Hambantota Bangla Tigers delivered a stellar all-round performance to defeat the Jaffna Titans by 26 runs in the final of the inaugural Lanka T10 Super League at the Pallekele Stadium, Kandy.

Batting first, the Tigers posted 133/7 in 10 overs, powered by a 44-run fourth-wicket stand between skipper Dasun Shanaka (21) and Shevon Daniel (26). Mohammad Shahzad also contributed a quick 26 at the top. Jaffna’s Richard Gleeson impressed with figures of 3/21, while Dasun Shanaka took 2/4 to restrict the Tigers’ middle order.

In reply, Jaffna Titans struggled to chase the target despite a valiant unbeaten 54 from Tom Abell. Regular wickets derailed their innings, and they could only manage 107/6 in their 10 overs.

The victory secured the Hambantota Bangla Tigers their maiden Lanka T10 title, capping off an exciting tournament finale.

Hambantota Bangla Tigers: 133/7 in 10 overs 

(Mohammad Shahzad 26, Dasun Shanaka 21, Shevon Daniel 26, Treveen Mathew 2/18)

Jaffna Titans: 107/6 in 10 overs 

(Tom Abell 54 n.o, Richard Gleeson 3/21, Dasun Shanaka 2/4).

Dasun Shanaka is awarded Player of the Tournament & the Man of the match.

“The Hambantota Bangla Tigers were crowned the inaugural champions of the Lanka T10 Super League, defeating the previously unbeaten Jaffna Titans in the final held today in Pallekele. The Tigers had lost to the Titans in Qualifier 1 but bounced back to beat the Galle Marvels in Qualifier 2 yesterday”

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Addressing the media today, Minister Jayatissa said that the retirement age of government doctors has been extended, including for those who were set to retire on December 31.

He explained that the original retirement age of government doctors was 65 years, but the former government had reduced it to 60 years in 2022. 

Minister Jayatissa said, however, that the incumbent government has decided to extend the retirement age to 63 years and Cabinet approval has been granted in this regard. 

The extension applies to specialist doctors, all Grades of Medical Officers, Specialist Dental Surgeon, all Dental Surgeons, all Medical Officers in Medical Administrative Grade, and all government-registered medical officers.

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The age of those suffering from heart disease in Sri Lanka is gradually decreasing and the age limit has now reached 17, National Hospital specialist Indika de Lanerolle said.

Addressing the media, he said that the age range for developing heart disease was previously between 50 and 70 years.

He said that the decreasing age of individuals suffering from heart disease raises concerns about its connection to the country’s development. In developed countries, the age of onset for heart disease is also decreasing.

According to recommendations, hospitals in America and Europe are equipped to insert a stent within 60 minutes of diagnosing a heart condition. In some foreign hospitals, this duration may extend up to 120 minutes, he said.

If a stent cannot be inserted within 20 to 30 minutes, alternative medications should be administered to prevent a heart attack at that time, Dr. Lanerolle said.

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Informed sources revealed that Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa submitted a fresh note on the matter, addressing the Court of Appeal ruling that the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals should be retained at 63 years, which had been the practice since 2018.

The delay in issuing the crucial circular or gazette had placed over 200 specialist doctors in Sri Lanka at risk of premature retirement.

Despite the Court of Appeal ruling extending the retirement age for specialist doctors in state hospitals to 63 years and cabinet approval granted on June 19, 2024, the Ministry of Public Administration delayed implementing the decision in the form of an official circular or gazette. However, the current Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration has taken steps in the right direction to rectify the situation.

Accordingly, the new gazette will enable the Ministry of Public Administration to issue the much-needed circular soon.

This administrative inaction has created uncertainty among specialists turning 60 by December 31, who are unsure if they will be permitted to continue their service.

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The vaccine has been developed in collaboration with several research centers and is expected to be released for public use by early 2025.

The vaccine’s pre-clinical trials had shown that it suppresses tumor development and potential metastases, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology Alexander Gintsburg told TASS.

What Is An mRNA Vaccine?

mRNA or messenger-RNA vaccines use specific parts of the infectious agent like its protein, sugar, or coating. mRNA vaccine gives a message to our cells to make a protein or even just a piece of a protein which are like those of the virus. The protein then triggers an immune response inside our bodies.

Can AI Help Generate Personalised Cancer Vaccines?

Earlier, in an interview with TASS, Mr Gintsburg had said that the use of artificial neural networks could bring down the duration of computing required to create a personalized cancer vaccine to less an hour.

“Now it takes quite long to build [personalized vaccines] because computing of how a vaccine, or customized mRNA, should look like uses matrix methods, in mathematical terms. We have involved the Ivannikov Institute which will rely on AI in doing this math, namely neural network computing where these procedures should take about half an hour to an hour,” Russia’s vaccine chief said.

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Addressing the Parliament, President said that the imports will be carried out under a structured programme.

Stating that the vehicle industry cannot remain closed for a long period of time, the President said the government has decided to recommence vehicle imports in three stages.

The importing of buses used for passenger transport and vehicles used for special services was restarted with effect from 14 December 2024, he said.

The President further announced that the government has also taken steps to recommence the importation of vehicles used for transportation of goods and private purposes, with the government proposing allowing the importing of private vehicles from 01 February 2025.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake assured that Sri Lanka will not face a foreign exchange crisis due to this decision.

“Through lengthy discussions with the Central Bank, the government has estimated the amount of Dollars that would be spent due to the importing of vehicles and the impact on the economy. In order to strengthen our economy, we must reopen vehicle imports,” he added

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• Tax-free threshold increased from Rs.100,000
to Rs.150,000.

• Monthly salaries upto Rs.150,000 exempt from
PAYE Tax

• Those earning a monthly salary of Rs.200,000
are exempt from 71% of the tax.

• A person earning a monthly salary of
S.250,000 is exempt from 61% of the tax.

• A person earning a monthly salary of
Rs.300,000 is exempt from 47% of the tax.

• A person earning a monthly salary of
Rs.350,000 is exempt from 25.5% of the tax.

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2.​The two leaders reaffirmed that the India-Sri Lanka bilateral partnership is underpinned by deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties, geographical proximity and the people-to-people relations.

3. ​President Disanayaka conveyed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support extended by India to the people of Sri Lanka during and after the unprecedented economic crisis in 2022. Recalling his profound commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people for a prosperous future, greater opportunities, and sustained economic growth, he looked forward to India’s continued support for the achievement of these objectives. Prime Minister Modi assured President Disanayaka of India’s full commitment in this regard, in keeping with the special place Sri Lanka occupies in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and ‘SAGAR’ vision.

4.​Both leaders acknowledged that bilateral ties had deepened over the years and contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka. Underscoring the potential for further cooperation, both leaders affirmed their commitment to progress the relationship between India and Sri Lanka to a mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership for the well-being of the peoples of the two countries.

Political Exchanges

5.​Acknowledging the increased political interactions in the last decade and their contribution towards deepening the bilateral ties, both leaders agreed to further intensify political engagements at leadership and ministerial levels.

6.​The two leaders also underscored the importance of regular parliamentary level exchanges to promote democratic values and share expertise on their institutional best practices.

Development Cooperation

7.​The two leaders acknowledged the positive and impactful role of India’s development assistance to Sri Lanka that has significantly contributed to its socioeconomic growth. President Disanayaka appreciated India’s continued support for the implementation of projects despite the ongoing debt restructuring. He further acknowledged India’s decision to extend grant assistance for projects that were originally undertaken through Lines of Credit, thereby reducing the debt burden of Sri Lanka.

8.​Reaffirming their commitment to work closely in further intensifying people oriented development partnership, both leaders agreed to:

i.​Work together for the timely completion of ongoing projects such as Phase III & IV of Indian Housing Project, 3 (three) Islands Hybrid Renewable Energy Project and High Impact Community Development Projects across Sri Lanka;

ii. ​Extend full support towards timely implementation of projects for the Indian Origin Tamil community, Eastern Province, and solar electrification of religious places in Sri Lanka;

iii.​Identify new projects and areas of cooperation for development partnership, in accordance with the needs and priorities of the Government of Sri Lanka.

Training and Capacity Building

9.​Underlining India’s role in extending capacity building support to Sri Lanka and factoring the need for customized training and capacity building in different fields in Sri Lanka, the leaders:

i.​Agreed to organise focused training of 1500 Sri Lankan civil servants across ministries and departments over a period of five years through the National Centre for Good Governance in India; and

ii.​Committed to explore further training programmesfor Sri Lankan officials in civil, defence and legal domains among other areas, in keeping with the requirements of Sri Lanka.

Debt Restructuring

10.​President Disanayaka thanked Prime Minister Modifor India’s support in stabilizing the Sri Lankan economy through unparalleled and multi-pronged assistance including emergency financing and forex support worth USD 4 billion. He acknowledged India’s crucial assistance in Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process, including as co-chair of the Official Creditors’ Committee (OCC), as being instrumental in finalising the debt restructuring discussions in a timely manner. He further thanked the Government of India for extending financial assistance of USD 20.66 mnto settle payments due from Sri Lanka for projects completed under existing Lines of Credit thereby significantly reducing the debt burden at a critical time.Underscoring the close and special ties with Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s consistent support to the country in times of need and in its quest for economic recovery and stability, and prosperity for its people. The leaders instructed officials to finalize discussions on the bilateral MoU on Debt Restructuring.

11. Both leaders agreed that a strategic shift from debt-driven models towards investment led partnerships across different sectors would ensure a more sustainable path to economic recovery, development and prosperity in Sri Lanka.

Building Connectivity

12.​The leaders underlined the importance of greater connectivity and acknowledged the presence of complementarities between the two economies which could be harnessed for economic development and growth of both countries. In this regard:

i.​While expressing satisfaction at the resumption of the passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai, they agreed that officials should work towards the early recommencement of the passenger ferry service between Rameshwaram and Talaimannar.

ii.​Explore the possibility of jointly working on rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai port in Sri Lanka, which will be implemented with grant assistance from the Government of India.

Energy Development

13. Emphasizing the need for reliable, affordable and timely energy resources for ensuring energy security and meeting basic needs of the people, both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector and facilitation towards timely implementation of ongoing energy cooperation projects between India and Sri Lanka. In this regard, the leaders agreed to:

i. Take steps towards the implementation of the solar power project in Sampur and further augment its capacity as per the requirements of Sri Lanka.

ii. Continue consideration of the several proposals which are in different stages of discussion including:

(a)​ supply of LNG from India to Sri Lanka.

(b)​ establishment of a high-capacity power grid interconnection between India and Sri Lanka.

(c) cooperation amongst India, Sri Lanka and UAE to implement a             multi-product pipeline from India to Sri Lanka for supply of affordable and reliable energy.

(d) joint development of offshore wind power potential in Palk Straits, while prioritizing environmental protection including fauna and flora.

14. Acknowledging the ongoing cooperation in the development of Trincomalee Tank Farms, both leaders decided to support the development of Trincomalee as a regional energy and industrial hub.

People-Centric Digitization

15. Acknowledging the successful experience of India in people-centric digitization, which has helped in improving governance, transforming service delivery, ushering transparency, and contributing to social welfare, President Disanayaka conveyed his government’s interest in exploring the establishment of similar systems in Sri Lanka with Indian assistance. Prime Minister Modi conveyed India’s readiness in fully supporting Sri Lanka’s efforts in this regard. In this context, the two leaders agreed to:

i. Expedite implementation of Sri Lanka Unique Digital Identity (SLUDI) project to aid the country in its efforts to improve delivery of government services to the public;

ii. Collaborate on avenues to fully roll out Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in Sri Lanka with assistance from India.

iii. Establish a Joint Working Group to explore the implementation of a DPI stack in Sri Lanka based on experience and systems already established in India, including advancing ongoing technical discussions on the implementation of DigiLocker in Sri Lanka.

iv. Promote digital financial transactions by extending the use of UPI digital payments for the benefit of both countries and in keeping with payment systems related regulatory guidelines of both countries.

v. Continue bilateral exchanges to garner learnings from India’s Aadhaar platform, GeM portal, PM Gati Shaktidigital platform, digitized customs and other taxation procedures, with a view to exploring the benefits of establishing equivalent systems in Sri Lanka.

Education and Technology

16.​With a view to supporting human-resource development and promoting innovation and technology in Sri Lanka, the two leaders agreed to:

i.​Seek to expand collaboration in research and development in sectors such as agriculture, aquaculture, digital economy, health and other areas of mutual interest.

ii.​Explore cooperation between educational institutions of both countries.

iii.​ Foster cooperation between Start-up India and Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), including for mentorship for Sri Lankan start-ups.

Trade and Investment Cooperation

17. The two leaders appreciated that the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISFTA) has enhanced the trade partnership between the two countries, while acknowledging that there is immense potential for further expanding the trade ties Underscoring the pace of economic growth and opportunities in India as well as the growing market size and its potential for enhancing trade and investment for Sri Lanka, both leaders agreed that it is now opportune to further enhance the trade partnership by committing to:

i. Continue discussions on the Economic & Technological Cooperation Agreement.

ii. Enhance INR-LKR trade settlements between the two countries.

iii. Encourage investments in key sectors in Sri Lanka to enhance its export potential.

18. The two leaders agreed on the need to continue discussions for the early finalization of the proposed bilateral Social Security Agreement.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

19. Both leaders appreciated the ongoing collaboration for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka with the aim of promoting self-sufficiency and nutritional security.

20. Noting President Disanayaka’s emphasis on agricultural modernization, the two leaders agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to examine possibilities for the comprehensive development of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka.

Strategic & Defence Cooperation

21. ​Recognizing shared security interests of India and Sri Lanka, both leaders acknowledged the importance of regular dialogue based on mutual trust and transparency and giving primacy to each other’s security concerns. As natural partners, both leaders underscored the common challenges faced by the two countries in the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed their commitment to work together in countering traditional and non-traditional threats as well as to ensure a free, open, safe and secure Indian Ocean Region. India being Sri Lanka’s closest maritime neighbour, President Disanayaka reiterated Sri Lanka’s stated position of not permitting its territory to be used in any manner inimical to the security of India as well as towards regional stability.

22. ​Expressing satisfaction at the ongoing defencecooperation in training, exchange programs, ship visits, bilateral exercises and assistance to augment defencecapabilities, both leaders agreed to advance maritime and security collaboration.

23. ​President Disanayaka thanked India for its support through the provision of a Dornier Aircraft for maritime surveillance; and establishment of the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre in Sri Lanka amongst other assistance vital for Sri Lanka to enhance its maritime domain awareness. He further appreciated India’s role as a ‘first responder’ for Sri Lanka in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Importantly, the recent success in collaboration efforts of Indian and Sri Lanka Navies in the seizing of vessels trafficking a large quantity of narcotics with suspects was mentioned and President Disanayaka expressed his gratitude to the Indian Navy.

24.​As a trusted and reliable partner, India conveyed its continued commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka in advancing its defence and maritime security needs and extending necessary assistance towards augmenting its capabilities to address its maritime challenges.

25.​Taking cognizance of various security threats such as terrorism, drug/narcotics smuggling, money laundering, and, both leaders agreed to further strengthen the ongoing efforts in training, capacity building, and intelligence and information sharing. In this context, they agreed to:

i.​Explore the possibility of concluding a framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation;

ii.​Foster cooperation in hydrography;

iii.​Provision of defence platforms and assets to augment Sri Lanka’s defence capabilities;

iv. Intensify collaboration through joint exercises, maritime surveillance, and defence dialogue and exchanges;

v. Extend assistance to strengthen capabilities of Sri Lanka on disaster mitigation, relief and rehabilitation, including through training, joint exercises and sharing of best practices; and

vi. Enhance capacity building and training for Sri Lankan defence forces and conduct tailormade training programmes, wherever required.

Cultural and Tourism Development

26. Underlining their cultural affinity, geographical proximity and civilizational ties, both leaders acknowledged the need to further promote cultural and tourism links between the two countries. Given that India has been the largest source of tourism for Sri Lanka, the two leaders committed to:

i. Enhancing air connectivity to various destinations in India and Sri Lanka, while noting the successful resumption of flights between Chennai and Jaffna.

ii. Continuing discussions on the development of airports in Sri Lanka.

iii. Promoting Indian investments for the development of tourism infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

iv. Establishing a facilitatory framework for development of religious and cultural tourism.

v. Promoting academic linkages between educational institutions for the promotion and advancement of cultural and linguistic ties between the two countries.

Fisheries Issues

27. Acknowledging the issues faced by fishermen on both sides and factoring the livelihood concerns, the leaders agreed on the need to continue to address these in a humanitarian manner. In this regard, they also underscored the need to take measures to avoid any aggressive behaviour or violence. They welcomed the recent conclusion of the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting on Fisheries in Colombo. The leaders expressed confidence that through dialogue and constructive engagements a long lasting and mutually acceptable solution could be achieved. Given the special relationship between India and Sri Lanka, they instructed officials to continue their engagement to address these issues.

28. President Disanayaka thanked India for its initiatives for the sustainable and commercial development of fisheries in Sri Lanka, including development of Point Pedro Fishing Harbour, rehabilitation of KarainagarBoatyard and cooperation in Aquaculture through Indian assistance.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

29. Recognizing shared maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean Region, both leaders agreed to jointly pursue strengthening regional maritime security, both bilaterally and through existing regional frameworks. In this regard, the leaders welcomed the recent signing of the Founding Documents of the Colombo Security Conclave headquartered in Colombo. India reiterated its support to Sri Lanka in advancing the objectives of the Conclave.

30. India conveyed its full support for Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship of the IORA. Both leaders underscored the need for a substantive action plan by IORA member countries for security and development of all in the region.

31. Both leaders also underlined their commitment to further strengthen and enhance regional cooperation under BIMSTEC.

32. President Disanayaka requested Prime Minister Modi’ssupport for Sri Lanka’s application to become a member of the BRICS.

33. Prime Minister Modi welcomed Sri Lanka’s support to India’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-2029.

Conclusion

34. The leaders noted that the effective and timely implementation of agreed measures, as outlined, would deepen the bilateral ties between the two countries and transform the relationship into a new standard for friendly and neighbourly ties. Accordingly, the leaders directed their officials to initiate necessary measures for implementation of the understandings and agreed to extend guidance, where required. They further resolved to continue engagement at leadership level to qualitatively enhance bilateral ties that are mutually beneficial, cater to sustainable developmental needs of Sri Lanka and contribute to the stability of the Indian Ocean Region. President Disanayaka invited Prime Minister Modi to pay a visit to Sri Lanka at his earliest convenience.

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As in the case of the now popular LPL that is firmly rooted in Sri Lanka, the T10 Super League will be a major break to boosting the standard of Cricket’ in the country with Importantly local players from the grassroots level getting the opportunity to playing alongside foreign players.

Indeed, this concept of bringing players worldwide under one laying umbrella in a family like that first evolved by the Kerry Packer world series to setting the trend for the now famous Indian Premier League from which Sri Lanka has taken a cue to the short format further gaining an upswing by the now intensifying short fling momentum is huge.

In that vein, local cricket fans will see six teams compete in the tournament under two groups.

Jaffna Titans, Hambantota Bangla Tigers and Nuwara Eilya Kings will take part in the competition in Group A while Colombo Jaguars, Kandy Bolts and Galle Marvels will compete in Group

The mega extravaganza will take off with Jaffna Titans meeting Hambantota Bangla Tigers in today’s tournament opener.

The final game of the tournament will be played on the 19th December.

All the matches of the competition will take place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Tickets for Lanka T10 Super League are now live!

Grab your tickets: https://lk.bookmyshow.com/special/lanka-t10-super-league-2024/ET00005591

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Liquor licenses were provided under a transparent programme enabling the government to earn a revenue of Rs. 4 billion in 2024, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

 “The previous government did not provide liquor licenses for charity but introduced a new transparent exercise enabling the government to earn additional revenue during a difficult period. We adopted a new strategy to earn additional revenue,” he said in a special statement. 

Wickremesinghe was responding to the document which was tabled in Parliament by Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake, which said around 316 liquor licenses were issued in 2024 by the previous regime.

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