More power in November July 30 (DN) The national power grid would be enriched by a further
300 MW (over 12 percent of the existing capacity) in November, courtesy the
Norochcholai Coal Power plant, according to Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. The
first phase of the Norochcholai Power Plant is to be completed in the first week
of November with the coal firing being scheduled to begin in the last week of
the same month.
'Rise
of Al-qaeda led to the fall of LTTE' July 30 (HT) The multi-pronged 9/11 attacks by Al-Qaeda on the US
in 2001 turned world opinion against armed insurgencies across the world
including the LTTE, leading eventually to its decimation, a top Tamil Tiger
leader has said. Currently the senior-most Tiger leader in custody, TS
Pathmanathan, widely known as KP, also said that he was in touch with the United
Nations during the last days of the war in May, 2009 to work out an arrangement
– probably either a surrender or
Reading the riot act to Bob Blake July 30 (DM) Robert O. Blake, better known as Bob, currently US
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs and formerly
the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka was on a official visit to Sri Lanka last week.
He held discussions with his interlocutors in government, met a range of other
people and then generally made his views known about the need for post war
ethnic reconciliation (through a political solution) and
A studded gold casket to Somawathiya after a
dozen centauries July 30 (LP) A gold casket carrying relics of Buddha was offered by
Dr. Samadhi Rajapakse, of the Cancer Institute, Maharagama to Ven. Pahamune Sri
Sumangala Maha Nahimi, the Viharadipathi of Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya at a
ceremony organized recently in the temple premises, in Somawathiya. This was a
historical event as this casket was the one offered to this temple nearly 1200
years ago by ancient kings for the purpose of taking it in procession.
UK says Lanka now safe
July 30 (DM) The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory on
Sri Lanka by removing the advise against travel to the four northern provinces
of Mullaitivu, Killinochchi, Mannar and Vavuniya. The British High Commission in
a statement said that the advice follows a security assessment carried out by a
High Commission delegation, led by Deputy High Commissioner Mark Gooding, which
visited the Northern provinces in June.
'Law provides for KP to turn State witness' July 30
(Island) The government said yesterday that the law provided
for even a criminal to turn State witness and that applied to the LTTE’s former
arms procurer Kumaran Pathmanathan as well. While dodging a question whether
Shanmugam Kumaran Tharmalingam alias Selvarasa Kumaran Pathmanathan would be
pardoned in spite of his involvement in criminal offences against the Sri Lankan
State, Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told
The UN Secretary General’s ‘Advisory’Panel July 29
(Island) The US Assistant Secretary of State for South and
Central Asian Affairs, Robert Blake, during his recent visit to Sri Lanka
stated: "The US believes the UN panel can play an important advisory role with
Sri Lanka’s commission. The panel is only an advisory panel and does not have an
investigative role"(Daily Mirror online, July 22, 2010). According to the UN
Secretary General (SG) the particular nature and
Sri
Lanka invites top 10 global banks to raise dollars July 29
(N360) Sri Lanka has invited top 10 banks in the Bloomberg
League table to submit proposals to raise US$ 1 billion by a planned sovereign
bond issue , which is due after august this year. C.J.P. Siriwardena, Assistant
Governor of the Central Bank told www.news360.lk the invitations were sent
during last week. Among the Banks invited ranks Barclays Capital, Deutsche Bank,
JP Morgan, UBS, Credit Suisse, CITI, Merrill Lynch, BNP Paribas, HSBC and RBS
Chinese team of Specialists to assist in
landmine removal July 29 (LP) The Chinese Government extends their support in the
ongoing removal of landmines from areas in the North-Eastern provinces. A
Specialist team, which included members from the Chinese Military, arrived in
Sri Lanka to observe the mine removal process, and have had primary talks with
the officers of the National Programme for the Removal of Anti-Personnel Mines,
which is under the Ministry of Economic Development.
Sri Lanka ex-army chief faces new trial July 29 (AFP)
Sri Lanka's former army chief and defeated
presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka was brought before the Colombo High Court
on Thursday to answer charges of provoking violence. Fonseka, who already faces
two courts martial and two more criminal cases, was taken before a three-member
"trial-at-bar" for the first time and charged, his attorney said. "The main
charge is inciting people to violence,"
'NGOs can contribute to resettlement drive'
July 28 (MoD) Defence Spokesman Keheliya
Rambukkwella yesterday stated that any public representative and Non Government
Organization can visit the North and East and contribute to its ongoing
resettlement drive and the development process. He stated that the NGOs that
wish to contribute in the development process and the resettlement process could
go there but not those with ulterior motives that
'Rienzie was disgusted with the way UNPers were
fighting each other'
July 28 (Island) Veteran UNPer Rienzie Algama, who
set himself ablaze in front of Sirikotha on Monday evening, had wanted UNPers to
unite and for the various factions to stop squabbling in the interests of the
party, Deputy Leader of the UNP Karu Jayasuriya said. He said that as far as he
was aware, Rienzie had not wanted anyone to step down. But, he was disgusted
with the manner in which UNPers were at each other’s throat to the detriment of
the party.
President tells scientific community: Focus
research on development
July 28 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed
the need for integrating the enormous talents and potential of local researchers
and scientists into the country’s massive development drive. He was of the
opinion that their research should necessarily be made use of, for the
development of country. President Rajapaksa made these observations at the
Presidential awards for scientific research
Solar power ‘net metering system’ introduced
July 28 (DN) A high-tech electricity producing
system driven by solar power has been introduced by the Power and Energy
Ministry. The new method called ‘Net Metering System’ was officially introduced
by Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka yesterday. According to
the new method, electricity is produced with a set of solar panels which are
more efficient than the conventional solar panels.
'Domestic consumers permitted to produce power for
their own use'
July 28 (GDI) The Ministry of Power and Energy has
taken a new step to allow the domestic consumers to produce their own power
requirements. The Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka said
that the Ministry has decided to permit the generation of power within
households with alternative sources such as wind or solar. Consumers will have
the option of producing energy more than they require
'Constitutional changes to reflect people’s
wishes'
July 27 (DN) President Mahinda Rajapaksa emphasized
that changes to the Constitution would be drafted taking into consideration the
wishes of the public of Sri Lanka and not individual interest. He said that top
priority would be given to development and the country’s security in line with
the people’s needs when enacting changes to the Constitution. He stressed that
constitutional changes would not be done according to the whims and fancies of
individuals
Eelam war IV: Tiger captives down to 7,900, rehab
programme on track
July 27 (Island) Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe,
Commissioner General of Rehabilitation says LTTE cadres are being gradually
released from government centres following rehabilitation in the Northern and
Eastern Provinces. Brig. Ranasinghe, who succeeded Major General Daya Ratnayake,
says their work is on track thereby allowing small groups of LTTE cadres to
rejoin their families every month
Mervyn, Rosy step-in to settle dispute: Three MPs
in Mega Star fray July
27 (Island) In a rare case of teamwork between government and Opposition
members, Deputy Minister Mervyn Silva and UNP MP Rosy Senanayake intervened on
Sunday to settle a simmering dispute between Rajiv Sebastian and Ajith
Weerasinghe, a contestant of Swarnavahini’s Star’ over a derogatory statement
attributed to Sebastian during a previous programme.
Delayed action on anti-Lanka petition: JVP slams
US over double standards
July 27 (Island) JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake
accused US of double standards and working to an agenda targeting Sri Lanka in a
post-LTTE era. He acknowledged that the US, which had ignored a petition
targeting Sri Lanka in 2008 and 2009 recently declared its intention to act on
it in line with its new strategy. ‘They are working to an agenda," he said,
while blaming the Rajapaksa administration for paving the way for US
interference in domestic issues.
Man who set fire to himself before the UNP HQ dies
July 27 (LP) The person who set fire on himself
before the Sirikotha UNP Headquarters has died. The Colombo General Hospital
reported that he passed away yesterday. The 60-year-old Mr. Algama, who set fire
on himself yesterday evening in front of the Sirikotha Mansion was rushed soon
afterwards to the South Colombo Teaching Hospital and owing to the seriousness
of his condition was transferred to the Colombo General Hospital last night.
President
Rajapaksa receives World Bank top official By
Janaka Alahapperuma
Visiting World Bank Vice President for South Asia Ms. Isabel Guerrero paid a
courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa recently at the President’s House
in Colombo.
Gold Reserves up July 26 (DN) The Central Bank has been able to amass record gold
reserves with the Central Bank taking steps within the past 10 months to
purchase 21 metric tons of Gold - an increase from the paltry two to three tons
of gold in its vaults not so long ago. This is an unprecedented feat and a great
victory according to Senior Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Dharma
Dheerasinghe
Lanka-India talks on vital issues July 26 (ST)
Sri Lanka and India will hold top-level consultations
over a series of bilateral and international issues when a high-powered
delegation visits New Delhi next month. The team headed by Basil Rajapaksa,
Minister of Economic Development cum Senior Presidential Advisor, will include
Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga and Defence Secretary Gotabaya
Rajapaksa.
'White flag' case
before a three-judge High Court bench July 26 (CT) The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Rashmi Singappuli today
ordered General Sarath Fonseka to appear before the Colombo High Court on July
29 for the hearing of the controversial 'white flag' case. The case was filed by
the Attorney General against General Sarath Fonseka over his controversial
interview to 'The Sunday Leader' newspaper. The newspaper carried an article
some months ago, quoting
Vietnam to open Sri Lanka embassy early 2011 July 26 (LBO) Vietnam will open an embassy in Sri Lanka's capital
Colombo in early 2011, a joint statement following a meeting of deputy foreign
ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of a meeting of regional
grouping. Sri Lanka's deputy foreign minister Gitanjana Gunawardena led a
delegation to the Association of South East Asian Nations Regional Form
Clegg’s allegations strengthen SL’s hand against
Ban
July 25 (Island) Accusing a section of the
international community of targeting Sri Lanka over alleged war crimes, Sri
Lanka says the UN, which recently appointed a panel to advise Secretary General
Ban-ki Moon on accountability issues should now act on Deputy British PM Nick
Clegg’s recent assertion that the invasion of Iraq was illegal. Clegg, while
standing in for Prime Minister David Cameron
Rajapakse’s ambitions are irrelevant in
constitution making
July 25 (Island) In an ideal world the will of the
people determines the constitution (remember the opening words of one the most
stable in the world: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a
more perfect Union . . do ordain and establish this Constitution . . etc"). But
to be realistic, we in Lanka seem to have only three options; the ideal fourth
is not quite on the agenda. Mahinda Rajapaksa is hankering after what I call
Option 1 or Option 2,
'SLA's 200,000 men could face any threat'
July 25 (MoD) The Sri Lanka Army (SLA) with over
200,000 men is adequate to defend all threats including any new terrorism
threats, Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya said. The Army Chief told
the Sunday Observer that there were no fresh moves to increase SLA's manpower as
it already has over 203,000 well-trained soldiers. The SLA's manpower was
increased manifold during the military operations against the LTTE
New Tamil angst: army camps changing demographics?
July 25 (LB) Bitterness over High Security Zones
continues to poison post war reconciliation. Especially, since Keheliya
Rambukwella, the Defence Affairs Spokesman rhetorically responded to a media
question that High Security Zones were going to stay, faint hope among the
displaced Tamils for the magnanimity of the victor evaporated into thin air.
When the Cabinet met in Kilinochchi, early this month, 2000 odd families
petitioned the President requesting that
Beggars play hide and seek with potential killers
July
25 (SO) The beggar murders seem to have stopped as suddenly as they
started. Beggars are returning to their normal livelihood on the streets and
have begun to breathe easy again. Almost all those we spoke to claimed to have
no idea who were behind the murders or why it had happened. "We are not afraid,
we stay here together until 8.00 in the night and then go home" said a group of
three old beggars squatting on a pavement in Bambalapitiya.
China facilitates setting up of permanent SF bases
in North
July 24 (Island) The government is engaged in an
ambitious programme to establish permanent security forces bases in the Northern
and Eastern Provinces as part of a strategy to thwart any possible attempt to
revive LTTE terrorism. Authoritative government officials told The Island that
the deployment of security forces in the Northern and Eastern Provinces as well
as other parts of the country would be solely at the discretion of the military
top brass.
'Karunanidhi's demand a drama'
July 24 (Hindu) The demand being made by Chief
Minister M. Karunanidhi to send a special emissary to Sri Lanka to oversee the
resettlement of internally displaced Tamils was a drama, Puthiya Thamizhagam
president K. Krishnasamy has alleged. Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Dr.
Krishnasamy, who was here to pay homage to the victims of Tamirabharani tragedy,
said no desirable result could be achieved even after the Tamil MPs team visited
the Tamils kept in the refugee camps
SLPA flats to make way for ‘Cargo Village’
July 24 (Island) Five hundred apartments at
Bloemendhal Road, occupied by employees of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA),
are to be demolished to make way for a modern ‘Cargo Village’ to be constructed
by the SLPA. A railway line linking it with the Colombo Port also will be laid.
The 'Cargo Village’ would be built in two phases on a 15-acre plot of land
belonging to the SLPA at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.5 billion
Malinga to miss second Test against India July
24 (CI) Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankan fast bowler, has been rested from
the second Test against India beginning in Colombo on July 26. Malinga was one
of the architects of Sri Lanka's ten-wicket win in Galle but will miss out at
the SSC because of "stiffness in his knee". He will be replaced by Dilhara
Fernando, while spinner Ajantha Mendis also returned to the squad.
'It was like Michael Jackson coming' July
24 (CI) P Sara Oval, the venue for the third Test of this series, is the
only ground in Asia where Don Bradman played. He did so on a 20-yard pitch. In
Brightly Fades the Don, Jack Fingleton writes: “It is possible one of her male
assistants (the round had a lady curator) measured the pitch and not she. The
Australian batsmen found the going rather tough in the morning.
Parties disagree on executive PM’s powers
July 23 (DM) A divergence of opinion has emerged
between the Government and the Opposition on replacing the executive presidency
with an executive premiership under the proposed Constitutional reforms. An
opposition delegation, led by UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya, met External
Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris yesterday regarding the proposed l reforms
Editorial: Maitripala knows it better July
23 (DM) Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday, that the
local government authorities and Environment Ministry were more responsible for
the dengue menace, than the Health Ministry. He said that the blame for the
spread of dengue was being directed at the Health Ministry. But, that was wrong
because it was the duty of the local authorities and Environment Minstry to deal
with the problem on a daily basis.
Lanka to reply to US
July 23 (DM) The External Affairs Ministry, Trade
and Commerce Ministry and the Labour Ministry are collectively preparing a reply
to a petition handed over to the US government by a US trade union alleging
labour rights violations in Sri Lanka. The State Department has reportedly
initiated action against Sri Lanka following a petition by America Free Labour
Council of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) after Free Trade Zone Workers
Union (FTZWU) lodged a complaint with the AFL-CIO
Sri Lanka on track for record tea crop July
23 (AFP) Sri Lanka, one of the world's biggest black tea exporters,
produced nearly 30 percent more tea in the first half of the year and is on
track for a record crop, an official said Friday. Tea is Sri Lanka's biggest
cash crop and is sold in overseas markets as "Pure Ceylon Tea". The industry
suffered a setback last year due to a drought and fall-out from the global
commodities crash of 2008
'Leave a party worth fighting for' July 22 (SL) UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya has made an appeal
to party colleagues to be cautious, maintain decorum and have a united approach
in the face of one of the worst crises faced by the UNP in its glorious 60-year
history. He also observes that there is a need for the UNP, like any
institutional structure, to possess a succession plan. “Before we resort to
squabbling over positions, let us first work to ensure there is a party left
worth fighting for.
Kilinochchi: Slowly coming back to normalcy
July 22 (DM) Several historical and strategic factors contributed
in the decision to hold the first ever cabinet meeting which was held outside
Colombo at the Security Forces Headquarters at Kilinochchci situated near the
Iranamadu tank, a senior armed forces officer said. The holding of this first
ever cabinet meeting out of Colombo in Kilinochchi was a significant achievement
for the government and
SriLankan Airlines plans airport hotel July 22 (LBO) SriLankan Airlines is to build a tourist hotel near
the island's main international airport at Katunayake north of Colombo, the
airline's chairman Nishantha Wickremasinghe said. "We are about to start
building an airport hotel right in front of the departure lounge,' he said. The
site is an abandoned factory at an export processing zone near the airport that
has been handed over to the national airline. Wickremasinghe said the planned
hotel would have at least 125 rooms
SF to face trial-at-bar for divulging military
secrets July 22
(Island) The Chief Justice J. A. N. de Silva has appointed a
High Court Trial-at-Bar to investigate the charges pertaining to former Army
Commander General (retd) Sarath Fonseka divulging military secrets to the Sunday
Leader newspaper. The Trial-at-Bar comprises High Court Judges, Deepali
Wijesundera, W. T. M. P. B. Warawawa and M. Z. Razeem.
Bomb explodes when victim tries to pierce a
King coconut using it July 22 (LP) An unexpected death took place in Palliwasalthure area when 32 year old
Gunawardhena Liyanarachige Chaminda Sampath a resident of Bellanthare,
Palliwasalthure area tried to open a king coconut by using a bomb which has a
sharp pointed edge yesterday evening (21)
Logan Rockefeller enters Lanka July 22 (LNP) The Logan Rockefeller Global entered Sri Lanka with
the opening of Logan Rockefeller Global Lanka Asset Management Company
yesterday. The company also announced their sister company LR Global Strategic
Investments will invest Rs 2.5 billion in Sri Lanka. LR Global Lanka Asset
Management Company Managing Director Channa de Silva said the company intends to
bring significant portfolio investments to Sri Lanka.
Ranaviru Nikethanaya - Healing Home for war heroes July 22 (MoD) Located in the tranquility of Aththidiya, a suburb of
Colombo is a site where construction work is under way with speed for a special
centre for those war heroes in need of special care and comfort. The Ranaviru
Nikethanaya is best described as a Healing Home, the first of its kind that will
be a home for over 200 heroes of war, carefully identified as those needing
special care, in a nation so indebted to them for their invaluable sacrifices
COLOMBO (Reuters) - The United States urged Sri Lanka Wednesday to do
more toward post-war reconciliation and democracy, including ensuring
'Loans taken by Govt. total Rs 4,246,520 m'
July 21 (Island) The total amount of loans,
including the Treasury bills, as at March 31, this year stood at Rs. 4,246,520
million, Parliament was told yesterday. Of this amount, Rs. 1,770,365 million
had been obtained from foreign sources and Rs. 2,476,155 million raised locally,
Deputy Finance and Planning Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera told Parliament. He
was responding to a query by UNP Colombo District MP Ravi Karunanayake
The two sides examined ways and means of further strengthening bilateral
relations between Sri Lanka and the United States and identified several
areas for
July 21, 2010 (LBO) - New York based Logan Rockefeller Global (LR
Global) is planning to invest 20 million US dollars in Sri Lanka through
a newly set up
More tsunami warning towers for North
July 21 (MoD) The Disaster Management Centre (DMC)
will set-up 25 tsunami early warning towers along the Northern coastal belt in
addition to the existing towers. DMC Deputy Director Pradeep Kodippilly said as
part of covering all coastal areas by establishing tsunami early warning towers,
the DMC has taken measures to set-up another 25 early warning towers along the
Northern coastal belt.
'Constitutional amendments must be made known to
the country'
July 20 (LeN) The JVP pointed out, if measures are
being taken to discuss with political parties on the Constitutional amendments,
firstly the Govt. should present a summary of its amendment proposals before the
people. It is only then discussions can be held on the basis of those proposals.
On the other hand, if these proposals are just for the Govt. to while away its
time inviting various views, the JVP will not waste its time participating in
these discussions
Herath, Malinga put Sri Lanka on top July
20 (CI) Ishant Sharma held centrestage on the morning with a captivating
spell of seam bowling but Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga - yes you read the
names right - stole his thunder with entertaining, and unexpected, cameos in the
afternoon to ensure Sri Lanka retained complete control on the first Test.
Herath impressed with several high-quality shots and Malinga alternated between
stodge
Kurunegala special ceremony salutes fallen North
Western province war heroes July 30 (MoD) Over 463 War Heroes of Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI)
of the North Western Province who made the supreme sacrifice in the war for
peace were honoured and their dedication was remembered during a provincial War
Hero commemoration ceremony at Kurunegala Maliyadeva Girls' College auditorium,
Sunday (25) morning. The SLLI Regiment which had always been in the forefront in
times of war and peace in Sri Lanka during
Norochcholai power plant to go online in
November July 30 (SL) As construction on the 300MW power plant nears
completion, the Sri Lankan cabinet has approved the Lanka Coal Company opening a
Rs. 1 billion letter of credit to purchase coal and begin operations this
November. The cost of the first shipment of 65,500 MT of coal will cost USD $7
million. This coal power plant was commissioned in 2006 and is being built using
a USD $455 million loan from China’s EXIM bank.
Eastern coast to get hit first, says NARA July 30 (DM) The east coast of Sri Lanka would witness a rise in
the water level of sea by 1. 2 millimeters a year and the western coast, a
marginal increase, due to the melting glaciers in the Himalayas, the National
Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said in a research. The
increased river discharge in to the Bay of Bengal by Ganges and Bramaputra due
to the melting of Himalaya’s glaciers were the main causes for the rising sea
level.
'Foreign mediated efforts won’t bring
reconciliation' July 30
(Island) The late LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran’s
successor, T. S. Pathmanathan aka KP says Sri Lanka should strive to deal with
domestic issues on its own without involving external elements. Former head of
LTTE procurement section, the soft-spoken, KP points out that all previous
attempts by foreign governments to address Sri Lanka’s problems failed. In an
exclusive with The Island, in Colombo on Wednesday,
Japan urges Sri Lanka to allay human rights
concerns July 30 (PTI) Japanese Cabinet ministers on Thursday urged visiting
Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris to allay international concerns
over alleged war crimes committed last year by Sri Lankan forces in the country,
Japanese officials said. Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada and Deputy Chief Cabinet
Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama separately told the Sri Lankan minister that Colombo
should be accountable about the human rights issue,
Siyatha media office comes under attack
(Photos) July 30 (SL) The media office of the Voice of Asia Network that
operates Siyatha TV, Siyatha FM, Real Radio, Vettri FM and Siyatha, came under
arson attack at around 1.30 this morning, reports say. Residents of the area
around the office – located on Hunupitiya Lake Road in Colombo 2 – said that
they had first heard the loud noise of glass breaking, followed by dense smoke
that enveloped the area. They said that the police had arrived promptly on the
scene
Muralitharan slams Bedi, calls him controversy
monger July 29 (HT) Retired spin great Muttiah Muralitharan lashed out at
his long-time detractor Bishen Singh Bedi, calling the former Indian captain a
controversy monger and ordinary bowler who would have been hammered by any
batsman if was he playing now. Bedi has been an untiring critic of Muralitharan
by repeatedly calling the Sri Lankan a "chucker" and asking the ICC to ban the
Sri Lankan's "doosra" as it was illegal
Sri Lankan produced 'water gel' to replace
dynamite July 29 (MoD) 'Water gel' the innovative environmental friendly Sri
Lankan production is to replace dynamite explosive chargers. The product is to
soon take its place in the Sri lankan market cutting of costs prevailed over the
use of dynamite for industrial purposes. The product came to light following
instructions given by Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa in substitute for
the
'Majority of the
Tamil Diaspora are with the government' July 29 (GDI)
Sri Lanka government says that major part of the Tamil
Diaspora is now pleased with the government’s activities relating to improvement
of the living standards of the Tamil people in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces following liberating the Tamils from the shackles of the jackboots of
the Pirabaharan. Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said that Tamil Diaspora is now
divided into two groups and
Exclusive: KP speaks out July 29
(Island) Prabhakaran’s successor, T.S. Pathmanathan or simply
‘KP’ as he is better known has thrown his weight behind Sri Lanka’s post-LTTE
efforts to restore peace in the Northern and Eastern provinces. In an exclusive
interview with The Island in Colombo yesterday, Pathmanathan, former confidant
of the slain LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and the outfit’s main arms
procurer, discussed a wide range of issues,
Commander of the Navy visits Naval Deployments on
the North-western Coast July 29 (MoD) Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Thisara
Samarasinghe visited the Naval Deployments in Mullikulum, Vedithalthivu and
Nachchikudah and Naval Bases in Mannar and Thalaimannar on 25th and 26th July
2010. He also met the Mannar fishing community at SLNS Gajaba. During the visit,
the Navy Commander examined the administrative and operational readiness of the
Naval establishments and .
Colombo by night, fun and frolic at Green Path
July 29 (DM) Colombo will be soon transformed into a city of fun
and frolic with a special area set apart for night life on the weekend in a
carnival-like atmosphere with food courts, live musical shows and shopping, the
Colombo Municipality said yesterday. Special administrator Omar Kamil said Green
Path had been selected to host this project scheduled to begin next month and
would be held on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Tendulkar and Raina keep India afloat July
28 (CI) Sachin Tendulkar led India's attempt to stay alive in the series
on an attritional day at the SSC. Just when it seemed the bat would dominate for
the third successive day, the Sri Lankan spinners brought the Test back to life
by rattling the Indian top order. But Tendulkar, with support from VVS Laxman
and debutant Suresh Raina, made a determined century to restore stability to the
Indian innings and took them closer to the follow-on target.
Woman army deserter alleges rape
July 28 (DM) A woman army deserter who had called
over at the Buttala police to lodge a complaint regarding a dispute, alleged she
was raped by three police officers including an inspector in the police station.
Uva Province DIG H N G Ambanwela has appointed an investigation team under an
ASP to hold a formal inquiry into the incident. The woman soldier attached to
the Gajaba Regiment is a resident of Udugama in Galle.
Welikada Prison relocation to free 40 acres of
prime land July
28 (DM) The Welikada Prison complex covers some very valuable prime land,
40 acres in extent, within the City of Colombo. It is assessed at a minimum
value of Rs. 15 billion. It will be up for grabs once the Rehabilitation and
Prison Reforms Ministry carries out its ambitious prison reform programme, which
include the relocation of prisons, said Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms
Minister D.E.W.Gunasekara.
JVP criticizes UPFA for not convening House
regularly July
28 (Island) JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that last week the
parliament had met only on Tuesday since the approval of the UPFA’s so-called
budget. He emphasised that they should have met during the rest of the week, but
the government had conveniently put off sittings to August 3. MP Dissanayake
said since last November parliament had not been convened as part of a
government move to undermine the parliamentary process
Jetwing organizes Culinary Tour of Sri Lanka
July
28 (DN) In the pearl shaped island of Sri Lanka one can encounter a
diverse and splendid array of tantalizing food ranging from scrumptious seafood
to the traditional rice and curry. The island may seem small in size as it is
surrounded by the seas of the Indian Ocean but it is certainly not lacking in
gastronomical delights which are not limited by the size of the country. Cuisine
is an ideal means by which to gain knowledge about a country
Sri Lanka declare their first innings at
642-4 July
27 (CI) It was another day of toil for the Indian bowlers as Sri Lanka
reached a seemingly invincible position in the second Test. Two players who form
the backbone of their batting line-up, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene,
achieved individual landmarks on a placid track against a spineless attack which
has left its batsmen with another Test to save. Sangakkara had maintained his
aggressive approach in the morning session
No politics for KP: Karuna
July 27 (DM) Former LTTE chief arms procurer
Kumaran Pathmanathan (KP) who is now under custody in Sri Lanka and is
reportedly assisting the government will not enter politics, Government Minister
and former rebel Karuna Amman said. Amman alias Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan, in
an interview with Daily Mirror online says KP does not have any political
knowledge as he was purely acquiring weapons for the LTTE before its military
defeat last year
Sri Lanka catching Dutch disease ? July
27 (Island) Sri Lanka is catching the Dutch disease as the rupee
appreciates on hot capital at the expense of the export sector and job creation.
Dealers said the rupee was under severe pressure to appreciate with remittances
and hot capital inflows into government securities and the stock exchange
growing. With other currencies in the region undervalued against the dollar, the
rupee’s gaining strength is threatening exporters and job creation
Five senior journalists to be honoured
July 27 (DN) Five senior journalists will get
Lifetime. Achievement Awards at the Journalism Excellence Awards ceremony to be
held on Tuesday at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The awards for 2009 are being given
by the Editors’ Guild of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Press Institute. The five
receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards are; Arthur U. Amarasena, M.
Kaanamylnathan, Anandi Balasingham, Sirilal Kodikara, M.S.M. Munsoor.
'Sri Lanka private sector management mooted for
loss-making state entities'
July 27 (LBO) Loss-making Sri Lankan state
institutions could be turned around with private sector management if they
cannot be privatised, the head of the Distilleries Company conglomerate has
said. "In my view, the only way a decades-old mindset of mediocrity can be
changed is by hiring professionals from the private sector to manage these
public sector institutions,"
“Sri
Lankan Day”
The Sri Lanka Association of New York (SLANY – established 1970) in cooperation
with the residents and Township of Denville is for the 35th year hosting our
annual Sri Lanka Day on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010 at Gardner Field, Denville, NJ.
Priority to renovate Jaffna Fort July 26 (MoD)
The National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Ministry
has launched a program to preserve the Sri Lankan heritage of Northern and
Eastern Provinces. The Ministry has given priority to renovate the Jaffna Fort
under this Program, National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra
Wanniarachchi said. The reconstruction of the Jaffna Fort will be launched with
Rs 104.5 million granted by the Netherlands government
Sri Lankan batsmen grind toothless India July 26 (CI) The SSC has been a fortress of sorts for Sri Lanka in
the recent past, and they set about continuing their dominant run at the venue
with another imposing performance. As they looked good to pile on yet another
massive first-innings total, the actors that put them in charge on the opening
day this time were the same as in Galle. Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga
Paranavitana served the Indians a painful reminder of
Govt. urged to recall donald July 26 (DM) Several opposition political parties who threw a
challenge at the government yesterday said the latter should recall Sri Lankan
ambassador in Israel Donald Perera and make a clear clarification on the
government’s position on Israel. These parties told a press conference organized
by the Friends of Palestine in Colombo that the government should do this to
prove that it did not follow double standards when it comes to its foreign
policy.
Murali unifies political parties July 26 (DH) Murali has been everywhere in Sri Lanka these last two
weeks. From giant hoardings and cover stories, he has been the centre of
attraction. The legendary off-spinner who retired after the first Test against
India at Galle also united the opposition and ruling party. The parliament on
Friday decided to pay a joint tribute to the world record holder who bid adieu
to the longer version on Thursday
'Ensure a dignified exit to our leader'
July 25
(SO) UNP Kurunegala District MP Dayasiri Jayasekera says his party must
ensure a dignified exit for Ranil Wickremesinghe now that the stage has been set
for a new leader to take the reins, in an exclusive interview with the Sunday
Observer. He says the UNP's internal strife has now been resolved and the
amendments to the party constitution that will scrap all dictatorial powers of
the Leadership will precede a fresh constitution
Mahinda, Ranil need each other more than ever
July
25 (LB) Technically, the UNP working committee decided last week that all
top posts for the party leadership would be decided by consensus. However, there
is a rider that if consensus is not available with regard to any particular
post, such a post will be subject an internal party vote. Though this is so,
nothing else seems to be decided. Who will be the electors?
RW’s grip on UNP weakens
July 25 (Island) Last Monday when the UNP working
committee met to discuss the party reforms, there were no refreshments
available. Usually, whenever there was a working committee meeting, a long table
would be laid out with soft drinks and eats for the participants to help
themselves. But this time that was missing. When working committee members asked
the Sirikotha staff whether refreshments were not being served, they had been
told that there was no money in the kitty.
Illegal structures in influential residential
areas ignored?
July 25 (Island) Ten major flood prone sites at
Mattakkuliya and Kirulapone have been identified and all unauthorized structures
obstructing the free flow of storm water had been removed, a CMC engineer in
charge of the storm water drainage network said. He said a flower nursery at
Independence Square which had intruded on the space on both sides of the drain
had been demolished as it was an obstruction to the use of sediment clearing
equipment to clean the drain.
Editorial: Thanks Murali
July 25 (LB) This last week most people were not
sure whether they should be grateful to Muralitharan for being the great spin
magician unparalleled in the history of cricket, or for being a great master of
theatre in the order of a Kurosowa or perhaps even a Shakespeare. This man said
he is going to retire at the end of the first Test against India, irrespective
of whether he reaches 800 wickets or not — irrespective of whatever happens.
Conch shell
smugglers caught by Sri Lanka Navy
By Janaka Alahapperuma
Sri Lanka Navy nabs two smugglers of conch shells in the seas north of
Thalaimannar, North West of Sri Lanka recently. According to the Navy
Headquarters the arrest was made by the Navy’s Fast Gun Boat (FGB) “Ranawickrama”,
which was on a routine patrol in the Northern waters.
President orders probe into Ruhuna University
incident
July 24 (LP) President Mahinda Rajapaksa ordered a
probe into the death of the Ruhunu University student Rajapaksa Susantha Anura
following a conflict over what brought about his death. IGP Mahinda Balasuriya
told media that a post mortem conducted by Badulla Judicial Meical Officer (JMO)
Dr. M N Rahul Haq revealed that thet cause for Anura’s death was due to an
internal brain hemorrhage
Controversy over student’s death
July 24 (DM) A Ruhunu University third-year student
Susantha Aruna Bandara died on Thursday reportedly from injuries he had suffered
in an attack by the Matara police on June 18, Inter University Students
Federation (IUSF) alleged yesterday. IUSF convener Udul Premaratne alleged that
the att tack had taken place in the university hostel at Wellamadama some two
kilometres from the university.
Two Police officers drown in swimming pool
July
24 (LP) Two police officers drowned at the Police swimming pool at
Elvitigala Road Narahenpita yesterday. The deceased was a police Constable who
was practicing swimming and the other was his coach. The coach drowned in the
attempt to save the constable who had drowned in the pool first. The deceased
police Constable is attached to the Middeniya Police while the Coach is attached
to the Colombo Sports corr.
SLA personnel to be settled on uprooted civilians’
land in Ki’linochchi district July
24 (TN) Five thousand houses constructed in Mu’ruka’ndi area in
Ki’linochchi district including Skanthapuram along A9 road are to be settled in
August with Sri Lanka Army (SLA) senior and junior officials and their families
permanently while the uprooted civilians brought to be resettled in Skanthapuram
are left in a school building by Sri Lanka government officials, sources in
Ki’linochchi said.
President
Rajapaksa felicitates spin wizard Murali at Galle cricket grounds
By Janaka Alahapperuma President
Mahinda Rajapaksa made a special visit to the Galle International Cricket
stadium this afternoon on July 22 and congratulated the spin wizard Muttiah
Muralitharan (Murali) who made a World Record of 800 Test wickets on the final
day of the first Test between Sri Lanka Vs India.
Keheliya raps Local authorities, Environment
Ministry for dengue menace
July 23 (Island) Media Minister Keheliya
Rambukwella said yesterday, that the local government authorities and
Environment Ministry were more responsible for the dengue menace, than the
Health Ministry. He said that the blame for the spread of dengue was being
directed at the Health Ministry. But, that was wrong because it was the duty of
the local authorities and Environment Minstry to deal with the problem on a
daily basis.
Sri Lanka to make better use of idle state assets
July 23 (LBO) Sri Lanka will set up a state company
to develop joint ventures and lease assets of other failed state companies with
a capital of 100 million rupees, without 'privatizing' them. The State Resources
Management Corporation will make better use of state assets which are
uneconomical, minister Keheliya Rambukwelle said. Analysts say Sri Lanka's state
has lost billions of rupees trying to do business with people's money.
University student dies in hospital after getting
caught in brawl
July 23 (NF) The Inter University Students' Union
claims that a student of the Ruhuna University, who was admitted to hospital
after being caught in a brawl, has died. "The student who passed away was a
25-year-old 3rd year student at the university by the name Aruna Bandara. He was
a resident of the Buttala area," said Udul Premaratne, Convener of the Union
Lakshapana gets BHP after 26 years July
23 (DN) Approval has been given to proceed with the construction of
Broadlands Hydropower Project (BHP) by Cabinet after the Power and Energy
Minister’s direct involvement at yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. The project will
be launched after 26 years, said Ministry sources. BHP is considered as the last
economically feasible Hydro Power Project in the Laxapana Hydro Power complex.
Murali gets 800, Sri Lanka win by ten wickets July 22 (CI) At the start of his final Test, he was eight wickets
short of entering territory that no other cricketer had. He began his last day
in Test cricket needing two, and took one. His partner threatened to take
everything else and he could do nothing but keep on bowling, and wait. The
umpire denied him a palpable lbw. VVS Laxman, who kept him at bay for so many
hours, ran himself out and there was only one wicket left to take.
Ex-LTTE cadres help Air Force recover hidden
arms July 22 (SL) The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Regiment troops based
at Trikonamadu found 2 caches of hidden arms in the general area of Iranapallai,
Pudukuduirippu, on the 15th and 19th of this month, said SLAF spokesperson Group
Captain Janaka Nanayakkara. The recovering of these arms was made possible with
the help of rehabilitated former LTTE cadres
Sajith, Bandara to continue agitation July 22 (DM) UNP MP for the Moneragala district Ranjith Madduma
Bandara said yesterday that he, along with his colleague MP Sajith Premadasa,
would agitate for the voting right to the party’s local government members in
the election of five key office bearers including the leader. Earlier, MP
Premadasa, in his meeting with the members of the Reforms Committee, made this
proposal. He opined that the party’s grassroots level members should have a say
in
Two Sri Lanka beaches make top grade: Forbes July 22 (LBO) A beach stretch from Tangalle Bay to Weligama in Sri
Lanka's south and Bentota in the southwest have been named among the top 10 in
Asia by Forbes, a business magazine. The beaches were judged by a panel which
included Graham Uden, a photographer based in Hong Kong and John Borthwick, a
Sydney-based travel writer and photographer. "Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches on
its southwest coast, from
Sri Lanka to sell billion dollar bond to settle
loans: minister July 22 (LBO) Sri Lanka will sell a billion dollar sovereign bond
this year to settle more expensive short term foreign loans, media minister and
cabinet spokesman Keheliya Rambukwelle said. "The cabinet approval has been
given to issue a sovereign bond of one billion dollars," Rambukwelle said. "We
have taken short term loans on high interest and we want to set off those
Protests against UN : Russia also involved? July 22 (DM) The protestors who staged demonstrations in front of
the United Nations (UN) Organization office in Sri Lanka against Ban ki-moon’s
panel of advisors, it is reported have gone to the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka,
and expressed their gratitude for opposing the Ban Ki -Moon’s panel. Similarly,
when Minister Wimal Weerawansa of the Rajapaksa government who commenced a fast
against Moon’s panel wished to end it, the protestors have sent word to the
Russian embassy and
Businessman arrested for building apartments
with LTTE funds July 22
(Island) The Chief Justice J. A. N. de Silva has appointed a
High Court Trial-at-Bar to investigate the charges pertaining to former Army
Commander General (retd) Sarath Fonseka divulging military secrets to the Sunday
Leader newspaper. The Trial-at-Bar comprises High Court Judges, Deepali
Wijesundera, W. T. M. P. B. Warawawa and M. Z. Razeem.
Senior official chastises UN chief in parting shot
July 21 (CNN) A departing senior U.N. official has
released a rare rebuke of her boss's performance -- saying the United Nations is
"drifting into irrelevance" under Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's management.
Swedish diplomat Inga-Britt Ahlenius has been serving as the head of the
department charged with combating U.N. corruption. As her five-year term came to
an end this month, Ahlenius sent a report to Ban admonishing
Trevor Bayliss, Sri Lanka's coach, has said the return of fast bowler
Lasith Malinga to Test cricket after 30 months has been a big bonus to
the team.
VIDEO: Will be restricted to books and pictures
very soon, says Vanniyelaaththo July
21 (AD) The indigenous people of Sri Lanka are fast losing their unique
identity. Urbanisation is making this process faster. The Veddas as they are
normally called do not want changes forcibly thrust on them, said Uruwarige
Vanniyelaaththo. The indigenous people’s leader Vanniyelaaththo was presenting
facts regarding his tribe to the National Revival Commission (NRC) at more..
CEB to witness turnaround
July 21 (DN) The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB)
will be able to reach the break-even point and make CEB a profitable venture
with the new financial plan from 2015, Power and Energy Minister Champika
Ranawaka said. “We are preparing a new long-term power generation plan for the
next five years. Our first priority is to transform our high cost thermal power
plants into low cost thermal plants.
Govt. bonds grabbed by banks on a high
July 21 (Island) The Public Debt Department of the
Central Bank accepted Rs. 2.6 billion from bids amounting to Rs. 6.075 billion
yesterday at the auction of Treasury bonds with three years and eight months
tenure. The Central Bank had offered Rs. 1 billion at coupon rate of 7 percent
per annum, but the bidding process took the weighted average yield on this bond
issue to 9.53 percent, which is three basis points higher than
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July
28 (Island) JVP MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that last week the
parliament had met only on Tuesday since the approval of the UPFA’s so-called
budget. He emphasised that they should have met during the rest of the week, but
the government had conveniently put off sittings to August 3. MP Dissanayake
said since last November parliament had not been convened as part of a
government move to undermine the parliamentary process 
