TNA wants to meet Sri Lanka President alone
Colombo Page
July 03, Colombo: The Tamil National Alliance, (TNA) the main Tamil political party in Sri Lanka has asked a opportunity to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Sri Lanka tea exports slide
Straits Times
COLOMBO - SRI Lanka, one of the world's biggest tea growers, saw export volumes slide by 17 per cent in the five months to May due to a drought-damaged
Muralitharan blow for Sri Lanka
BBC Sport 
Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will miss the first Test with Pakistan after hurting his knee while fielding during a practice session on Thursday.
Challenging new role for Mendis
CricInfo.com 
How will he react to having to lead Sri Lanka's most inexperienced Test attack in a long time? Two teams best suited to make a mockery out of structures

China pledges to enhance relations with Sri Lanka

Xinhua 
BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) -- China would work with Sri Lanka to promote the comprehensive and cooperative partnership to a new height, said Vice Premier

Sri Lankan river auctioned for gem mining

Colombo Page
July 03, Colombo: For the first time in Sri Lanka history one of the main rivers in the country was auctioned yesterday for gem mining.
President vows to implement political solution
July 2 (ANN)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa wouldn’t tolerate any dissent within his government to proposed devolution of power to the provinces on the basis of 13th Amendment to the Constitution, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said at a press conference at the Information Department. The President had emphasised that he wouldn’t give in to pressure from any party, he said.
No special regiments for ex-rebels: Govt.
July 2 (DM)
The Government yesterday said that there will be no room for ‘alien regiments’ within the armed forces, for former rebel cadres as suggested by some former militant leaders who are now politicians. Responding to a question raised by a journalist on the remarks allegedly made by Minister Vinyagamoorthy Muralitharan to the effect that ex-LTTE cadres who fled the militant movement with him would be absorbed into the Army as a special regiment
TNA attends APC meeting
July 2  (DM)
The TNA is attending the 'Development & Reconciliation All Party Committee' [APC]meeting currenty in progress under the chairmanship of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the government information department said.
Moragoda new Minister of Justice and Law Reforms
July 2 (DM)
Minister Milinda Moragoda took oaths as the Minister of Justice and Law Reforms before President Mahinda Rajapaksa today. He replaces the late Minister Amarasiri Dodangoda.
Petrol up by Rs. 10, Diesel by Rs. 3, Kerosene by 1
July 2 (Island)  
The government has increased fuel prices with effect from midnight Wednesday (July 01). CPC Chairman Brigadier (retd) Asoka Thoradeniya, who yesterday morning told The Island that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had turned down a request to increase fuel prices and wanted the Government to bear any loss, last night said that a litre of Petrol 90 Octain had been increased by Rs. 10 and Octain 95 by Rs. 15, diesel by Rs 3 and kerosene by Rs. 1.
Sri Lanka's top businessman further remanded
July 2 (CP)
The Mount Lavinia Magistrate today further remanded the Ceylinco Group Chairman Lalith Kothalawela
Angry MR refuses to bow down to JHU
July 1 (LNP)
An angry President yesterday warned Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka not to hinder his efforts to implement 13th Amendment to the Constitution and guarantee devolution of power to the provinces. Now that a 30-year war had been brought to an end, the aspirations of the people of the North and East should be met, he told a group of government ministers at Temple Trees yesterday, according to highly placed sources.
CID questions Kilinochchi hospital director on LTTE involvement
July 1 (DM)
The CID informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate that the director of the Kilinochchi hospital who fled to the LTTE controlled area during the final count down attack on the LTTE had been directly involved with the LTTE. The CID filing a report on their investigations in court informed the magistrate that the Director of the Kilinochchi hospital Dr. Thangamoorthi Satyamoorthy, LTTE doctor Kandasamy Thurainathan and nurse Arumugam Jeyaluxmy had fled
Sri Lanka says stand by loan a test of IMF objectivity
July 1 (LBO)
A decision on a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Sri Lanka which is expected in "four to five weeks" will be a test of the objectivity of the organization, a government minister said. Deputy finance minister Sarath Amunugama said technical negotiations were positive for a 1.9 billion bailout when the United States and Britain started to make statements on Sri Lanka's loan application
Begin ‘Mathata thitha’ from the cabinet
July 1 (LT)
The President should give an example to the country by beginning his ‘Mathata Thitha’ (halt to alcoholism and drug abuse) programme from his cabinet says UNP Parliamentarian for Ratnapura District Ms. Thalatha Athukorala. Ms. Athukarala said the government that carries out a wide propaganda for the ‘Mathata Thitha’ programme has issued a large number of licenses between 2004 and 2009 to open new wine stores throughout the island
Sri Lanka gives China first exclusive investment zone
Reuters India - Shihar Aneez
COLOMBO, July 1 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka has granted China an exclusive economic zone in its first post-war effort to attract more investment
Tiger leader, deputy arrested
Jun 30 (ANN)
An LTTE leader and his deputy were arrested by the anti-terrorist unit of the Vavuniya Police, while they were in the company of a young pregnant girl, according to reports from Vavuniya Police. Identified as Keenan and Kannawan, they were arrested at Pesalai in Mannar. When Police arrested them they were in possession of two claymore mines, two T-56 weapons, five magazines and 142 rounds of ammunition.
Nine Indicted with Funding LTTE
Jun 30 (SLA)
THE Attorney General has filed indictment against nine persons for granting Rs. 35 million to the LTTE from the funds of the Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation in 2006. The Attorney General filed indictment against Velupillai Sivanadiar, Murugesu Shanmugarajah, Kanthilingam Prem Raj, Kathirakesu Ganeshalingam, Sinnaiyah Shanthilingam, Eliyathambi Nadarajah, Krishna Kutti Sukumaran alias Udayan, Balasubramunium Sri Scandarajah, and Kamalias Prabakaran before the Colombo High Court
Sri Lanka to take action against former rebels
Jun 30 (AP)
Sri Lanka plans to take legal action against a small group of hardcore rebel fighters, and rehabilitate the majority of former Tamil Tiger insurgents, a government minister said on Tuesday. The government is currently holding about 10,000 former rebel fighters, after declaring victory in the nation's quarter century civil war in May.
Troops Led to Unearth Two more LTTE Torpedoes
Jun 30 (SLA)
A METICULOUSLY pre-planned LTTE sea battle that was to be staged against Security Forces by terrorists during the just-ended Eelam War - IV was exposed Monday (29) evening when Task Force-8 troops unearthed two big LTTE torpedoes with their launcher from PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU area on information provided by a former LTTE cadre. The two torpedoes, each 26 ft in length and 5 ft 7 inches in circumference remained neatly wrapped in polythene when the troops made this startling recovery. The torpedo’s launcher of 28 ft in length and 5 ft 10 inch in circumference.....
Sri Lanka Peace Secretariat to close
Jun 30 (CP)
Sri Lanka government has decided to close its Peace Secretariat from next month following the military defeat of the LTTE.
Old Anandians pay tribute to Defence Secretary
Jun 30 (MoD)
Old Boys Association (OBA) of Ananda College, Colombo, has organized a week long programme to pay tribute to the war heroes who liberated the country from the grip of terrorism.
Age-defying Jayasuriya eyes next World Cup
Jun 30 (AFP)
Sri Lanka's veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya turns 40 on Tuesday, with a vow to carry on until the 2011 World Cup despite being the oldest cricketer still playing at the top level. "Age is not a problem, it is how you stay mentally and physically fit to remain on top of the game, to try out new variations with the bat and ball," Jayasuriya told AFP

How, when, and with whom can I make it?
Jun 29 (DM)
The war as variously described was over. Mopping up the remnants of terror mongers in nooks and corners, looking after thousands of innocent Tamil bystanders crammed into camps were in the hands of a relieved government. The thrust of charges of various kinds levelled by the agents of the defeated terrorists against the government and the armed forces were also being deftly countered by the government

Killer couple picked their victim through newspaper
Jun 29 (Island)
The police said that a couple held in connection with the recent killing of businesswoman Beatrice Veronika in the Kurunegala police area had been employed by her a few months before she was killed on June 7. The police said that Veronika had hand picked them after interviewing several persons who responded to a newspaper advertisement seeking a couple. The suspects had told police that they had found Veronika, a divorcee through a newspaper advertisement

Navi Pillai makes talks difficult for Sri Lanka
Jun 29 (DM)
Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe said the newly appointed United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillai was making it difficult for Sri Lanka to engage in dialogue with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “Her statements have not made it easier for us to gather the support of the people of this country to work closely with her office, which I want to do

Dengue cases rise to over 12,000
Jun 29 (DN)
Latest Health Ministry statistics show that the number of dengue cases had risen to over 12,300 with 152 deaths. The Ministry was specially concerned with the situation in 68 divisional secretariats and was continuing with its ongoing measures to eradicate dengue and other mosquito borne diseases. The first consignment of BTI predator bacteria ordered from Cuba to destroy dengue larvae will reach the country this week

'A conspiracy to fake terror situation in Sri Lanka'
Jun 29 (LT)
A conspiracy to give publicity for a fake terror situation in Sri Lanka is being hatched says Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse. He says the propaganda regarding this fake terror situation is intended to stop tourists arriving here and drive away would be investors from the island. The Defense Secretary said despite the war situation being completely eradicated, there is talk about abductions from white vans

President reiterates that stern action will be taken against ...

SLBC 
He request all parties to actively contribute to build the nation as children of Mother Sri Lanka". The president points out that the business community

Sri Lanka Women crowned as the Asian Netball champs

Colombo Page
June 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka Women were crowned today as the champions of the Seventh Asian Netball Championships held in Malaysia. In the finals Sri Lanka

Foolproof security cover for Pak team during Sri Lanka tour

Newstrack India 
Colombo, June 28 (ANI): The Sri Lanka cricket authority has made foolproof security arrangements for the visiting Pakistan cricket team, as it does
Dengue fever swallows 153 lives
Jun 27 (GDI)
The number of patients who have died due to dengue fever increased to 153 and more than 12,388 have been infected so far, hospital reports said. Meanwhile, in addition to the dengue prevention programmes that are being implemented, the Ministry of Health is carrying out raids on dengue mosquito breeding grounds. The Ministry has appointed 10 officials to supervise the dengue control program in 10 districts where the identified 68 MOH areas are located
Dark tales of Tamil ex-child soldiers
Jun 27 (BBC)
At a camp situated on top of a hill overlooking scenic rubber and coconut plantations in Sri Lanka, more than 100 former Tamil Tiger child soldiers are undergoing a year-long rehabilitation course. Bala, who is now 17 years old, was one of the child soldiers who swelled the ranks of the feared LTTE. "LTTE cadres took me away when I was 13. First I found it hard to carry the rifle. Then I got used to it. I went to the frontline and fired at the troops," he said
Little Sri Lanka gets a big boost
Jun 27 (Silive)
Manhattan has its Little Italy and now Staten Island has its Little Sri Lanka. The city plans to promote the Tompkinsville enclave during an advertising campaign aimed at encouraging residents to visit the city's "exotic" locales as a cheaper alternative this summer to out-of-town -- or even out-of-the-country -- vacations. To drive home that point, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) lunched yesterday at Dosa Garden
A/Ls kicks off on August 11
Jun 27 (GDI)
The GCE Advanced Level Examination 2009 starts on August 11 with 240,000 candidates sitting the examination that would go on till September 5 and the Grade 5 scholarship examination will be held on August 23 with 300,000 candidates sitting. More than 2000 examination centres throughout the island excluding Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts and 1,000 candidates from the IDP villages of the North are also among the candidates.
The Tamil Buddhists
Jun 27 (LG)
Today, the Palk Strait which lies between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan land masses, is seen as a divider, separating two different distinct ethnicities, religions, cultures and political entities but there was a phase in history when Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka enjoyed very close ties, thanks to a shared interest in Buddhism. During the early period, the Palk Strait was not seen as a divider but it was a unifier
4 more LTTE submarines hidden in M'tivu seas
Jun 26 (CT)
The military has received information about four more submarines of the LTTE hidden in the seas off Mullivaikkal in Mullaitivu, reports said.
India reiterates political solution for Sri Lanka
Jun 26 (CT)
Indian defence minister A.K. Anthony has reiterated the need for a political solution to the Sri Lanka conflict.
The minister made the remark while addressing a Unified Commanders' Conference in New Delhi yesterday (June 25), PTI reported.
Post-war Sri Lanka vote date set
Jun 26 (BBC)
The first elections since the end of Sri Lanka's war will take place in two cities of the war-ravaged north on 8 August, the government has confirmed. The municipal polls in Jaffna and Vavuniya will be their first local vote in more than a decade. They are being billed as another step towards normal life, but there are still many security problems there. In May Sri Lanka's army defeated Tamil Tiger rebels fighting for a separate homeland for the ethnic Tamil minority
Hoards of explosives, warlike materials uncovered in clearing operations
Jun 26 (MoD)
Sri Lankan Army troops now engaged in clearing operations at Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu Districts have uncovered large stocks of explosives and warlike material on Thursday (June 25).
Seylan to be bailed out by public institutions
Jun 26 (LBO)
Sri Lanka's Seylan Bank will be bailed out with the help of money from state institutions while a bid from a private investor was rejected because it did not meet ownership limits, the Central Bank said. The Central Bank, which is the banking regulator, said in a stock exchange filing that Seylan will issue shares to raise 3.0 billion rupees with support from state institutions.
'Prabhakaran's surrender could have saved 500 LTTE cadres'
Jun 24 (PTI)
The lives of at least 500 Tiger rebels would have been saved had LTTE Supremo V Prabhakaran surrendered during the last phase of the battle after the army encircled the top rebel leaders in Nandhikadal Lagoon in Mullaitttivu, a defence ministry report said. After the special forces encircled Prabhakaran, Intelligence Chief Pottu Aman and Sea tiger chief Soosoi, who were boxed into a 100m x 100m area, the rebel chief could have avoided the battle that would have saved the lives of the Tiger fighters, it said
US to "carefully assess" Sri Lanka IMF loan: official
Jun 24 (LBO)
The United States is not blocking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to Sri Lanka but the US Treasury and State Department "will carefully assess" the program, an official has said. "We are not threatening to block the loan and we will carefully assess any program in light of the conditions in Sri Lanka at the time," Gregg Sullivan, state department director public diplomacy in South and Central Asia said
Sri Lanka hosts meet to thwart terrorist nuclear ambitions
Jun 24 (LBO)
Sri Lanka is hosting a South Asia workshop organised with the United States to prevent terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear weapons or trafficking in nuclear materials, the foreign ministry said. The workshop, on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 dealing with non-state actors and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), is being held in Sri Lanka from 23 - 25 June 2009
Defence Secretary Vs Leader Publications: Defence Counsel withdraws from case
Jun 24 (DN)
Mount Lavinia Additional District Judge Macki Mohamed yesterday issued notice on the Leader Publications and two others, Lal Wickrematunga and journalist Fredrica Jansz, to appear in Court on July 9 and to show cause why they should not be dealt for contempt of Court. At the commencement of the two cases where, Defence Secretary Rajapaksa had filed against the Leader Publications
'We take new Sri Lanka, the land of peace, to the world'
Jun 24 (GDI)
The Ministry of Tourism unveiled a new Sri Lanka tourism brand. “This is an event we have been preparing for since 2008 after we held our initial strategic planning sessions in October and November the same year. And, it’s high time to materialize our aspirations and goals with much enthusiasm, “Deputy Minister of Tourism Faiszer Mustapha said.
London's Pro Tamil Tiger demonstration and the numbers game 
Jun 23 (MoD)
The London Metropolitan Police had to force the organizers to proceed and keep up with the schedule in the latest march, organized by British Tamil Forum (BTF) with the help of Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) on Saturday 20th June in London. The organizers asked permission from the Met Police for 100, 000 participants, but disappointed by the poor attendance, they tried to delay the march in the hope of more people attending.
TNA MP with LTTE terrorist links detained
Jun 23 (MoD)
The CID conducting investigations into LTTE activities, yesterday, produced TNA Vanni District MP Sathasivam Kanagaratnam before the Colombo Chief Magistrate and Additional District Judge Nisantha Hapuarachchi and said the MP is alleged to have violated the Emergency Regulations and assisted the LTTE. Kanagaratnam was arrested by the CID while he was with the people who came from the uncleared areas.
Tense situation erupts during handing over of Sri Lanka ruling party's nominations for Uva provincial polls
Jun 23 (CP)
A tense situation erupted at the Badulla District Secretariat premises this morning during the handing over of nomination papers of Sri Lanka's ruling party, United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA).
EU grants 5 million euros for emergency assistance in Sri Lanka
Jun 23 (ISRIA)
The European Commission has allocated €5 million to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to internally displaced people, mostly ethnic Tamils, placed in camps in Sri Lanka. All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO), under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel. The projects are implemented by non-governmental relief organisations and specialised UN agencies
Sri Lankan and Malaysia Airlines in new code share deal
Jun 23 (LBO)
Sri Lankan Airlines has expanded its code share deal with Malaysian Airlines increasing its reach to the United States, Australia and Asia-Pacific sectors, the airline said. The agreement enables Malaysia Airlines to codeshare on SriLankan’s flights to Male in the Maldives while SriLankan Airlines will access Los Angeles, Sydney, Melbourne, Jakarta, and Seoul through Malaysia Airlines.

 

Ananda Collage pays tribute for Old Anandian war heroes
Ministry of Defence ‎
Senior Old Anandian officers of Sri Lanka Maj General Jagath Rambukpotha, Maj General Jagath Dias, Maj General Kamal Goonarathna, Brig Jagath Wijethilake
Sri Lanka travel advisory revised
Telegraph.co.uk 
At the same time it gave warning that there has been an upsurge in nationalism and anti-British rhetoric on the island since the end
Sri Lankan private bus owners demand fare hike once again
Colombo Page 
July 03, Colombo: Following the increase in diesel prices by the Sri Lanka government, the private bus owners today demanded a bus fare hike again.
Hatton Bank Targets Sri Lanka North, Infrastructure as War Ends
Bloomberg 
July 3 (Bloomberg) -- Hatton National Bank Ltd., Sri Lanka's second-biggest non-state lender by assets, plans to add branches
After Terror Attacks, a Return to Test Cricket for Sri Lanka and ...
New York Times
Fresh from their meeting in the World Twenty20 final last month in London, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are facing off again, halfway around the
Sri Lanka to hold presidential elections in November
July 2 (CP)
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is to seek reelection in November, once the four years of his term is completed, a source close to the President said
MR says IDPs can seek asylum
July 2 (DM) 
President Mahinda Rajapaksa told the Cabinet meeting that he would not mind Canada and the European countries giving asylum to the internally displaced persons. However, the President said that he could not send IDPs to India anymore because that country was not willing to accommodate them. “Canada has pledged to accept any number of IDPs. I do not mind these countries putting up visa offices in the welfare camps to facilitate people willing to leave the country,”
Diaspora proposes President for Nobel Prize
july 2 (DN)
A strong trade union in Italy with a large number of members of the Sri Lankan Tamil Diaspora had proposed to nominate President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the Nobel Peace Prize. The union had made this suggestion in a memorandum handed over to the Sri Lankan mission in Rome. They had praised the President for defeating terrorism and bringing peace to Sri Lanka. The members of the Tamil Diaspora were appreciative of the policies of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Tasmania signs Malinga for Twenty20
July 2 (LNP)
Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga will play for Tasmania in this summer's domestic Twenty20 competition. He's the third major international signing for the competition after West Indian stars Chris Gayle (Western Australia) and Dwayne Bravo (Victoria) agreed to play. Tigers coach Tim Coyle says Malinga is one of a few bowlers who can dominate Twenty20 cricket regularly with the ball.
'Tamil govt will be formed in Lanka'
July 1 (NT)
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.
UVA PC polls: Many voters without valid ID cards
July 1 (DM)
Political parties, civil society groups and NGOs monitoring elections expressed their deep concern yesterday about the danger of people in Uva being prevented from voting at the August 8 Provincial Council polls as a result of not having a valid identity cards. They claimed that in the Moneragala and Badulla Districts some 25 per cent of voters did not posses either a national ID card or any other form of identification
Private sector involvement a must for North-East growth
July 1 (Island)
Secretary General of the Government Peace Secretariat Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha said the government was anxious to develop the infrastructure base that would enable the private sector play a greater role in the country’s economy because it is capable of providing opportunities sans discrimination. "A lot of the country’s problems happened because we treated a community badly, although it was not intentional
Sigiriya given facelift
July 1 (DN)
Two specially designed rehabilitation projects at Sigiriya assigned to the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau are nearing completion. The Japanese Bank for International Co-operation funded, (Rs. 50 million) projects are the new stainless steel platform at the Sigiri frescoes pocket and the reinforcement of the rock wall around the fortress. Once the new platform is established visitors could view the full range of frescoes safely.
Sri Lanka establishes first solar power enabled village at Monaragala
July 1 (EBR)
Sri Lanka’s first solar power enabled village has been established at Galgamuwa in Madulla of Monaragala district. Under the project solar power facilities have been provided for 300 houses in Galgamuwa village. The ministry of Power and Energy says the government of India has provided grants in this regard. The project is implemented under the government’s renewable Energy Development Programme
Captain Ali to unload in Chennai
Jun 30 (Xinhua)
A cargo ship carrying humanitarian aid for Sri Lanka's war-affected civilians has been allowed to unload its goods in southern India after it was turned back by the Sri Lankan navy, a local English newspaper said on Tuesday. The Daily Mirror said the ship would be allowed to unload its goods in Chennai from where the supplies will be transferred to Sri Lanka through the Indian Red Cross
French Joint Forces Commander calls on Army Chief
Jun 30 (SLA)
COMMANDER of the French Joint Forces in Indian Ocean Region Vice Admiral Gerard Valin paid a courtesy call on Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka Monday morning at his office in the Army Headquarters, Colombo. The Senior French Naval Commander, accompanied by French Ambassador Mr. Michel Lummaux during his meeting with General Sarath Fonseka exchanged views with regard to security and matters of bilateral interest.
Sri Lanka to recruit 50,000 more to security forces:
Jun 30 (CP)
Sri Lanka government is to recruit an additional 50,000 to the Tri-Forces and the Police to strengthen the nation's security following the end of hostilities
India-Lanka undersea power cable pact soon
Jun 30 (LeN)
India and Sri Lanka are set to energise their relations. Literally. The two neighbours will soon sign an MoU to study the feasibility of laying an undersea cable - which will be one-of-its-kind in Asia when completed - to connect their power networks. Sources said the MEA has approved the draft agreement which is to be signed shortly.
Around the world, young Tamil voices not quieted by war's end
Jun 30 (Time)
Sri Lanka's 26 years of civil war effectively ended on May 19 with a single image. Televisions across the globe broadcast a government-issue photo of slain Tamil Tiger head, Velupillai Prabhakaran, lying on a muddy patch of ground with wide eyes and a fractured skull. His life's end terminated the LTTE's decades-long fight for an independent homeland for Sri Lanka's Tamil minority - about ten percent of the population .
LTTE Grenades, Launchers & Explosives Continue to Emerge
Jun 30 (SLA)
DURING search and clear operations conducted by the Army in the general areas of PULIYANPOKKANAI, VELLAMULLIVAIKKAL and PUTHUKUDIYIRUPPU on Monday (29), forty-six hand grenades, twenty-four Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG),  three RPG launchers, eight RPG chargers, nine claymore mines, four anti tank mines, one smoke bomb, thirty-four rounds of .50 ammunition, one I-com set, one suicide kit, three 60 mm illumination rounds, one thousand four hundred and fifty-five rounds of T-56 ammunition, three Improvised Explosive.....

It’s highly unethical for politicians to bask on reflected glories
Jun 29 (GDI)
With the dawning of peace, military victories have become braveries of SL armed forces in the recent past, and SL government has no any time to bask on the reflected glories of the past. “And, fighting in the frontlines of the economic battle, SL government will shun from quoting military victories in the upcoming polls,” Director of the Media Centre for National Security said in press statement.

Our losing battle against corruption’ – response
Jun 29 (Island)
Adverting to your commendable editorial today (25th June ’09) in The Island, the easiest way to win the battle against corruption is in my humble opinion, by the reduction of so called government in this country to the barest minimum. Though the easiest, it is by no means an easy task given the propensity of our politicians to make Constitutions and Laws to perpetuate themselves in office obviously for their private gain

Veddhas shift from caves to houses with govt. assistance
Jun 29 (Island)
The Veddha community had proved that permanent houses could be established with small financial assistance from the government, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Ferial Ashraff said recently. Attending a ceremonial handing over of newly built houses to the Veddha community at Hennanigala, Dehiattakandiya in Ampara, Minister Ferial Ashraff said that the main objective of the Janasevana National Housing Programme

Anti-intellectual behaviour of university students: Remedial measures
Jun 29 (DN)
One of the central problems of our University education is giving it free to the recipient and never expecting anything in return. Even in India and Bangladesh - our neighbours University education is not free. Here is Sri Lanka, not only university education is free, but the students are paid for their food and lodging during their stay at the University.

'LTTE government in exile futile exercise'
Jun 29 (LP)
A Former confidante of Vellupilai Prabakaran and now a Minster Vinayagamurthy Muralidaran has rejected efforts to form a ‘LTTE government in exile’ as a futile exercise. Attending the inauguration of the first regional branch of the Foreign Employment Bureau in Batticaloa Minister Muralidaran has made reference to a statement to this effect while rejecting any attempt by a now defunct LTTE to reorganize itself

Sri Lanka to pardon lower level rebels

Xinhua - Wang Guanqun 
An government official close to the process said the "mood in Sri Lanka is that of reconciliation. There is no point in trying people with little evidence

Sri Lanka to import BTI bacteria from Cuba to control dengue

Colombo Page 
June 28, Colombo: Sri Lanka plans to import BTI bacteria,( Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) commonly use as a bioinsecticide to destroy mosquito larvae

US Issues Sri Lanka Travel Advisory Despite End of War

NIDAHASA News 
(NIDAHASA News) The US State Department in this updated travel advisory has warned American citizens traveling to or living in Sri Lanka
With white van culture, draconian media control laws not needed - Hakim
Jun 27 (Island)
SLMC leader Rauff Hakim told Parliament yesterday that there was no need to bring in draconian legislation to suppress the media as the journalist fraternity practices self regulation. He jokingly added that there was no immediate need for press council law since there is a white van culture, obviously referring to the abduction of Inter News Journalist Krishni Ifham who was abducted in a white van
Arnold misses the Mike
Jun 27 (DM)
Retired batsman Russel Arnold will have to wait until the end of August to secure any television contract as he is presently on a three month “cooling down” period after Sri Lanka Cricket decided to lift a ban on players who took part in the Indian Cricket League, the Daily Mirror learns. Arnold, who became a television commentator after he retired in 2007, sought a stint with Ten Sports for Sri Lanka’s home series with Pakistan
Maj. Gen. Dias gets diplomatic appointment
Jun 27 (DM)
The 57-division’s Commanding officer Jagath Dias has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s Deputy Ambassador to Germany. A government official told the Daily Mirror that Major General Dias would leave the country to take over his duties soon. Major General Dias led his Division from the beginning of the Wanni operation three years ago and directed the capture of vital LTTE held areas
Special education program for Students in Vavuniya
Jun 27 (GDI)
Under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” program, the Ministry of Education is scheduled to conduct a special program focus on school children on June 30 in Vavuniya,the Education Ministry said. It is expected to provide text and pass papers to GCE A/L students and to grade 5 scholarship students in IDP welfare camps
Forces behind paper Jihad
Jun 27 (PSM)
Need and necessity for Muslim home guards in the East arose in 1990. It was the worst year of ethnic cleansing of Muslims both in North and in East. After ethnic cleansing of Muslims from the North by the LTTE, Muslim political leaders made representations to the govt. and introduced the home guards system to protect vulnerable and isolated Muslim villages from the LTTE and other Tamil militants
Sri Lanka won an important victory over LTTE - Ambassador Blake
Jun 26 (MoD)
Ambassador Robert Blake, new Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia told at the hearing of the Congressional Subcommittee on South Asia, yesterday (June 25) that Sri Lanka won an "important victory in the North" when it defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
LTTE communication equipment found
Jun 26 (CT)
A police team has recovered several communication equipment, including satellite phones, from the jungles of Puthumathalan in Mullaitivu.
US to press for political reconciliation in Sri Lanka
Jun 26 (LeN)
Observing that a lot needs to be done in Sri Lanka, Obama Administration's point man for South Asia yesterday(25) said the US would continue to press for the "political reconciliation" with the ethnic Tamil community.
Police arrest Sri Lanka astrologer for prediction
Jun 26 (AP) 
Sri Lankan police say they have arrested a popular astrologer for publicly predicting President Mahinda Rajapaksa's imminent ouster from office. Police spokesman Ranjith Gunasekera confirmed Friday that Chandrasiri Bandara has been arrested so police could investigate the source of his prediction. Bandara has a popular weekly television show and writes a column for a pro-opposition newspaper.
Tigers remain terrorists: US
Jun 24 (DM)
The United States says it does not recognize the provisional transnational government of Tamil Eelam announced by the LTTE head of international relations S. Pathmanathan and once again listed the Tigers as a terrorist outfit following its latest review. Senior U.S. State Department official Gregg Sullivan said that although the US welcomed reports that the LTTE has renounced violence
Jewellery found from LTTE occupied areas
Jun 24 (PTI)
Security forces have recovered 100 kgs of gold jewellery and a large amount of cash from an area in Wanni in north of the country where senior Tiger leaders were hiding. A sum of Rupees 64.91 lakh in cash and a few boxes containing about 100 kgs of jewellery were found during search operations by the troops. "On Information, received from a LTTE cadre in custody, troops on Tuesday found large amount of money and jewellery from Velamullivaikkal area in Mullaittivu
Rajapaksa may seek re-election before the year-end, also call for general election
Jun 24 (AT)
President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his aides are considering advancing the Presidential and parliamentary elections to cash in on the euphoria created by victory in the Wanni War. The present thinking is to hold Presidential election sometime in November-December, followed by general election after a gap of couple of months, anytime after February 2010
Dengue eradication: PHIs seek police protection
Jun 24 (DN)
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. This follows a survey which gathered information about students who have missed their higher education due to the conflict in the North
Our big guns never turned up at Lords
Jun 24 (DM)
Sri Lanka may have gone into the T20 World Cup with a new Captain and a new player's kit but they also carried with them old and familiar problems to do with their batting' which has plagued their success in the shorter formats of the game for too long. Ironically it was those old and familiar problems with their batting that made them miss out on winning the T20 World Cup which should have been theirs for the taking had they just scored 15 or 20 runs more.
Pro-Tiger diaspora in a post-Prabhakaran scenario
Jun 23 (LeN)
A noteworthy feature of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been the special manner in which it glorifies death and pays homage to dead tiger fighters.
Fallen LTTE members were eulogized as martyrs and referred to as “Maaveerar” or Great heroes.
Solar powered phone booths in North
Jun 23 (GDI)
A solar powered phone booth system will be set up in the North. Since the power network is not yet properly connected in the war ravaged north, the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (TRC) considered it necessary to start off with solar powered coin operated telephone booths in IDP welfare centres. “Uninterrupted and smooth communication is a must in development, and the residents of IDP villages must be able to connect with their siblings,”
Malaysia invited to rebuild Sri Lanka war-shattered zones
Jun 23 (MI)
Sri Lanka, fresh from its success in eliminating rebels in the north and east of the island, is inviting Malaysian investors to join efforts to rebuild its war-shattered zones that need at least US$4 billion (RM14 billion) to US$5 billion in initial development. Minister Anura Priyadarshana said as Malaysian companies have vast experience in the telecommunication, construction and agriculture sectors in the country,
Shelton Payagala is no more!
Jun 23 (LT)
Mr. Shelton Payagala, renowned film director and writer passed way at 11.00 a.m. today after being admitted to ICU of Sri Jayawardene Hospital. He was 65 year old at the time of this death. Mr. Shelton Payagala was born in Hatton in 1944 and was active in literature, cinema and stage circles. In 1982 he directed ‘Malata noena bambaru’ with Chandraratne Mapitigama and in 1991 diercted ‘Golu Muhude Kunatuwa’ a film on the national question

Top Ten Highlights of the ICC World Twenty 20 Cup

Indian Express 

Lankan brilliance- Sri Lanka looked the most balanced side in the tournament and played some dazzling cricket, with Tilakratne Dilshan looking simply superb

A Dhamma Talk by
BHANTE UDAIRIYAGAMA DHAMMAJIVA in New Jersey

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