NEWS SRILANKA

Minister Basil Rajapaksa inaugurates 3-in-1 Projects in North

2011-07-13T22:39:00.002+05:30

Though the government’s domestic economic revival project Divineguma is being successfully implemented in the country, it could not be introduced in the north on time.Soce-news.lk

No terror attack in Sri Lanka since end of LTTE war

2010-09-29T14:30:00.001+05:30

No terrorist act has taken place and no one has died due to the menace in Sri Lanka since the end of LTTE war last year, a top military commander has said.

"Since 19th May 2009 until now, no terrorist act has taken place in Sri Lanka and no one has died due to terrorism," Commander of the Wanni Region Major General Kamal Gunaratne said.

More-indianexpress

Sri Lanka to clamp down on equity warrants

2010-09-29T14:28:00.000+05:30

Sri Lanka is capping on equity warrants to 15 percent of a company's capital, limiting the term to two years ahead and would also require firms to maintain a minimum public float, a top regulatory official said.LOB

Sri Lanka pursues nation-wide agenda of renewal – President

2010-09-24T10:08:00.000+05:30

International Humanitarian Law should reflect reality of non-state actors in conflicts’

The entire focus of our nation, is now on building a lasting peace; healing wounds, ensuring economic prosperity and guaranteeing the rights of the whole nation to live in harmony, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York

news.lk

Sri Lanka Sees Opportunity As China Costs Rise

2010-09-23T08:29:00.000+05:30

NEW YORK -- Sri Lanka's president said Wednesday that rising labor costs in China present an opportunity for his South Asian country to attract foreign companies seeking an alternative low-cost manufacturing base.

MORE-The World Street Journal

Sri Lanka still neighbour’s envy

2010-09-23T08:21:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka has the lowest maternal mortality rate (MMR) in south east Asia and its infant mortality rate (MMR) is better than many wealthier countries, the United Nation’s second report on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) progress has said.
more-hindustantimes

The president says that Sri Lanka will achieve millennium development goals based on a concept of Buddhist philosophy.

2010-09-23T08:16:00.001+05:30

President Mahinda Rajapakse says that Sri Lanka has entered into a process to achieve millennium development goals based on Buddhist philosophy. The president says that such a process would pave the way to create a compassionate society as preached by the Buddha apart from achieving material development.

SLBC

Obama pledges revamp of foreign aid policy

2010-09-23T08:09:00.002+05:30

US President Obama: "We need to be big hearted but also hard headed"

President Barack Obama has told the UN a revamped US foreign aid policy will help lift nations out of poverty by focusing on good governance and encouraging trade and investment. more-BBC

Sri Lanka already attained, or on track to attain MDGs - President tells MDGs Summit

2010-09-23T08:02:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka has incorporated Millennium Development Goals key performance indicators in our national budget policies, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said.

Speaking at the Summit of the Millennium Development Goals in New York, he pointed out that as a result Sri Lanka has already attained or is on track to attain the MDGs, despite formidable odds, including the almost thirty years of a violent terrorist movement and the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

cort-priu

Sri Lanka President discusses northeast development with Norwegian leader

2010-09-23T07:20:00.001+05:30

New York: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is currently in New York to attend the 65th session of United Nations General Assembly, appraised the Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg Tuesday of Sri Lanka's progress in the development of war-ravaged North and East.
Colombopage

Buddhist traditions guide our approach to economic and social policy making- President at MDG Summit

2010-09-23T07:18:00.000+05:30

President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the UN MDG summit said Sri Lanka has incorporated MDG key performance indicators in its national budget policies.
news.lk

Sri Lankan President in UN summit to day

2010-09-23T07:13:00.003+05:30

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa is among the few world leaders who are scheduled to address the UN GA on its inaugural day. 65^th UN Summit will start on 23^rd September in New York.

Opp.Condidate showing the younger and giving the elder - Lakshman Yapa

2009-11-12T04:50:00.000+05:30

The Minister of Media Lakshman Yapa Abewardana today (11) described the stance of the joint opposition to put forward a common candidate as an attempt to show the ‘younger sister’ and offer ‘elder sister’ to the bride broom.
Referring to a statement made by opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe who has sought the position of holding an election under a care taker Government, Minister Abewardena in a lighter vein cracked, ‘Ranil is trying to stage the famous "Suba saha Yasa" drama a second time.He said the people have seen that drama enough and do not want a repetition.The Minister made these statements at press conference held at the Ministry of Mass Media and Information.
News.lk

Workers force military to retreat

2009-11-12T04:48:00.000+05:30

Sailors of the Sri Lankan navy sent to take over work in the Colombo port have been forced to go back by workers on trade union action.
Spokesman for the Suhada Port Workers Union Lal Bangamuwage told BBC Sandeshaya that the navy was sent to the harbour in order to stop workers from working to rule.
"The navy came to the tug boat section and forced workers to work," he said.
Spokesman Bangamuwage said, when notified by the membership, trade union officials had to intervene to stop the navy disrupting the work to rule.
He added that the trade unions have made a complaint to the police against the western region naval commander for threatening those on trade union action.
Workers in the public sector launched a three day work to rule campaign for higher pay due to them.
State power, water, oil and port workers stopped working outside assigned duties and set working hours from Wednesday after negotiations broke down as the government refused to meet their demands.
BBC

Jobs for 17,000 graduates

2009-11-12T04:47:00.000+05:30

Taking public administration to grassroots:

The Government has decided to provide employment to over 17,000 unemployed graduates, Finance and State Revenue Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday.
dailyNews

Russia interested in 'Sri Lanka oil'

2009-10-29T05:43:00.000+05:30

The Russian federation has expressed interest in oil exploration in Sri Lanka.

Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Servey V Lavrov expressed interest in oil exploration in the Mannar bay and the rehabilitation of the Sapugaskanda oil refinery, Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Mr. Lavrov, a former diplomat who has worked in Colombo and a Sinhala speaker, is the first Russian Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka since diplomatic relations were established in 1957.bbc

Economists hail bank rate reduction

2009-10-29T05:42:00.000+05:30

Economists hail bank rate reduction

The Government decision to lower the interests by State banks aims to channel the credit liquidity to the private sector enterprises and to stimulate the private sector, economists told the Daily News yesterday.

Minister refutes UNP Leader’s claims........

2009-09-17T06:16:00.000+05:30

Minister refutes UNP Leader’s claims:
Donor funds used properly

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the Government has ensured that the funds disbursed by the donor countries and lending agencies are properly utilised for the country’s development. He said the country has received over US$ 772 million up to September 15 and the Government is hopeful that this figure will rise to US$ 1,350 million by December. dailynews

Country lost Rs. 16 billion........

2009-09-17T06:15:00.000+05:30

Country lost Rs. 16 billion:
UNF sold CB gold for a song

Media Minister Lakshaman Yapa Abeywardena yesterday said Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe should take the responsibility for selling over 200,000 troy ounces belonging to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to his friends at US$ 300 per ounce between 2002 - 2003 during the UNF regime. dailynews

UN criticises Sri Lanka expulsion ........

2009-09-10T04:24:00.001+05:30

UN criticises Sri Lanka expulsion

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has criticised the Sri Lankan government's decision to expel a UN children's agency spokesman.
The government accused the spokesman of spreading Tamil Tiger propaganda.
Mr Ban's office said he strongly regretted the decision and would raise the issue with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the earliest opportunity.
The spokesman, James Elder, regularly updated the media on the plight of children caught up in the war.
The Tamil Tigers were defeated by the army earlier this year.
"The secretary-general strongly regrets the decision of the Sri Lankan government to expel Mr Elder," Ban's office said in a statement.
The UN chief "expresses his full confidence in the work of the United Nations in Sri Lanka, which includes making public statements when necessary in an effort to save lives and prevent grave humanitarian problems".
Mr Ban said that the UN was "working impartially to assist the people of Sri Lanka and the government should be supporting and co-operating with its efforts."
Mr Elder, communications chief for Unicef in Sri Lanka, was told on Sunday to leave the country within two weeks. He has worked in Sri Lanka since July 2008 and his -bbc-sinhala

Channel 4 video: .........

2009-09-10T04:21:00.001+05:30

Channel 4 video:
Local elements will be exposed soon

Transport Minister Dullas Allahapperuma yesterday said the local elements who were involved in the production of the video footage that was telecast on Channel 4 television will be divulged soon.dailynews

Govt to intervene .....

2009-09-10T04:20:00.000+05:30

Govt to intervene

Plantation Industries Minister D.M. Jayaratne told Parliament yesterday the Government will intervene to sort out the crisis in the estate sector, if Trade Unions and plantation companies fail to reach an agreement on the pay hike issue of plantation workers. -dailynews

Libyan Leader.....

2009-09-03T04:31:00.001+05:30

Libyan Leader Colonel Muammar al-Khaddafi rests his arm on the shoulder of President Mahinda Rajapaksa while viewing the combined armed services parade in Tripoli on September 1 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Libyan Revolution. Pictures by Sudath Silva

Excise raids from January to August 2009....

2009-09-03T04:22:00.000+05:30

Excise raids from January to August 2009:
Govt nets Rs 100m

Sri Lankan illicit liquor distillers, wholesale and retail dealers, banned drugs and tobacco abusers and consumers together paid more than Rs. 100 million to the State coffers in fines, within the first seven months of this year. They were apprehended in more than 26,000 raids launched by the Sri Lanka Excise Department.dailynews

Bio-pirates threaten Customs officials .........

2009-08-20T04:22:00.000+05:30

Bio-pirates threaten Customs officials
Sequel to foiling an attempted export of water plants:

The Sri Lanka Customs ‘BioDiversity Protection Unit head Samatha Gunasekera yesterday said , he and his Unit’s officers on duty at Air Cargo Export Terminal at at the Bandaranaike International Airport have been faced with threats to their lives after foiling an attempt to export a consignment of unauthorised water plants from Sri Lanka . dailynews

Nearly 170 ex-Tiger child soldiers sit A/L exam.........

2009-08-13T04:11:00.001+05:30

Nearly 170 ex-Tiger child soldiers sit A/L exam

Nearly 170 former LTTE child soldiers sat the GCE Advanced Level in Vavuniya yesterday as a result of the Government's humanitarian operations to free the North and East people from the clutches of LTTE terrorism, Examinations Department sources said.dailynews

Presidential or General Election.....

2009-08-13T04:10:00.000+05:30

Presidential or General Election:
UPFA can get two-thirds majority

The UPFA is quite capable of achieving the two thirds majority at a future General election or Presidential election, Agriculture and Agrarian Services Development Minister and SLFP General Secretary Maithreepala Sirisena told a press conference in Colombo yesterday.dailynews

Nearly 170 ex-Tiger child soldiers sit ALs......

2009-08-12T08:37:00.000+05:30

Nearly 170 ex-Tiger child soldiers sit ALs
Examination continues until September 5 :
Ten exam centres for IDPs in Vavuniya:

Nearly 170 former LTTE child soldiers sat the GCE Advanced Level in Vavuniya yesterday as a result of the Government’s humanitarian operations to free the North and East people from the clutches of LTTE terrorism, Examinations Department sources said. The Advanced Level Examination 2009 commenced in 1,827 examination centres yesterday.dailynews

Police apprehends bomb vehicle - Mannar......

2009-08-12T08:35:00.001+05:30

Police apprehends bomb vehicle - Mannar

An explosive laden van prepared for a suicide mission was apprehended by the Police this morning, 11 August, along with 20 claymore mines at Mannar.
The claymore mines had already been fixed to the vehicle (Hiace van) when it was apprehended in general area Uppukulam, Mannar, sources added.
Three suspects have already been taken into custody and handed over to the Colombo Crime Division (CCD) for further interrogations. According to Plice sources, two suspects are residences of Mt'Lavinia while the other is from Mannar-defence.lk-pix-Dinamina

1,263 IDP candidates to sit exam .......

2009-08-11T08:39:00.001+05:30

1,263 IDP candidates to sit exam

The GCE Advanced Level Examination starts today with 242,091 candidates sitting the examination. The GCE A/L examination will be held until September 5.
Among candidates are 198,755 school candidates and 43,336 private candidates sitting at 1,827 examination centres throughout the island. dailynews

New Archbishop tells world community......

2009-08-11T08:38:00.000+05:30

New Archbishop tells world community:
Don’t isolate Sri Lanka

New Colombo Archbishop Rt. Rev Dr. Malcom Ranjith yesterday requested the international community not to isolate the country as such action would aggravate the sufferings of the people. -dailynews

Polls results: Victory of policies to stabilize democracy - President .......

2009-08-10T09:33:00.002+05:30

Polls results: Victory of policies to stabilize democracy - President

"The ability to hold elections no sooner terrorism was defeated and thus providing the opportunity for democratic expression to the people of Vavuniya and Jaffna, is also seen as a victory of our policies to stabilize democracy", said H.E the President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (Aug 9).
He made this comment in a communiqu‚ issued on the outstanding victory achieved by the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the elections held yesterday(Aug 8) to the Uva Provincial Council and the Jaffna Municipal Council. "It is seen by me as a victory for all who love our motherland" President Rajapaksa further asserted. dailynews

Kumaran Pathmanathan arrested......

2009-08-07T08:49:00.001+05:30

Self-appointed LTTE leader Kumaran Pathmanathan -KP- arrested.

The self-appointed LTTE leader Shanmugam Kumaran Tharmalingam alias Kumaran Pathmanathan has been arrested in a foreign country, the sources said yesterday. He was in Interpol’s most wanted list for arms smuggling and criminal activities. source-dailynews

Tamil refugees are allowed home ........

2009-08-06T06:53:00.001+05:30

Tamil refugees are allowed home .

More than 4,000 Tamil people living as refugees in camps in northern Sri Lanka have been sent home to their villages in the north and east of the country. bbc sinhala

Kandy Esala Perahera ends today.........

2009-08-06T06:52:00.001+05:30

Kandy Esala Perahera ends today

The Kandy Esala Perahera following historic tradition marks its finale today with the day Perahera and the water cutting ceremony. dailynews

Uva Wellassa University (UWU) opens ..........

2009-08-06T06:51:00.001+05:30

Uva Wellassa University (UWU) opens

The Uva-Wellassa University, located close to Badulla town and established with the idea of giving equal higher educational opportunities to the students of the country, was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday.dailynews

Southern PC dissolved.......

2009-08-04T11:29:00.000+05:30

Southern PC dissolved

The Southern Provincial Council (SPC) was dissolved effective mid night yesterday after Governor,Kumari Balasuriya released the gazette that notified the dissolution.
The official life of the Council was due to expire on August 15.The Chief Minister of the SPC, Shan Wijayalal De Silva requested a dissolution by a letter addressed to the Governor.The election to the SPC would likely to be in October,official sources said.news.lk

New Commissioner for Rehabilitation .....

2009-07-31T08:13:00.000+05:30

New Commissioner for Rehabilitation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Major General Daya Rathnayake as the new Commissioner General of Rehabilitation, the government.

President tells teachers........

2009-07-31T08:12:00.000+05:30

President tells teachers:
People-centric policies to stay
IMF acknowledges Mahinda Chinthana viable

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday asserted that the Government’s people-centric policies, in line with the Mahinda Chinthana policy framework would never be sacrificed in order to gain financial or other advantages.-dailynews

New night mail train service from Colombo to Vavuniya ......

2009-07-31T08:11:00.000+05:30

New night mail train service from Colombo to Vavuniya

A new night mail train service was launched by the Government from Colombo to Vavuniya starting 9.45 pm yesterday (July 30).
"This is another historic move taken by the Government on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's direction," Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma told the media in Vavuniya yesterday.
The Minister said the night mail service was suspended in March, 2008 following terrorist activities. The Government has been able to re-commence the night mail train service due to moves taken by it to eradicate terrorism.
Arrangements have also been made to extend the time of the night bus service operating in Vavuniya. The present night bus service operating until 7.30pm will be extended up to 10.00pm, he said.
The Minister said the Government will re-open the A-9 road only after the demining activities are completed and the green light given by the UN.
Measures will also be taken to develop the transportation of goods via a land route from Colombo to Vavuniya.
The Government will take steps to develop Vavuniya as a key economic hub. Initiatives will also be taken to reduce the number of check points in Vavuniya in keeping with the favourable security situation, he added.
Courtesy: Daily News

Combating threat of terrorism........

2009-07-30T12:28:00.003+05:30

Combating threat of terrorism:
Lanka perfect example - Bahrain PM
Three MoUs signed between the two countries:

Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa yesterday commended the manner in which Sri Lanka acted to defeat terrorism and said this is a perfect example to other countries which faced with the threat of terrorism.-dailynews

pix-Sudath Silva /P.D.Rangith

2009-07-29T08:33:00.000+05:30

openingvof the Sigiriya Museum

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda at the opening of the Sigiriya Museum. - Picture by Chandana Perera

Haul of arms and explosives.........

2009-07-29T08:32:00.000+05:30

Haul of arms and explosives found

Acting on a tip-off officers of the STF conducted a search operation yesterday (27) in NARAKAMAULLA, LAVENIARU, TARARIKULAM, and KURUTHTHAMBADA areas and recovered following weapons and explosives that had been buried.
T - 56 Weapons - 58

Grenade Pistol - 01

Grenade Pistol rounds - 02

9 mm Micro rounds - 2560

5.55x45 mm rounds - 3800

Land mine (11 kg 300g) - 01

Land mine (12kg) - 01

Side chargers (15kg) - 03

7.62x30 rounds - 11000

Anti Personnel mines - 111

MCNS

Mathata Thitha taking effec...........

2009-07-29T08:31:00.000+05:30

Mathata Thitha taking effect:
Marked drop in alcohol, tobacco use

With the anti-alcohol and anti-tobacco policies pursued by the present Government from 2005 under President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s Mathata Thitha policy the consumption of tobacco among school children and adults had been reduced considerably at present, a Global Youth Tobacco Survey had found. Accordingly, tobacco consumption among schoolchildren has declined from 5 percent in 1997 to 0.9 percent at present while among adults tobacco consumption has dropped from 13 percent in 1997 to 5 percent at present.-dailynews

Education Ministry decrees........

2009-07-28T08:41:00.002+05:30

Education Ministry decrees:
Mobile phone taboo in schools

In move to create a well disciplined student population in the country, the Education Ministry is to issue a special circular that prevents students from bringing mobile phones to the schools.dailynews

Former Japanese FM arrives in Sri Lanka........

2009-07-28T08:39:00.001+05:30

Former Japanese FM arrives in Sri Lanka

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda arrived in the country last night. He is expected to meet several top government officials during his visit -dailymirror

SAARC Council of Ministers to declare.....

2009-07-28T08:38:00.000+05:30

SAARC Council of Ministers to declare:
Decade of Intra-regional connectivity in SAARC

The Second Meeting of SAARC Ministers of Transport chaired by Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma was held at the Colombo Hilton on July 25 with the participation of all Member States of SAARC. dailynews

Historic Nallur Festival to be celebrated in grand scale this year

2009-07-27T14:55:00.002+05:30

Historic Nallur Festival to be celebrated in grand scale this year
Sri Lanka Tourism together with Sri Lanka Air force introduce direct charter flights to Jaffna

Thousands of Hindu devotees are expected to flock to the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil for the annual Nallur festival, which will be held from 27th July to 19th August. The annual festival is expected to be celebrated on a grand scale this year, with the dawn of peace in the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism, as an initiative to promote religious and cultural tourism, has spearheaded the promotion of the historic Nallur Festival, particularly with the Tamil Diaspora, who was encouraged to come with their families and participate in the festivities. Hon. Minister of Tourism Promotion Faiszer Musthapha with a delegation from the Tourism Ministry and Tourism Industry visited Jaffna last week to develop and promote the tourism and hotel industry in the peninsula ahead of the festival.more-TPB

New bridge over Mahaweli.......

2009-07-27T09:26:00.002+05:30

New bridge over Mahaweli :

President Mahinda Rajapaksa participating at the opening of the Kandy-Katugastota new bridge by cutting a ribbon yesterday. Ministers Dr.Sarath Amunugama, T.B Ekanayake, Keheliya Rambukwelle, Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake, Highways Ministry Secretary Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda , ‘Maga Neguma’ Chairman Jaliya Kulasekara are also in the picture. Picture by Sudath Silva

source-Dailynews

Inspector General of Police directs: ......

2009-07-27T09:24:00.000+05:30

Inspector General of Police directs:
Three pronged attack on crime

Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne at a special conference at his chambers on Friday assigned three Deputy Inspectors General of Police to combat three major crimes in the country. They are - gang operated organised crimes, illicit liquor and hard drug trafficking. dailynews

Reactivation of Press Council

2009-07-23T04:58:00.001+05:30

Reactivation of Press Council:
Not a move to suppress journalists

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told Parliament yesterday the moves taken by the Government to reactivate the Press Council has not been taken whatsoever to suppress journalists or impose restrictions on media personnel as highlighted by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.dailynews

Galle MC -PO leader shot dead.......

2009-07-23T04:53:00.003+05:30

Galle MC opposition leaderDushantha shot dead

The Galle Municipal Council (MC) opposition leader Dushantha Seniviratna (40 year old) was shot dead by unidentified gunmen traveling on a motorbike in Galle yesterday(22)says by Police.

Huge progress in estate schools ..........

2009-07-22T08:56:00.002+05:30

Huge progress in estate schools
All facilities provided including 3600 teacher appointments:

President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed that the estate sector has seen tremendous development in terms of education and that teacher shortages in the estate sector have already been solved by appointing over 3600 educated youth in the area as teachers. “We have provided adequate teachers to the Estate schools”, the President added. dailynews

Sri lanka to have action plan......

2009-07-20T14:40:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka to have action plan on human rights

(Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government said Monday that it would soon announce an action plan to safeguard human rights and prevent torture and disappearances.
"This action plan would show our commitment and our determination to minimize, prevent or even eradicate torture and disappearances," Minister of Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe told reporters.
Samarasinghe said a committee headed by the island's attorney general has been appointed to draft the plan.
"The committee is tasked to come out with the plan as soon as possible," Samarasinghe said.
Sri Lanka's recent human rights record was called into question during the final phase of the military conflict between the government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) during which thousands of civilians were reportedly killed and more than 300,000 displaced.
However, the government was successful in defeating a motion against it at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in May.
UN Secretary General has called for an independent probe on allegations of human rights violations of the island.
The LTTE was defeated in May after fighting for an independent Tamil homeland in the north and east for more than two decades.

President at Mahiyanganaya.....

2009-07-20T09:23:00.002+05:30

President at Mahiyangana

President at Mahiyangana: President Mahinda Rajapaksa arriving at the Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya for the felicitation accorded to him and the Security Forces on the second month of the liberation of the country from terrorism. With the President are the Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Thera and Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. Picture by Kamal Jayamanne

prices of milk.....

2009-07-20T09:21:00.000+05:30

Prices of imported milk powder drops

The prices of imported milk powder was reduced by the Government said Minister of Consumer Affairs Bandula Gunawardena yesterday (18).
Accordingly the prices of imported milk powder will be reduced with effect from midnight Monday (20). The price of a 1 kg packet of milk powder will be reduced by Rs 37 while a 400g packet of milk powder will come down by Rs 15 stated Minister Bandula Gunawardena. lankapuwath

All set for Sri Lanka’s biggest beach festival to set Hikkaduwa ablaze

2009-07-17T11:36:00.001+05:30

All set for Sri Lanka’s biggest beach festival to set Hikkaduwa ablaze

The much awaited ‘Hikkaduwa Beach Fest 09’, is set to take place from the 30th of July to the 2nd August. Held in the southern coastal strip of the country, last year’s Hikkaduwa Beach Fest attracted more than 10,000 people. Organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the Hikkaduwa Beach Fest is Sri Lanka’s biggest beach festival, with top international artistes and DJs flown into Sri Lanka especially for the four day mega event.

Climate Change crisis: ..........

2009-07-17T09:15:00.001+05:30

Climate Change crisis:
President for pragmatic policy

Human activity is causing the global climate to heat-up at an alarming rate. This will have far-reaching consequences for animal and plant life and for human civilization, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said addressing the Non Aligned Movement Summit in Egypt on Wednesday.dailynews.lk

UK aid for Lanka displaced ......

2009-07-17T09:02:00.000+05:30

UK aid for Lanka displaced

The British government says it has allocated nearly five million dollars to aid projects for Sri Lankan civilians displaced by recent fighting between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels.
The Department for International Development (DfID) says the money will be used to help over two hundred and eighty thousand people return home.
"Conditions in the camps are improving, but are still basic. There are reports of high levels of malnutrition, overcrowding and inadequate access to decent water and sanitation facilities," a DfID statement issued on Tuesday said.
It said the funds would help provide logistics, transport, emergency shelters and basic services.
The agency said that it would also give people cash grants so that they could buy seeds and tools.
The British government said that it is part of a nearly 20 million dollar humanitarian funding that the UK has already committed for Sri Lanka displaced.bbc Sinhala.com

UK aid for Lanka displaced .......

2009-07-16T05:20:00.000+05:30

Sri Lanka looks to future with hope and enthusiasm .......

2009-07-16T05:11:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka looks to future with hope and enthusiasm
Calls for deferment of debt payment and creation of NAM Reserve facility:

A great sigh of relief has now swept across the entire nation being finally released from the grip of the fear of terrorism. The Sri Lankan Nation now looks to the future with renewed hope and enthusiasm, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the 15th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement being held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt todayJuly 15. dailynews-pic-Sudath Silva

NAM summit focus on global financial crisis - President makes statement today ....

2009-07-16T05:10:00.002+05:30

NAM summit focus on global financial crisis - President makes statement today

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will attend the 15th summit of Heads of State of the Non-Aligned Movement that opens in Sharm El-Sheikh, today (July 15) at the Maritime Congress Center, which will focus on issues facing the developing countries due to the current word economic and financial crises caused mainly by the policies of the developed countries of the West.defence.lk

New appointments in Defence top brass ...

2009-07-13T09:17:00.003+05:30

New appointments in Defence top brass

Lankapuvath- President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Army Chief Sarath Fonseka as the Chief of Defence Staff. Maj. Gen Jagath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the new Army Commander with effect from July 15.

doctors who served.....

2009-07-09T04:37:00.001+05:30

Doctors who served in uncleared areas meet the media

"We thought LTTE were liberators of the Tamil people. They forcibly recruit children and youth. 3 - 4 from every family. I treated girls and boys of 14 - 15 age group who had been child recruits. It was a useless war. Their strategy was to use civilians as a human shield and to mislead the international community and obtain their support. They shouldn't have brought the war to the no war zone. Now LTTE leadership is decimated and people are liberated. We hope government will develop the area and Tamil diasphora should support." said Dr. Sivapalan at the media conference held at MCNS today(08).
As for me, I cooperate with the investigators. I want to serve people irrespective of the community under the Sri Lankan government, Dr. Sivapalan added.
"We regret very much for providing false information to foreign media while we were working in LTTE control area due to intense pressure from the LTTE" confessed Dr. Sivapalan, one of the five Doctors who answered queries by the Sri Lankan media personnel at this special media conference.
"While we were in the LTTE controlled area, we functioned as medical officers according to LTTE orders. We could not act according to our opinion. But now, there is a legal process concerning us. We are under legal custody and investigations are going on. The CID which is a government department conducts a proper legal process. In fact, we can even argue. We are aware that there is reasonable suspicion because we had to give medical treatment to LTTE cadres, during our stay with them. We are also aware that Sri Lanka is a democratic state Dr. Sivapalan stressed.
"The LTTE took the medicine supplied by the government. They had their own hospitals" Dr. Sivapalan revealed. He was able to handle maternity cases, the doctor revealed.
"I had to serve as a surgeon too in the South and the North. I see no difference between the blood of Tamils and Sinhala. Youth of both communities lose life and limb. War is over All of us unite to develop the country. I take this opportunity to thank the President and the Security Forces who rescued us. All Sri Lankan youth to unite and work selflessly" appealed Dr. Ilancheliyan.
"08 times government sent medical supplies but they didn't receive. The problem was that LTTE took medicine from us to treat their injured. They asked to tell media we don't have medicine, There was a shortage of medicine because LTTE took the whole stock said Dr. Vardharaja."
"The LTTE grabbed major part of food brought in ICRC shipments for use of their cadres. Civilians did not get them. First we opted to remain in the uncleared area for the sake of our families and other civilians. Later when the conflict intensified. we realized we were no longer be able to help the civilians said Dr. Ilancheliyan. We covered every field not only treating the injured but also maternity and pediatric fields, said Dr. Ilancheliyan.
Answering a query Dr. Sathyamoorthy revealed that the doctors themselves requested the government to organize a media conference to reveal their experience.
The LTTE used our names for their false propaganda against the Sri Lankan government. They put our names on the Internet with statements purported to have made by us. We were not a position to object. We didn't even know the LTTE used our names at the moment' said Dr. Vardharaja.
We gave exaggerated figures of civilian casualties to the media as ordered by the LTTE. Between January 15 - May 15 only 350 - 400 dead bodies of civilians were brought to hospitals revealed Dr. Sathyamoorthy.
Dr. Sivapalan served in the LTTE medical corps and four others. Dr. Shanmugaraja, Dr. Vardharaja, Dr. Sathyamoorthy and Dr. Ilancheliyan who participated at the media conference served the government hospitals before escaping.
All the doctors profusely expressed their gratitude to the H.E. the President and to the Security Forces.
They expressed the hope that they will continue to serve the people of the motherland in government hospitals in future.
Courtesy : MCNS

Clearing operation.....

2009-07-09T04:27:00.001+05:30

Clearing operations continued; more weapons found

Sri Lanka armed forces and police personnel are continuing their clearing operations in the former LTTE dominated areas in the northern and eastern provinces. The aim of these operations is to ensure the safety of the areas for the resettlement activities.
During yesterday's operations (Jul 7) , police acting on information found 3 night vision devices , one hand grenade and 90 T-56 ammo from the Asikulam area. Also, 300 water purification tablets were found at the same location.
Meanwhile , troops conducting clearing operations in the Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu and Puthukkuddyiruppu areas found 14 mortar bombs, 26 hand grenades, 13 claymore mines, four land mines, three T-56 rifles, one T-81 rifle, one pistol, two shotguns with ammo, 185 AP mines, 33 booby traps, 20 RPG bombs, 15 arty shells (130mm) ,195 ammo used for T-56 riffles, 300 MPMG ammo, 700 ammo used for 12.7mm machine guns, 20 kg of high explosives , 7m long detonator code and 16 detonators. Among the other items found were 2 body armours and 2 helmets .
Clearing operations are being continued. defence.lk

Rs. 250m daily for Northern civilian upkeep ...

2009-07-08T09:08:00.000+05:30

Rs. 250m daily for Northern civilian upkeep

The Government spends over Rs. 250 million daily for the welfare of over 300,000 displaced civilians in the Northern Province, said Agriculture and Agrarian Services Minister Maithreepala Sirisena.
dailynews

Solution to ethnic issue after next presidential poll – President Rajapakse

2009-07-08T09:07:00.002+05:30

Solution to ethnic issue after next presidential poll – President Rajapakse

President Mahinda Rajapakse says that any form of solution to the ethnic issue would be presented only after the next presidential election.
The President had made this comment in an interview with The Hindu newspaper.
President Rajapakse had said he was looking at devolving power at provincial level and that he did not have confidence in a solution based on a federal structure.
According to the country’s Constitution, the incumbent President could hold office till 2011. However, the President had not made any clear statement that he would call for a presidential election before the end of the present term. www.lankanewsweb.com

Ministry to invest Rs. 869m for Northern fishermen

2009-07-03T10:06:00.001+05:30

Ministry to invest Rs. 869m for Northern fishermen

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministry will invest Rs. 869 million to re-engage the fishermen of North who were denied fishing opportunities due to terrorist activities.
This investment will be placed in line with the 180 day accelerated program launched by the Government under the Uthuru Vasanthaya master development drive of the North.
This was revealed by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera addressing the media yesterday.
Minister Perera explained that the rehabilitation of the fishery industry in the North will be launched in three stages - 180 day plan, middle term and long term plan.
All the required boats, fishing gear and other implements will be provided to the fishermen after resettlement. Before their settlement, 3.7 million of fingerlings will be put into all reservoirs in the Northern Province. The Minister said the estimated cost under the middle level plan will be over Rs.1,170 million.
The Ministry hopes to obtain this money through the supplementary budget and the foreign funds coming through the FAO/CIDA.
He also said his Ministry has decided to increase fish production in the North and market the surplus in Southern parts of the country to uplift the economy of the fishermen in the North.
Courtesy : Daily News-(By : Shirley WIJESINGHE)

Ayurvedic hospital to Trincomalee........

2009-07-03T10:01:00.000+05:30

Ayurvedic hospital to Trincomalee

Lankapuvath -A Ayurvedic hospital will be established in Tricomallee.
The hospital is being constructed for the benefit of the locals in the area as well as for the benefit of the Medical students of the Eastern University. A media release issued by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine said that with the establishments of the hospital the medical students will be able to get practical training in the hospital.
The Outdoor Patients Dispensary (OPD) of the hospital will be opened on the 06th of July at Koonespuri in Trincomalee with the participation of Minister of Indigenous Medicine Tissa Karalliyadda, Chief Minister of Eastern Province Shivanesathurai Chandrakanth, Health Minister of the Eastern Province A L M H Hisbulla and Minister of Nation Building Susantha Punchi Nilame.

Suspected LTTE agent.....

2009-07-02T05:27:00.000+05:30

Suspected LTTE agent arrested over throwing acid at Sri Lankan students - Australia

A suspected LTTE terrorist in Australia Amalathepan Srikantharajah (25) of Girraween has been arrested by the Australian detectives for an attempted murder of two Sri Lankan students by throwing acid at them. The suspect with few others allegedly attacked two Sri Lankan students, Chahunika Werasinghe (27) and housemate Jayasiri Watawala (22) while they were at their home. The attack caused severe injuries to the victims.
The unprovoked attack took place in the immediately after Sri Lankan Armed Forces defeated the LTTE terrorists in May and also confirmed the death of the LTTE leader V. Prbhakaran.
The police are looking for the other offenders, the coordinator of the effort, Strike Force Dorwood Commander Albert Joseph said. He further added by saying, "a male person has been charged with attempted murder, break and enter with intent to commit murder, and use a corrosive substance to maim another person".
Apart from the acid burns on their faces one also suffered stab wounds to the stomach and a broken ankle.
Commander Albert Joseph said in a statement:
"Extensive investigations have been conducted by the Strike Force Doorwood investigation team and as a result, the man arrested today already faces a charge of failing to disclose the identification of a passenger in his vehicle following the incident and two other men have previously been charged with concealing a serious offence.
Detective Inspector Joseph said the two victims had been informed of the latest arrest which is the first directly related to the attack. Police also said the two victims are recovering from their horrific injuries caused by the acid.
The 25 year old man is currently being transported to central local court where he will face court on Wednesday. defence.lk

tamil govt will be formed in lanka....

2009-07-02T05:25:00.000+05:30

Tamil govt will be formed in Lanka: MK

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Wednesday expressed hope that a government led by Tamils would be formed soon in Sri Lanka. He also said that the ailing Tamils in the island nation could at present get respite only through the Mahinda Rajapakse government.
Replying to a special call attention motion in the Assembly over the plight of Tamils in the neighbouring country, he said the conflict in Lanka between Sinhalese and Tamils was taking place for more than five decades now.
‘I am the one who is aware of this problem since its beginning. I had even penned it in a detail way in my novel Pandaraka Vannian,’ the Chief Minister said and added: ‘Both the Union and Tamilnadu governments are keen to help the Lankan Tamils.
A Lankan delegation met me recently and asked to send a committee to take stock of the situation there. I told them that the Centre should give clearance to take further decision and a formal invite should be extended from their end.’
Stating that former Chief Minister C N Annadurai had to give up the ‘Dravida Nadu’ demand due to various reasons, Karunanidhi said there was nothing wrong in changing stands for the welfare of the people.
‘The Centre is now respecting State governments thanks to the pressure from our side on various occasions. Likewise, a Lankan government respecting the sentiments of Tamils should be formed,’ he said.
The Chief Minister further said: ‘Like how Barack Obama from the oppressed community became the President of the United States, let us hope that a government led by Tamils would be formed soon in Lanka.’
He however said that the only way to help Tamils in the present situation was through the Rajapakse government. ‘In order to help our brothers and sisters in the island nation, we should not come out with hard hitting remarks against Sinhalese. Because, in the present scenario, we could only reach Tamils through them,’ he said. -newstodaynet.com

Sri Lanka safe place for tourists - Foreign Ministry

2009-06-29T08:48:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka safe place for tourists - Foreign Ministry

The Foreign Ministry has directed all Sri Lankan missions overseas to persuade the host countries to lift travel advisories on Sri Lanka as the country's situation has rapidly changed with the eradication of terrorism.

According to a Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sri Lankan envoys in foreign missions were directed to initiate a dialogue with the respective Foreign Ministries and convince them that Sri Lanka is a safer place for tourists.

He said they have been asked to highlight that Sri Lanka for the past two years have held a number of international conferences and summits such as SARRC and no incidents of violence or terrorist activities were reported from any part of the country after terrorism was completely eradicated by the Security Forces.

The Foreign missions will also educate the respective Governments on the initiatives taken by the Health Ministry to control epidemics such as swine flu and Dengue, he said.

"International insurance underwriters based in London recently lowered the war risk level of Sri Lanka from 3.4 to 3.0 and changed the Sri Lanka's status from severe to high. The Joint Cargo Committee of London also removed Sri Lanka from the JCC's Air - war \strikes risk list," he said.

Courtesy : Daily News

Govt. committed to resettle IDPs in six months.....

2009-06-26T09:27:00.001+05:30

Govt. committed to resettle IDPs in six months
Sri Lankan delegation assures India

The government reiterated its commitment to resettle in six months all IDPs now staying in relief centres, after their release from being held hostage by the LTTE.
The was conveyed by the high-level Sri Lankan delegation comprising Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapaksa MP, the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga which met Indian foreign minister S M Krishna yesterday. defence.lk

Sri Lankan reporter 'kidnapped' .........

2009-06-26T08:28:00.001+05:30

Sri Lankan reporter 'kidnapped'

A Sri Lankan journalist says she was kidnapped from outside her home in the capital Colombo and held for a day by people claiming to be the police.
Krishni Ifam, a Tamil reporter who works for media development NGO Internews, said the men had warned her to give up journalism altogether.
She said she was then released in the central city of Kandy late on Wednesday with a tiny amount of cash.
Police in Sri Lanka could not be reached for comment.
Unmarked vans
Ms Ifam has been speaking about her ordeal on a private television station and, separately, to the BBC.
She said men who said they were policemen forced her to get into their vehicle outside her Colombo home early on Wednesday and drove for several hours while keeping her blindfolded.
She said they had taken her belongings, asked if she was writing articles for foreign media outlets and warned her to give up journalism altogether before releasing her.
Ms Ifam used to write for a prominent Tamil-language newspaper.
Separately, a columnist who usually covers astrology was picked up late on Wednesday by men with identity cards from the Criminal Investigation Department. His wife said he was still being held 24 hours later.
In both these cases the vehicles used were said to be unmarked white vans, which have become notorious in Sri Lanka as a means of abduction and sometimes disappearance.
The Sri Lankan government insists that the media here are free.
But many journalists say they do not feel free to write or broadcast what they want - many have been physically attacked and others have fled into exile.
BBC News, Colombo

Michael Jackson, 50, legendary 'King of Pop' dead in Los Angeles

2009-06-26T08:12:00.005+05:30

Michael Jackson, 50, legendary 'King of Pop' dead in Los Angeles

Pop icon Michael Jackson died Thursday after being taken to a Los Angeles hospital in cardiac arrest, officials said. He was 50.
The "Thriller" superstar was unconscious and not breathing when Fire Department paramedics were summoned to Jackson's Bel Air home by a 911 call at 12:26 California time.
They desperately tried to resuscitate the faded King of Pop as a cherry-red ambulance sped him to UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
"You've got to save him!" aides to the star screamed as he was wheeled into the hospital on the stretcher, the Web site TMZ.com reported.
Jackson's mother and his sister LaToya were seen rushing into the hospital, apparently after he had already died.
The cause of death was unknown. The Los Angeles County coroner said an autopsy would be performed Friday.
Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, said through her lawyer she was "inconsolable" at the news.
"I lost my little brother today and part of my soul went with him," music mogul Quincy Jones said as tributes began pouring in.
In a sign of Jackson's enduring magnetism, crowds of mourners gathered outside the hospital within minutes of the news breaking.
Rev. Al Sharpton flashed a 25-year-old snapshot of Jackson and himself during a press conference outside the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
"We thought we'd see him moonwalk one more time," Sharpton said.
Jackson's death capped a life of dizzying superstardom and bizarre scandal and ended his bid to make a comeback with 50 sold-out concerts planned for London this summer.
He was training for the upcoming gigs with Lou Ferrigno, the star of the TV show The Incredible Hulk.

Longtime Jackson family lawyers Brian Oxman accused unnamed "enablers" of pushing the star too hard physically as he prepared for the tour.
The music legend burst onto the pop scene as a child star with the Jackson 5 nearly four decades ago. The group from Gary, Ind., produced hits like "ABC" and "I Want You Back."
He became the world's most popular musician when he went solo in the '70s. Once a sure-fire hit machine, he holds the record for the biggest-selling album with "Thriller."

He also wowed fans with monster hits like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It."
Millions of fans imitated his famed moonwalk dance and he was known worldwide as the Gloved One for his trademark handwear.
But personal and professional woes have eclipsed his talent for years.
He was acquitted in 2005 of molesting a young fan at his Neverland Ranch and caused an uproar by dangling one of his three children out of a Berlin hotel window in 2002.

His latest recordings suffered from tepid sales and a rumored comeback album never materialized.
Jackson's first wife was Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis, whom he married in 1994.
It was a match made in showbiz heaven but they split less than two years later.
He later married Australian Debbie Rowe and they had two children, Prince, 12 and Paris, 11, though she gave up her parental rights.
A third child, Prince Michael II, was reportedly born with the help of an anonymous surrogate mother.
Jackson had faced serious financial problems in recent years as sales wilted. Some reports said he was as much as $500 million in debt.
He faced certain foreclosure on Neverland until he managed to refinance the mortgage on the 270-acre spread.

Some analysts said he could make more than $200 million from this summer's concerts in Britain.
Jackson moved with his kids to Bahrain in the Persian Gulf after his molestation trial, but returned to Los Angeles in recent months. www.nydailynews.com

2009-06-25T04:18:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka to resettle war refugees soon: official

NEW DELHI (AFP) — A Sri Lankan official delegation visiting India said on Wednesday Colombo was working to resettle tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting on the island.
The team said Sri Lanka was also working for the "democratisation" of the country's north, where fierce fighting earlier this year led to the rout of the separatist Tamil Tiger guerrillas.
"We are getting all the assistance to start their livelihood programmes like agriculture, fisheries and livestock," Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse told reporters after meeting Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna.
"I think we can resettle the bulk of the people within a 180-day programme," he said, adding that Colombo had already begun rebuilding roads and bridges damaged in the fighting.
Nearly 300,000 civilians who fled Sri Lanka's war zone are detained in temporary shelters which the government calls "welfare villages".
The official said Colombo would "very soon" conduct elections to local government bodies in the north.
"For the last 30 years we did not have any representive in the grassroot level in local government or municipal councils there," he added.
Lalith Weeratunga, secretary to Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse, is also part of the visiting delegation meeting Indian officials in New Delhi.

Lanka ssures India tamils..........

2009-06-25T04:16:00.001+05:30

Lanka assures India Tamils will return home from camps

Sri Lanka on Wednesday assured India that it would ensure that Tamils, displaced during the military operations against LTTE, return to their homes after their camps are dismantled within six months.
The assurance was conveyed by a high-level Sri Lankan delegation which included Basil Rajapaksa, President's Special Envoy and G B Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary, which met foreign minister S M Krishna here.
Krishna told reporters later that India would assist in the resettlement and rehabilitation process of the displaced persons. New Delhi also remains committed to demining activity to ensure their safe return.
The Sri Lankan government's commitment to devolve "considerable power" to its provinces was also reaffirmed by the delegation, according to the minister.
He said the delegation had agreed to India's suggestion to allow the ship "Captain Ali" to off-load the relief material meant for displaced persons in Northern Sri Lanka. These items will now be routed through the Red Cross.
Earlier describing his discussions with Krishna as very "positive", Basil Rajapaksa said "we have given a positive reply to the Indian government and most of the requests have been approved. I should not mention what is going to be... but definitely it will be for the people in the camps."
On whether the ship will be allowed to off-load, Basil said "we have fulfilled the requirements".
Rajapaksa said he also had useful talks with the Indian delegation, especially regarding a programme to resettle all internally displaced persons who are now in relief camps.
"We have a 180-day programme. First how to do demining. The Indian government had earlier agreed to send four teams but now on the request made to them, they are trying to increase the number by 8. That will be helpful to resettle these people," Rajapaksa said.
Krishna said he also told the Lankan delegation about the need to "strictly adhere" to the understanding reached in October last on matters relating to fishing.
"The Sri Lankan government clarified that it does not contemplate putting up any structures at Katchchativu islet," the minister added.
The reported move by the Sri Lankan Navy to set up a base in Katchchativu had drawn the ire of a cross-section of people and parties in Tamil Nadu.
timesofindia

Uthuru Vasanthaya....

2009-06-25T04:13:00.000+05:30

Uthuru Vasanthaya :Rs. 1,058m worth projects for displaced children's education

Concurrent to the Uthuru Vasanthaya Northern Development Program launched by the Government to bring normality to the lives of people displaced from terrorism in the North, the Government has launched projects worth Rs. 1,058 million to provide higher education facilities to children of the displaced funded by the ADB and the World Bank. -defence.lk

Colombo reporters....

2009-06-25T04:11:00.002+05:30

Colombo reporters decry new body

Critics say press freedom is under attack in Sri Lanka The main media organisations in Sri Lanka have urged the government not to re-establish a body that can fine and imprison print journalists.
They say that self-regulation, introduced six years ago, is working.
Seven media bodies, headed by the Editors' Guild which groups the main newspaper editors, have written to President Rajapaksa.
They say that the reactivation of the Press Council fills them with deep concern and disappointment.
The reporters say that media culture should not be based on charging, fining and jailing journalists and added that Mr Rajapaksa himself had spoken up in favour of an independent press while in opposition seven years ago.
For the past six years a self-regulating Press Complaints Commission has fielded any readers' grievances.
The writers of the letter said this mechanism had the overwhelming support of those working in newspapers.
The old council was reactivated earlier this month by the government.
Staffed with government appointees, it adjudicates complaints against newspapers and has the power to imprison and fine journalists.
Contacted by the BBC, the media minister declined to comment on the matter.
In a separate development, lawyers who were defending a newspaper accused of defaming the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, have withdrawn from the case.
The defence ministry website said they had decided not to oppose the defence secretary "due to his dedication for the country". -BBC News, Colombo

Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship .......

2009-06-25T04:09:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka 'agree' to unload ship

India says Sri Lanka 'kindly agreed to our suggestion' The Indian government says Sri Lanka has agreed to accept a cargo of relief aid brought by Tamil expatriates in Europe and meant for people displaced by the now ended war in northern Sri Lanka. Earlier this month the Sri Lankan authorities had turned away the ship carrying the aid.
The news that the vessel, the Captain Ali, will after all be allowed to offload nearly 900 tonnes of food and medicine, came after talks in Delhi between India’s foreign minister, S.M. Krishna, and a high-level Sri Lankan delegation.
Indian Red Cross
Mr Krishna said in a communique that he had asked the Sri Lankans, as a humanitarian gesture, to let the boat unload the aid and that the visitors had “kindly agreed to our suggestion”.
He said the goods would be routed to Sri Lanka through the Indian Red Cross.
A crew member told the BBC he believed they would unload the cargo in Chennai, the Indian port near which they are currently anchored, and that the Red Cross would then take it on to the island.
A Tamil group called Mercy Mission to Vanni sent the aid on its journey from Britain and France two months ago and was accused by the Sri Lankan government of trying to help the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels.
But Mercy Mission says its aims are purely humanitarian.
It has thanked India for its intervention and help.-BBC News, Colombo

Focus on innovation and growth......

2009-06-22T09:00:00.000+05:30

President tells policy planners:
Focus on innovation and growth

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday asserted that Sri Lanka’s future economic strategies would be based on “home-grown” policies which would supplement the unique needs of the country. Addressing new recruits to the national planning service of the Finance and Planning Ministry at Temple Trees, the President emphasised that strategies should be developed by locals who have a thorough understanding of the ground realities with the intention of projecting what’s best for the country. dailynews

Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final of Twenty20....

2009-06-22T08:57:00.001+05:30

Pakistan are the Twenty20 champions
Pakistan won the 2009 Twenty20 cricket world cup beating Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in the final at Lords . The Pakistani’s won with 8 balls to spare. Shahid Arfridi top scored for the Pakistani’s with 54 off 40 balls.

The Pakistan team is seen here celebrating after being crowned the Twenty20 cricket World Champions. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the final of Twenty20 World Cup at Lords by 8 wickets. (Getty images) source-dailymirror

NCP people didn't flee

2009-06-19T08:48:00.002+05:30

President says :
NCP people didn’t flee

The people in the North Central Province didn’t flee in fear of LTTE terrorists leaving their villages and property. Buddhist priests protected the shrines from LTTE attacks. If not for them we would have to start our war against the LTTE from another location such as Kurunegala, Matale or Negombo, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday. dailynews

President Mahinda Rajapaksa offered to the public the conserved Jethavana Stupa one of the largest brick constructions of the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom built by King Mahasen in the Third Century AD yesterday. Picture by Kamal Jayamanne

Sri Lanka fighting over..........Ban

2009-06-19T08:45:00.001+05:30

Sri Lanka fighting over, but much work remains- Ban

The Sri Lankan Government last month declared that its military operation against Tamil rebels has ended, but there remain a number of outstanding issues that if left unaddressed could lead more violence, stated Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
In his remarks at a gala at the Foreign Policy Association in New York, Mr. Ban said that he has made it clear to President Mahinda Rajapaksa that though the fighting might be over, “there is much more to do.”
Mr. Ban, who was honoured with an award in recognition of his efforts in tackling global humanitarian issues, expressed his deep concern over the situation in Sri Lanka’s refugee camps.
He got a first-hand look at the situation in the camps, which are housing over 280,000 people displaced by the recently-concluded conflict between the Government and Tamil rebels, when he visited the country from 22 to 23 May.
In recent days, he has said that the Government has addressed some concerns he raised over humanitarian access to the camps, and that he was encouraged by its commitment to return 80 per cent of those displaced in the fighting to their homes by the end of this year. Nevertheless, he has noted that the conditions in the camps remain difficult.
“People must be allowed to return to their homes. There must be reconciliation. The Government of Sri Lanka must hold out their hands to the minority,” he told last night’s gathering.
“If this is not addressed, there might be more violence,” he warned.
The Secretary-General also called for accountability for those who may have committed human rights abuses, as was agreed in the joint statement issued with the Government at the end of his recent visit.
Mr. Ban reiterated his commitment to continue his work for the people of Sri Lanka, and for all people suffering from breaches of humanitarian law and human rights, in a wide-ranging speech that also touched on the violence plaguing various parts of the world, the economic crisis, and climate change -dailymirror

More warlike materials recovered.......

2009-06-18T04:21:00.002+05:30

More warlike materials recovered by Naval troops - Upparu Naval troops

conducted a search operation based on an information received and recovered few warlike materials buried in the Upparu Jungle, yesterday (16 June) around 1600 hrs.
Those items suspected to have been abandoned by the fleeing LTTE terrorists during the humanitarian operations launched by the Security Forces to liberate the East, recently. defence.lk

Swine flu hits Sri Lanka .....

2009-06-18T04:20:00.000+05:30

Second Swine Flu patient detected in Lanka

A second confirmed case of Swine Flu has been detected in Sri Lanka. The patient is the brother of the first case detected yesterday, a health official said adding that the parents of the children had however tested negative for the virus. dailymirror

Good flow through A9

2009-06-18T04:18:00.000+05:30

Goods flow through A9

Forty lorries permitted to travel a day Army escort for convoys Essentials include rice, sugar, dhal, oil
Around 35 lorries belonging to private traders transporting essential items to the North through the A9 Road left Medawachchiya yesterday morning. Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said 35 lorries of private traders have left from Medawachchiya check point carrying essential items to the North on the A9 Road after a lapse of several years. --dailynews

Sri Lanka players....

2009-06-17T08:23:00.002+05:30

Sri Lanka players celebrate beating New Zealand by 48 runs during the Super 8 stage of the ICC World Twenty 20 cricket match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on June 16, 2009. Ajantha Mendis spun out New Zealand as Sri Lanka roared into the World Twenty20 semi-finals with an emphatic 48-run win at Trent Bridge. AFP PHOTO

Swine flu hits Sri Lanka .....

2009-06-17T08:21:00.000+05:30

Swine flu hits Sri Lanka

Swine flu has spread to over 170 countries worldwide Sri Lanka health authorities say that they found the first confirmed case of Swine Flu in the island.Health minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told BBC Sandeshaya that two members from a family of nine were initially detained in Singapore on suspicion of infected with the viral flu.
The other members of the family have arrived in Wattala from Australia to attend a family wedding.
"Later we were informed by the Singapore authorities that the child detained is infected with the swine flu virus," the minister said.
Officials from the epidemiology unit of the health ministry have detained other family members and conducted investigations.
"Our investigations confirmed that another child was infected." he said.
It is the first reported case of the deadly virus in Sri Lanka.
Minister de Silva said all other passengers travelled in the flight to Colombo with the infected family will be tested for the virus.
The swine flu (H1N1) virus has now spread to 76 countries after it was first detected in Mexico in April.
Young working age adults have been the most likely to contract the virus, with a third to a half of complications presenting in otherwise healthy people. BBC

Strengthening Lanka-Myanmar ties: .........

2009-06-16T08:20:00.000+05:30

Strengthening Lanka-Myanmar ties:

President’s Myanmar visit pays dividends

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on a two-day state visit to Myanmar had discussions with senior leaders of Myanmar including State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe and Prime Minister General Thein Sein. -dailynews

Japan provides Rs. 13 million for two projects .........

2009-06-16T08:19:00.000+05:30

Japan provides Rs. 13 million for two projects

The Japanese Government has provided Rs. 10 million for an agricultural and livelihood project in Moneragala and Rs. 3 million for a health project in Polonnaruwa to improve, living environment, income and health of targeted communities.
The Project for Uplifting Living Standards of Communities living in three Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Moneragala District will be implemented by the Lower Uva Development Centre to renovate three roads, construct an anicut, improve a fruit processing facility, promote fruits production and to facilitate a water scheme.
The Project for Construction of Drinking Wells and Toilets for Resettled families in Medirigiriya, Polonnaruwa District will be implemented by the Arunodaya Rural Development Federation Medirigiriya to construct seven wells and 20 common toilet units.
The two projects will improve the living standards of 1,000 families. The Japanese Government provides funds to Non-Governmental Organizations and Governmental agencies through its Grant Assistance for Grass roots Human Security Projects (GGP) to fulfill urgent needs of all the communities at grassroots level.
This scheme has been in operation in Sri Lanka since 1989 and has provided funding assistance to 197 projects at a total value of approximately Rs. 2,750 million (US$ 24 million) for development and humanitarian projects.
The Japanese Government focuses its GGP on livelihood improvement support for the people of conflict affected ares, humanitarian demining for early resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons and uplifting lives of people in rural areas.
It is envisaged that these supports will contribute to enhance peace and development in Sri Lanka. The two Grant Contracts were signed between Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi, and Executive Director of Lower Uva Development Center L.H. Trilantha de Silva, and Project Coordinator of Arunodaya Rural Development Federation Medirigiriya K.W.G. Wilson on June 12 at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo.source-dailynews

president -Myanar.......

2009-06-15T08:49:00.001+05:30

President outlines two challenges:
Rehabilitation livelihood renewal Sri Lanka-Myanmar sign MoU on tourism promotion :

President Mahinda Rajapaksa currently on a State visit to Myanmar said that his latest challenge is to rehabilitate the war torn region and bring normalcy to the lives of the people. The 30 year old cruel war against terrorism cost 100,000 lives, he said.dailynews

Military haedware recovered......Trinco...

2009-06-15T08:47:00.000+05:30

More military hardware recovered - Trincomalee & Mullaittivu

Based on an information received, Police troops attached to Serunuwara Police, conducted a search operation in the Trincomalee area recovered the following military items from Thonithottammadhu area yesterday (13 June). defence.lk

IDP welfare.......

2009-06-12T09:01:00.000+05:30

IDP welfare:
Tangible progress - Akashi

The condition of internal displaced persons (IDPs) in welfare centres in the North has achieved tangible progress compared to his last visit to Sri Lanka, Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi said adding that resettlement of IDPs have to be made after demining activities are completed.dailynews

Keleniya University indefinitely closed ....

2009-06-12T08:58:00.001+05:30

Keleniya University indefinitely closed

Colombo -Lankapuvath -The Keleniya University was immediately closed for all students indefinitely except for the Medical Faculty.The University premises were tense this morning due to a dispute between the students and the residents in the area from last night (10). It is reported that an exchange of words have caused the incident.The police arrived at the University to mediate in the conflict. pix-dailymirror

political solustion.....

2009-06-10T12:32:00.000+05:30

Political solution, a Sri Lankan affair- Shiv Shanker Menon

(Colombo Lankapuvath June 10) A political solution for the National Question is a Sri Lankan affair and it is not the task of India, Norway or the United Nations to push Sri Lanka towards a political solution, Indian Foreign Secretary Shiv Shanker Menon told a group of Sri Lankan editors visiting India at the invitation of Indian Government. It is only Sri Lanka that would decide whether to provide a solution on the lines of 13th Amendment or go beyond it emphasized Mr Menon. Liberating the Tamil people from the clutches of terrorism is highly commendable and we should work together to build a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka he said.Menon also said that India has already provided Indian Rs. 5 billion for relief and rehabilitation in the North.

Sri Lanka should devolve powers ........

2009-06-08T08:46:00.000+05:30

Sri Lanka should devolve powers to Tamils: Chidambaram

Chennai (PTI) Sri Lanka should devolve powers to Tamils in line with the Indo-Sri Lankan Accord and "if possible go even beyond that", Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Sunday.
"The Sri Lankan government should implement the 13th amendment of the Indo-Lankan Accord on devolution of powers.... if possible go beyond that," he told reporters after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi here to discuss the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.
Mr. Chidambaram said the Sri Lankan government should strictly proceed towards rehabilitating the Tamils. India, he said, too was working for the internally displaced Tamils and had donated large sums of money.
Mr. Chidambaram, who called on Mr. Karunanidhi for the first time after taking charge as Home Minister in the new UPA government, said he met the DMK chief to get "inputs on what he was thinking and what has to be done for Lankan Tamils and how to rehabilitate them as well as how we should be proceed in this regard".
He said he would present Mr. Karunanidhi's "thoughts" at the union cabinet meeting. (PTI)

Yal devi.....

2009-06-08T08:43:00.002+05:30

Yal Devi to reunite North and South

A thirty -year conflict comes to an end, and we bid farewell to an age of separation and usher in a new era of togetherness.
The "Yal Devi" track, which united the Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim and Burgher communities of the North and the South in times gone by, fell into ruin, and the trains ran only to Vavuniya, thereby making the division between the North and the South larger, said Project Director of the Yal Devi Louzanne Perera.
The track is now being rebuilt and the "Yal Devi" is poised to bring together the people of the North and the South again.
On the directive of President, Mahinda Rajapaksa the Ministry of Transport has dedicated itself to rebuild the railway track, which will cost an estimated Rs. 15 billion.
After the 4 Km track from Vavuniya to Thandikulam has been completed as the first stage, the track is to be further extended up to Kankesanthurai. An Uthuru Mithuru campaign has been launched islandwide to raise funds for this endeavour.
Yesterday, the Yal Devi made its maiden journey with religious observances at the Colombo Fort Railway Station.
The train went beyond Vavuniya after twenty-years on the Northern line up to Thandikulam, which was refurbished recently. Plans are under way by the Railway Department to extend the Yal Devi service up to Kankesanthurai, the final destination on the Northern line. -defence.lk

SL Navy seize LTTE cargo vessel off Colombo ..

2009-06-05T08:29:00.001+05:30

SL Navy seize LTTE cargo vessel off Colombo

SRI LANKA-An LTTE cargo vessel 'Captain Ali', was seized by Sri Lankan Navy patrol craft 160 Nm off the Colombo seas this morning (June 4). According to Naval sources, the Syriyan vessel 'Captain Ali' had set off from United Kingdom on 20th April, 2009 under the pretext of a 'mercy mission' towards Puthumathalan, Sri Lanka, intended to provide essential logistic supply for the diminishing terrorists.
The vessel is now being towed towards the Colombo harbour with a crew of 15 including its captain Christia Goomesta, an Icelander and a former SLMM member. The vessel is carrying 884T of cargo which is yet to be cleared the sources further said.-defence.lk

India for political solution in Sri Lanka .....

2009-06-05T08:28:00.000+05:30

India for political solution in Sri Lanka

New Delhi, June 4 (IANS) With the Tamil Tigers decimated, India Thursday pledged to support initiatives aimed at finding a permanent political solution in Sri Lanka to ensure equal rights to the Tamil minority.
"We will support initiatives in Sri Lanka which can lead to a permanent political solution of the conflict there, and ensure that all Sri Lankan communities, especially the Tamils, feel secure and enjoy equal rights so that they can lead a life of dignity and self-respect," President Pratibha Patil told a joint session of the Indian parliament.
"India will make appropriate contribution to rehabilitate those affected in the conflict," Patil said.
After Sri Lanka crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) last month, New Delhi asked Colombo to address the "root cause of the conflict" with suitable power sharing formula.
India’s main focus now is to work with the government of Sri Lanka to provide relief and rehabilitate over 200,000 Tamil civilians displaced by the conflict.