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Happy about fight back in first Test says Chandimal
REX CLEMENTINE at Old Trafford
Sri Lanka’s wicket keeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal told journalists that he was happy with the fight back shown by his team in challenging conditions at Old Trafford in the first Test against England. Sri Lanka lost the game by five wicket but were able to take the game deep.
“It was a good fight back by the boys. Probably we were short by 50 runs. The tail didn’t contribute in the second innings. If they had done we could have got there. When you come to England it will take time to get used to conditions.”
“In the first innings if we had scored 300 runs it would have been great. We lost three wickets in the first half hour. Very difficult when that happens. In previous tours too we have struggled to compete in England in the first game. But this time it was different.”
When Chandimal copped a nasty blow to his right thumb from a Mark Wood delivery, there were fears that a fracture might rule him out of the series. But x-rays revealed that there was no fracture and the former Sri Lanka captain resumed his innings.
“This is the fourth time my thumb has been broken. I thought this time too it was gone. The doctor told me that it was the previous injury. I told the doctor that I wanted to bat and he gave me an injection. I told the manager too that I wanted to bat. Probably my last tour to England. So, I was desperate to play.”
Chandimal was full of praise for his batting partner Kamindu Mendis with whom he added 118 runs for the seventh wicket.
“This is his first tour to England and scoring a hundred in the first game is unbelievable. He is world class. It took me two tours to score a Test hundred in England. He is a fine player. A positive mindset is his greatest asset. I spoke to him when we were having lunch. He said that he is in a very positive frame of mind. He is a player like that. It is good for us to have a teammate like him.”
Sri Lanka’s bowlers had done decently well but they lacked intent in the third morning and that allowed England to take a comfortable first innings lead of 122.
“We let the game slip away on day three in the morning. Can’t blame the bowlers actually. They bowled two hours and 45 minutes back to back sessions the previous day. We have not done that in the last ten years. The weather was tough too.
It has been reported that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias ‘Pilleyan’ has been arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
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Maintaining public trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department – President
Attending the passing out parade of the 82nd batch of the Special Task Force (STF) at the Katukurunda STF Training Camp in Kalutara on Monday (07), President Anura Kumara Disanayake emphasized the need for a progressive transformation within the Sri Lanka Police to ensure the rule of law, order and authority.
The President noted that the public places its trust in the Sri Lanka Police to uphold the supremacy of the law and maintaining that trust is a fundamental responsibility of the Police Department.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, President Disanayake stated that how one serves and respects their profession is reflected in their career and urged the officers to embrace their professional duty in a way that contributes meaningfully to the transformative change the country requires.
Highlighting the current state of institutional breakdown in many sectors, the President pointed out that the people have already initiated change by altering the political authority, but reiterated that political transformation alone is insufficient. Instead, a comprehensive and positive transformation across all sectors is necessary for national progress.
The President further emphasized that new police officers carry the responsibility of meeting public expectations. He called on them to ensure public safety and security and to prevent the nation from falling prey to organized crime and drug-related issues.
He also stated that the younger generation must take responsibility for the motherland, bearing that duty on their shoulders and should strive to steer both their personal future and the future of the country in a positive direction.
President Disanayake concluded by saying that joining the regular service of the Sri Lanka Police today should be remembered by all as a significant and powerful step forward.
The President further noted that the service rendered by the Special Task Force (STF) on behalf of the public during times of emergency and disaster is highly commendable.
A total of 118 newly recruited Sub-Inspectors and 231 Probationary Police Constables who successfully completed their basic training graduated during the ceremony.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake awarded certificates and honours to officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during the training programme.
A commemorative token was also presented to President Disanayake, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
An operational demonstration by STF officers on a simulated battlefield was presented as part of the event.
Established in 1983 under the theme “Victory is Certain”, the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force is currently recognized as a prestigious unit deployed for VIP protection, crime and organized crime suppression and narcotics control efforts aimed at building a drug-free nation.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Deputy Minister of Public Security Sunil Watagala, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security Ravi Seneviratne, Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya, STF Commanding Officer Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Samantha de Silva, along with other senior police officers, the parents of graduating officers and other invitees.
[PMD]
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National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-
Parallel to salary hike of public sector officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase the salaries of private sector employees as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026
“Sri Lanka’s Economic Revival – Reflection on the Journey from Crisis to Recovery” by Mahinda Siriwardana presented to the President
Former state minister arrested by CID
President meets with senior officials of SriLankan Airlines
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