https://www.facebook.com/100511186099406/

BlackWire

Home
Sri Lanka
Colombo
BlackWire

BLACKWIRE � - A news blog that reports reliable local, global, weather, sport and political informations instantly.

19/09/2022

Minister apologized to Russia on behalf of Sri Lanka!

In an interview with Sputnik, Mr. Bandula Gunavardana, Sri Lanka's Minister of Transport and Highways and Minister of Mass Media, said that Sri Lankan authorities are in ongoing negotiations with Russia regarding obtaining a loan for the purchase of Russian fuel.

He pointed out that Sri Lanka is slowly recovering from the economic and foreign exchange crisis, expects more support from Russia and there is good progress in the negotiations regarding obtaining loans.

17/09/2022

President to leave for UK, Today!

President Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The President will leave Sri Lanka early on Saturday morning and will participate in the funeral that will be held at Westminster Hall, London on Monday (19).

The UK’s longest-serving monarch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.

She died peacefully at her Scottish estate last week (08), where she had spent much of the summer.

The public in the UK will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day until the monarch’s funeral on Monday- September 19.

Sri Lanka has declared Monday a day of mourning, while state institutions and schools have been granted leave in honour of the late queen.

15/09/2022

Former ICC Umpire Asad Rauf passes away

Former Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, who was a part of the ICC Elite Panel from 2006 to 2013, died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Lahore. He was 66 at the time of his demise.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of Asad Rauf. Not only was he a good umpire but also had a wicked sense of humour. He always puts a smile on my face and will continue to do so whenever I think about him. Many sympathies with his family for their loss,” Pakistan Cricket Board chief Ramiz Raja tweeted.

“Sad to know about the news of former ICC umpire Asad Rauf’s demise…May Allah grant him magfirat and give his family sabr Ameen,” tweeted former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Rauf umpired his first ODI in 2000 and his first Test in 2005. In 2006, he was named to ICC’s Elite Panel, which he was a part of until 2013.

He officiated 64 Tests, 139 ODIs, 28 T20Is, and 11 women’s T20Is as either umpire or TV umpire.(BlackWire)

14/09/2022

Six squads for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 announced so far

We take a look at all the 16 squads for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The 2022 tournament begins on October 16 as First Round teams do battle, with the final held at the MCG on November 13.

14/09/2022

Lotus Tower tickets : Clarification from Chinese Embassy

The Chinese Embassy in Colombo has clarified reports circulating on social media pertaining to the entry tickets of the Lotus Tower in Colombo.

The first stage of the Lotus Tower also known as Nelum Kulunu will be declared open to the public tomorrow, the 15th of September.

The observation deck and a few areas in the Lotus tower, built for an estimated $113 million, will be open to the public as part of the first stage.

It was announced that tickets will be priced at Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500 to enter the tower, while it will also be open for school tours at a special rate.

However, a ticket claiming to be that of the Lotus Tower was circulated on social media with information on exemptions for Parliamentarians and Chinese Nationals.

Clarifying the issue, the Chinese Embassy in Colombo said that the ticket being circulated on social media currently is fake.

The Embassy further shared an image of the original ticket of the Lotus Tower that will be issued to the public tomorrow.

14/09/2022

Perfect Presidential outfit?

President Ranil Wickremesinghe was recently seen dressed in the iconic local clothing brand Hameedia with a little assistance provided by the clothing company’s Managing Director Fouzul Hameed.

A picture shared on social media by Hameed, shows him dressing up the President with a Hameedia jacket.

Sharing the moment, Fouzul Hameed said the President is looking at the possibility of Sri Lankan brands venturing into the global market.

“This will be a much-needed initiative for all those who want to take their brand to the international market,” he said.

Hameed further said that it was time that local industries and local products invest in upgrading their products and help revive Sri Lanka.(BlackWire)

14/09/2022

Validity period of temporary driving licences extended

The Department of Motor Traffic has decided to extend the validity of the driving licences that have been temporarily issued for a period of 06 months.

The department has extended the validity period of the temporarily issued driving licences to a period of one year.

Those with temporary 06- months licences have been advised to visit the Department of Motor Traffic office in Werehera or their District offices to extend the validity of the licence.

The Department of Motor Traffic further said it is currently only issuing licences for Sri Lankans who are travelling overseas for employment.(BlackWire)

13/09/2022

A teenager who had stolen a bus from the Piliyandala bus depot to see his lover has been arrested by the Police.

The suspect has been identified as a 15-year-old resident of the Siddamulla area in Mattegoda.

A group of bus drivers operating from the Piliyandala bus depot had arrived at the depot to watch the finals of the Asia Cup 2022 together last night.

The group had parked the buses at the bus depot and left to purchase food and watch the cricket match at another location.

Upon return, one driver realized that his bus was missing and had informed the Piliyandala Police.

Upon launching investigations, the officers at the checkpoint near the Kesbewa – Piliyandala junction had noticed the bus and ordered it to stop.

The suspect had been arrested as he had attempted to abandon the vehicle and flee.

During interrogations, the teenager revealed that he had been apprehended by the Police while returning after seeing his girlfriend

09/09/2022

Queen Elizabeth II : Sri Lanka declares day of mourning

Monday, the 19th of September 2022 has been declared a day of mourning in Sri Lanka in view of the passing of the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) said that the directive in this regard has been issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.

The National flag will be flown at half-mast at all public buildings until the 19th of September, the PMD added.

Queen Elizabeth II, died yesterday at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. She died peacefully on Thursday afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.

Expressing his condolences, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said,” “Deepest condolences to the Royal Family, Government & people of the UK on the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II Head of the Commonwealth & Queen of Ceylon 1952-72.”

The Parliament of Sri Lanka also observed silence for 2 minutes during its session today in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

09/09/2022

How many Lankans left for overseas jobs this year? Figures released

Over 200,000 Sri Lankans have left for overseas employment until the end of August this year, the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) reported.

The SLBFE said that a total of 208,772 Sri Lankans have reported for foreign employment to date.

Among the group, nearly 2,858 Sri Lankans have gone to work in South Korea in 2022.

5,000 Sri Lankans are expected to be directed to employment opportunities in South Korea by the end of this year, the SLBFE added.

The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment further said there was an increase in the demand from Sri Lankans for foreign employment opportunities.

08/09/2022

Apple launched its latest product, the iPhone 14, yesterday.

Accordingly, these phones are going to be released in the market under 04 types namely
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The new iPhone is equipped with an SOS message service based on satellite technology.

Currently, this feature will be available only in the US and Canada.

Apple announced that the iPhone 14 is equipped with a 48-megapixel camera.

05 colours have been introduced for iPhone 14 & 14 plus models.
It’s midnight, starlight, light blue, light purple, red.

Space black, gold, silver and deep purple colors for iPhone 14 pro and Pro Max are also scheduled to be released in the market.

The starting price of an iPhone 14 type phone is about 337,000/- in Sri Lankan currency.

It’s also reported that iPhone 14 Plus will be sold at a price of 380,000/- rupees, iPhone 14 Pro at a starting price of 421,000 rupees and iPhone 14 Pro Max at a price of 457,000/- rupees.

08/09/2022

Pakistan beat Afghanistan to set up SL v Pak Final

Pakistan held their nerve to beat Afghanistan by 1 wicket in a thriller played at Sharjah in the Asia cup 2022 Super 4 encounter today.

Needing 11 to win of the last over, No. 10 Naseem Shah smashed 2 sixed down the ground off the 1st 2 balls of the last over to set up a Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Final on Sunday.

Shadab Khan top scored for Pakistan with a 26 ball 36 while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Fareed Ahmad picked 3 wickets each for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan – 129/6 (20)

Pakistan – 131/9 ( 19.2)

07/09/2022

A newly constructed bridge has collapsed in the Democratic Republic of Congo today.

According to reports, the bridge had collapsed whilst being opened by officials of the country.

No immediate injuries were reported, while measures were taken to rescue the people stranded on the collapsed bridge.

07/09/2022

Sri Lanka defeated India by 6 wickets in the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament.

Sri Lanka reached India's target of 173 in 19.5 overs and won the match.

Batting first, India scored 173 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Dil Rohit Sharma scored 72 runs.

In bowling, Sri Lankan team Dilsan Madhusanga took 3 wickets and Dasun Sanaka took 2 wickets.

Sri Lanka scored 174 runs in 19.5 overs. Kusal Mendis scored 57 runs.

06/09/2022

“I think they had a very good game (against Pakistan) last night. There’s nothing called under pressure at the moment because they’re playing very good cricket and will be well prepared for tomorrow’s game”, Shanaka said.

06/09/2022

An individual died after a wall collapsed onto a house in the Yalegoda area in Daulagala in the Central Province last night (05).

The Police said the wall had collapsed due to heavy rains and adverse weather conditions experienced in the area.

The man who was seriously injured in the incident died upon admission to the Peradeniya Hospital.

The deceased has been identified as a 39-year-old resident of Yalegoda.

The Daulagala Police is conducting further investigations into the incident.

05/09/2022

Increase in telephone service charges from today!

The 20% increase in telephone service charges will be effective from today (05). The President of All Sri Lanka Communication Owners Association Indrajith Perera said that the price of the previous cards has been changed.

According to this the earlier Rs 49 card of a particular company will be priced at Rs 59 as per the new rate revision and the Rs 99 card will be priced at Rs 119.

As before Rs. 49 and Rs. All Sri Lanka Telecommunications Owners Association further stated that if 99 is reloaded, the data and packages (data package) expected by the customers will not work.

04/09/2022

Digital birth certificates for babies born in August

The Department of Registration of Persons has started issuing a digital birth certificate, the National Birth Certificate in the digital format.

Registrar General Prabhath Abeywardena said that the birth certificate will be issued for the children who were born from 1st of August 2022.

The Registrar General said that the digital birth certificate program will be implemented across the island in the future.

He pointed out that the number associated with the baby in the digital birth certificate will be their National Identity Card number when they are of 15 years of age.

The program has been implemented across 6 Divisional Secretariat Divisions, and the Registrar General stated that the certificate will be issued in two languages, Sinhala-Tamil or English- Tamil, in order to enable translations.

03/09/2022

Make way for a new mandate: AKD stresses in Parliament

National Peoples Power MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday (02) called for a new mandate during the debate on the Budget (Amendment) Bill 2022.

"This government was in favour of the VAT increase to 8 percent. And now, they are in favour of the 15 percent increase. They supported the decision to raise the retirement age to 65. And now they are supporting the decision to bring it down to 60 too. They approved the takeover of state assets like the Hambantota Port and approved the sale of it too. They approved the decision to recruit more public employees and then decided to terminate them," remarked Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Dissanayake pointed out that the crisis was created by the ruling faction, and appropriate punishment should be imposed on the groups responsible for it.

03/09/2022

PAK Vs HK, Asia Cup 2022: Ruthless Pakistan Rout Hong Kong By 155 Runs; Qualify For Super Four - Highlights

Joy for Pakistan in their old hunting ground. After posting 193/2, Babar Azam & Co. dismissed Hong Kong for just 38 runs in 10.4 overs in the sixth and final league match of Asia Cup 2022 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday. Meaning a whopping 155-run victory for the 'Men In Green'. Pakistan, the two-time champions, thus qualified for the Super Four.

02/09/2022

Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa alleged there is a conspiracy afoot to remove Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.

Sajith Premadasa said when the Central Bank Governor was invited to the Parliament on Wednesday (31) to apprise the member on "The Current Economic Status and the way forward”, several MPs put forward statements in the nature of making allegations.

He said that in Parliament on Thursday (1) certain remarks were made to insinuate that the Central Bank Governor was responsible for the present state of the economy.

Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr. Harsha De Silva slammed the allegation that claims the Central Bank Governor acted on his whim and fancy to lead the country into the dire straits it is in today.

He said the Hansard would bear witness to the claims made by Former State Minister of Money and Capital Markets Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who spoke on behalf of the Finance Minister, stating that Sri Lanka had over USD 2 Billion in Reserves.

He said Cabraal misled the Parliament, and the Government and slammed the ruling faction for spreading propaganda that Dr. Nandala Weerasinghe was responsible for the economic crisis.

02/09/2022

The Central Committee of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) has agreed on amending its party constitution to empower the Central Committee and the Party Leadership to take action against party members who act in a manner that is harming the policies and discipline of the party.

The SLFP Central Committee met under the leadership of Party Leader Maithripala Sirisena, at the Party Headquarters on Thursday (1).

However, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Mahinda Amaraweera, Chamara Sampath Dissanayke, Duminda Dissanayake, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and Jagath Pushpakumara objected to the proposal.

02/09/2022

ICC: Sri Lanka chased down a target of 184 with four balls and two wickets to spare to qualify to the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2022 in Dubai.

In a game that swung back and forth, Sri Lanka held their nerve under pressure to sneak in a two-wicket win and qualify to the Super Four stage of Asia Cup 2022.

Chasing 184, Sri Lanka started off well, but soon found themselves in trouble at 77/4 in the ninth over. Kusal Mendis, helped by a series of let-offs, compiled a half-century, and Dasun Shanaka added momentum to the innings to take Sri Lanka close.

However, Bangladesh struck again in quick succession to come out on top.

At 158/7 in the 18th over, Sri Lanka's hopes appeared done and dusted, but helped by a boundary off a no-ball in the penultimate over, Sri Lanka managed 17 runs off Ebadot Hossain's over to turn the game on its head.

Asitha Fernando, on debut, hit 10 off three balls, including a crucial four off the second ball in the final over to help Sri Lanka complete their second-highest run chase in T20Is.

01/09/2022

ASIA CUP 2022: Today is the decisive match for Sri Lanka

The decisive match for Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup T20 series will be held today.

It was with the Bangladesh team.

The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM Sri Lanka Time in Dubai.

01/09/2022

Increase in VAT with effect from today.

It has been announced that the increase in value added tax (VET) will come into effect from today. According to this, the value added tax will be increased from 12 percent to 15 percent.

01/09/2022

Sri Lanka invites Saudi Arabia to set up oil refinery

Sri Lanka is seeking to boost energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia and has invited the Kingdom to set up a refinery in the South Asian nation, a special envoy of President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Tuesday.

Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed arrived in Riyadh on Sunday as special envoy of the Sri Lankan president and has since held meetings with officials from the Kingdom, including Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji and CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Al-Marshad.

Ahamed, who assumed his ministerial duties in late May and also oversees Middle Eastern affairs, told Arab News in an exclusive interview that improving cooperation with Saudi Arabia would be helpful in “easing the current economic crisis” in Sri Lanka.

The nation of 22 million people is facing its worst economic crisis since independence. For months people have suffered severe shortages of essentials, such as food, medicines and fuel, as the inflation rate surged to a record 60.8 percent in July.

“We are offering Saudi Arabia to have its own refinery in Sri Lanka,” Ahamed said in a phone interview.

31/08/2022

Mikhail Gorbachev, the first and only president of the Soviet Union, has died

RT: Mikhail Gorbachev, the first and only president of the Soviet Union, has died at the age of 91, in Moscow.

His death was reported on Tuesday night by the Central Clinical Hospital, which said in a statement that “Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev died this evening after a serious and prolonged illness.”

According to the news agency TASS, Gorbachev was hospitalized at the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, at the request of his doctors, and had been under medical supervision ever since.

31/08/2022

Many members of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, including G L Peiris, joined the opposition!

A group of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna members sat in opposition in Parliament today (31).

Prof. G. L. Peiris mentioned this while delivering a special report in Parliament.

Join the opposition
1 Prof. G. L. Peiris,
2 Dallas Alahapperumal,
3 Prof. Channa Jayasumana,
4 Prof. Saritha Herath,
5 Nalaka Kodahewa,
6 Gunapala Ratnashekara,
7 Upul Kalappatti,
8 Tilak Rajapaksa,
9 Dylan Perera,
10 Advocate Udayana Girindigoda,
11 Vasantha Yappa Bandara,
12 KPS Kumarasiri
13 Lalit Ellawala

30/08/2022

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has decided to lower the retirement age to 60.

He also says that since the retirement age has been increased to 65, the number of unemployed people has increased.

Also, he mentions that promotions are also reduced. Thus, the age limit of pensioners is reduced to 60 years.

President Ranil Wickramasinghe says that if people who are over 60 years of age are working, they should get compulsory pension before the end of December this year.

30/08/2022

Sri Lanka may face shortage of coconuts.

All Sri Lankan Traditional Coconut Oil Producers Association has said that due to the export of 2 million coconuts to Pakistan in the last two months, there may be a shortage of coconuts in the market in the future.

Limited production of coconuts will be available in the near future. If coconuts continue to be exported, the shortage may worsen.

Address

Colombo

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BlackWire posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to BlackWire:

Videos

iPhone 14 is released!

Apple launched its latest product, the iPhone 14, yesterday. Accordingly, these phones are going to be released in the market under 04 types namely iPhone 14 iPhone 14 Plus iPhone 14 Pro iPhone 14 Pro Max. The new iPhone is equipped with an SOS message service based on satellite technology. Currently, this feature will be available only in the US and Canada. Apple announced that the iPhone 14 is equipped with a 48-megapixel camera. 05 colours have been introduced for iPhone 14 & 14 plus models. It’s midnight, starlight, light blue, light purple, red. Space black, gold, silver and deep purple colors for iPhone 14 pro and Pro Max are also scheduled to be released in the market. The starting price of an iPhone 14 type phone is about 337,000/- in Sri Lankan currency. It’s also reported that iPhone 14 Plus will be sold at a price of 380,000/- rupees, iPhone 14 Pro at a starting price of 421,000 rupees and iPhone 14 Pro Max at a price of 457,000/- rupees. #LK #SriLanka #IPHONE14 #BlackWire

Furious passengers express anger towards Minister Bandula

Minister Bandula Gunawardena faced criticism from passengers aboard bus today (19), who asked him to not to put 'a show' by inconviniencing the passengers. A pilot project was launched by the National Transport Commission (NTC) for an Electronic Card to replace bus tickets under the "E-ticketing concept". The relevant pilot project was carried out in buses traveling from the Makumbura Multimodal Center in Kottawa to Galle along the Southern Expressway, and the Minister of Transport also participated at the launch of this pilot project, by getting aboard a bus. A group including the minister boarded the bus, when the passengers protested strongly against the minister, as a senior couple had to get down from the bus to make space for the Minister and his entourage. The passengers alleged that they were inconvinienced by the Minister's actions, as they too were in a haste to get to their destinations. The officials in the Minister's entourage protested, saying that they got aboard the bus for the pilot project, which was implemented for the good of the people. #lka #BlackWire

Invitational T20 League: Kusal-led Reds win Final match

The Reds led by Kudal Mendis won the Invitational T20 League Cricket tournament. That is by 7 Wickets chasing a winning target, the Reds scored 137 runs for the loss of 3 Wickets. Asitha Fernando won the hero of the tournament award. #cricket #srilanka #blackwire #LK

One law for Parliament, another law for the people?

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa said today (10) that the Speaker should immediately clarify whether there is a law in Parliament and another law for the people. The Leader of the Opposition said that a false opinion was published in the Parliament and the House of Commons yesterday that the Public Property Act is invalid and the Speaker should declare whether the Criminal Act is invalid in this House. The Leader of the Opposition stated that yesterday there was an incident that misleads the country about the powers of a Member of Parliament, and he demanded that the Speaker should give an explanation regarding the opinion given by the cabinet speaker of the current government regarding the incident that took place in the House during the 52-day coup plot.