in style

 

Young Naumi Oshini Liyanage – the bundle-of-energy who just turned 17 recently, has already made name for herself as a talented actress, presenter and dancer.

Having bagged several top awards at dance competitions held in several countries Naumi Oshini has already been part of a large number of popular television commercials.

There is indeed something special in this Wycherly International School student.
She is playing a key role in Udayakantha Warnasuriya’s latest movie ‘Challenges’ as Thushika and the feedback she gets has been tremendous.

 

Naumi Oshini had been getting several television offers in recent months, but her educational commitments had distanced her from such offers. However, she says she would always consider good characters coming in good scripts.

“I have got two such good offers to play main roles in tele dramas. I play the role of Punchi Sangili in Lalith Pannipitiya’s upcoming movie ‘Sangili’,” says Naumi Oshini whose hobbies are watching TV and swimming.

“I am so grateful to my mother, my father who is employed in Perth, Udaya Uncle, Shanthi Warnasuriya aunty, Donald Uncle, Jayanath Uncle, Channa Perera, Okshan and Buddhika Kulasekara, Ash Liyanage, Sheshadri and Denushka for the support they continue to give me in my career,” says the promising, multi-talented teenager.

 

Travel

Eleven new flyers for SriLankan Airlines

The 11 young pilots, who include four former flyers of the Sri Lanka Air Force, received their wings and epaulettes in a ceremony on 30th March in Katunayake which was attended by Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Nimalsiri, the Director General of Civil Aviation; SriLankan Chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe, and CEO Manoj Gunawardena.

The airline’s Cadet Pilot Training Programme has a strong reputation internationally for its high standard. Selection for the programme is extremely competitive, and every Cadet Pilot is regularly tested during the year and a half of training. Cadet Pilots undergo a programme which includes flying training, simulator training overseas, hands-on aircraft engineering work at the airline’s base in Katunayake, and classroom instruction.  This is the first batch to be awarded Wings since 2009. Another batch is currently completing training and yet another has just been recruited.

 The airline now has a global route network of 51 destinations in 32 countries, with the recent addition of Kochi in India and Guangzhou in China. It is planning to launch services to Moscow later this year.

 

SriLankan Airlines adds Serendib Lounge with latest IT sophistication

SriLankan Airlines has transformed its plush ‘Serendib’ Business Class Lounge at Colombo ’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) into one of the most technologically advanced airport lounges by investing in state of the art systems in entertainment, business and information.

The enhancement of the Serendib Lounge’s facilities is one of the many steps by the National Carrier in support of the country’s aviation and tourism industries. BIA is  already reputed as the finest airport in South Asia , is currently undergoing yet another phase of expansion to add even more facilities apart from its modern aero bridges, new arrivals and departures terminals, new pier, elegant airport hotel, and well-stocked duty free centre.

SriLankan last year won two Platinum Awards from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the air travel industry’s global governing body, for its use of sophisticated technology to advance its business and passenger convenience. They included one for its operations at BIA where it is the sole ground handler for all airlines; and another for being one of the first airlines in the world to introduce a major innovation to tickets – the 2D Bar Coded Boarding Passes Programme.

SriLankan was also recently honoured by Microsoft Sri Lanka as an ‘Early Implementer of Technology’; and won a Merit Award at the National Best Quality Software Awards 2010 (NBQSA), which recognises innovations in Information Technology.

Among the exciting new additions are two giant television screens - 55-inch LED backlit screens, connected to the sophisticated Blue Ray Home Theatre System and there’s a well-stocked Movie Library to choose your favourite blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood.

Kids, and the young at heart, will also love the Microsoft X-Box Gaming Console which is the last word in gaming entertainment.

Daily flights to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines 

Malaysia Airlines has increased its frequency to Sri Lanka from Malaysia from 5 times a week to daily flights effective March 27, 2011, to cater for the continued growth in demand between the two countries.

The additional two days, which commences from Colombo on 28 March, will be on every Monday and Wednesday. These two additional days will increase Malaysia Airlines’ capacity out of Colombo by 40 per cent.
'This is a major milestone for us and we are pleased that the tourism between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur and beyond is vibrant. It is evident from the fact that we just increased our frequency from four to five times in October 2009' said Manmohan Singh, Area Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives.
“And now, in less than two years, we are adding another two more flights to make it a daily operation. It is indicative of the huge confidence we have in this important market for us and the services provided by Malaysia Airlines,” he added.
Malaysia Airlines, Asia’s first and the second airline in the world to take delivery of the B737-800 with the new Boeing Sky Interior, operates a two class configuration on its Boeing 737-800 (B738) aircraft with 16 Business class and 150 economy class seats. The new aircraft will be a regular feature on the Malaysia – Sri Lanka route. Malaysia Airlines started operations in Sri Lanka as an off-line station in 1994 and appointed Hemas Air Services (PVT) LTD as their General Sales Agent (GSA)

Animals in entertainment

 

 

 

 

Breaking News

Discolored water being tested

 

The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the police are conducting investigations to find the source and the composition of discolored water flowing into the Kelaniya River from a canal in the Pitiwila area after residents in the area complained to the Water Board.

When contacted officials at the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant told Daily Mirror online that the water fed to the plant from the Kelaniya River was not affected or contaminated from this incident, but as it was illegal to contaminate water sources.

Water board officials added that water at the Ambathale Water Treatment Plant was not contaminated in any way and that internal tests were always being conducted to keep a high degree of water quality.

Moreover investigations were being carried out to determine the composition of the reportedly black color water that was flowing to the river. Several water samples were already being tested by Central Environmental Authority.

 

CID probes more ATM scams

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is investigating several ATM scams that have been reported across the island, after a number of  private banks lodged complaints

Millions of rupees have been withdrawn from ATMs after obtaining customer information using advanced electronic devices fixed on the ATM machines.

A Romanian couple was arrested in February for withdrawing Rs.14 million from private banks and also three men were arrested in April for withdrawing nearly Rs.12 million from ATM machines belonging to three private banks.

The Managers of the card centers of Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank and Nations Trust Bank lodged separate complaints with the CID after detecting these frauds taking place at ATM machines and also at filling stations in Ja-Ela, Peliyagoda, Ratmalana and Colombo, which led to the arrest of three men in April.

The Commercial Bank incurred a loss of Rs.105,600, the Hatton National Bank (HNB) incurred a loss of Rs.3 million and the Nations Trust Bank (NTB) incurred a loss of Rs.8.79 million due to these scams.

The CID also arrested a suspect from Kalawanchikudi with six forge credit cards, a USB cable and a ‘sceamer’ machine in his possession.

The CID is further investigating into the frauds committed by the suspects and they are now being further questioned under detention orders. Police have found that the suspects are linked to an international racket that is widespread.

School drop-outs

An estimated 200,000 school-going children drop-out of school annually in the country, Commissioner of Probation and Childcare Services, Sarath Abeygunawardena said

Abeygunawardena said that most drop-outs quit school at the ages between 10 years and 14 years. He said however that dropping out of school sometimes starts as early as the age of five. Due to the lack of education some parents believe that a school education up to grade five is more than adequate for their children, he said.

He added that the issue was most common in single parent homes where families are run solely by women, families in which mothers are employed in the Middle East or due to poverty. “There are a number of social and economic issues that lead to this problem,” Abeygunawardena said. “If we can control the number of school drop-outs we can control child labor, child trafficking and other types of abuse that children are subject to,” he said.

The Probation and Childcare Services Department along with the Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs will organize an awareness program for children who drop out of school today in the Palindha Divisional Secretariat in Kalutara. Abeygunawardena said that the department began an awareness and development program in 2009 to address the problem. “Since then the number of drop-outs in the area have declined from an estimated 500 to about 200,” he said.

Similar programs have been held in other areas in the Kalutara, Kurunegala and Moneragala district, he said. “We hope to implement such programs in other areas of the country to reduce the number of drop-outs island wide,” he said.

 He said a multi-disciplinary approach was necessary to address the issue by including parents, teachers, principals, childcare authorities, the police and other stakeholders.

Accountability is up to SL-France

France yesterday said that it is up to the Sri Lankan authorities to investigate into the alleged war crimes claims in Sri Lanka, the Inner City press reported.

“Investigation is up to the Sri Lankan authorities, as something they should do to ‘improve the reconciliation process’,” said the Permanent Representative of France Gérard Araud, who took over the UN Security Council presidency for May.

He was responding to a question that what France thinks should be done about the UN Panel of Experts report.