Sri Lanka university non-academic staff strike to be solved on 3rd?

Sri Lanka’s university Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayaka said that the discussion held with the trade unions of the university non-academic staff was fruitful and he was positive that the strike would be settled soon.

Inter University Trade Union Joint Committee held discussions with the Minister of Higher Education, Prof. Vishwa Warnapala and the UGC officials. The delegates of the trade unions said that their decision would be announced on 3rd March after discussions with the membership.

The Treasury has granted Rs. 154 million to the UGC to pay the arrears and to remove the salary anomalies.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April30141602CH.html

Read new,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/May2144111SL.html

Kfir Shot Over Iranamadu: Dreams in Desperation

TAMIL TIGERS HAD DREAMT OF A SRI LANKAN AIR FORCE Kfir jet being shot over Iranamadu in which they had viewed an Israel built attack air craft crashing with a large cloud of smoke being spewed between 2:45 and 3:00 p.m. today (30). A pro –tiger website was too quick to carry the details of the dream with information added to say that a Kfir aircraft as had not returned to the base quoting unconfirmed reports from Colombo.

When inquired from the Air Force of any Air craft not returning to the base during the day it was confirmed by senior Air Force officials that all Aircraft of the Sri Lanka Air Force are reported entered in the bases and hangers today subsequent to their routine reconnaissance and other strike missions over the tiger held areas.

It will not be long before the tigers fall in to the laughing stock.
Read more,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5539
and
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070430_05
Photo,
http://www.lankalibrary.com/images/kafir.jpg

Sripathi Sooriyarachchi released on bail

Avissawella High Court allowed the bail application filed by Sripathi Sooriyarachchi, sacked minister of the ruling party and instructed the Kaduwela Magistrate to release him on cash and surety bail.

Sooriayarachi was arrested on a charge that he had misused a state vehicle after being dismissed from the minister post.

Since then he was being kept in remand and Kaduwela Magistrate refused his bail application on the ground that his court has no jurisdiction to release the suspect charged under the State Properties Act.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5515

Photo,
http://www.priu.gov.lk/Ministries/Min_Skills_dev_pub_enterprise.html

10 May Day rallies in Colombo!

Ten rallies and seven demonstrations will be held in Colombo to celebrate International Workers’ Day.
The rally of the PA will be held at town Hall Grounds under the chairmanship
of President Mahinda Rajapakse. SLFP will not hold any demonstration.

The JVP will hold its May Day rally at Parliament Grounds at Jayewardenepura. The colourful demonstration will commence from Campbell Park at Borella and march to Parliamentary Grounds.

The UNP has decided not to hold any May Day celebration this year. However, a few trade unions of the party have arranged to celebrate the workers’ day.

The International Workers’ Day celebrated on the 1^st May is celebrated in Sri Lanka on the 30^th this year on account of Wesak Full Moon Poya Day, the most important day for Buddhists too is celebrated on the same day.

Extracted from,

http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/April/30/20070430_1.htm

Photo,

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b3/Kolkhoznitsa.jpg

Sri Lanka government to take measures to destroy LTTE air capability

Sri Lanka government said today that its security forces are ascertaining the new threat of air attacks by LTTE and would take short term and long term measures to detect and destroy the LTTE air capability and to ensure the safety and security of the military, economic and civil establishments.

Shortly after the LTTE air attack, Air Force struck the targets near the airstrip of the LTTE at Iranamadu in the rebel controlled northern Wanni district, the military said.

`The Air force has established that two light aircraft landed at Iranamadu area and launched an aerial attack on several identified targets at Iranamadu in Kilinochchi at 5.30 a.m. today. The damages caused to enemy establishments are yet to be confirmed,` the Minister Yapa said.

Read more,
http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2007/4/14438.html

Suspected LTTE gunman kills a Journalist -Jaffna

A reporter attached to the Uthayan newspaper in Jaffna was shot dead by unidentified gunmen early yesterday, sources in the North said.

The sources said the police believe that the 24-year-old Selvaraja Rajivarmanhad been killed by the LTTE, who were not happy with what he wrote for the newspaper.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070430_04

Congress Party demands Vaiko should be arrested in a meeting with Karunanidhi

As an immediate repercussion to the revelation of the Tamil Nadu police that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) had killed five fishermen in cold blood suspecting them as spies watching their gun running , Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President met Chief Minister of the state M. Karunanidhi to demand that all politicians supporting the terrorist group should be arrested.

On March 10 Vaiko met Prime Minister Man Mohan Singh and told him that the Indian Navy was merely watching as spectators while the Sri Lankan Navy was killing Indian citizens. For along period of time Vaiko has been openly supporting the LTTE even after the terrorist group killed the Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Once he traveled to Sri Lanka and lived many months in a bunker with LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Read more,
http://srilankanews.wordpress.com/2007/04/30/
congress-party-demands-vaiko-should-be-arrested-in-a-meeting-with-karunanidhi/

British government issues travel warnings to Sri Lanka

British Government issued travel warning to British citizens traveling to Sri Lanka in general and the North and East of the country in particular, in the light of the latest incident in which LTTE used aircrafts ob 29 April to drops bombs in targets in Colombo.

“We strongly recommend that all British nationals who are resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo."

"We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake."

Read more,
http://srilankanews.wordpress.com/
2007/04/30/british-government-issues-travel-warnings-to-sri-lanka/

ICC chief admits finish was most farcical

Cricket's top official apologized for the blunder that ruined the end of the World Cup final and admitted it was the most farcical end to a game he had ever seen.

The four umpires and match referee mistakenly told the Australia and Sri Lanka players that with three overs to go in the fading light at Kensington Oval on Saturday, the final might have to be completed the next day.

Asked if it had been the most farcical end to a game he had ever seen, Speed replied: ``Yes, I think it is.

``I think it's very unfortunate. It was a very sad way to finish the World Cup. I hope that we can recall the great day's cricket we had before that very unfortunate ending.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200704300923.htm

President congratulates Mahela, cricket team

President Mahinda Rajapaksa salutes Mahela Jayawardena and the Sri Lanka cricket team which emerged Runners up at the 2007 Cricket World Cup which concluded in Barbados last Saturday.

“I and my government greatly appreciate the contribution and the heart-felt service rendered by the Coach and the Officials of the Sri Lanka team for their victories achieved.”

It is my fervent wish that likewise the Cricket team has triumphed in cricket, we Sri Lankans will together triumph the world.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/04/30/spo02.asp

It's a part of the A 9 that LTTE is using for the air strip -Shan Wickremesinghe

An engineer who conducted several investigations regarding the air strip of the, Shan Wickremesinghe says the LTTE is using a part of the A 9 highway as their air strip. He said that those responsible in the Air force have been informed of the air paths used by the LTTE to hide away from the radar systems and about the findings from his investigations.

Meanwhile it is also being reported that a civilian air craft that was flying during last night's incidents, was fired with 5 zero guns but no damages were caused to the air craft because it was flying over the heights which a 5 zero would reach.

Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4077

Match referee accepts responsibility for farcical end

Match referee Jeff Crowe has taken full responsibility for the chaotic end to the final match of the World Cup at the Kensington Oval Saturday...

"It's a human error I guess, at the end of the day ... the match referee should have known and basically said that's not right, the game should be completed now," Crowe told reporters in a post-match media conference...

After long discussions involving match officials and with the captains and with the possibility of completing the match Sunday being raised, the match was finally restarted with Sri Lanka batting out the remaining three overs to finish at 215 for eight.

"The real confusion though occurred when it was suggested that the remaining overs would be completed tomorrow. I guess that's what put the teams in confusion [along with] the umpires and I guess the rest of you and everybody else at the ground and obviously [those] watching on television," Crowe said.

Read more,
http://www.newkerala.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=23727
Photo,
www.cricinfo.com

LTTE air strike successfully thwarted -Government

Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) activated their air defence systems in Colombo, Katunayake and Ratmalana as two LTTE light aircraft approached Colombo and suburbs early morning on Sunday. As the air defence systems were activated, the two aircraft fled the area and dropped four explosive devices in Kolonnawa area and Muthurajawela area around 1.50 a.m., Media Centre for National Security reports.

Of the two dropped in the Muthurajawela area, one has fell in the Pump House area without causing any damage and the other has fell around the premises of a private gas company fire hut resulting a minor fire which was put out, MCNS reports further state. No damage was reported from Kolonnawa area.

Air Force was alerted about two LTTE aircraft 20 minutes before their arrival at Katunayake and the air defence systems were immediately activated, Group Captain Ajantha Silva said. Three Air Force aircraft were also airborne as a defencive step. Immediate defence action has prevented the LTTE aircraft from attacking any defence or economic installation.

As the security forces opened fire in the air after activating their air defence systems the LTTE air crafts have left the area immediately.

As the MCNS further reports SLAF fighter jets hit identified targets near the Iranamadu LTTE airstrip in Kilinochchi in the uncleared areas of Vanni, during the wee hours of this morning. Earlier, around 1.00 a.m. Air Force hit another well identified LTTE target in Vishwamadu in east of Iranamadu.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2267&Itemid=44

Air Strike Hits LTTE Target

AIR FORCE JET AIRCRAFT STRUCK an identified LTTE target today (29) around 5.35 a.m. in KILLINOCHCHI near the IRANAMADU Tiger airstrip.

Earlier, around 1.00 am today (29), Air Force Jets hit another LTTE target in VISHWAMADAU, East of IRANAMADU.

Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5517

Tiger Aircraft bombs two petroleum facilities and returns

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam air craft bombed a Shell gas distribution facility in Colombo and destroyed three buildings in the facility and also a petroleum distribution facility at Kolonnawa East of the center of the city.

Shell Lanka Ltd. jointly owned by the petroleum giant and the government of Sri Lanka said in a statement that there had been an explosion in their facilities and three buildings had been damaged. The distribution facility of petroleum at Kolonnawa also had been bombed by the LTTE aircraft...

Colombo’s General Hospital said two people who were working at a power station are being treated for gun shot injuries. The city was engulfed in darkness as the power had been cut. Civilians reported gun fire being directed at a low flying aircraft. The power was cut when thousands of people were glued to their TV sets watching the final cricket match between the Australian and Sri Lanka teams for World Cup...

Read more,

http://srilankanews.wordpress.com/
2007/04/29/tiger-aircraft-boms-two-petroleum-facilities-and-returns/

Photos,
http://static.ibnlive.com/pix/sitepix/04_2007/colombo_facility_oil248.jpg

LTTE AIRCRAFT DROPPED FOUR EXPLOSIVE devices

Two explosive devices fell in the KOLONNAWA area, and two in the MUTHURAJAWELA area. There was no damage reported in KOLONNAWA although the explosive devices exploded.

Of the two dropped in MUHURAJAWELA area, one fell in the PUMP HOUSE area without causing any damage. The other fell around the SHELL Company "FIRE" HUT resulting in a minor fire which was put out.

The Tiger aircraft left the area immediately as the Air Defence Systems were activated.

Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5516

Suspect plane sparks S.Lanka alert, gunfire heard

Sri Lanka's military went on alert on Sunday when radar detected a suspect plane, military sources said, and witnesses said they heard explosions and firing in the capital Colombo. Residents said power to the city had been cut. Hospital officials said two people who worked at a power station were being treated for gunfire wounds..

"They have detected one suspect aircraft on radar," a military source said. An air force spokesman said: "The air defences were activated and we are doing a search now. I can't give you any more details yet." Some residents said they saw gunfire being directed at a plane flying overhead...

Read more,
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L28479270.htm

Shell buildings hit in suspected Tiger attack in Sri Lanka

A Shell building in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo caught fire early Sunday following a suspected aeriel attack by Tamil Tigers, an official with the energy group said.

"There has been some explosion and we don't know the extent of damage," said Shell Gas's media manager, Chamani Herath Pathirage.

Fire engines were rushed to the scene after reports that three buildings had been hit, but there were no reports of gas storage tanks being affected.

Shell Gas Lanka, Sri Lanka's largest producer of gas, has a storage facility just north of Colombo.

Shell, which acquired a 51 percent stake in the state-owned Colombo Gas Company when it was privatised in 1995 for 37 million dollars, is still partially owned by the government.

Extracted from,
http://lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=651210611&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=33

Colombo under terrorist attack ????

Sri Lanka Security forces have activated the air defense system after suspected LTTE air crafts were seen closing in the katunayake air force base and the international airport. Meanwhile military are also firing into the air following reports that they were in the process of infiltrating into the Colombo harbour and the Ratmalana airport. Meanwhile, a spokesman attached to the media centre for national secure was unable to give more confirmed details...

Extracted from,
http://www.theacademic.org/

President met the Sri lanka team

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is now in Barbados to watch the final match, yesterday met the Sri Lanka team and wished them good luck.

News & photo from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April28123636CH.html

Govt asked to speak on 'Q-LTTE link'

The BJP and SP on Saturday asked the Government to comment on a website’s claim that Ottavio Quattrocchi, an accused in the Bofors kickback case, and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) conspired to kill Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The obscure website claims Quattrocchi met LTTE leader Anton Balasingham at a five-star hotel in Paris and French intelligence agencies secretly recorded their conversation.

BJP MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra and SP MP Ramji Lal Suman raised the matter in Lok Sabha and asked the government to give an official response.

"The matter is very serious, but the government has not yet responded to it," said Malhotra, who wanted a formal response from the government...

Read More,

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/politics/
04_2007/govt-questioned-on-qltte-link-39323.html

Colombo sealed off amid LTTE bomb fears

The Sri Lankan capital Colombo was sealed off for over three hours this morning with poilice checking every single vehicle leaving and entering the city as part of a new security operation.

Police said the checks were carried out on vehicles and people amid fears that Tamil Tiger rebels could smuggle in weapons or bombs to set off attacks in the capital.

Huge traffic jams were reported at every entry point to the capital and in some places doctors and ambulances were unable to get in to the city because of long lines of traffic.

The sudden operation came as Sri Lankans prepared to watch the island's team play Australia in the finals of the cricket world cup later today.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200704281121.htm

B Raman's Views on LTTE

Sometimes the things B Raman says worry me. In his latest comments, he says "India should not have anything to do with the LTTE so long as it is led by Rajiv's assassins. If it removes them, the Govt. of India should give it its full backing."

I personally don't think India should resume support for LTTE under any circumstances. Going beyond the fact that they assassinated an Indian Prime Minister -- one whose political heritage I don't particularly like -- they attacked our army, connived with our enemies, and fanatically profess a racially exclusivist ideology. I think they've done a lot more harm to India than Sri Lanka has done, so I don't see why they should get our favoritism.

I certainly hope that B Raman isn't harbouring a closeted Hamid Gul streak, where the ex-spymasters and retired generals have the soft corner for their pashtun relatives across the border, even to the point of defying the national interest. RAW should uphold a better tradition than ISI, by staying within state lines.

The LTTE are completely untrustworthy, and are engaged in international criminal activities across the world. I think that Karuna may not be as bad as Prabhakaran, but I'm not sure
what the extent of his role was in anti-Indian activities.

Extracted from,
http://rajeev2004.blogspot.com/2007/04/b-ramans-views-on-ltte.html

Aussies will lose. It’s written in the law, says Sri Lankan fans

In Sri Lanka numerous religious ceremonies have been held to bless the team. The prayers of well-wishers of all communities are flying all the way to Barbados to strengthen the power and the skills needed to score the final victory.

The three other Asian cricketing nations – India, Pakistan and Bangladesh – too are hoping that the Sri Lankan team will do better than their 1996 Cup-wining match, defeating Australia, and bring home the World Cup once again.

There is no doubt that in trying to be too smart AI has put its foot in the wrong place and hit its own wicket. It will take a long time for AI to live down its “Damn-nasty” image in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan team, however, ignored the politics of AI and went on with their game, playing by the rules, of course.

News & photo from,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5488

Sri Lanka has already won; the hearts and minds of millions of cricket fans throughout the world

Mahela Jayawardena has brought the Sri Lanka cricket team to the brink of another historic victory. He and his magnificent men are poised to repeat the performance of Arjuna Ranatunga and his magnificent men in 1996. While Arjuna led us there with his no hold barred attitude towards the Australians, Mahela is taking us there with his iron determination and a superbly united and well oiled team of batsmen, bowlers and fielders...

"If we win, we get in the history books, if we do not, we are already in the history books as the team that has played cricket as it should be played and as a bunch of world class cricketers who have already won the hearts and minds of the cricketing world. We have nothing to lose."

Mahela and his team have the best wishes of millions of cricket fans across the world.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5483

LTTE behind killing of five Indian fishermen, says TN police

The LTTE was behind the killing of five Indian fishermen off the Kanyakumari Coast on March 29, Tamil Nadu police said.

DGP D Mukherjee, in a statement here tonight, said this was revealed during the interrogation of six LTTE cadre arrested on April 11 last off Tuticorin Coast.

He said 12 Indian fishermen, who had been reported missing since March 4 last, were abducted by the sea tigers and were in the LTTE's custody now.

The Q branch CID, which took up the investigation of the case on April 23 interrogated the six. The interrogation revealed that the six belonged to the LTTE's sea tiger wing and were involved in smuggling of arms and ammunition from a LTTE ship in the high seas and transporting them to the LTTE camps in Sri lanka, he said.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200704272171.htm

Sinhalese LTTE spy arrested

A Sinhalese man has been arrested by the Buththala police for allegedly spying for the LTTE, said the Buththala police on Thursday April 26.

The Police said that he was also commissioned by the LTTE for certain murders to be committed in future. He was readying for it on orders of the LTTE, reported Lankadeepa, the Sinhala language broadsheet published in Colombo on April 27.

On April 20, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapakse said that an investigation into Sinhala LTTE cadres had revealed that there were several Sinhala women who underwent training in the handling of arms under the LTTE...

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5481

Sri Lanka hopes to repeat '96 World Cup upset

Jayasuriya is the most-capped one-day cricketer in history, a flamboyant opening batsman whose fearless stroke play can give an innings unstoppable momentum, and a useful spin-bowler as well. Vaas is the master of new-ball bowling who can destroy an opponent's innings almost before they start. Murali is the unorthodox wizard of spin who bamboozles the most gifted, in-form batsmen...

The Sri Lankans must field well, in particular denying Ponting any second chances. Dropping him early in his innings ended South Africa's vestigial hopes in the semifinal. Doing the same in the Ashes test series late last year meant that England, which had looked set to level the contest at 1-1, instead conceded only the second 5-0 whitewash in the rivalry's history...

Sri Lanka also knows it could do all of the above, and still lose. Logic points to an Australian victory. But it also did, and much more compellingly, back in 1996...

Read more,
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/27/sports/cricket.php
Photo,
news.bbc.co.uk

LTTE's growth due to DMK Govt. in TN, says Jayalalithaa

The growth of LTTE to the level of conducting air strikes was only due to the DMK government in Tamil Nadu allowing smuggling of military equipment to them from the State, AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa alleged today.

In a statement here, she said during the DMK rule, a terrorist organisation in the neighbouring country had become strong enough to conduct air strikes, in an obvious reference to the air strikes carried out by the LTTE.

She said besides arms and ammunition, food, medicine and other materials were being smuggled from the Tamil Nadu Coast, adding "most of those involved in such activities belong to the DMK."

Cases were being foisted against AIADMK functionaries, while anti-social elements were having a free run in the State, she said adding law and order situation had completely deteriorated.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200704271860.htm

Mangala to be reinstated in the ministry

Sources close to the Sri Lanka government speculate that the former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera would be reinstated as the Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation soon after the May Day.

A compromise was dealt between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera by Western Province Chief Minister Alevi Mawlana and the two held extensive talks at the Temple Trees last Tuesday...

Read more,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April27135659SL.html

Related,
http://srilankawebnews.blogspot.com/2007/04/www.html

Photo,
http://www.geocities.com/sunj_s/mangala01.jpg

UNP criticizes Sri Lanka President’s visit to Caribbean

Sri Lanka’s major opposition United National Party (UNP) today criticized the President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to Caribbean to watch the national team playing in the World Cup final with Australia tomorrow.

UNP MP John Amaratunga compared the President’s visit to Nero’s fiddling while Rome was burning. He said that the former President Chandrika Kumaratunga did not go to watch the World Cup final in 1996 in which Sri Lanka won....

Read more,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April27153236SL.html

Air Force took timely action, Sri Lanka Minister says

Sri Lanka Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena today said that the timely action taken by the Air Force personnel greatly evaded any possible negative repercussions if an attack took place yesterday night.

Briefing the media representatives today at the Department of Government Information the Minister said the information they received was totally reliable as it was from a sentry located at Palavi in Puttlam.

After receiving reports of suspicious aircrafts flying south along the coast, Sri Lankan authorities activating the air defense systems temporarily closed the Colombo international airport and cut power to the city late on Thursday..

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April27132329CH.html

SLAF helicopter forced landing

A SLAF helicopter was forced landing in anuradhapura airbase and no damages to the pilots and others. However it is reported that the helicopter has been damaged due to that incident.

Sri Lanka will have to play out of their skins: Clarke

Australian batsman Michael Clarke says his side is in almost unbeatable form heading into tomorrow night's World Cup cricket final against Sri Lanka.

The two sides arrived in Barbados this morning to prepare for the match, and Clarke said there was a good reason why Australia was undefeated at the tournament so far.

"We're playing with so much freedom guys don't seem to have too many doubts," Clarke said.

"Whether they're batting or bowling, they're backing their own ability.

"I think if we play the brand of cricket we're playing at the moment with the freedom, we'll certainly be very tough to beat. Sri Lanka will have to play out of their skins."

Extracted photo & news from,
http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1908000.htm

Hotel structures in form of Vesak lanterns: Bhikkhu Front calls for action

The National Bhikkhu Front has called for President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s intervention to stop potential damage that may be caused to the spirit of Vesak festival by some hotels getting ready to exhibit their hotel structures in the form of Vesak lanterns.

A handful of hotels and business establishments are trying to manipulate the importance of the Vesak festival for their commercial advantage by making it an opportunity to sell hotel rooms and have Vesak lanterns in the shape of their hotel buildings, to the dismay of Buddhist monks and the public, the Bhikkhu Front said in a letter to the President...

more details,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/04/27/news22.asp

SLAF engaged anti air defence system on suspected terrorist air craft -Defence.lk

SLAF units engaged anti air defence system on suspected terrorist air craft observed in the skies of Katunayake at 10.45 p.m (26.04.2007)

Meanwhile, SLAF officials said that the situation was gone under total control and added that surch operation were underway for any sort of adverse elements.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/

S.Lanka closes airport, cuts power after planes seen

Sri Lankan authorities closed the Colombo international airport and cut power to the city on Thursday night after suspicious airplanes were seen flying south along the coast, a military source said. "Some civilians in Puttlam district had seen three aircraft flying from north to south hugging the sea. With suspicion, contingency plans have been activated because of the imminent risk of threat, closing off the entrance of the airport and switching power off," he said on condition of anonymity. Early on Tuesday, Tamil Tiger rebel airplanes dropped bombs on military positions in the north of the country in their second aerial attack ever. The first was an attack on an air base attached to Colombo airport less than a month ago.

Extracted from,
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/COL109803.htm

Sri Lankan president leaves to Barbados

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa departed Thursday to witness the Saturday's World Cup final Cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Rajapaksa had departed heading for Barbados in the Caribbean islands to witness the final match, said Chandrapala Liyanage, a senior Presidential Secretariat official, adding that the president was invited by the Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur.

"The president's visit indicates his appreciation of efforts of the national cricket team in reaching the world cup final," Liyanage said.

Read more,
http://english.people.com.cn/200704/26/eng20070426_370002.html

Sri Lanka Telecom gets license for IPTV

Sri Lanka Telecom has received government approval to start an internet based television service, the company said Thursday.

"Sri Lanka Telecom has been successful in securing a media license from the Ministry of Mass Media and Information to provide IP-TV services in the country," SLT told the Colombo Stock Exchange in a disclosure.

"This will enable SLT to offer quality video and new integrated tv services over broadband networks."...

Read More:
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?
newsID=146294652&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=5

Top LTTE leader arrested in New York

The top U.S. representative of the LTTE, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organisation, orchestrated a covert campaign to finance its escalating conflict with military forces in Sri Lanka, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Karunakaran Kandasamy, 50, was ordered held without bail in Brooklyn on charges of providing material support to terrorists. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200704260943.htm

Clash between Mahinda & Mangala ended?

www.lankaenews.com reports the clash between the president Mahinda Rajapaksa and former minister Mangala samaraweera has been ended after a 4 hour special conservation held in temple tree last night.

More details,
http://www.lankaenews.com/Sinhala/news.php?id=2187
(sinhala version)
Photo:
www.lankaenews.com

Arnold to quit after the World Cup

Russel Arnold, the Sri Lankan middle-order batsman, has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the World Cup. Saturday's final at Barbados will be Arnold's last match for Sri Lanka, if selected. He will continue to play domestic cricket for the Colombo-based Nondescripts Cricket Club...

Read more,
http://content-sl.cricinfo.com/wc2007/
content/current/story/292289.html

Photo:
http://www.cricinfo.com

Fleming quits as Blacks Caps' ODI skipper

New Zealand's Stephen Fleming announced his resignation as captain of his country's one-day team after the 81-run defeat by Sri Lanka in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday.

Read more,
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=
6&click_id=4&art_id=nw20070425
001832835C625767

Photo:
http://www.hinduonnet.com

Two Home Guards killed in LTTE claymore attack

The LTTE terrorists detonated a claymore mine targeting a group of Special Task Force (STF) personnel and Home Guards on foot patrol duty in the Ampara area this morning, Wednesday the 25th of April.

The incident took place at 8.30 a.m whilst the security forces personnel conducting duty at the Meeragala area in Bakmitiyawa, Ampara, defence sources said.

Two Home Guards were killed while two Home Guards and three STF personnel sustained injuries due to the explosion, sources further said.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070425_03

Jayawardene storms SL into final

Mahela Jayawardene produced an innings of pure class, a rare gem, when it was most needed as Sri Lanka claimed their rightful place in the final of the 2007 World Cup, brushing aside New Zealand, who have reached the semifinals five times and never gone further. The 81-run win was Mahela's baby, but Upul Tharanga and Muttiah Muralitharan also played solid supporting roles.....

image:http://cricketworldcup.indya.com/
Read more,
http://content-sl.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/current/story/292186.html

Intelsat switched off LTTE ‘s NTT

Sri Lanka’s envoy in Washington DC said his office had been informed by Washington based Intelsat Corporation that they have switched off the transponder used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to broadcast its National Television of Tamil Eelam (NTT) last weekend....

A press release issued by the Washington DC embassy of Sri Lanka said, “Intelsat Ltd., a U.S. based satellite company has terminated the “unauthorized” use of one of its satellites, Intelsat12, by the Sri Lanka based terrorist organization, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), for its TV and radio transmissions to Europe and Asia”.....

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5450

Death threat to Jayalalitha

The Tamil Nadu police has stepped up the security of former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and General Secretary of the All India Anna Dravda Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Jayalalitha Jeyaram after a death threat has been issued against her allegedly by the Sri Lankan terrorist group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)

LTTE military spokesman Rasiah Ilantheriyan has denied that their group has issued the threat against the former Chief Minister who is virulently opposed to them.....

Read more,
http://srilankanews.wordpress.com/

Universities non academics launch a strike

A strike has been launched by Inter-University Trade Union Federation demanding their long-standing salary anomalies be sorted out immediately.

Moody laughs off Malinga doubts

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody claims that unorthodox fast bowler Lasith Malinga has one of the straightest arms in cricket and says it is ridiculous to suggest the 23-year-old's action is illegal....

Malinga, nicknamed 'The Slinger' for his distinctive action, has missed the last three World Cup matches because of an ankle injury but will reclaim his place in the side for tonight's semi-final against New Zealand at Sabina Park....

Read more,
http://www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200704/s1904846.htm

LTTE to remain on EU blacklist

The LTTE will remain on the EU blacklist together with 29 other international rebel groups and more than 30 individuals, EU foreign ministers at a two day meeting in Luxembourg said in a statement yesterday...

The European Union last May placed the LTTE on their list of banned terrorists despite warnings from the rebel at the time that this could lead to full-blown civil war in Sri Lanka....

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/04/24/front/01.asp

LTTE air attack thwarted; 'No damages to Palali military base'

The Sri Lanka Air Force denied the statement of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) that the Tamil Tiger air planes bombed the Palai air strip by using their propeller driven two light winged air craft and called it a complete fabrication.....

According to civilian sources, tension has mounted in the Tellippalai area as LTTE launched artillery shells fell well within the civilian settlements, forcing the majority Tamil community to take shelter under the protection of the security forces. Military officials said that the damages caused to civilian lives and property were not yet accessed due to the LTTE artillery attack....

The discrepancies in the reporting of Pro-LTTE websites have become a phenomenal error in their cause of mediation...

Read more,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070424_03
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5454

Forces foil LTTE attempt to attack Palali base

Alert security forces at Vettilaikerni detected an LTTE light aircraft approaching the Northern peninsula this morning and fired at it forcing the aircraft to fly away. The aircraft, while flying away has dropped two bombs at Mailadi coast....

Defence Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe said that the LTTE aircraft apparently had plans to attack the Palali Army Base, the biggest security force establishment in the North. “But the objective could not be achieved as the alert security force personnel detected the aircraft and fired at it,” he said.....

Read more,
http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2222&Itemid=44

LTTE triggered bus explosion kill 04 and injure 31 civilians

Tiger terrorists exploded another passengerbus killing around 03 civilians and injuring around 37 at Mnik farm in the Mannar-Madawachchiya road around 11.30 p.m. yesterday (23).....

Rea more,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070424_01
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5453

Arms to Lanka echoes in Thamil Nadu Assembly

PMK leader G K Mani said India should not supply arms to Sri Lanka as they would be used against 'innocent Tamils' in the island republic...

Congress Legislature Party leader D Sudarsanam, taking objection to the PMK raising the issue in the state Assembly, said the PMK had a cabinet minister at the Centre, who should take up the matter with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the cabinet meetings...

Read more,
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=
%7BDB1B1C1E-BC27-4643-9302-D3C0AA017876%7D&CATEGORYNAME=CHN

Will Moody stay with Sri Lanka team?

The often asked question in Sri Lankan cricketing circles is: Will coach Tom Moody want to stay with the Lankan team or quit for more lucrative offers?.....

With the results shown so far, it would do Sri Lanka cricket a lot of good if they could persuade Moody to stay. If Sri Lanka wins the World Cup - and there is no reason why they should not - then there is the possibility that Moody would up his price to remain....

Read more,
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/04/08/spo01.asp

Norwegian ambassador cancels visit to LTTE

He was told not to go to Kilinochchi due to security reasons, a government official said on conditions of anonymity. The Norwegian diplomatic sources also confirmed that the visit has been cancelled....

Read more,
http://www.indiaenews.com/srilanka/20070423/48571.htm
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4057

Sri Lanka keep faith in Tharanga for semi ?

Sri Lanka will persist with out-of-form opener Upul Tharanga for the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, the country's chief selector said on Monday.....

"We must not forget that Tharanga scored two centuries against England last year and also scored two centuries in the Champions Trophy," de Mel said just before leaving for the Carribean on Monday...

Read more
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?from=rss_Sport&
set_id=6&click_id=4&art_id=nw20070423084126115C783503

Showdown Semi-Finals

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack has performed well so far in the tournament and it remains to be seen if Lasith Malinga will play the crucial match after missing out in the last few games....

Sri Lanka would know, they too ‘rested’ Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan against the Aussies. Malinga didn’t play that match as well. So, one things for sure, both these teams know who they facing in the finals.....

Read more,
http://notjustcricket.wordpress.com/2007/04/23/showdown-semi-finals/

www.unp.lk launched (Elephants online)

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe launched the U.N.P. website www.unp.lk on the 22nd of this month at his Office at Srimath Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7.

Read more,
http://www.unp.lk/

SLAF resumes air raid at identified LTTE targets

The SLAF fighter jets resumed air raids at identified LTTE targets on 23rd April, at 12.10p.m and 01.00p.m consecutively.

Read more,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070423_04
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5451

Norwegian support for terrorism

There are secret funds and for what are they used? To manipulate elections or provide additional funds for the LTTE Rovik wondered.....


The Mahaweli centre hall overflowed into a hall downstairs and political personalities such as Somawansa Amerasinghe and Wimal Weerawansa of the JVP, Champika Ranawake of the JHU and Hemakumara Nanayakkara were present.....

Read more
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5435

marvan or tharanga?

almost everybody online or offline is discussing whether sri lankan cricket team should substitute marvan atapattu for upul tharanga for the upcoming semi final and hopefully final...

Read more,
http://llibertarian.blogspot.com/2007/04/
marvan-or-tharanga-let-mahela-and-co.html

UN workers in LTTE custody

The UN is believed to have secretly negotiated for the release of two UN workers held by the LTTE in the Vanni. The Colombo-based UN bigwigs, The Island learns, kept the seizure under wraps believing that the LTTE would eventually free them.

Extracted from
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items07/230407-5.html

Ranil off to Croatia

Opposition UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe will leave for Croatia tomorrow to attend the meeting of the International Democratic Union (IDU)

Extracted from
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/04/23/front/6.asp

Conflict not the biggest stumbling block for economic growth

The war is not the sole and the most serious stumbling block for economic growth. For long lasting peace, LTTE terrorism should be defeated militarily and democracy should be restored in the North and East, said JVP parliamentarian Wimal Weerawansa

Extracted from
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2007/04/22/fin01.asp

Gotabhaya, the Media and diplomatic intervention

The Free Media Movement is known to jump the gun and go to town vociferously demonstrating against the slightest mis-reporting or mis-representation about our media. They have done it in style this time too without verifying the facts....

Extracted from
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/04/23/fea04.asp

Bangladesh Cricket Academy defeated Sri Lanka Academy

Bangladesh Cricket Academy registered a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Academy at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium on Sunday to bounce back in the tri-nation tournament also involving Pakistan.

Extracted from
http://banglacricket.com/alochona/showthread.php?t=20747

Mahanayaka says no ethnic issue, only terrorism

The Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Mahanayaka Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya said on Saturday that there is no ethnic issue in Sri Lanka but there is a problem due to one terrorist group claiming part of the country ......

Extracted from
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/04/23/news/9.asp

Norwegian envoy to meet LTTE tomorrow to resume stalled Sri Lanka peace talks...

A spokesman for the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo confirmed that the decision has been taken after the Ambassador’s meeting with the government chief peace negotiator Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last Friday

Extracted from
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April22153754JV.html

President is hoping to travel to the West Indies

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa is hoping to travel to the West Indies if Sri Lanka beats New Zealand in their semi-final match on Tuesday
a spokesperson for the President’s Office said.....

Extracted from
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/April22132356JV.html

get Marvan Atapattu at the top

Sri Lanka is the only hope cricket fans in Asia have. Easily the best bowling attack of the four semifinalists, but run making still seems a problem.. specially while chasing.....

Sanath Jayasuriya is good, but Tharanga is struggling. Jayawardena seems settled at number 4, but Sangakkara needs runs. Chamara Silva looks fine but Dilshan & Russel Arnold should do more...

Extracted from
http://talkcricket.dopanne.com/PermaLink,guid
,da13614d-1305-48d7-9af8-5e54ea643488.aspx