Sri Lanka Latest News: May 2007

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Time ripe to take a decision on ceasefire, Sri Lanka government

Sri Lanka Defense Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said to media today that the time is ripe for the government to take a decision on the ceasefire agreement signed with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE).

The Minister said that there is a huge contrast between the articles in the ceasefire agreement and the ground reality.

The government is seemed responding to the consecutive bomb attacks by the Tamil Tigers targeting the military vehicles in Colombo and suburbs.

The government is under severe pressure from the Sinhala nationalists to abolish the Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2002 with the LTTE.

You can't help so we need Pak, China to help fight Tigers, Lanka tells India

With Tamil Tigers stepping up attacks, Sri Lanka has quietly alerted India that it will need to approach Pakistan and China for urgent arms purchases to counter the LTTE's aerial threat.

But Colombo has asked Delhi for technical assistance to train radar operators and flight controllers manning the two Indira radars provided by India last year, besides an additional pair of radars to detect low-flying aircraft.

Sri Lankan Defence Secretary and President Mahinda Rajapakse's brother Gotabaya Rajapakse, who met National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and all three Services chiefs during his recent visit, is believed to have conveyed that Colombo understood Delhi's political compulsions which were preventing increase in military cooperation between the two countries.

Rajapakse told Indian authorities that Colombo, which had urgent need for air defence equipment in view of the bold aerial attacks being carried out by the Tigers, would be approaching Pakistan, China and other countries.

Extracted from,
http://in.news.yahoo.com/070530/48/6gguo.html

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Sri Lanka seeks urgent military equipment from India

Sri Lanka urged India to provide more military equipment and intelligence assistance to fight against escalating attacks by the Tamil Tigers, Indian media reported yesterday.

Reports said that visiting Sri Lankan Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa submitted a list of urgent military requirements during meetings with national security advisor M K Narayanan, Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta and Army Chief General J. J. Singh.

According to the reports Defense Secretary wanted low level transportable radars and quick reaction ground to air missiles to contain the threat posed by Tigers air attacks.

School children from Vakarai visit Colombo

Government, along with the support of the Security Forces personnel and the 'Seva Lanka' Foundation, has organized an educational trip for the students of Vakarai area to visit the Southern part of the island.

Yesterday was the last day of this four day tour which included sixty two students of that area. Twenty two students from Vigneshwaran School of Vakarai and forty students from Palachchenai participated in the educational tour.

The Army and the 'Seva Lanka' Foundation provided food and accommodation to the students.

First three days were spent at Colombo and the students had the opportunity of visiting several important places. They visited the famous shrine of St. Anthony's in Kochchikade on Saturday (26) while on Sunday they visited the National Zoological Gardens.

They visited the Ramanadan Hindu College yesterday and went on a sightseeing tour in Colombo. A musical show was conducted for the students in the evening.

Expose LTTE genocide worldwide: TULF

The Tamil United Liberation Front Leader V. Anandasangaree suggests a team of British administrators and a few pro - LTTE Tamil Nadu politicians be brought down to see some of the LTTE's atrocious activities.

In a statement issued yesterday the TULF leader "strongly condemns the LTTE for its ruthless manner in which they took the lives of 8 innocent civilians and caused injuries to 36 others of whom how many would have lost their limbs and eyesight are not known".

I wish a team of British Parliamentarians and a few pro LTTE Tamil Naadu Politicians be brought down to see some of the LTTE's atrocious activities and to go back and tell the world that more than 50% of Tamils are living amongst the Sinhalese peacefully and that it is the LTTE that is engaged in genocide and not the Sinhala people.

Sri Lanka opposition leader tries to force an agenda

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has criticised comments from Sri Lanka opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe which argued that Sri Lankan editors should be summoned before Parliament and questioned under the Parliamentary Privileges Act...

“These sorts of comments are indicative of the deeper underlying media issues in Sri Lanka,” said the president of the IFJ, the organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 115 countries.

“People in positions of power in Sri Lanka seem to think they are able to control the news agenda, and, regardless of the reality, these comments are having a detrimental affect on press freedom nationwide,” Warren said.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

TMVP calls for solution within a united Lanka

The Karuna faction, also known as the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), has recommended, in a set of proposals submitted to the APRC, a permanent resolution within a united Sri Lanka.

The proposals were submitted to APRC chairman Minister Tissa Vitharana yesterday.

A significant part of the proposals is that it recognizes a de-merged North and East.

The TMVP believes that the solutions to the so-called 'Tamil problem' could be found by extensively devolving political, administrative and financial powers from the centre to the peripheral units of governance.

“Our recommendations are restricted to certain fundamental issues that need to be considered by the APRC,” the TMVP said.

Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/05/29/front/06.asp

Sethusamudram project issue rocks Indian Parliament

Both Houses of Parliament were rocked after the BJP members raised the issue of Sethusamudram project. The agitated MPs accused the government of trying to destroy the "remains" of the mythological Ram setu (bridge) which linked India with Sri Lanka during the Ramayana period.

A strong reaction by Minister for Shipping and Transport TR Baalu in Lok Sabha led to the saffron party members rushing to the well of the House.

Rising in support of Baalu, his DMK colleagues raised counter-slogans and objected to the issue being raised on the plea that it was sub judice and was pending in the Allahabad high court.

Speaker Somnath Chatterjee adjounred the House for 25 minutes after the Question Hour.

Lankan Army's game plan: Seize East and weaken LTTE in North

The Sri Lankan Army's game plan is to drive the LTTE out of the Eastern districts completely, and weaken it in the Northern districts, to pave the way for talks to find a permanent political solution to the Tamil question, says its Commander, Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka.

"In five to six months we will completely mop up the LTTE in the East," the General told select foreign journalists here on Monday.

But to one's surprise, he added: "We have no plan to take the North."

"Our plan in the North is to weaken the LTTE militarily so that we are able to maintain our positions there," he explained.

Desperate attempt to instigate communal clashes - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemned yesterday's brutal terrorist attack at Ratmalana which killed seven innocent civilians and injured another 37 including six STF personnel.

In a release issued yesterday, the President said "At a time when the Government Forces are engaged in a humanitarian mission to liberate the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims from the grip of LTTE terrorism, attacks like these can be termed as desperate attempts to instigate communal clashes."

The President expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/05/29/news11.asp

Monday, May 28, 2007

Bomb blast at Ratmalana belekkade junction

A bomb explosion has been occurred at the Belek Kade junction at Rathmalana short while ago.

According to the available information the target of the bomb has been an Army vehicle.

Commuters are advised to use alternative routes to avoid Rathmalana on the Colombo- Gall main road.

More information will follow.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070528_04

Sunday, May 27, 2007

LTTE Trincomalee intelligence leader 'Bharathi' killed

The media centre for national security says that LTTE intelligence unit head in Trincomalee Bharathi and three others have been killed in an attack launched by the Navy and the Special Task Force this morning.

The attack has been carried out in Iluppukulam, in Nilaweli at around 8:30 this morning. The MCNS said that the death of Bharathi was confirmed by listening to LTTE radio transmitters.

In a subsequent search operation security forces have discovered a Micro Pistol, a Magazine, a mobile phone and a Binoculars.

Extracted from,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4181

Army chief says Tamil rebels limited to pockets

Sri Lanka's Army Commander Sarath Fonseka said Saturday that his troops have been successful in limiting the Tamil Tiger rebels to pockets in the troubled Northern and Eastern provinces.

Fonseka told reporters in the central town of Kandy that his troops need to be commended.

"The LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) is now limited to a few areas specially in the east. The priority for the Army now is to help government in its resettlement program of civilians," Fonseka said.

The Army since August last year launched several offensives against the rebels in the east driving them out of some of their key strongholds such as Sampur in the district of Trincomalee and Vakarai in the Batticaloa district.

The rebels have called both losses as tactical withdrawals.

Angry Delft Islanders burn five LTTE bodies

The Delft islanders burnt the five bodies of the LTTE Sea Tigers in anger when they were washed ashore on Friday. Several Sea Tiger cadres were killed by the Navy on Thursday when they launched an attack at the Queenta Beach in Delft, sources said.

The Sea Tigers had launched the attack in the wee hours on Thursday at the Naval post at the Queenta Beach in Delft where four sailors were killed. However, the Navy with the reinforcements and the aerial support of the Air Force had repulsed the attack successfully by destroying several LTTE vessels and killing more than twenty cadres on board, the sources said.

The Sea Tigers arrived at the Queenta Beach in fifteen boats and four of them carried the suicide cadres. Most of the vessels were destroyed by the Air Force planes and the Naval gunships, the sources said.

Sri Lanka government to reopen the Hingurana sugar factory

Sri Lanka Ministry of Investment Promotion and Enterprises Development has taken steps to reopen the Hingurana sugar factory which remains closed for around ten years.

The agreement to reopen the factory renamed as Galoya Plantation Company will be signed in the first week of June, Ministry sources said.

Fifty one percent of the stakes of the Galoya Plantation Company will be owned by the government and Browns and Lanka Orix Leasing Company will own 24.5 % each.

With the commencement of production in the factory 820 persons will obtain direct employment and 4,400 families that will grow sugarcane to supply to the factory will also be benefited.

Sri Lanka currently produces only 10% of the country’s annual need of 625,000 metric tons of sugar.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/May27134807SL.html

IOC to produce lubricants in Sri Lanka

India's oil major Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Friday secured a license to produce lubricants in Sri Lanka so as to boost its presence in the local market.

The license will enable the Lankan unit of IOC to produce, blend, market and export its 'Servo' brand of products in the island, officials said.

Lankan IOC, which commands nearly 13 per cent of the country's lubricant market, has hopes to increase its presence in the local market when its new plant goes upstream in August, they said.

Read more,
http://www.headlinesindia.com/archive_html/26May2007_42205.html

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Japan under pressure over Sri Lanka aid

An international human rights group is lobbying Sri Lanka’s top donor Japan to exert greater pressure on the island nation to address spiralling violence.

But Tokyo said it has no plans for now to slash aid and follow the lead of Sri Lanka’s former colonial ruler Britain and Germany, which have frozen debt relief due to rights concerns.....

....“What we have asked Japan to do is take advantage of this position and its considerable leverage to firmly, strongly and regularly remind not just the government but other players involved of the obligations that they have to protect the civilians and human rights in general.”

Japan said, however, it was not considering slashing aid.

“Japan is not planning to reconsider its aid to Sri Lanka,” a foreign ministry official said.

He said that Tokyo’s peace envoy to Sri Lanka, former UN assistant secretary-general Yasushi Akashi, would return to the island on a new mission by early June.

India agrees to help Sri Lanka agri business

Visiting Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today pledged to help Sri Lanka boost its production and technical skills as the two sides agreed on collaborative efforts on bio-technology, hybrid seed development and post-harvest processing.

During the three-day visit of Pawar, which ended today, "it was agreed that India would assist in capacity building in Sri Lankan agriculture by enhancing the scope of training programs, scholarships, research projects and exchange of visits of farmers," a High Commission statement said.

It said the two sides also agreed on collaborative efforts on bio-technology, hybrid seed development and post harvest processing.

Pawar, who met Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse yesterday, discussed the possibility of joint ventures too, the statement said.

Extracted from,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200705252065.htm

Six More LTTE Child Soldiers Surrender to Army

Six more female LTTE child Soldiers who had been abducted by Tiger terrorists during recent past escaped from their captivity at un cleared THOPPIGALA area and surrendered to troops in SITTANDY detachment on Friday (25) during evening hours.

Those female child soldiers who are in the ages of 14, 16 and 17 years frustrated after being continuously harassed by their leaders hiding in NARAKAMULLA jungles in THOPPIGALA have escaped to SITTANDY seeking protection under Security Forces.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=6039

Friday, May 25, 2007

over 40 LTTE cadres killed during last 72 hours

The LTTE terrorists continue to suffer heavy loses as the security forces at Northern, Eastern and Wanni fronts are further consolidating their defences using novel anti-terror tactics.

According to the latest information received by the radio monitoring elements of the security forces at least 40 LTTE cadres, including 7 very senior cadres were killed during last 72 hours.

According to the latest information the self styled "Colonel" Nagulan, the person in charge of LTTE's Charles Anthony band; "Major" Maniwannan Master, the LTTE's intelligence coordinator for Batticaloa and; LTTE female cadre Mala, a senior member of LTTE's Sothiya band were also among the dead LTTE cadres.

Two photographs taken of themselves with terror chief V. Prbakaran were also found with two dead LTTE cadres. The bodies were later handed over to the ICRC.

Meanwhile, naval officials rejected the LTTE's claim that 35 naval personnel were killed during the battle as weird exaggeration.

According to the naval sources only four naval personnel were killed and four others were injured.

‘Lanka’ Sunday edition temporarily suspends publication

The ‘Lanka’ newspaper Sunday edition has been temporarily suspended publication due to a financial crisis beyond its control, co-editors of the paper Tissa Nihal Wickramasinghe and Dharma Sri Kariyawasam announced in a joint statement issued yesterday.

The statement added that the financial crisis which occurred due to lack of large-scale capital investment adequate advertising and a printing press of its own aggravated due to the inflationary situation which occured in the country during the past few months.

However, since necessary steps were being taken to overcome this situation, the management has decided to resume publication of the paper soon.

LTTE had come so close to the Indian border to attack the Sri Lankan Navy

The Indian Navy has strengthened patrolling along the International Maritime Border Line in order to prevent any "spill-over impact" in the aftermath of LTTE's attack on a Sri Lankan naval base at Delft Island.

"The Navy has already moved its war ships towards the northern direction of the IMBL off Rameswaram coast," a top official of the IB told PTI.

The Delft Island is the nearest inhabited island from Rameswaram coast and just a quarter nautical mile from the border.

"A ship is moving from south towards north and we are closely watching the developments. Patrolling has been strengthened to prevent any spill-over impact (of yesterday's incident)," he said.

It was for the first time that LTTE had come so close to the Indian border to attack the Sri Lankan Navy, he said.

parliament in uproar over security situation

Sri Lanka's parliament was in uproar on Thursday as the main opposition demanded a debate on the island's security situation.

Parliamentary officials said the session was adjourned twice in the pre lunch period as the main opposition United National Party (UNP) asked that parliament have a debate on what they termed the country's grave security situation.

Ramalingam Chandrasekeran, the deputy chairman of committees (the third highest position in parliament) who was presiding parliament adjourned the sessions when the UNP and the government MPs started shouting.

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe argued that holding a debate on the situation was an urgent matter.

But the Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle argued that such a debate cannot be granted as the house was discussing another adjournment issue.

Trade between Pakistan, Sri Lanka to touch 1 bn dollar in next 5 years: High Commissioner for Pakistan

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is rapidly growing and will reach one billion dollar mark in the next five years, High commissioner for Pakistan to Sri Lanka Shahzad A. Chaudhry said.

Speaking at a programme organized by the National Chamber of Exporters in Colombo the other day, he said there is a sharp increase in bilateral trade after signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries in 2005.

According to a message received here, he said trade, which was around 35 million dollars before signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), now crossed 200 million dollar mark.

FM on a visit to Iran tomorrow

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama and Minister of Petroleum and Petroleum Resources Development A.H.M. Fowzie, will undertake a two-day official visit to Iran from tomorrow (25th).

During this visit the two Ministers will call on Iranian President Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and will also meet his Iranian counterpart Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki.

Minister Bogollagama will be inaugurating the Sri Lanka Iran - Business Council on Sunday 27th May 2007 at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tehran. The objective of the Sri Lanka - Iran Business Council is to attract prospective investors to promote tea and other products as well as tourism in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, as a country in the Indian Ocean and Iran, in the Persian Gulf region are conducive for improvement of bilateral relations and co-operation in the economic field and other areas of bilateral interest.

Read more,
http://www.lankamission.org/other%20pages/News/2007/May/2007-05-24
FM%20on%20a%20visit%20to%20Iran%20tomorrow.htm

Thursday, May 24, 2007

LTTE terrorist attack at Army bus - Colombo

Suspected LTTE suicide bomber has rammed a bus carrying army personnel on the first cross street in Colombo fort around 9:00 a.m today, Thursday the 24th of May.

According to the available information the suicide bomber had come from an explosive laden mortar bike.

Hospital sources said five injured have so far been admitted to the national hospital in Colombo.

Extracted from,
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070524_01

http://www.lankaenews.com/Sinhala/news.php?id=2378

http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5899

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP92602.htm

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Marking 20 years anniversary of the Aranthalawa assassination

The twenty year commemoration of the Aranthalawa assassination of 31Buddhist monks is falling on the 02nd June 2007. The tragic occurrence will be commemorated with a series of special programmes.

Addressing a media briefing on the Commemoration Programme, the Advisor of the Aranthalawa Commemoration Fund, Ven. Dr. Kiridiwala Somarathana Thera, stated that the programme ‘Aranthalawen Mihinthalawata’ will be conducted under the guidance of the Public Trustee Department.

According to Somarathana Thera, the aim of these programmes is to educate the global community of the brutality of the war created by the self- centered Tiger terrorists while eliminating them and implementing peace and calamity for all the ethnic and religious groups in Sri Lanka.

20 years ago, on 02nd June 1987, 31 Buddhist monks were assassinated by the LTTE.

31 children will be ordained at the Sri Vidyananda Viharaya in Ampara, on 02nd June 2007 to commemorate the assassination.

Also addressing the occasion, Ven. Iginiyagala Sagara thera stated that terrorism should be rejected because it’s motives is not for being a liberator to anyone but to gain profit to themselves.

Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=
view&id=2452&Itemid=44

Devolution of Power should be done at provincial level- UNP democratic group

The leader of the UNP democratic group Minister Karu Jayasooriya today announced the group's proposals to the national problem.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Minister Jayasooriya said that his group is in the view that the devolution of power should be best done at provincial level as stated in the 13th amendment to the constitution.

The minister also noted that the proposals have already been handed over to the All Party Representative Committee (APRC) Chairman Professor Thissa Vitharana.

Meanwhile, Minster Rajitha Senarathne told that the group had to submit separate proposals from UNP as the party does not allow democracy. He further explained that the UNP's leader Ranil Wickramasinghe will design the proposals to represent his personal view rather than the party's view.

Minister Jayasooriya, pointed out that the aim of the group's proposal is to enable the any SL citizen to live any part of the country free from fear and discrimination. He reiterated that his group, while condemning terrorism and communalism, will continue to support the government in its war against terrorism.

Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070522_06

SLT shares: Govt rejects allegations

Leader of the House, Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva totally rejected the accusation levelled against the Government with regard to the selling of Sri Lanka Telecom shares vested within NTT company of Japan to Malaysian based Global Telecom Holdings.

He also stated that Government will come out with a comprehensive reply regarding these allegations during the full day debate on the Telecom issue.

The Leader of the House agreed with JVP MP Wimal Weerawansa’s request to have a full day debate.

Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said JVP Parliamentary Group Leader Wimal Weerawansa can bring the matter before the commission to Investigate Bribery if he has reliable evidence to prove someone from the Government engaged in an undue transaction to give approval to sell the shares to the Malaysian company.

Expressing views Posts and Telecommunications Minister Rauff Hakeem said no final decision has been taken with regard to the sale of NTT shares to Global Telecommunications Holdings of Malaysia.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/05/23/pol01.asp

Sri Lanka gift Moody goodbye win

Dilhara Fernando, an accurate set of throws and the omnipresent panic button accompanying the Pakistan team earned Sri Lanka a well-deserved victory in the final match of the ODI series in Abu Dhabi and avoid a series whitewash.

Fernando captured three wickets, including two-in-two, and Tillakaratne Dilshan inflicted two direct hits as Pakistan lost their way after a relatively decent start. Shoaib Malik showed the responsibility of a captain, but was left stranded on 79 as, bar Rao Iftikhar Anjum, no one provided any resistance....

The victory sealed a perfect send off to Tom Moody, Sri Lanka's out-going coach, and also marks the end of a hectic schedule for Sri Lanka who barely had any rest after their hugely successful World Cup campaign. However, based on the display of energy and commitment shown in the field tonight, Moody leaves behind a team well equipped to take on mighty challenges in the future even without the services of their star performers.

Read more,
http://content-sl.cricinfo.com/waridcricketseries/
content/current/story/295453.html

Setusamudram project: SC refuses stay

The Supreme Court has refused to grant interim stay against the implementation of Setusamudram shipping canal project which will distroy the barrier called Ramsetu, believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama and his vanar sena to cross the sea from Rameshwaram to Sri Lanka which was ruled by the demon king Ravana.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and D K Jain, however, fixed May 28 for hearing of the writ petition filed by Dandi Swami Vidyananda Bharti and others.

The petitioners contended before the court that the Ramsetu situated in southeast of Rameshwaram near Pamban which connects Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka commands great respect among the majority of the population of the country.

According to the Hindu mythology the setu was built by Lord Rama to free his wife Sita from the captivity of the demon king Ravana who had abducted her.

Read more,
http://www.indlawnews.com/C1113547A0D10397DCBDE4CDDA249D81

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

ICC reprimands Mohammad Asif for "aggressive reaction"

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today reprimanded Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Asif for reacting aggressively on getting a wicket during the second one-dayer against Sri Lanka here on Sunday.

ICC Match Referee Javagal Srinath found Asif guilty of breaching Rule C1 of the ICC Code which states: "Players and/or Team Officials shall at all times conduct play within the spirit of the game", during Pakistan's 98-run win against Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Asif reacted aggressively when he dismissed Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene.

Read more,
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/143295.php/
ICC-reprimands-Mohammad-Asif-for-aggressive-reaction

LTTE training complex destroyed; Blackout in Wanni

SLAF MiG and K'Fir fighter jets pounded with precision air strikes at a pre-identified LTTE training complex south of Mankulama, 25 miles north west of Vavuniya, on Tuesday the 22nd of May.

The air sorties were carried out in the early hours at 6.45a.m. According to aerial reconnaissance images the LTTE training complex was destroyed into rubbles following the air bombardment. The SLAF fighter jets made successive sorties dropping heavy payloads into the terrorist training complex, which was later surrounded with clouds of debris, the defence officials confirmed.

Meanwhile, reliable sources said that the training complex was believed to be a regular visiting site of the LTTE Police Chief Nadeshan. It is not yet confirmed whether Nadeshan was present at the site, though some high profile terrorists were said to sustain severe injuries, the sources further added.

The total terrorist casualty figures were not yet available the military sources said.

Omanthai Entry/Exit Point Closed as ICRC Withdraws Following LTTE Fire

The Omanthai entry/exit point along the A-9 closed around 4.15 this evening (22) with the withdrawal of the ICRC following LTTE fire against a civil van that attempted to proceed towards Vavuniya ignoring Tiger orders to refrain from doing so.

The ICRC hut is situated in the no mans land between the Security Forces and the LTTE road blocks in Omanthai, Vavuniya along the A-9 Kandy -Jaffna main road. Rounds from the LTTE fire targeting the civil van had fallen in the vicinity of the ICRC compound threatening the safety of ICRC representatives.

The Omanthai road block was re-opened yesterday (21) following written security guarantees by the Security Forces and the LTTE to the ICRC.

Sri Lanka resettles 17,000 IDPs in East within a week

Sri Lankan government has resettled over 17,000 internally displaced people (IDP) in 18 Grama Sevaka divisions in Batticaloa, Media Centre for National Security said.

According to the authorities within one week 4,715 families comprising 17, 632 members were resettled in 18 Grama Sevaka Divisions of Porathivu in the Wellaveli area. The first phase of the resettlement began on May 14th.

The government had provided the basic needs of food and other essential items to the resettled people with the help of UNHCR. UNHCR, together with its partners, is looking at possible reintegration packages and is calling on the international community to help with assistance, Amin Awad, UNHCR's representative in Colombo, said.

Thamilselvan’s vehicle was blasted

Members of Karuna Faction set off a claymore bomb targeting the vehicle of Thamilselvan, leader of the political wing of the Tiger organization at Kilinochchi on the 19^th.
Thamilselvan had not been in the vehicle at the time of the explosion. However, 4 senior tiger leader ware killed in the blast.

Among the dead were Anbarasi, considered a Major by the Tiger organization and Aruntha, a caption in the Tiger women’s brigade.

The other two were Marawan, Priyawan, a Liut. Col. and a major in the Tiger terrorist organization. Tigers are perplexed over the incident that occurred in aria of control.

Extracted from,

http://www.lankatruth.com/

LTTE's air power worrying India: Antony

Defence Minister A K Antony today admitted that the recent air offensives launched by Sri Lankan insurgent group Libetration Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) is worrying India.

Antony told commanders of the Indian Air Force today that "LTTE’s air power is a cause of worry for us.’’ This is the first official acceptance of the LTTE’s rising fighting capabilities by New Delhi. The defence minister spoke about the LTTE threat in the context of security in the neighbourhood.

The minister was speaking after inaugurating a three day air commanders’ meet.

Antony said "several important projects are in various stages of implementation". His words of reassurance come as IAF is still awaiting the release of international tenders for purchase of 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. The fighters are desperately required as the IAF would be left with only 29 fighter squadrons by the end of this year against a sanctioned force level of 45 squadrons.

Extracted from,
http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage_c_online.php?leftnm=
11&bKeyFlag=IN&autono=23527

Jordan, Sri Lanka Discuss Economic Cooperation

The Jordan chambers of commerce and industry organized in cooperation with Federation of the Sri Lankan Chambers of Industry and Trade, the Jordanian-Sri Lankan Forum for Economic Business and Trade Cooperation, with the aim of promoting investment cooperation between the two countries.

The event, which was attended by businessmen and representatives of Jordanian and Sri Lankan companies, was held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, which came to a close yesterday.

Minister of Industry and Trade Salem Al Khazaaleh said in a speech at the forum that this important event remarks the evolving relations that Jordan and Sri Lanka have, stressing the importance of activating trade agreements and investment cooperation in all fields.

Read more,
http://www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/2007/May/21/7000.htm

Monday, May 21, 2007

Sri Lanka gets four bids for new port next to Colombo

Four investor groups have sent in bids to build the infrastructure and do the dredging for the Colombo Port Expansion Project, a new deep-water harbour next to Colombo.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) officials said big international players were among those who submitted bids for the project.

The technical proposals are being evaluated first after which the financial bids will be opened, they said.

Some 30 parties collected documents to bid for the infrastructure work on the planned new Colombo South Port.

Cathay Pacific assess the situation to resume flights

Hong Kong's flag carrier Cathay Pacific is now assessing the situation in the country to decide resuming flights, Civil Aviation Authority sources said. The airline suspended its flights to Sri Lanka after the second air attack by the Tamil Tigers.

The airline made two unscheduled flights to Colombo last week from Hong Kong, airport sources said.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airline previously restarted its flights to Colombo after a lapse of a period around a month after the first Tiger air attack on the Sri Lanka Air Force base adjacent to the Katunayaka Bandaranaike International Airport on March 27th.

Peace could be achieved only if Sri Lanka divided into two Nations! – Tamilselvan

Peace to Sri Lanka could be achieved on the day that “will mark the emergence of two peaceful, individually strong and economically powerful nations in this island,” said Tamilselvan, leader of the political wing of the tiger organization in an interview he held with a Tamil web site.

He said a solution can be found with the efforts of the international community only if it accepts the balance of power of the two sides.

A good foundation for peace was laid “after a long time with the facilitation of the Norwegian Government.

It resulted in the signing of a ceasefire agreement. The Sri Lankan Government has destroyed this ceasefire agreement and poisoned the climate of peace,” said the leader of the political wing of the tiger terrorist organization and added that,

“Sri Lankan Government has, through many attempts, destroyed the foundations of the peace talks and eliminated all efforts towards peace.”

Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/may/21/200700521_5.htm

Omanthai entry/exit point to be reopened today

The Omanthai entry/exit point will reopen today after both the LTTE and the military gave written security guarantees to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ICRC spokesman Davide Vignatti told the Daily Mirror.

LTTE sources also confirmed the re-opening of Omanthai today after it had given security guarantees following a meeting between the ICRC and the Vavuniya LTTE political head S. Gnanam in rebel-controlled Uliyankulam, Vavuniya yesterday.

At the meeting, the LTTE has said attacks across the border in Vavuniya occurred every time the ICRC was not present at the crossing point after dark. The rebels had urged the ICRC to look into this concern at its meetings with the military.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

"Sri Lanka achieved 7.2 Economic Growth" Mahinda Says addressing G 11

"Although confronted by many challenges, Sri Lanka sustained an economic growth in excess of 7.2 percent during 2006 – a further improvement from the growth of 6.2 percent in 2005." said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the G11 Summit in Jordan yesterday (19)

"Unemployment declined to 6 percent. Exports grew by around 8 percent. We have attracted overseas remittances of over 2 billion US Dollars. We managed to attract foreign investment in excess of 600 million US Dollars" he added

Read more with the complete text of President Rajapaksa’s address to the G11 Summit,
http://news.nidahasa.com/news.php?go=fullnews&newsid=165

'West discriminates in fight against terror'

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday slammed the developed countries for tolerating terrorism if it did not directly affect them.

"Unfortunately, some in the developed world tend to view certain terrorist organisations with a degree of tolerance," he told the G11
summit in Jordan.

"At times these terrorists are viewed as rebels or fighters against discrimination, as long as they do not create violence in those countries."

Sri Lanka’s crucial check point still closed

The talks between the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) today failed to reopen the closed Omanthai entry-exit point in Vavuniya district.

Omanthai, the main entry point on the A-9 highway to the territory controlled by the Tamil Tigers was closed three days ago as the fighting erupted between the rebels and the government forces and the Tiger rebels fired mortars. ICRC officials were forced to vacate the checkpoint due to heavy Tiger shelling in the area.

India And Lanka Join “Tiger” Investigation

India and Sri Lanka have joined an investigation into an incident in which the Maldivian coastguard sank an Indian fishing boat and arrested five men after a twelve-hour standoff.

The government has confirmed that the boat, which was set alight and sank on Thursday morning, was the Sri Krishna, registered in South India.

The boat was hijacked in March and eleven sailors were taken hostage, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger rebel group.

The government has now given India and Sri Lanka permission to question the five men detained, as both governments seek to substantiate the links to the LTTE (Tamil Tigers).

Extracted from,
http://www.minivannews.com/news/news.php?id=3263

Sri Lanka win three championships

Sri Lanka's National Practical Shooting Team competing in the Asian Level 111 IPSC Championships won three Championships at the recently concluded meet held in Malaysia.

The Lankans won the Open and Production Division Team Championship in addition to Anusha Prasadika of Sri Lanka Air Force winning the Ladies Individual Championship.

Lt.Col. Janaka Ritigahapola could consider himself extremely unlucky to have missed the Open Division Overall Championship by a 'whisker' ,due to a blunder made by the Thai Range Officer.

Colombo in touch with Male

Sri Lanka Government is awaiting reports from the Maldivian Government on the sunk fishing trawler that was allegedly carrying weapons for the LTTE.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry told The Hindu that Colombo was in touch with Male. "We have also noted reports from Tamil Nadu about resurfacing of some of the fishermen abducted by the LTTE and are waiting for more details."

The Defence Ministry reported that the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) destroyed the 68-feet vessel. It said the trawler had now been identified as "Sri Krishna".

Speak in one voice to combat terrorism

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called on the Group of 11 countries to speak in one voice and lend support to each other to combat terrorism while saying that some developed countries show indifference to terrorists by allowing certain front organizations of terrorist groups to function in those countries.

Addressing the G11 summit in Jordan yesterday President Rajapaksa said: “My request to you, here today, is for the G-11 to draw the attention of our development partners to the measures that have already been undertaken by us to combat global terrorism.
All terrorist attacks whether on Amman, Islamabad, London or Colombo, are acts, that must be vehemently condemned.

Read more,
http://www.nation.lk/2007/05/20/news3.htm

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Jordan govts and trade chambers sign new deals ahead of G11 summit

Heads of state and representatives of 11 developing countries meet in Jordan on Saturday to draw up a platform of cooperation with the G8 industrialised nations and bolster multilateral trade.

King Abdullah will open the summit which will be attended by the presidents of Georgia, Croatia, Sri Lanka and El Salvador, the vice president of Honduras and the prime ministers of Pakistan and Morocco, officials said.

Ahead of the summit Jordan signed cooperation agreements with Georgia, El Salvador, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Read more,
http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?newsID=
1425326175&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=1

We were kidnapped by LTTE: Fishermen

Eleven Indian fishermen, who returned last night after having gone missing for 74 days, said they were kidnapped by the LTTE at sea on March 6, Tamil Nadu Director General of Police D Mukherjee said today.

During interrogation, the fishermen revealed that they were kidnapped by the outlawed LTTE, Mukherjee told reporters here.

The fishermen were brought today from the coastal villages in Ramanathapuram district where they had landed yesterday. They also met Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at the Secretariat today.

"Their statements confirm my earlier statement that they were kidnapped by the LTTE," Mukherjee said.

Karunanidhi has announced a solatium of Rs 10,000 each to help them meet their immediate requirements, official sources said.

The fishermen had ventured into the sea for fishing off Kanyakumari coast on March 6 and had gone missing since then. The DGP had disclosed on April 27 that the LTTE had abducted them. (Agencies)

Extracted from,
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=
%7B36E39599-4299-4513-925F-A34B10FEE240%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Sports

Sri Lanka to advertise for foreign coach

The Sri Lankan cricket board is looking to hire another foreigner to replace outgoing coach Tom Moody.

SLC secretary Kangadaran Mathivanan on Friday said the post will be advertised on Saturday and the board expects to have a list of candidates by next week.

Moody, credited with guiding Sri Lanka to the World Cup final in the West Indies last month, will take over as coach of Western Australia — his home state — after the current three-match limited-over series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lanka lost the World Cup final to defending champion Australia, which won the title for an unprecedented third time in a row.

Extracted from,
http://telegraphindia.com/1070519/asp/sports/story_7799564.asp

Sirisena Coorey slams Ranil to step down immediately: Also reveals a 'two step' formula for the ethnic problem

A former UNP government Cabinet Minister and party stalwart B. Sirisena Coorey has slammed the leader of UNP Ranil Wickremesinghe saying that he should step down from the party leadership immediately.....

"The current leader of the UNP Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe must resign immediately for the stability of the party and to stop it from being destroyed" said the former Sri Lankan Minister, who is also the current Chairperson of the Premadasa Centre, Colombo, in a special interview with the Asian Tribune.

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5786

President holds talks with Pakistani, Afghan leaders

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday participated in the opening ceremony and sessions of the World Economic Forum near the Dead Sea in Jordan.

The President met Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Amman yesterday, where the two leaders discussed bilateral and trade links. Investment opportunities in both countries were also discussed. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Petroleum Minister A.H.M. Fowzie also participated.

President Rajapaksa also held talks with Afghan President Hameed Karzai.

Read more,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/05/19/news02.asp

Friday, May 18, 2007

Jaffna Bishop Totally Denies “Tamil Net” Story

Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas Savundaranayagam, Bishop of Jaffna in a hurriedly dispatched letter to Commander Security Forces Headquarters (SFHQ) Major General G.A. Chandrasiri on Thursday (17) denies having spoken to “Tamil Net” in the aftermath of a meeting at Palaly with Jaffna Commander on Wednesday (16).

Pro-LTTE mouthpiece “Tamil Net” in its Thursday’s (17) lead story captioned “Normalcy not possible without students’ release – Bishop” quoted the holy dignitary as saying “Immediate release of the abducted students is the only way to bring Jaffna peninsula educational activities back to normalcy” at a special meeting, held at Palaly with Jaffna Commander and representatives of People’s Committee for Peace and Goodwill (PCPG).

Tamil Tigers launched Tharishanam TV channel in Europe

Tamil Tigers in Europe has launched the second TV pay channel Tharishanam from yesterday by broadcasting via stat elite “Makkal “ Television Tamil channel of Chennai, India, floated by Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss

Tamil Tigers earlier anounced that they intend to launch a new TV channel called Tharishanam from this week onwards. Accordingly they began broadcasting the Makkal TV channel in the name of Tharishanam.

Even though the Tamil Tigers has commenced the broadcast of Tharishanam using the Makkal TV, it is still not clear whether they will continue broadcasting the program of the Makkal TV alone or whether they will also include Tiger propaganda materials in the newly launched channel.

Indian navy, Coast Guard Conducting Intensive Patrolling of India-Sri Lanka Maritime Border

The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard carry out intensive patrolling under Operation Tasha using hovercraft, surface ships and aircraft.

The patrolling is done on the Indian side of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in Palk Bay for monitoring fishing and other maritime activities; preventing terrorists from using the sea and preventing smuggling of contraband across the IMBL.

Similarly, the Sri Lankan Navy also carries out regular patrol on their side of IMBL. The Coast Guard, the local police and port authorities regularly advise the fishing community not to cross the IMBL.

Extracted from,
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-3205

Thursday, May 17, 2007

LTTE gearing up for battle - Demands one kid from each family

Reports from LTTE controlled areas reveal that the LTTE is on a fervent campaign to forcibly draft Tamil youth to fight the Sri Lankan government forces.

The campaign called on every family in the LTTE controlled areas to give one child – regardless of age - to ensure security for the family. According to the reports, the children of parents who fail to comply will be abducted while the parents risk being murdered.

LTTE is said to be preparing for an all-out offensive to win land that was they have lost in the recent months to Sri Lankan forces.

Read more,
http://www.lankawatch.com/2007/05/ltte-gearing-up-for-battle-demands-one.html

Sri Lanka state banks, CEB to get new chairmen

Sri Lanka's Bank of Ceylon, Peoples' Bank and Ceylon Electricity Board is to get new chairmen, a senior presidential aide told LBO.

Gamini Wickremesinghe, the current Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission would head the Bank of Ceylon, replacing Udayasri Kariyawasam who would be appointed as chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board.

The current CEB chairman, W S Perera would be the new director general of the Public Enterprises Reform Commission.

President leaves for Jordan to attend G-11 summit

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa left for Jordan today on an official tour to attend the second G-11 Summit as well as the World Economic Forum (WEF) on the Middle East.

A delegation of 125 businessmen and Ministers including Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama also joined the President today in a special Mihin Air flight to Jordan.

The President will participate in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East World Economic Forum to be held in the King Hussein Conference Centre tomorrow. King Abdullah of Jordan will host the event from May 18-20 at the Dead Sea.

The President will also address the conference of the G-11 countries.

Heavy Tiger shelling in northern Sri Lanka forces ICRC to withdraw

Heavy mortar fire by the Tamil Tiger rebels in the Omanthai area in Vavuniya this morning forced the ICRC representatives at the Omanthai entry/exit point to withdraw, defense officials said.

Military sources said the Tigers have launched intermittent mortar attacks from early morning today forcing the authorities to temporarily close the Omanthai entry/exit point to civilian traffic.

With the LTTE attacks, the military had to close the checkpoint at about 11.45 a.m today, a military official said.

“Departure of the ICRC point officials forced the Security Forces to immediately close down the vital link-way as a security measure without risking the lives of Kilinochchi bound civilians and the traffic,” he added.

Maldives navy sinks LTTE boat and arrests 5

The Maldivian Navy fired at a LTTE boat carrying arms and ammunition off the Maldivian waters and sunk it. Five LTTE cadres were arrested by the Maldivian authorities. The LTTE cadres have acknowledged that the boat was carrying guns and mortars.

The Maldivian naval boats have noticed the LTTE boat last night and signaled it to stop for inspection. When the 75-foot boat refused to stop, the naval craft has fired warning shots.

When the LTTE boat turned around and attempted to run away, the Maldivian naval craft fired at it. It was sunk early hours of this morning. Five persons jumped out of the sinking boat and the Maldivian naval craft arrested them. They admitted that they were LTTE cadres and they were ferrying arms.

Extracted from,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=
com_content&task=view&id=2391&Itemid=44

Read more,
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP79133.htm

Another militant Tamil group to carry arms against LTTE in Sri Lanka

EROS, an anti-Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) group has announced that section of its members will carry arms for their own protection and prevent human rights violations like “the intimidation and forceful recruitment of children and adults”.

“Our armed wing will remain in operation until the day the LTTE decides to disarm and hand-over all their weapons to the authorities,” the Eelam Revolutionary Organization of Students said in a press statement published in a website called Tamil affairs .com

According to the press statement it will be the second group of militants who will be carrying arms against the LTTE. The TMVP or Karuna faction is already carrying arms against the LTTE.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Intelsat Continues LTTE Broadcasts

THE SRI LANKAN EMBASSY in Washington has complained to the US Justice Department, State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against Washington based Intelsat Ltd., for reneging its promise of removing the National Television of Tamil Eelam (NTT) channel and Pulikalin Kural radio from the Intelsat 12 satellite transponder and for continuing to facilitate and broadcast terrorist propaganda.

Before lodging the complaint, the Sri Lankan Embassy brought to the communication satellite company's notice that despite its assurance that it has removed both channels from its transponder, it continues to broadcast National Television of Tamil Eelam, and Pulikalin Kural (Voice of Tigers radio) the official television and radio of the LTTE.

Indian Minister says LTTE is involved with Indian Naxalites

The government informed the Indian parliament, Lok Sabha that the Tamil separatist terrorist group the Liberation Tigers were working very closely with the Indian Naxalite terrorist groups.

“We have enough information suggesting that there is coordination between them,” said India’s Home Minister Shivraj Patil addressing the Lok Sabha, May 15.

New Delhi’s leading daily, The Times of India, reported that the government is of the opinion that the Naxalites were working in close coordination with some terrorist outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir and were also in touch with the LTTE of Sri Lanka.

Intelligence reports indicate the LTTE was engaged in arms and ammunition procurement activities in Andra Pradesh.

MIG 29 - No knee jerk reaction - President Rajapaksa

The decision to purchase MIG 29 fighter jets for the Sri Lanka Air Force is part of the plans to modernize the Air Force and have a good Air Defense System (ADS). It was not a knee-jerk reaction to the LTTE's recent air
attacks, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, told Editors and Media Heads at Temple Trees today.

President Rajapaksa said that only after the present government was elected that new radar equipment was obtained and work begun on establishing a proper ADS. "We are now continuing with the work of improving and
strengthening the ADS", he said.

Read more,
http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs
/ca200705/20070516mig29_no_knee_jerk_reaction.htm

Sri Lanka appoints new minister for ports and aviation

Sri Lanka Wednesday appointed Chamal Rajapakse, brother of President Mahinda Rajapakse, as the new minister of ports and aviation filling a post held by sacked minister Mangala Samaraweera, officials said.

President Rajapakse had sworn in the new minister early Wednesday, prior to meeting the heads of newspaper editors at his heavily guarded 'Temple Trees' office in Colombo.

Read more,
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=
1217154637&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=33
Photo,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/06/17/fea01.asp

90,000 Refugees Will Return Home in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province

The United Nations refugee agency, the UNHCR, said that the return of tens of thousands of West Batticaloa refugees to their original homes by the Sri Lanka

“Our staff monitoring the situation on the ground say the majority of people are eager to return home, the returns are voluntary and in line with international protection standards,” UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis said.

More than 90,000 people who were displaced in Batticaloa District after heavy fighting between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lanka security forces last February were started being moved back to their original homes, Monday May 14. The areas were under the LTTE until the Sri Lanka security forces pushed them out of the area.
government is done according to the international safety standards and voluntarily.

Read more,
http://tothecenter.com/news.php?readmore=1853

We will not be dependent on aid - President Rajapaksa

"If we are offered genuine aid we will take it; if not we will forget about aid and do our job. We will not be dependent on aid", said President Mahinda Rajapaksa commenting on the reported suspending of aid by the UK, addressing editors and media heads from the Sri Lankan media, at Temple Trees today.

When asked for his views on the reported stopping of aid by the UK Government, President Rajapaksa said this could be a reference to post-tsunami aid offered to Sri Lanka.

"We will use our own money. We cannot wait for assistance from any sources to carry out our responsibilities", the President added.

Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4130

Associated Press wire service going down the drain

The Associated Press (AP) boasts of being the oldest, trusted, fastest and unbiased delivery service of global news. It has 243 bureaus in 97 countries and one of them is in Sri Lanka. It has a worldwide staff of 4,1000 journalists and two of them are Ruwan Weerakoon and Bharatha Mallawarachi, AP's Colombo-based correspondents.

First consider the two reports of Ruwan Weerakoon on the same incident. Readers are requested to notice the difference between the two opening paragraphs filed by the same AP writer on the same incident..

Associated Press, Mon April 23, 2007 16:58 EDT . RUWAN WEERAKOON - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP) ...............
The government has already ousted the insurgents from bases in eastern Sri Lanka - , and .......

Associated Press, Mon April 23, 2007 18:23 EDT . RUWAN WEERAKOON - Associated Press Writer - COLOMBO, Sri Lanka - (AP)................
The government, which is dominated by ethnic Sinhalese, has already ousted the Tamil Tiger insu............

Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/5730

President briefs Mahanayakes on situation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid homage to the sacred Tooth Relic yesterday and later called on the Mahanayake Theras of the Asgiriya and Malwatte chapters to brief them on the political and security situation in the country.

The Mahanayakes agreed to a proposal by the President to conduct an all night pirith chanting ceremony to invoke blessings on the country, the government and the armed forces.

Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake and Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara were associated with the President during his visit to Kandy.

Extracted from,

http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/05/16/front/04.asp

Thera's demise an irreparable loss - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday lauded the services rendered to the Buddha Sasana and the people by Ven. Handungamuwe Nandarathana Thera, who was brutally gunned by the LTTE.

In a condolence message, President Rajapaksa condemned the assassination and called for all patriotic forces to get together to end such acts of terror.

The President said the Ven. Thera, Viharadhipathi of the Sri Pabbathramaya, Trincomalee, rendered a yeoman service to the Sasana, society and to the nation. But terrorists have cruelly ended his mission to serve the people.

He noted that the Ven. Thera could deliver sermons with equal fluency in Sinhala and Tamil, which was the need of the hour for the North-East. Thus his demise is an irreparable loss to the people in the area and to the country as a whole.

Extracted from,
http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/05/16/news13.asp

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Middlesex welcome Vaas

Chaminda Vaas will make his Middlesex debut in the LV County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at the County Ground.

The Sri Lanka left-arm seamer is named in a 13-man squad following his belated arrival in England after World Cup duty.

However, Andrew Strauss, who scored a century in Middlesex’s rain-affected draw with Nottinghamshire last week, is unavailable due to England commitments and Indian spinner Murali Kartik misses out as he awaits the results of a scan on a hamstring injury sustained at Trent Bridge.

Photo,
http://content-sl.cricinfo.com/ci/content/image/263842.html

Sri Lanka attracts $150 mn investment from India's Bharti Airtel for mobile network

Sri Lanka's Board of Investment Tuesday said it had given approval for India's largest publicly-listed telecom firm, Bharti Airtel, to be the island's fifth mobile phone operator with an investment of 150 million dollars.

Airtel CEO Narendra Gupta says the firm sees a lot of potential in Sir Lanka's mobile market as the overall penetration rate is still a low 20 percent despite the presence of three fixed line and four mobile operators.

"The initial investment proposal is 150 million dollars and we plan to cover the entire country (with the service)," Gupta said following the signing of the BOI documents.

The firm, having mobile, broadband and telephone and enterprise services, hopes to use infrastructure of the other telecom companies to gain coverage in the country.

UNP trying to whitewash LTTE - JHU Leader

"Politicians trying to obstruct the Government's efforts to save the country from the present national crisis will end up in the dustbin of history," JHU Leader Parliamentarian Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Nayaka Thera said.

Ven. Medhananda Nayaka Thera in a statement issued yesterday said a limited section of the UNP led by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe were making a hue and cry here and abroad calling for the removal of Gotabhaya Rajapaksa from the Defence Secretary's post and making allegations of human right violation in the country when foreign delegations who have visited the country have dismissed such claims.

The UNP today was like a derelict house on the verge of collapse. The UNP Leader unable to protect it, was making wild allegation against the Government like a mentally deranged person.

Monday, May 14, 2007

SRI LANKAN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT TO A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION AND ATTEMPTED EXPORT OF ARMS

Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa, age 37, a citizen of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempted exportation of arms and munitions, announced U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “Mr. Varatharasa is the last defendant to be convicted in this plot to attempt to obtain military weapons in violation of American law. We are committed to using all available legal tools to prevent terrorism.”

“Today’s case reflects ICE’s commitment to keeping U.S. weapons and technology out of the hands of terrorists,” said Julie Myers, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary. “Every day our Arms and Strategic Technology Investigations are targeting profiteers who jeopardize national and international security by selling critical weapons and technologies. Those engaged in these illicit activities share a significant burden of responsibility for the instability and violence that can come from the sale of these items.”

Read more,
http://media-newswire.com/release_1049516.html

Moody leaves Sri Lanka to coach Western Australia

Tom Moody has quit as coach of Sri Lanka's cricket squad to take over at Western Australia next season, the WA Cricket Association said here Monday...

In Colombo, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Moody was leaving at the end of his contract this month, for "personal and family commitments".

"Sri Lanka Cricket regrets that Tom Moody has to leave our services and (we) respect his decision," SLC said in a statement.

Moody was quoted in the cricket board release saying that parting company was a "difficult decision given the strong relationships built between Sri Lanka Cricket and myself."

"However, I would be more than happy to assist in whichever way I possibly can for the continuous success of Sri Lanka Cricket."

The buddhist monk killed by LTTE -Government

The Chief Monk of the Thabbatharama Vihare has been shot dead yesterday morning by two unidentified LTTE gunmen.

Venerable Hadungamuwe Nandarathna Thero of Mahadivulwewa, in Morawewa, approximately 40kilometers north east of Anuradhapura, was the Head Priest of the 'Sri Pabbattharamaya' Buddhist temple in Mahadivulwewa.

Eyewitnesses in the area have stated that two LTTE gunmen who came on two motor cycles had shot dead the Monk. The motive of the killing was not known.

The monk, who spoke fluent Tamil could deliver sermons in that language. He was very popular among the Tamil community in the area.

This is yet another incident where LTTE carried out their brutal mission targeting the clergy. Earlier, the LTTE terrorists brutally killed the Head priest of the Pulliar Hindu Temple at Sandiveli in Batticaloa, on 07th February.

Indian Navy Increases Surveillance of Palk Straits; To Deploy Extra UAVs

In the wake of "spillover of ongoing skirmishes between the Sri Lankan Navy and the Sea Tigers of the LTTE into Indian waters," the Indian Navy has increased surveillance in the Palk Strait, a top Naval official said today.

Vice-Admiral Raman Prem Suthan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, told reporters here that the number of Naval ships patrolling the area had been increased from two to four while an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was also keeping vigil. "Two more UAVs will be pressed into service soon," he said.

Read more,
http://www.india-defence.com/reports-3190

Rally round Defence Secretary - MNA

The Secretary-General of the Muslim National Alliance (MNA) Nazeer Ahmed castigated the action of the United National Party (UNP) leader as being terribly unpatriotic when he criticised Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s performance of duties.

“At a time like this all true patriotic Sri Lankans must rally round the Defence Secretary and give him all the moral support to save the country from anarchy,” he said.

Issuing a media statement, he said that at a time where all forces must support the government one cannot appreciate the action of the UNP and making complaints to foreign heads.

“I find it hard to fathom this campaign of the opposition leader when the country is on fire and UNP leader’s action is very much like Nero fiddling while Rome was burning,” he added.

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Unknown Gunmen Assassinate Chief Monk

THE CHIEF MONK OF THABBATHARAMA Vihare, MORAWEWA, MAHADIULWEWA, the Venerable HADUNGAMUWE NANDARATHNA THERO was assassinated this morning by two unknown gunmen today (13) at 9.15 a.m.

MORAWEWA Police are conducting investigations.

Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=5733

Read more,
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L13395509.htm
and
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4124
and
http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=22150

'Deepam TV' in London has become voice of LTTE

The Tamil television service Deepam operating from London has become a mouthpiece of the LTTE following closure of the LTTE's official Tamil Television Network (TTN) by the French authorities.

Extensive coverage of pro-LTTE news and views involving the LTTE apologists confirm Deepam television station has come under LTTE dictates.

The television is selective in its news broadcasts and LTTE and LTTE supporting news are only given weight. The terminologies used to call the Tamil democratic voices and the anti-LTTE Tamil groups operating in Sri Lanka confirm Deepam is towing the LTTE dictates.

Unlike before Deepam's programme co-ordinator and news broadcaster Anas is taking a pro-LTTE stance and has become a mouth piece of the LTTE.

Sri Lanka in 60 mln dlr train deal with China

Sri Lanka plans to buy 60 million US dollars worth of locomotives and passenger coaches from China to modernise its Victorian-era network.

The state-owned railway says it'll buy 100 carriages and 15 diesel-powered locomotives.

China's Exxim Bank will fund the purchases with a lending agreement due to be signed between Colombo and Beijing.

A railway official says the nation's rolling stock is in desperate need of modernisation.
Delivery of the locomotives and coaches is expected to start in August.

Extracted from,
http://www.mulpituwa.com/?viewnews=5468

“I know nothing about politics” – Maj. Gen. Janaka Perera

My fellow officers in the army, navy, air force and the police, who fought valiantly in the battle field, deserve the honour of my popularity. I was able to command recognition among the armed forces by fighting with a sense of responsibility for the lives of the soldiers who were our assets and achieving many victories in the battlefield. We were victorious at Weli Oya, without the support of the Special Forces.

On July 22, I received a letter from the Headquarters removing me from operational duties and appointing me as Chief of Staff. I lost only a post but the country lost many things with that. However, I command respect among the police and security personnel, who were in the operational areas with me and the people of the country. I consider it the position bestowed on me.

In 2001, a friend of UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe telephoned me and invited me to contest the elections. A friend of Mangala Samaraweera also made the same request. However, I refused their proposals. I was offered the post of Deputy Minister of Defence, but I preferred to serve as Ambassador in Australia.

The LTTE says Janaka Perera is a dangerous man. They published it in their websites as well. I am not a politician. I was in the army for 34 years and in the Diplomatic missions for six years. However, I never forget the soldiers who were with me and their families.

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http://www.nation.lk/2007/05/13/inter1.htm
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Saturday, May 12, 2007

Sri Lanka govt to show free local movies once a month

Sri Lanka's Minister of Information and Media Anura Priyadharshana Yapa says the government will show local movies in cinemas free of charge once a month to promote Sinhala cinema and attract moviegoers.

The Minister said he would discuss the matter with cinema owners and distributors. The Minister, who was participating in the ceremonial start of a cinema production, lamented about empty halls when local movies are shown.

Meanwhile, industry sources welcomed the Minister’s attempt to solve the problems of the local cinema industry.

Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/May12133217SL.html

Polls after LTTE flushed out: Eastern Army Commander

Eastern Army Commander Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya was optimistic that people in the east would get a chance to elect their public representatives shortly after flushing out the LTTE within the next few days.

The Major General told journalists on Thursday they would clear the east of Tiger terrorists now confined only to the Thoppigala area.

He made these comments amidst widespread speculation about some political parties laying ground work for a provincial council election in the east soon.

The government had completed the resettlement of internally displaced persons in the recently captured Vakarai area situated north of Batticaloa.

fuel prices have been raised

Sri Lanka has raised fuel prices from midnight Friday to keep up with diesel going up by two rupees, petrol by one rupee and furnace oil by three rupee a litre, a Ceylon Petroleum Corporation official said.

This would push 90-Octane petrol to 106 rupees and 95-Octane petrol to109 rupees with standard auto-diesel going up to 67 rupees and super diesel 71.30 rupees.