Windies lift to seal 2-1series win in a thriller.  – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor) As expected, the West Indies acclimatised, albeit a tad late, as they romped to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka to level things in the second T20 encounter in Hambantota.  Beaten comprehensively in the one-dayers, then stepping up in defeat in the first T20 game, was a sure indication that they were working out the conditions on a familiar venue and it came as no surprise that the short-sighted planning by the locals was definitely meant to backfire on the home team eventually.  While the venue planning, or a botched one is debatable, there is no doubt that the visitors now feel at home in Hambantota and the fact that Sri Lanka were beaten in the decider was not a huge surprise. The wash up will reveal if the single venue ...

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Sri Lanka women heap more more pain on Windies in T20 opener. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor) Sri Lanka continued to heap more pain on the touring West Indies with a resounding four- wicket win with 8 balls remaining in the first T20 encounter in Hambantota.  Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu failed with the bat but struck telling blows with the ball to restrict the visitors to 134 for 8 after inviting them to take first lease of a wicket that seemed to have little terrors. The West Indies batters once again showed their vulnerability against spin as they put up a better showing but floundered to a below par total which Sri Lanka’s batters ran down without too much discomfort.  The sharp incline in the Women’s game has infused new interest to the cricket mad nation that has been starved of success from the men’s ...

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OBITUARY – CHANDRA SENARATNE (9 Feb 1933 – 3 June 2024 ) – By  Hugh Karunanayake The news of Chandra Senaratne ‘s passing came as no surprise to me, as he was not in the best of health recently. Nevetheless, the sadness and the finality it brings to a life well lived, remains so indelibly etched in my memory, and will remain forever. Chandra was a dear friend with whom I have been able to associate closely over the past 30 years.  He is only two years older than I, and it would have surprised him to know that I remember him as a student in Royal College in Colombo, where we both attended, he a couple of forms senior to me. As you all know, a two year seniority in school brings with it a certain aura of respect, and adulation. In Chandra’s case he was (if I remember ...

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Celebrating Father’s Day in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka On June 16, 2024, Sri Lankans across the nation came together to celebrate Father’s Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and father figures. This annual event provided a platform for families to express their love, gratitude, and appreciation for the pivotal role fathers play in their lives. In Sri Lanka, the celebration was marked by a blend of traditional values and modern expressions of affection, creating a heartwarming tribute to fatherhood. In Sri Lankan culture, the family is the cornerstone of society, and fathers are revered as primary caregivers, protectors, and providers. Historically, fathers have held an authoritative role within the household, ensuring the welfare and upbringing of their children. While modern family dynamics have evolved towards more shared responsibilities, the respect and admiration for fathers remain deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan society. ...

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How Sri Lanka makes the Rubber that runs the world Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox! ...

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Janashakthi Life Soars: Q1 Gross Written Premiums Up 44%, Profit Before Tax Grows 29% 17 th June 2024, Colombo: Janashakthi Life, one of Sri Lanka’s leading life insurers, reported stellar financial results for the first quarter of 2024, solidifying the company’s position for continued growth and stability. Janashakthi Life’s Gross Written Premium (GWP) growth surged by an impressive 44% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023. This significant increase reflects the company’s successful market expansion and its ability to attract new customers. Additionally, other operating revenue soared by 22%, driven by the success of diversified income streams and strategic investments. The Profit Before Tax (PBT) for Q1 2024 also demonstrated robust performance, with a 29% increase over Q1 2023. This growth is indicative of the company’s  effective operational strategies and sound financial management. A notable strategic decision by Janashakthi Life has been the eradication of realized gains, signalling a shift ...

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Sri Lanka return home after win over Netherlands and plenty of soul searching to do. Fans disappointed at poor showing. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor). Redemption was small yet ineffectual from a Sri Lankan fan perspective, as the disappointment of another botched T20 World Cup campaign came to an end in the Caribbean.  Sri Lanka set the record straight with the Netherlands who beat them in the warm up by crushing them by 88 runs in their final outing which also elevated them to third spot in the five nation group. It did nothing to avoid elimination.  The furious backlash from Sri Lankan fans worldwide was deafening in the media,  social media and all other communication platforms. But the response from the administrators at home was all excuses and refusal to accept accountability.  Blaming others for the team’s dismal showing and deflecting the lack of preparation for ...

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When you visit Tissamaharama (Tissa) – By Harold Gunatillake Website:www.Doctorharold.com Yala is home to majestic creatures— playful elephants, elusive leopards, and a symphony of bird calls. Each sighting is a heart-pounding moment, a pure and profound connection with nature.” “Welcome back, adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on a thrilling journey to the wild heart of Sri Lanka—Yala National Park, a sanctuary where the jungle meets the ocean, and Tissamaharama, a town steeped in history and the gateway to Yala’s wilderness.” Our journey from Kandy to Ella, via the Victoria Dam Road through Badulla, was pleasant. We found solace in the comfortable embrace of the Oak Ray Gap Hotel, where we spent a restful night. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive to Tissamaharama, affectionately known as Tissa. While some may overlook this town, it’s the perfect staging ground for our safari, offering a glimpse into the local life and culture.” As ...

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Bamboo the Untapped GOLD mine in Sri Lanka – By Dinnerli Fernando Do you know that bamboo has the potential to become a major source of income for many people in developing countries? That’s right ! Bamboo is a versatile material that can be used to create various products, from furniture, paper, and flooring to construction, clothing and more. Moreover, since Bamboo is a sustainable resource as its plants fully mature in four years, it is a lucrative material for industry. Bamboo is quickly becoming one of the most popular materials for home décor and construction since it has benefits over traditional material such as steel and timber. With its lower carbon footprint, strength and durability, with treatment its products can last for over 30 years. The challenges in promoting Bamboo cultivation in Sri Lanka is that it identifies Bamboo as a tree which requires a license to transport and ...

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Sri Lanka a Wealthy Nation at all Times – By Gowri Shankar The wealth of nations does not consist in the amount of gold and silver in its vaults, as mercantilists believed, but rather in the sum total of its annual production and commerce. A nation’s wealth is determined not by its currency but by the productivity of its people. A nation should focus on commerce, innovation and a well-functioning market system. Countries should focus on the unique selling preposition (USP) of the workmanship to enhance efficiency, achieve overall economic growth and build a brand for themselves. Laissez-Faire economics advocates for minimal government intervention in markets, suggesting that competition and the free market are seen as the best ways to ensure efficient allocation of resources. When left to operate without excessive government interference, markets have a natural tendency to balance supply and demand, set prices, and encourage innovation. The government’s ...

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