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Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian women's rights advocate serving 12 years in jail, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a decision likely to anger Tehran's theocratic government. Mohammadi is the 19th woman to win the 122-year-old prize and the first one since Maria Ressa of the Philippines won the award in 2021 jointly with Russia's Dmitry Muratov.

"This prize is first and foremost a recognition of the very important work of a whole movement in Iran, with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The Nobel prize also came just over a year after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of morality police for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's dress code for women, whih sparked months of protests across Iran against the government.

Authorities jailed Mohammadi in 2021 after she attended a memorial for a person killed in violent 2019 anti-government protests in Iran over rising gas prices. The award-making committee said the prize was testimony to all those behind recent unprecedented protests in Iran and called for the release of Mohammadi, who has campaigned for both women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty.

“The more of us they lock up, the stronger we become,” she once wrote from prison in an opinion piece for the New York Times.

The U.N. human rights office said the Nobel award highlighted the bravery of Iranian women. "We've seen their courage and determination in the face of reprisals, intimidation, violence and detention," said its spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell. "They've been harassed for what they do or don't wear. There are increasingly stringent legal, social and economic measures against them.They are an inspiration to the world."

In conversation with reporters, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says Sri Lanka needs a new leader.

Journalist: “Do you intend to retake power?”

MR: “No. I think I have ruled enough. A new leadership is needed to move forward”

Journalist: “The people are facing serious difficulties at present. Will you raise this issue? Are you on the side of the people?”

MR: “We have told the government that it is essential to assist the public at this time. Of course! We have been on the side of the public since back then.”

Journalist: “To be honest, the situation was much better under your rule and the people did not face this much difficulty.”

MR: “That is true. If you are saying this, then it is absolutely correct.”

The Supreme Court in a landmark judgment today (06) determined that the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress' decision to expel Minister Naseer Ahamad from the party membership is legally valid.

With this Supreme Court judgment, Naseer Ahamad's expulsion will lead to the loss of his parliamentary seat.

The Supreme Court three-judge-bench bench headed by Justice Preethi Padman Surasena observed that there is no reason to interfere with the decision of the party to expel petitioner Naseer Ahamad from party membership.

The application of the petitioner was dismissed accordingly without costs.

The SLMC decided to expel Environment Minister Naseer Ahamad following his decision to vote in favour of the budget at the Third Reading on December 10, 2021.

The High Command of the SLMC had unanimously resolved to expel the petitioner from party membership.

Sanjeeva Jayawardena PC with Ruwantha Cooray, Rukshan Senadheera and Punyajith Dunusinghe appeared for the petitioner.

M.A. Sumanthiran PC with Viran Corea, Anne Kulanayagam and Divya Mascranghe appeared for the SLMC.

(dailymirror.lk)

President Ranil Wickremesinghe suggests that part of the money from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) should be invested abroad.

Speaking in Parliament today (04), Wickremesinghe stated that the government will bring in both the EPF and ETF under an independent board for the future actions in this regard.

“We want both EPF and ETF to be brought in. The question is that the other independent funds also should come into it”, the President expressed.

“Part of that money should be allowed to be invested abroad. I think we should.”

“As the situation improves, these are the savings of people in the country. So we’ll allow it to be even invested abroad. Let us..”

“We should discuss about this”, he added.

Five passengers, all men, succumbed to injuries they suffered when a tree fell onto the bus they were travelling in this morning (06), police said.

A bus belonging to Mathugama Depot was on its way back to Deniyaya when it met with the accident near Liberty Roundabout in Colombo. Twelve more wounded passengers are receiving treatment at Colombo National Hospital.

Police said Duplication Road has been closed as the fallen tree still blocks the road.

GCE A/L 2023 will be held from January 4th 2024 to January 31st 2024, Ministry of Education announced today.

In September, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha informed Parliament that the scheduled 2023 GCE Advanced Level Examinations will be postponed.

The Minister said at the time that the exams were postponed following requests by both ruling and opposition MPs over the insufficient time for students to prepare for the examination.

The 2023 GCE Advanced Level examinations were earlier scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 2.

Football Sri Lanka (FSL) has named a strong 23-member squad to face Yemen in the first leg of the world cup qualifiers scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia on 12 October.

The islanders will be in action after almost 17 months since the FIFA ban, which has now been lifted.

The Golden Army were out of action since January 2023 due to the ban and the boys have now recommenced practices under the watchful eyes of head coach Andy Morrison.

Interestingly, no captain was named and it is believed the captain will be announced today or tomorrow.

It is reported if Sri Lanka wins, each player will get Rs.250,000 as a cash prize, and in the second leg, too, if the islanders can produce a win, they will get an additional Rs.250,000, and if they qualify for the next round, they will get another Rs.250,000, totaling Rs.750,0000.

The team is set to take wing on Sunday (8).

Sri Lanka will next host Yemen in the second leg on 17 October at the Race Course, Colombo.

Squad: Sujan Perera, Prabath Ruwan Arunasiri, Nicholas Harsha Fernando, Charitha Bandara Rathnayake, Chalana Chameera, Asikur Rahuman, Faizer Mohamed Aman, Kaveesh Lakpriya Fernando, Shenal Sandesh Pingho, Mariyathas Nitharshan, Nawshad Afeel Mohamed, Jude Supan, Faizal Mohamed Aakib, Waseem Razeek, Nazeer Mohamed Shifan, Chathuranga Madushan, Mohamed Shabeer, Chamod Dilshan, Rifkhan Mohamed, Kavindu Ishan, Naizer Mohamad Fasal, Senan de Silva and Aris Mohamed Hasmeer

In a recent interview with Deutsche Welle, President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressed several critical topics, including the Berlin dialogues, economic challenges and allegations of human rights concerns.

President Wickremesinghe acknowledged the progress made during the Berlin dialogues, emphasizing improved understanding and cooperation between Sri Lanka and European countries, particularly France and Germany.

Regarding economic challenges, he clarified the situation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and stated that they have reached an agreement, with discussions on alternative proposals to meet revenue targets on-going. He acknowledged historical taxation issues but expressed confidence in resolving them.

He highlighted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is a significant step toward addressing reconciliation and human rights issues.
When asked about calls for an international investigation into human rights abuses, President Wickremesinghe rejected the idea, asserting that Sri Lanka would handle investigations internally with the involvement of Sri Lankan personnel. He also dismissed the recent UN report on human rights, asserting that the government had rejected it.

The interview concluded with President Wickremesinghe defending his government’s efforts to address these challenges and its commitment to cooperating with the international community.

Following is the full interview President Wickremesinghe had with Deutsche Welle;

Interviewer: President Wickremesinghe, welcome to Deutsche Welle. Thank you for being with us. Any good news that you’re taking home from the two days of the Berlin dialogues?

President Wickremesinghe: What I can take back from here is that the gap between us is closing, and there’s more understanding, especially on the European side. I had the chance of attending the Paris climate summit, and I’m here in Berlin to say that within the European Union, both France and Germany know our thinking and are attuned to our thinking, and they are trying to find a way of resolving some of the issues.

Interviewer: It is the IMF that seems to be not completely attuned to your thinking, right? Over the last couple of days, the IMF has said that they will stop the second package, at least pending negotiations, because there has been a 15% failure to meet the expectations for revenue, which essentially means that you have a problem with taxation. This problem seems to be very pressing. Is there a particular plan to actually accelerate this process?

President Wickremesinghe: It’s not that they are stopping the second package; we have come to an agreement. We have the view that we will have the results of what we’ve done this year will be shown next year. In regard to the targets, it was always felt that some of the targets may not be achieved, and they were told of it. And now we are talking about how we can fill that gap. And in regard to it, there are some proposals to which we have not agreed because we feel it might add to the burdens of the ordinary people. The IMF has asked us to come up with alternate proposals. Before I left, the alternate proposals were given to them, but they were leaving the next day.

Interviewer: Sorry for interrupting, but you do have a historical and serious problem with taxation, and this cannot be news to you since you’ve been in power six times.

President Wickremesinghe: Look, I am the first one to admit that. And we say that we need a new revenue authority. I brought it up in 2003, and I lost the election in 2004. But it’s not only a question of revenue evasion, which we have agreed. It is from where are you going to take that money in? Revenue evasion cannot be overcome in one year. We are already talking, and they’ve already given us, we’ve agreed with many of it. It’s just where do we find the money at the present time. It will be resolved.

Interviewer: How long do you think it will take?

President Wickremesinghe: I think by next week it will be resolved.

Interviewer: There is actually a very pressing question about poverty. Save the Children International is talking about a full-blown hunger crisis in Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe: There was a pretty bad hunger crisis last year. We’ve reduced it. No one is saying no. But once this package is done, we’ll take the next step. When the economy collapses, it has to be. People didn’t have food, people are out of jobs, industries are collapsing. Now we are getting along, for instance, as far as the tourism is concerned, the whole sector is picking up.

Interviewer: The report from Save the Children International is less than a couple of weeks old.

President Wickremesinghe: So I read that report. I read the report. I am not saying no. We may not agree on the figures, the amount, percentages. There is hunger. I am not saying no to it. Obviously, when the economy collapses, there has to be. I am trying to get out of it. And there is a new report of proposals on childcare, which is not merely a question of hunger. There are a large number of children who are not receiving proper childcare. And that report is given to me next week.

Interviewer: Education is also suffering severely.

President Wickremesinghe: Education broke down. Now we are trying to get back into the normal regime, which is 2024 or 2025. We have now met and decided on far-reaching reforms to education. There is no need to accuse us.

Interviewer: No, no, it’s not an accusation. There is a difference in the times that a state has to solve its problems and the time that a parent has to feed a child.

President Wickremesinghe: Can you fulfill it within one year? We know the economy collapsed. Only this year it started moving, not even one year. And hunger is down. Poverty is down. More people are getting jobs. It’s a transition period. We are not saying there is no hunger. We say there is hunger. That’s why I took over. I finished the hunger.

Interviewer: Okay, let’s go to what has become probably one of the biggest stories in Sri Lanka over the last couple of weeks, which is the Channel 4 report on the presumed collusion of members of the state with a terrorist group in what is the worst terrorist episode in the history of Sri Lanka.

President Wickremesinghe: Why do you treat Channel 4 as sacred?

Interviewer: I don’t. I actually don’t.

President Wickremesinghe: A lot of people in Britain don’t. So is this just, I mean, Why are you only asking Channel 4?

Interviewer: you flatly deny it?

Interviewer: I’m not asking Channel 4. What I’m saying is that there is a very concrete accusation. When there is an accusation of this size.

President Wickremesinghe: Well, I mean, just because the media gives the accusation, why should I do this?…The former Attorney General has made accusations. The former director of CID has made accusations. Why do you need to ask me on all four?

Interviewer: It’s really not just Channel 4. It’s a Catholic Church that is asking for an investigation. It’s actually a former president under whom you served.

President Wickremesinghe: Look, I’m asking you that. You didn’t ask me that. When I pressed you, only you said that, that former president asked for it. You came with the Channel 4 report as gospel truth. Their point of the story is not gospel truth. Can you let me answer?

Interviewer: By all means, please. Please do.

President Wickremesinghe: Firstly, in regard to the Channel 4, I’ve appointed a committee with a judge who’s heading the committee, a former commander of the Air Force, and a well-known lawyer, to go into it. Secondly, in regard to the…

Interviewer: There is nobody that believes that this commission has teeth enough to do anything other than the Federal Republic Commission.

President Wickremesinghe: That is your view, not mine.

Interviewer: No, no, it’s not mine.

President Wickremesinghe: As far as I am concerned, I am dealing with the Bishops Conference, not with the cardinals, and they come and meet me, and the Bishops Conference wanted all the proceedings, and I gave it to them.

Interviewer: They are looking for an independent investigation into what had transpired.

President Wickremesinghe: This is the independent Commission that they agreed to. As far as I am concerned, you don’t deal with the bishops’ conference, I do. They come and meet me, not you. You sit here with a piece of paper, I talk to them when I go back again. The second one is a Parliamentary Committee. So if there is something that has not been done in this committee, the Parliamentary Committee will again go into it. It’s the Parliament that has to finally decide. As far as President Sirisena’s matter is concerned, He will meet me when I come back because, since he appointed one commission, I want to ask him whether he wants to. I have done nothing. I am not involved in it.

I am trying to resolve it. And you take a piece of paper by the cardinal, and you are reading it out there. Have you spoken to the bishops’ conference? Have you spoken to the Catholic bishops?

Interviewer: No, no, I have not.

President Wickremesinghe: Then you have no right to ask me this question.

Interviewer: Well, I think that’s an exaggeration. I think that it’s in the public interest to ask a question.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no. In the public interest, I am answering. Who are you?

Interviewer: So, can I move on to the next question?

President Wickremesinghe: No, no, you didn’t come here to ask questions. You tried to corner me. The government is not doing anything.

Interviewer: I have certainly not claimed that you are not doing anything.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no, you will take this western attitude out. I said, you are, you are doing it.

Interviewer: I think it’s actually the case that you have several people that have requested an international aided independent investigation of the eastern bombings.

President Wickremesinghe: Sri Lanka government doesn’t have international inquiries. Full stop. It’s the, a few people may have asked, but parliament doesn’t. And there is, I forgot to tell you, the FBI reports, which says that no one outside was involved. We had the FBI, we had the, it’s called the British police, we had the Australians, we had the Indians, we had the Chinese, all there, and the Pakistanis.

Interviewer: You do realize that this makes it look like you are paying lip service to the question. I am not saying that you are. – I am not saying that it makes it look… – No, no, sorry, sorry.

President Wickremesinghe: If the FBI has come in, if the Indians have come in, if the English have come in, if the Australians have come in, if the Chinese have come in, and if those secret service agencies have given reports, then what are you saying? – Well, What I am saying is you are talking nonsense. –

Interviewer: It might well be, but you have a long history.

President Wickremesinghe: No, no,

Interviewer: May I ask a question? – No, my… – You can answer whatever way you want, but if you would let me ask the question, then at least we will get to that.

President Wickremesinghe: I am telling you, don’t come and accuse me. That is not the way you run. Look, I have been doing this game long before you. I have been involved in television, I have been involved in media. I am telling you, we have a thing that the western media thinks we are bad. The way we have enquiries, we are by using Sri Lankan personnel. Now, you are saying, look, that is out. We will not have international enquiries on any issue. UK hasn’t got. Germany hasn’t got. What have you got? What are the international enquiries you have gone into? What are the ones that UK has gone into? Why these poor Sri Lankan Asians? You think we are second class?

Interviewer: No, I don’t. Not at all

President Wickremesinghe: Then why are you asking that?

Interviewer: Because you have a history of commissions since 2008, at least, till today, that have essentially produced nothing. I can list them for you. Udala Gama, Lessons Learned…

President Wickremesinghe: Can I tell you? This was the commission about the Easter blast. and, and, and, there have been enough of those. We have acted on all that. On, reconciliation is a different matter. There are commissions we have acted on, there are those we haven’t.

If you think that we are a third-rate country you have got it wrong.

Interviewer: It’s not the claim and it’s not what I said.

Here is the next question. As a matter of fact, I mean, there is now the last report of the UN on Human Rights in Sri Lanka remains dismal. So much so that now the American Congress has 12 people from across the aisle that are actually asking the Biden administration to put pressure on your government to figure out how you’re going to actually curb what are abuses. You have just announced a couple of months ago a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the ones I just listed had essentially no teeth.

President Wickremesinghe: You got it wrong. That is not a normal Presidential Commission. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission will be agreed with these countries that we have established a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. At the moment discussions are on with the parties plus the government, and we are talking with the western governments. The senators may put this in. We are talking with the western governments, and the Truth and Reconciliation Bill will come to Parliament before the end of the year. Since I took over there has been no major issue.

Interviewer: You can actually go yourself and I am sure you have seen the UN report for less than a month ago that is still talking about. May I finish the question?

President Wickremesinghe: No, no. I’m telling you that UN report has been rejected.

Interviewer: By whom?

President Wickremesinghe: The government of Sri Lanka has rejected it.

Interviewer: Okay, the government of Sri Lanka has rejected it.

President Wickremesinghe: Who has given it? I am not accepting that UN report.

Interviewer: So the UN is wrong about this?

President Wickremesinghe: Not the UN. The Human Rights Commission is wrong.

Interviewer: The Human Rights Commission is wrong. Clearly Amnesty and Human Rights Watch are wrong as well.

President Wickremesinghe: Human Rights Commission is wrong. The report is given by Human Rights Commission. If Amnesty International says there is something new, let them come.

Interviewer: Will you commit to having a criminal investigation? I mean the ministers in your own government that are requesting.

President Wickremesinghe: Who are the ministers? Look, the question is would you agree to have the criminal investigation department?

President Wickremesinghe: You tell me that I have two ministers. Minister of Commerce is Fernando. Minister of Tourism is Fernando. Neither of them have asked for it. You have made a serious accusation. You tell me the Fernando.

Interviewer: What is the serious accusation?

President Wickremesinghe: That two ministers of my cabinet wanted investigation.

Interviewer: It’s not an accusation. It’s actually public domain.

President Wickremesinghe: But that means you are wrong. As far as I am concerned there is only one. Under the law only the police can investigate like in your country. Right. And then if the police reports to the magistrate, the magistrate can order further inquiry.

Interviewer: Would you bring the criminal investigation department to investigate?

President Wickremesinghe: Certainly. Certainly, they are investigating. They are already there.

Interviewer: Okay, and there will be absolutely no question of international observers or collaboration to guarantee transparency.

President Wickremesinghe: Do you have international observers in your cases?

Interviewer: Between 60,000 and 100,000 people disappeared in Sri Lanka, and you still have no…

President Wickremesinghe: At the end, we have to still work. I think the numbers are supposed to be less.

Interviewer: So, it’s basically something that can be cavalierly dismissed.

President Wickremesinghe: We have a missing persons commission that’s going into it.

Interviewer: That has been going into it for a while.

President Wickremesinghe: I became president only one year ago.

Interviewer: Well, you’ve been prime minister. You’ve been in power six times. Yes, sir. So, this is actually part of the country that you inherited but you have also built.

President Wickremesinghe: I’ve been prime minister. You stop it, I stop it, we go off. Right? You know, you are shouting I am being bad.

Interviewer: Why can’t you answer?

President Wickremesinghe: Look, you haven’t done this your homework properly. You come to come and shout here saying that we are violating human rights. We are not.

Interviewer: There is a very strong case.

President Wickremesinghe: I disagree.

Interviewer: Can I ask you a last question, perhaps? Obviously, you can completely disagree with this. But in fact, there are like a lot of people in centers of power around the world that you actually are now reliant on that believe this to be a very serious issue and believe to be Sri Lanka. Let me please finish this question. Believe actually Sri Lanka to have not delivered on accountability, not delivered on justice. What you are promising for many of these people is essentially moot. Are you concerned that this kind of attitude will compromise what actually you now need from the international community? Is this a concern at all?

President Wickremesinghe: I am working with the international community on putting this right. We are working together with them. They know we are doing it. We are discussing everything. My foreign minister is discussing with them all the time. And they know all that. So what you have got is a lot of bunkum. Well, it’s just fine for that. You know, you ask the question. I gave a reply. It’s all right.

Interviewer: This is not a concern at all.

President Wickremesinghe: I don’t think we are doing it with the country. I respect human rights as the best record. You just come here and shout.

Thank you very much. Thank you.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed its ratings on fifteen (15) Sri Lankan banks, while 14 of them have been removed from ‘Rating Watch Negative’ (RWN) and assigned stable outlooks.

The Ratings Agency affirmed Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) Long-Term Local-Currency Issue Default Rating (IDR) at ‘CCC-‘ and removed it from RWN while adding that the Outlook is Stable.

At the same time, Fitch has also affirmed the National Long-Term Ratings of the following banks, removed them from RWN and assigned Stable Outlooks.

– BOC at ‘A(lka)’

– People’s Bank (Sri Lanka) at ‘A(lka)’

– Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC at ‘A(lka)’

– Hatton National Bank PLC at ‘A(lka)’

– Sampath Bank PLC at ‘A(lka)’

– National Development Bank PLC at ‘A-(lka)’

– Seylan Bank PLC at ‘A-(lka)’

– DFCC Bank PLC at ‘A-(lka)’

– Nations Trust Bank PLC at ‘A-(lka)’

– Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC at ‘BBB-(lka)’

– Union Bank of Colombo PLC at ‘BBB-(lka)’

– Amana Bank PLC at ‘BB+(lka)’

– Sanasa Development Bank PLC at ‘BB+(lka)’

– Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka at ‘BB+(lka)’

Fitch further affirmed Cargills Bank Limited’s (CBL) National Long-Term Rating at ‘A(lka)’ and removed it from RWN, adding that it has assigned a Negative Rating Outlook.

The RWN on these banks’ senior and subordinated debt ratings, where assigned, has also been removed.

BOC’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR of ‘CC’, Short-Term IDR of ‘C’, Viability Rating of ‘cc’ and Government Support Rating of ‘ns’ were not considered in this review.

Full report : https://shorturl.at/huCLZ

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all media outlets, including social media, should engage in a discussion regarding whether to enter into international agreements or adhere to the country’s legal framework.

He made these remarks during his attendance at the ceremony, held at the Presidential Secretariat today (03), in honour of a distinguished figure in Sri Lankan journalism, Edmund Ranasinghe, the founding Editor and Editorial Director of the ‘Diwaina, newspaper.

This event marked the inauguration of a program initiated by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to pay tribute to senior journalists who have made significant contributions to the field of journalism in the country.

During the ceremony, the book ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution,’ a compilation recognizing Mr. Ranasinghe’s seven decades of media dedication at the age of 93, was also unveiled. This book was authored by Presidential Senior Adviser Prof. Sunanda Madduma Bandara and edited by Presidential Media Director Mr. W. M. K. Wijebandara and Deputy Media Director Deepti Adhikari.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe lauded veteran journalist Edmund Ranasinghe as a trailblazer who catalysed transformative changes in Sri Lankan journalism. He also highlighted that Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s contributions to media, spanning seven decades, played a pivotal role in advancing Sri Lankan society, economy and politics. Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the field of media art to create more effective media outlets.

Addressing the event, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said;

In 1977, when I initially ran for election in the Biyagama Constituency, I sought out a skilled journalist to write an article for me. My father promptly recommended Edmund Ranasinghe, who subsequently penned my first political article. I held onto it until last year, but regrettably, I no longer possess it.

During my father’s tenure as the Chairman of Lake House, Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe served admirably as the Editor of newspapers such as Silumina and Dinamina. Piyasena Nishanka and M.A. Silva, along with Martin Wickramasinghe, received recognition from senior journalists and writers. Consequently, Mr. Ranasinghe possesses substantial experience in both the media landscape that existed before independence and the one that emerged thereafter.

In 1953, when rice prices surged, Mr. Dudley Senanayake was compelled to resign as Prime Minister. Sixty-nine years later, Gotabaya Rajapaksa faced a similar predicament over fuel shortages. Throughout these 69 years, Mr. Ranasinghe has amassed a wealth of experience, making him capable of writing a comprehensive book on the subject.

Mr. Ranasinghe played a pivotal role in the press struggle of 1964 and his experiences undeniably left an indelible mark on the media culture of our nation. However, the landscape of print media is undergoing significant changes. Journalism, once reliant on lead type, has evolved to include tools like the iPad. The capacity to swiftly access knowledge, even within a venerable institution like the Lake House Institute, has been realized through technological advancements. Consequently, technology has become an invaluable tool for advancing the field of journalism.

Nevertheless, media in any country must operate within the framework of its own laws. The advent of social media has led to a situation where some entities publish content according to their own whims, circumventing established regulations. This raises a crucial question: should there be a dialogue regarding whether all media, including social media, should adhere to international agreements or abide by their respective national laws? Often, many concur with European legislation. Currently, newspapers and journals worldwide are either changing ownership or considering transferring to investors. The future of media art will undoubtedly unfold in the coming two or three years and expertise in this domain may emerge not just from New York but also from Sri Lanka.

Mr. Upali Tennakoon, the former Editor-In-Chief of the Island and Rivira newspapers residing in the United States, delivered the keynote address at the tribute ceremony.

“I am honoured to have been invited to deliver the keynote speech at the tribute ceremony honouring Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe’s remarkable seven-decade career in the media industry.

Mr. Ranasinghe was never one to seek accolades; he always considered his work a service. Consequently, he held the belief that awards were of little significance. However, in accordance with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, this tribute holds great significance. Edmund Ranasinghe stands as the most experienced journalist in the realm of journalism.

Beginning his media journey as a journalist at the Lake House Institute’s ‘Daily News’ newspaper in 1952, Mr. Edmund Ranasinghe resigned from his post in 1973 in protest against the government’s takeover of the Lake House Institute, where he held the position of Deputy Editor.

In 1977, he was once again appointed as the Editor of ‘Dinamina’ by the same Lake House Institute, later assuming the role of Editor at Silumina as well. In 1981, as the inaugural Editor of the ‘Divaina’ newspaper, Mr. Ranasinghe swiftly steered journalism in this country towards new horizons, elevating it to unprecedented levels of popularity. At the age of 86 in 2016, he returned as the Editor of ‘Silumina,’ showcasing his unwavering commitment to the field.

Mr. Ranasinghe’s approach aimed not to overwhelm readers with empty pages but rather to cultivate an intelligent readership. His career had two primary objectives: expanding readers’ knowledge and nurturing an intelligent readership. His media philosophy continues to be practiced in America to this day.

The phrase “Make Your Child a Classroom Hero” from the Wall Street Journal, used as a subscription pitch, was introduced to Sri Lankan journalism by Edmund Ranasinghe three decades ago. It’s worth noting that many of the prominent figures in today’s media industry were mentored under his influence.”

The event was compered by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Senior Journalist Saman Athaudahetti.

The event saw the presence of notable figures, including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister of Mass Media Shanta Bandara, Member of Parliament, Attorney Premanath C. Dolowatta, President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, President’s Senior Adviser on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardena, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Secretary of the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita, Government Information Director General Dinith Chinthaka Karunaratne, and distinguished senior journalists, along with a multitude of journalists who gathered to commemorate this occasion.

Former finance minister Ravi Karunanayake has stressed the need to raise the range of taxpayers, and not burdening the masses with taxes, in order to take the country out of its economic crisis.

Also the UNP leader for Colombo district, Karunanayake said,

“The IMF has been saying for years and stressed this time as well, the need for financial discipline and the support for all in that regard. At this moment, what we should do is increase the range of taxpayers. Increasing the range of taxpayers does not mean burdening those who already pay taxes with more taxes, but getting their numbers increased.”

“In my analysis, the IMF has seen certain weaknesses of ours in the beginning, but westerners need not point out those weaknesses to us. As a country, we reduced the amount of taxpayer files at a certain time. So, what should be done now is increasing the number of those files and collecting more and more taxes. Those tax files should be increased as much as possible for the country’s speedy development.”

“Had the journey we undertook in 2015 gone ahead as planned, this country would never have become bankrupt, but there would have been more tax payments and the country developed too. The country and the people cannot bear up raising the tax burden. What we should do is increasing the range of taxpaying and charging a bearable tax from the people.”

“We cannot raise the taxes on the people by 50 or 60 percent merely because the IMF told us so. People should be able to pay. It should be reasonable. Everybody should contribute too.”

“Small and medium scale businesses have a bearable limit of paying taxes. They cannot stand the considerable increase in interest rates. Everything should be practical. Government officials should know how to discuss and resolve this matter. If we want Rs. 100, we should know how to earn that. Westerners need not advise us on that.”

“The concept of the late president J.R. Jayewardene is the best suited one for the country. In 1977, he took the country to the world through open economy to bring about modernization. At a time when closed economies had collapsed everywhere in the world, he introduced open economy and took the country to the world along with development.”

“What politicians do is boasting only. They attack those who work and those who are capable. If the country is to be revived, all of us should work tirelessly as one. People should be informed as much as possible. Brain drain should be stopped.”

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced on Monday (2) that former Sri Lankan captain and batting legend, Kumar Sangakkara would become the new Chair of their World Cricket Committee.

They also mentioned that the former Hampshire captain-turned-broadcaster, Mark Nicholas would be taking over as the new President of the club.

Sangakkara had served as the President of the MCC since 2021, will now be replacing the former English captain, Mike Gatting who served for six years in the role as the Chair of the World Cricket Committee, which also comprises other iconic cricketers like Sourav Ganguly, Heather Knight, Justin Langer, Eoin Morgan as well as Graeme Smith.

Widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest players, Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s highest run-getter in Tests with 12,400 runs from 134 matches and also made 14,234 runs in 404 ODIs, apart from a 2014 Men’s T20 World Cup winning media. After retiring from international cricket in 2015, Sangakkara has done commentary work, apart from being the director of cricket and head coach at IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.