News

Ranjan wins Most Distinguished Sports Media Award

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2023

editor

The ‘Bernie Wijesekera Silk Award’ for making an outstanding contribution to sports journalism was awarded to Ranjan Paranavithana, the creator of Sri Lanka Mirror’s ‘Ranjange Mamber’ cartoon at the 8th ‘Silk Sports’ Awards Ceremony.

The award ceremony commenced in 2015 for the recognition of athletes who perform well in the field of sports in Sri Lanka. The award winners are selected by an impartial panel of judges including Prof. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando and Dr. Harsha B. Abeykoon.

Eight major sports awards were presented at the awards ceremony and the Silk Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sri Lanka’s first World Cup cricket captain, Anura Tennakoon.

Why Ranjan is being awarded…

Meanwhile, veteran sports journalist Nishman Ranasinghe commented as to why Ranjan Paranavithana was felicitated in this manner at the award ceremony.

‘Annasi Maama’ or Uncle Pineapple is an extremely popular column in sports media. His writings are extremely subtle. He is able to get down to the bottom of an issue in a subtle way. These writings have been paused since he has been appointed a member of the Sri Lanka Cricket Junior National Selection Committee.

Annasi Maama continued as a cricketer, athlete and a football player for a long time. Ranjan Paranavithana, who worked as a cricket coach, was the driving force behind many players since Dulip Liyanage.

He entered the field of mass media as a storyteller and an artist. Annasi Mama, who is a wonderful writer, is also a talented cartoonist. The name of Annasi Mama became popular through ‘Ranjange Mamber.’ He is also well versed in both print and electronic media.

Later, as a sports journalist as well as a sports editor, Ranjan Paranavithana or Ananasi Mama was able to make a great contribution to the sports field through Lakbima newspaper. In the art of sports journalism, Ranjan became an expert in all sports. Due to his immense knowledge about those sports, his articles were rich in logic and the technical aspect of the sport.

Thanks to his writing and editing, many talented people have been able to achieve their goals and secure many opportunities. Considering all these contributions, the lifetime achievement award at this year’s Silk Awards ceremony was presented to Ranjan Paranavithana. He is loved by everyone and fondly referred to as ‘Ranjan Aiya’ irrespective of their age.

It is our wish that all future endeavours of Ranjan Paranavithana will be successful!

Video courtesy – Ada Derana

News

Bus collides head-on with lorry injuring 22

Published

38 mins ago

June 9, 2023

editor

A bus belonging to SLTB collided head-on with a lorry at Embulgama in Hanwella on the Colombo-Avissawella Road early this morning (9).

The drivers of both vehicles and 20 bus passengers were injured in the accident and hospitalized.

The accident occurred when the lorry travelling from Colombo towards Avissawella collided head-on with the bus travelling from Akkaraipattu to Colombo.

News

Chinese National protest deportation at BIA!

Published

41 mins ago

June 9, 2023

editor

The Chinese man, who was arrested for entering Sri Lanka with a fake passport, has behaved aggressively saying that he cannot return to China when he was brought to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to be deported, airport sources said.

He was brought to the airport yesterday (08) around 5 pm under strict security of two STF officials, a police inspector from the Police Narcotics Bureau and an officer from the Immigration Department.

Sources said that when he was brought to the final gate to board the plane, he began to behave violently saying that he could not return to China.

A senior official at the airport said that the security personnel had to use force to get the Chinese national to board the SriLankan Airlines flight UL884 and took him to China with great effort.

The three police officers and the immigration officer also went to China along with the suspect.

News

ADB provides SL access to concessional financing

Published

11 hours ago

June 8, 2023

editor

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday said it has approved Sri Lanka’s eligibility to access concessional financing.

The availability of concessional assistance, offered at low interest rates, broadens Sri Lanka’s options to bridge its urgent development financing needs to restore economic stability and deliver essential services, particularly to the poor and vulnerable, the Philippines‎-based regional development bank said in a press release.

Eligibility for concessional resources among the ADB’s developing member countries is based on gross national income per capita and creditworthiness.

ADB explained that its decision was considered based on a request from the Sri Lanka government in view of the severe and unprecedented economic crisis that has reversed hard-won development gains.

“ADB is committed to further enhancing its support for the people of Sri Lanka as the country responds to this deep crisis that has severely undermined their livelihoods and well-being,” said ADB Director General for South Asia, Kenichi Yokoyama. “The availability of concessional assistance will help Sri Lanka to lay the foundation for economic recovery and sustained, inclusive growth.”

Thus, Sri Lanka is now eligible for ADB support including concessional and market-based financing, technical assistance, policy advice, and knowledge solutions that together comprise a comprehensive suite of options to address the crisis.

The ADB notes that access to concessional financing will also ease debt servicing pressures through more favourable lending terms.