The editors of this blog fetch latest news from various websites in internet with respect to Sri Lanka and then publish in here.The news are chosen by the editors on their point of view, Hence this blog is not a unbiased news reporting service.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Another truck with over 1000 kg explosives found
"The explosives-laden Freezer truck was found from the Padikkiya fishing village in Trincomalee following a tip-off," a senior defence official said.
Initial inquires indicated that the explosives were packed inside the lorry, similar to the previous lorry found at Kotavehera in Kurunegala early this month (01st, June). The official said explosives were defused and one suspect was taken into custody.
According to the defence officials further information were not available as investigations were under-way.
Extracted from,
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070630_06
We protect media freedom and privacy of citizens- Justice Minister Dilan Perera
However it is the responsibility of the government as well as the media to ensure that the private space of a citizen is not violated,” he said at a media briefing held in Colombo today (29).
He said that a Note to the Cabinet was introduced for discussion on the need for enhancing punishment for kidnappings and abductions and on the criminal defamation laws.
However no decision was taken on the latter. He clarified that no Cabinet Paper was presented to reintroduce criminal defamation laws, as a section of the media has erroneously reported.
Read more,
http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2769&Itemid=44
Solheim is a convicted criminal! -NAT
NAT quoting from his biography, “Nærmere”, states that Solheim “drags about his exploits and says that he enjoyed his time in jail, spending most of his time reading world literature.”
The report, states that “stealing from Norwegian Air Force is nothing compared to the crimes he has committed against the Sri Lankan people.
Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/June/30/20070630_5.htm
and
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/6350
JVP to meet Mangala next week
They said the meeting would take place on a request made by the former minister to explore possibilities of the two parties working together.
Former minister Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi will attend the meeting along with Mr. Samaraweera while several JVP seniors are expected to attend the meeting.
The SLFP Mahajana wing met Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and other UNP leaders last Thursday.
Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/30/front/5.asp
Arnold enjoying role from Cricketer to Commentator
Arnold said that he is enjoying his new role as a cricket commentator and is a great privilege to be associated in the company of some of the elite cricket commentators in the calibre of Tony Greg, Sanjay Manjerkar, Ranjith Fernando and Ranil Abeynaike.
Read more,
http://lankacricket.wordpress.com/2007/06/28/
arnold-enjoying-role-from-cricketer-to-commentator/
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
LTTE Uses UNHCR Sacks for Bunker Building
Troops of the Army fully committed to liberate Thoppigala, the last eastern bastion of the LTTE terrorists are inching forward removing hundreds of anti-personnel mines buried by fleeing terrorists.
As a result of the thrusting movement of the heroic members of the Armed Forces, LTTE terrorists now in disarray appeared to have run amok and vanished further into the interior fearing that troops would capture them at any moment of the day.
Infantry men supported by Engineer troops in the weekend came across a number of LTTE's destroyed bunkers, public buildings, vehicles and many other items. It is clear that terrorists while vacating those areas had vandalized almost everything within their reach as the photos in this story depict.
Strangely enough, polythene sacks with UNHCR emblem in which dry rations to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) contained have been used by the LTTE to cover up their bunkers.
A western diplomatic connection with Colombo abductions
This alleged connection has been first detected when a detained suspect revealed information about a diplomatic officer and a female employee of one of the western diplomatic missions as connected with incidents of abductions and ransom taking.
This suspect identified as Ranjith Dharmaratne alias Ananda was arrested under the suspicions of ransom collection. After the the abduction of Masimalani Nethrarajah alias Suren, Dharmaratne has come to collect 50 laks ransom.
Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/June/25/20070625_05.htm
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Three LTTE craft completely destroyed in sea battle off Point Pedro
Three LTTE sea Tiger craft was completely destroyed while another two were disabled following a major sea battle that erupted off Point Pedro around 4.30 p.m. this evening (19).
The Navy supported by ground troops with heavy MBRL and artillery fire and air support by MI 24 helicopter gun ships inflicted heavy damages on the cluster of enemy Sea Tiger boats.
Sea Tigers with heavy damages are currently withdrawing towards Kadaikadu naval sources confirmed. Naval fast attack craft are in hot pursuit engaging the fleeing Sea Tiger craft.Read more,
http://www.nationalsecurity.lk/fullnews.php?id=6280
and
http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070619_07
Mangala & Sripathi cross over to Opp. Benches; forms a new political wing
Meanwhile Suriarachchi and Samaraweera have decided to establish a separate wing of the SLFP called the Mahajana Wing.
The two former ministers have informed this move to the speaker in writing.
Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4292
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Warning Shots Fired by Sailor at Unidentified Person
...On investigations it was revealed that the person who had approached the detachment during dark was a Pilipino national named "Aptonio Vilamor" working in a NGO named "Mercy Corps" in TRINCOMALEE.
Due to the warning shots, the Pilipino national sustained minor injuries and was taken to the TRINCOMALEE hospital and later transferred to Colombo for medical treatment.
Read more,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6226
Court blocks Japan's NTT from selling stake in Sri Lanka Telecom
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Sarath Silva suspended the proposed sale to Global Telecom Holdings, a unit of Malaysia's Usaha Tegas Sdn, and set a new hearing date for Sept 17.
'This type of transaction must have a high degree of transparency,' the chief justice said, calling for documents relating to the transaction.
NTT, which owns a 35.2 pct stake in Sri Lanka Telecom, last month received approval from the Sri Lankan government to sell 25.3 pct to Global Telecom Holdings.
Read more,
http://www.hemscott.com/news/latest-news/item.do?newsId=45163728826678
Sri Lanka recalls Atapattu
Atapattu, 36, last played Test cricket against India in 2005, before he was sidelined for 18 months with a serious back injury.
The right-handed batsman, a veteran of 88 Tests, returns in place of Sanath Jayasuriya, who retired from the Test scene after this year's World Cup.
Uncapped left-hand batsman Malinda Warnapura and left-arm pace bowler Sujeewa de Silva are the two new faces in the 15-man squad.
Read more,
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,21903370-23210,00.html
Retired Major General Ashok K. Mehta criticized ManMohan Singh’s National Security Advisor
Writing an op-ed piece in the Indian daily, The Tribune, retired Major General Ashok K. Mehta said that once, “Sri Lanka was forced to turn to Pakistan for the crucial multibarrel rocket launcher which saved Jaffna from being overwhelmed by the LTTE. Sri Lanka refers to Pakistan as a friend and saviour.”
Mehta very bluntly said, “As India has underwritten Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it has the moral responsibility to sort out the mess in that country which endangers its own security.”
Read more,
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items07/140607-1.html
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Police finds roadside bomb in Colombo
A sanitary worker had observed the bomb immediately informed the Police post nearby.
The WELLAWATTA Police recovered the bomb which was checked by STF Bomb Disposal unit.
In recent weeks, LTTE terrorists blasted a series of bombs in the city and the suburbs causing heavy loss of life and limb and destruction of property.
Read more,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6211
Sri Lanka urges Qatar to ban LTTE
Hussein A Bhaila said after a meeting with Qatar's Assistant Foreign Minister, H E Muqaddam Al Bonain, that one of the issues discussed was to ban the LTTE.
Asked what impact he thought the move would have on the LTTE, Bhaila said if nothing else, it would put moral pressure on the terrorist organisation.
His comments came in response to a question from The Peninsula about reports that some LTTE operators were extorting money from low-income Sri Lankan workers here to remit funds home.Read more,
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local_News&subsection=
Qatar+News&month=June2007&file=Local_News200706132220.xml
British MP Andy Love opens UK office of LTTE-TV "Tharisanam"
Tharisanam UK Office is located at 72-74 Chase side Southgate London N14 4PR, reports said.
Reports added "many other Tamil councilors, religious leaders, representatives of Tamil organizations, and “Tharisanam” viewers were present on the occasion."
LTTE's “Tharisanam” TV was launched on May 21 as a result of rebels' previous TV channel (Tamil Television Network (TTN) shut out from the satellite.
Sri Lanka Telecom to commence IPTV in six months
Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) is planning to commence an Internet Protocol television service within six months. SLT has already obtained the license for the service, a SLT spokesperson said.
SLT hopes to use the country’s widest network available to provide a user-friendly TV service with competitively priced packages.
The multimedia service will provide TV, video on demand and many other facilities via the broadband connections in the beginning, said the SLT spokesman.
Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/June11140730SL.html
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Attempt to Blast the Transformer Fails
The explosion has not damaged the transformer or any other property or any person.
WELLAMPITIYA Police are conducting inquires.
Investigations have revealed that the explosion was caused by explosives weighing 500 g which had been designed as a time bomb.
Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6196
Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2625&Itemid=44
Monday, June 11, 2007
LTTE was created by India
Former Army Chief Hamilton Wanasinghe said India should not tell Sri Lanka from where it should purchase military hardware or not. It is Sri Lanka's choice, so the request is 'unfair'," General Wanasinghe who commanded the Army from 1988 to 1991 told the Daily Mirror.
Praising Pakistan and China for their continued support to Sri Lanka, the former Army Chief also said we had to depend on Pakistan and China at critical points of time in the past. "We can't antagonize those two countries, as they were there when we needed them."
Accusing neighbouring India of creating Sri Lanka's conflict, the former Army Commander said India was partly responsible for creating the problem for us. "The LTTE was created by India. That's the truth."
Meanwhile, former Air Force Chief Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunatilake said Sri Lanka had the freedom to go to any country to purchase weapons.
Extracted from,
http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_36720.shtml
Asia lifts the second edition of the Afro-Asia Cup
But things didn’t go right for the Asians at first. Africa was obviously on top of the game as Asia kept loosing wickets at regular intervals.
The scoreboard read 5/72 when the Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Indian Wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni came to the team’s rescue. Elegant centuries from both batsmen ensured another successive 300+ total for them.
The two right-handers rebuilt the innings in a record breaking 218-run stand for the sixth wicket. Jayawardene recorded his 10th century in a 106-ball- 107 hitting 9 fours and two sixes while Dhoni was much quicker with 15 fours and 5 sixes in his unbeaten 97-ball-138, his third ODI century.
Read more,
http://lankacricket.wordpress.com/2007/06/10/
asia-lifts-the-second-edition-of-the-afro-asia-cup/
Sri Lanka PM expresses regret
Addressing a news conference here, Mr. Wickramanayake said his Government accepted "responsibility" for what happened and said such incidents would not recur. However, he was not ready at this juncture to pin the blame on anyone.
On Friday, President Mahinda Rajapaksa called for an immediate report from Inspector-General of Police Victor Perera on the `manner' of eviction, amid reports that the Tamils were put to great hardship and inconvenience.
Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/11/stories/2007061115040100.htm
Sri Lankan Operator Announced Network Expansion Plans
The investment will be targeted at large scale expansion of services across all regions of Sri Lanka. Associated infrastructure investments would include expansion of the company's GSM and 3G mobile networks, introduction of Value Added Services and the establishment of Broadband transmission networks across the island based on Fibre Optic and Microwave transmission technologies.
The Company will also make substantial investments in the provision of International Bandwidth to Sri Lanka's ICT sector via the SeMeWe4 submarine cable.
Read more,
http://www.cellular-news.com/story/24271.php
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sri Lanka Premier says another truck with 1,000 kilos of explosives is out there
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka today said that LTTE had sent another truck with over 1,000 kilograms of explosives, a week after police found a truck with over 1,000 kilograms of C-4 explosives packed inside 42 boxes.
“We are searching for another lorry, which can cause a major damage,” the Premier said without giving nay details.
The Police on June 01 arrested a truck with 1,052 kilograms of C-4 explosives carefully hidden in the truck under a pile of coconuts at a Police checkpoint in Kurunegala District.
"The explosives in that truck were enough to blow up half of Colombo," the PM said.
Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/June10141038JV.html
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Army closing in to Thoppigala captures four LTTE camps- East
SL army troops during last 24 hours overran four LTTE camps in Pankudaweli North, and Naarakmulla South, Military sources said.
Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Smarasinghe said, that four LTTE camps at, Ibbanvila, Akkarathivu, Mawadi-ode, and Veppanveli have been captured by SL Army troops.
"Over 30 LTTE cadres were killed during the battle, and the troops have found eight dead bodies so far", Brigadier Smarasinghe said. He added that if the situation permits bodies would be handed over to the ICRC this evening.
Military sources form the east said, three of the LTTE cadres committed suicide when the army charged ahead. Same sources said many more LTTE bodies have been seen lying in the ground but yet to be collected.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Sri Lanka raps police chief, invites Tamils back
President Mahinda Rajapakse demanded an explanation from police Inspector General Victor Perera for forcing Tamils out of their sleep and bussing them 260 kilometres (160 miles) north of Colombo to a detention centre. ‘The president has called for an explanation from the IGP,’ an official at the president’s office said. ‘He has also ordered measures to redress the injustices during yesterday’s police action.’ The presidential orders went out after the Supreme Court halted the evictions and the United States, akey ally of the government, led international condemnation of Thursday’s events.
Dead Bodies Found
WENNAPPUWA Police are conducting injuries.
Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6159
India 'very friendly country', says Sri Lanka
"India is our very friendly country. India is a country that has given us everything what we asked," he told parliament on Wednesday after an opposition MP accused the government of damaging relations with New Delhi.
"The government strongly maintains the close relationship between the two countries. We can never forget the assistance given to us by India," the state-run Daily News quoted the prime minister as saying. He added that the government had not taken any measure to weaken the friendly relationships with India and other neighbouring countries.
Read more,
http://www.headlinesindia.com/archive_html/07June2007_44506.html
No halting military operations until LTTE is wiped out; PM declares
Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake ruled out the possibility of halting military operations against the LTTE until it is completely wiped out from the country.
Mr. Wickramanayake made this point at the inauguration of the work at Hambantota port yesterday. “We will maintain our right to carry out offensive measures against the LTTE when ever they strike even if we go for talks,” he pointed out.
Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/08/news/01.asp
China, India eyeing Sri Lanka's phosphate deposit: Minister
Sri Lanka's phosphate deposit in the north central region of Eppawela, has been a political hot potato for years, and attempts to develop it with a Western mining firm ran into stiff opposition.
"I have visited several Indian plants which have technology to add value to the rock phosphate, and China is also interested," Industrial Development Minister Kumar Welgama told an economic forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
Welgama said the government itself was planning an 800 million rupee fertilizer plant that would make Single Super Phosphate (SSP) which was a low grade fertilizer.
Read more,http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/
fullstory.php?newsID=1851976907&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=17
Sri Lanka Cricket interviews possible coaches for the national team
John Wright was a possible candidate at first, but he ruled himself out as he was to take up coaching at the Australia’s Centre for Excellence in Brisbane. Now that he has pulled out of that appointment too, things might or might not change.
Other interested candidates included Jamie Siddons, Dave Houghton, Greg Shipperd, Terry Oliver, Trevor Bayliss and Graham Ford.
Siddons is assistant coach of the Australian team and a senior coach at the Center for Excellence in Brisbane. Houghton, the former Zimbabwe captain, is presently coaching Derbyshire. Shipperd is the coach of Victoria while Oliver had success coaching Queensland.
Baylisss made his mark as head coach of New South Wales and Ford who coaches Kent was a former coach of South Africa.
Over 4,000 English Cricket Fans To Arrive In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Dulip Mendis said to media that 4,000 English tourists have already confirmed their visit to Sri Lanka to watch the one day and test series between England team and the home squad.
Sri Lanka expects a boost for the island's tourist industry that is severely affected by the travel warnings issued by the Western European countries due to the civil unrest in the country.
England one day team will arrive in Sri Lanka on 25th September and play five ODI matches in Dambulla and Colombo in October.
Dialog becomes Sri Lanka’s biggest investor
Sri Lanka’s most profitable, largest capitalised company and industry leader Dialog Telekom yesterday added another enviable achievement under its belt by becoming the single largest investment project in the country.
The latest commitment brought the total investment by Dialog in Sri Lanka to a staggering US$ 800 million or over Rs. 90 billion.Tan Sri Dato’ Ir Muhammad Radzi bin Haji Mansor Chairman of Dialog Telekom Ltd said that Sri Lanka is one of “our most compelling success stories outside Malaysia.
Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/08/ft/21.asp
Thursday, June 7, 2007
An Emeritus Professor of Computer Science, V.K. Samaranayake passes away

Prof. V.K. Samaranayake, was the founder Director, University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) of the University of Colombo, and Chairman of Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka,
Late Prof. V.K. Samaranayake was a Fellow of the Harvard Information Infrastructure Project and the National Center for Digital Government of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is also a Post Graduate holder of the University of Kalaniya.
Read more,
http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2585&Itemid=44
Photo,
http://www.news.lk/images/stories/Multimedia_Gallery/Photo_Gallery/prof_sam.jpg
Govt. hopes Japan will ban LTTE
The Government hopes the latest visit by Japanese peace envoy Yasushi Akashi will result in the listing of the LTTE or the freezing of its funds in Japan, defence spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.
Minister Rambukwella said Japan had deferred listing the rebels in August last year after the LTTE had given an assurance it would cease violence and resume peace negotiations.
Read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/07/front/6.asp
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
LTTE terrorists explode an IED targeting Colombo bound train- Batticaloa
The LTTE terrorists have exploded an Improvised Explosive Device(IED) targeting the Colombo bound train at Punani in Batticaloa around 7.15 this morning.
According to the available reports the explosive device was placed on the rail track. The train has been derailed and few of the cabins have been damaged due to the incident. Four of the passengers have suffered injuries due to the derailing.
Media Center for national Security (MCNS) said that, three of the injured have been taken to the Polonnaruwa hospital and the other has been taken to Valachchenai hospital.
Extracted from,http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070606_01
India asked to desist from returning to bad neighbor policy
...On behalf of the political bureau of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna its leader Somawansa Amarasinghe has conveyed to the High Commissioner for India in Sri Lanka that, “The foreign policy of the JVP is very simple.
It will side with any country, whatever their other ideological views, which support Sri Lanka to regain full sovereignty. The only country to have intruded on our sovereignty in the postcolonial period is India.”
Read more,
http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/6035
Sri Lankan star helps Asia to victory
The Asia bowlers pegged an inexperienced Africa XI to 109 for eight despite 52 from South Africa opener Loots Bosman.
Asia XI reached 110 for four in the 16th over with Dilshan hitting six fours and a six. The first of a three-game one-day series between the two continental teams will be played in Bangalore on Wednesday with the last two fixtures to be held in Chennai at the weekend.
Extracted from,
http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/
englishnews/20070606/news_20070606_56_406014.htm
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Army took over two bodies, other bodies were returned to the ICRC
The LTTE had handed over 13 bodies to the ICRC claiming them to be of Army soldiers. The Army took over two bodies after identification and confirmation that they were of two army soldiers missing since the attack. The other bodies were returned to the ICRC as they were not of Army personnel.
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6101
Monday, June 4, 2007
Japanese peace envoy to visit Sri Lanka tomorrow
Japan’s special peace envoy, Yasushi Akashi, will arrive here tomorrow on a four-day visit in an attempt to push forward the stalled peace process in the island nation.
A Japanese embassy said in a statement that Akashi was planning to discuss with the government and the parties concerned the current situation of the peace process and its future.
During the visit, Akashi is expected to meet President Mahinda Rajapaksa and several other senior government officials.
Extracted from,
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/June4131637JV.html
President orders full-scale inquiry
Presidential Secretariat sources said that although an attempt has been made to make the Government responsible for the alleged abduction and the killing of the two Red Cross volunteers, the sources was emphatic that the Government was not involved in the incident at all.
It was also clearly evident that there was no involvement on the part of the police or security personnel into the alleged abduction and killing of the two volunteers, sources added.
90% of abducted had returned: Rajapaksa
Accusing interested parties of exploiting abductions to tarnish the image of his government, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that according to the Mahanama Tillekeratne Commission on Abductions, in 90% of cases brought before it, the person allegedly "abducted" had returned.
At a meeting in Colombo on Friday, with the relatives of those "abducted" Rajapaksa said that as per the Commission, the persons who had disappeared were either domestic servants who had wanted to escape; lovers who had eloped; or men and women who had left their spouses after a domestic dispute.
"Due to a large number of complaints of abductions being made for narrow political reasons, police investigations into the genuine complaints about abductions had been hindered," the President said.
Read more,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=
Atapattu may be recalled for Bangladesh series
He was part of the World Cup squad but failed to get a game in the Caribbean. That may be about to change now, with Ashantha De Mel, chief selector, backing Atapattu’s return. “Marvan Atapattu will definitely be considered for the Test and the one day series against Bangladesh,” said De Mel.
“I think Marvan is too good a player to be left out considering his experience and ability. We will initially look at him for the Tests and, depending on his form, will consider him for the one-day games too. He was left out of the matches against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, but we have decided to reconsider him,” he added.
Read more,
http://lankacricket.wordpress.com
/2007/06/04/atapattu-may-be-recalled-for-bangladesh-series/
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Fighting in Vavuniya; fatal casualties to LTTE
Fresh clashes between the security forces and the LTTE broke out last night (02) at 9 p.m, in the Mullikulama, Kalmadu area in the Vavuniya District with both sides exchanging heavy artillery barrages.
The military troops launched a decisive retaliatory attack, engaging heavy artillery and mortars at identified LTTE gun positions north west of Vavuniya, initial reports said.
LTTE flanks were repulsed due to the heavy military thrust, where it is believed that a large number of terrorists are entrapped in Mullikulama area. Meanwhile, it is said that the troops are trying to cutoff the escape routes.
According to military officials the army troops have 'sledge hammered' the main terrorist offensive line, leaving large number of LTTE bodies scattered in the area. LTTE casualties are believed, to be high with soaring death figures, according to intercepted enemy communications.
CFA should be amended to bring peace - Devananda
The leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) and Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare Kathriravelu Nithyananda Douglas Devananda, MP says that the Ceasefire Agreement (CFA) which gave undue advantages to the LTTE should be amended to bring back peace.
In an interview with the Sunday observer he said that the CFA, was signed to make the guns silent...Q: Can you explain the real situation in the North and East ? Do the civilians have access to humanitarian services ?
A: The Government is trying its level best to provide the basic things such as food and other essential items to the people. But, unfortunately the LTTE has blocked all these services from reaching the people. Because of the LTTE threats, there are so many logistical problems faced by the Government. The LTTE has obstructed each and every step that the Government has taken to improve the living condition in the North and East.
Recently the LTTE has threatened the private traders not to sell goods......
Tigers slipped into Switzerland through the back door
This is the latest people-smuggling racket operated by the Tigers. Already there are 40,000 Tamils settled down in Switzerland. They are a part of the Tamil diaspora that funds Tiger terror operations in Sri Lanka.
Tiger operations which include abduction of Tamil teenagers, murders, kidnappings and running heavily guarded concentration camps in Vanni.
At Swiss embassy in Colombo, they posed as Tamils running away from the Tigers. Once they collected the necessary visa and land in Switzerland they join the Tiger outfits in their respective cantons.
Construction work on Rs. 3.6 b Hambantota port soon
Construction work on the Rs. 3.6. billion Hambantota port with financial assistance from the Chinese government will commence within two months, the project engineer, Janaka Kurukulasuriya told the media.
The Chinese government has agreed to provide funds at the request of President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his recent visit to China, he said.
The construction work has been jointly undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering Company and Sino Hydro Corporation.These companies have agreed to complete work on this port in three stages, he said.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Sri Lanka bans heavy vehicles traveling southward from the northern Vavuniya town
Following the seizure of a truck carrying over 1,000 kg of C-4 explosives Sri Lanka has temporarily banned heavy vehicles traveling from Northern Province Vavuniya to the southern areas of the country.
Vavuniya Senior Superintendent of Police Sisira Mendis said that the decision was taken due to security reasons.
Any heavy vehicle which wants to travel to south will have to obtain a special permit to proceed beyond the Irattaperiyakulam checkpoint south of Vavuniya. However, the new law is not applied for light vehicles and the buses.
The Police yesterday arrested a truck with 1,052 kilograms of C-4 explosives carefully hidden in the truck under a pile of coconuts at the Palugashandiya checkpoint. Palugashandiya is located in the Kotawehera Police division, six miles northwest of Nikaweratiya.
Read more,
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights-g293962-Colombo-Cheap_Discount_Airfares.html
India agrees to coordinated patrolling of the palk straits
Indian Defence Minister AK Anthony today (2 June 2007) assured Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, that the Indian Government was agreeable to conduct coordinated patrols of the maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka in the Palk Straits.
Modalities for this deployment will be worked out between the two sides. In March 2007, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister of India, President Mahinda Rajapaksa had proposed such a mechanism in order to prevent attacks on fisherman by the LTTE in the area and the transporting of material supplies to the LTTE.
The matter was also taken up during Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's visit to New Delhi last week.
India can force Lanka to buy its garbage: media
Daily Mirror carried a cartoon by Gihan Chickera on Saturday, which showed Narayanan standing near an overflowing garbage bin with the caption saying: "India can force Sri Lanka to buy its garbage."
In its editorial The Island daily said that Narayanan's statement that India was a "big power" which could not allow China and Pakistan to enter its sphere of influence showed "arrogance, callousness and coercion that characterised the Nazi regime of Hitler."
On Narayanan's saying that India would not supply offensive weapons to Sri Lanka, the editorial asked: "Is he of the opinion that terrorism could be countered with broomsticks and brickbats?"...
..Daily Mirror said in its editorial that India's bid to play "policeman" of the region was "objectionable" and hoped that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, known for his commitment to democracy and respect for the independence of nations "will not permit India to commit itself to the adoption of the attitude advocated by Narayanan."
Read more,
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=abb
No room for LTTE in Singapore
The Minister received this assurance when he met with the Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean in separate meetings yesterday. The Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona.
Bogollagama and the Foreign Secretary are in Singapore to attend the Sixth Annual Asian Security Summit - the Shangri-La Dialogue, which commenced its sessions yesterday night in Singapore.
The Shangri-La Dialogue is a forum organised by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IUISS) and brings together 25 official government delegations led mainly by Defence Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Chiefs of Defence Staff and other senior officials, who will deliberate on security-related issues with legislators, experts, academics and business people from Asia-Pacific region and key outside powers.
Read more,http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/06/02/sec01.asp
President makes surprise visit to Katunayake air base
“The President and senior defence officials visited the Air Force base and held talks with senior officers there about the current situation in the backdrop of the LTTE’s air attack a few weeks ago,” a senior defence ministry official said.
The President later inspected how the radar system of the air port was working and instructed the officials to maintain security at the highest level at the country’s only international airport.
India has not right to determine whom we buy arms from- JHU
He made this statement reacting on a statement made by Indian National Advisor M.K. Narayanan asking the government not to purchase arms from Pakistan of China.
"We actually don't believe a country like India made such a statement. But if they did, this is direct intervention to Sri Lanka's Sovereignty. As an independent country we have the right to purchase arms from where ever we want," he said.
Read more,
http://www.lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4211
Police seize biggest explosive stock in Kurunegala
Police seized 940 kg of C 4 explosives from a lorry at the Palugas handiya (junction) road block at Kotawehera, Nikaweratiya, Kurunegala around 3.30 p.m. today (01). The explosives had been stocked in 47 boxes each carrying 20 kg, the Police said.
Latest information reveals that the explosives had been carefully concealed underneath a stockpile of coconuts.
The Police also arrested the driver and his assistant believed to be from the Chavakachcheri area in the North.
Today's seizure is reportedly the biggest explosives haul recovered in Sri Lanka.
C-4 or Composition C -4 is a common type of plastic explosive used by the LTTE in bomb attacks in Sri Lanka. It can be easily molded into any shape or stuffed into gaps in buildings, equipment or machinery.
The LTTE had used 50 kg of C-4 explosives in the Central Bank attack which killed 55 people and injured over 1000.
Security Forces believe that the massive stock of C-4 explosives would have been transported to Colombo by the LTTE for a major attack. Due to a thorough security check by the police at the Palugas handiya road block another possible terrorist attack was prevented.
Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6034
I am ready to resume talks with LTTE: Rajapaksa
Rajapaksa will enter into negotiations with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) provided the guerrillas agree to resume from where they left off in October 2006, his spokesman Chandrapala Liyanage said.
"I am ready to talk even today in the present circumstances," the President was quoted as saying. "I am a total democrat and I believe in a peaceful negotiated settlement."
Rajapaksa said controversial proposals unveiled by his party earlier last month were not the final solution to the drawn out ethnic conflict and expressed his willingness to go along with a consensus in the country.
Read more,
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200706012023.htm
Sri Lanka media rights body slam opposition leader over attempts to intimidate media
A call by Sri Lanka's opposition leader to summon newspaper editors to parliament which drew fire from the Free Media Movement was followed by another statement from the UNP the FMM said.
"FMM is of the view that the UNP’s position is only tenable through a perverse distortion of logic, democratic norms and modern international best practice and law relating to freedom of expression, parliamentary privilege and contempt," the rights body said in a statement.
Read more,
http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?newsID=
659438358&no_view=1&SEARCH_TERM=11
Friday, June 1, 2007
Sri Lanka is not a colony of England, America or any other country! – President Mahinda Rajapakse
“Sri Lanka is not a colony of England, America or any other country" said President Mahinda Rajapakse speaking to ‘AlJazeera’ and accused those who criticise his policies of interfering in Sri Lanka's internal affairs.
The President was critical of Europe, and the US, both of which have talked of cutting off aid. He accused European leaders in particular of callously stopping humanitarian aid for tsunami victims.
He also said there was no religious or ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and the international community is completely wrong in accusing his army of human rights violations.
Read more,
http://www.lankatruth.com/full_story/2007/June/01/20070601_3.htm
Don’t seek weapons from Pakistan, China: India
India yesterday said Sri Lanka should turn to it for its arms requirements and not seek weapons from Pakistan or China, a news agency reported.
The Chennaionline quoted India’s National Security Advisor M K Narayanan as saying so following a meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.
"We are a big power in the region. We don't want the Sri Lankan government to go to Pakistan or China. Whatever may be its requirement, the Sri Lankan government should come to us. However, India will not provide weapons with offensive capabilities to Sri Lanka," he said.
read more,
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/01/front/01.asp
Cuba-Sri Lanka to Expand Cooperation in the Coconut Industry
On Thursday, the minister and his delegation will visit plantations, Malay ovens and coconut oil factories in the municipality of Baracoa -- the main producer of coconuts in Cuba. Also scheduled are talks with local producers and managers in that sector.
Dissanayake, who is accompanied by Sri Lanka's ambassador to Cuba, Kirthi Sigera, was given detailed information on the coconut industry in Cuba upon his arrival in Guantanamo.
Read more,
http://www.cadenagramonte.cubaweb.cu/english/news/may_07/310507_03.asp
Athawetunewewa Village Indiscriminately Targeted By LTTE Mortar Fire
Four soldiers who were on duty in the village at the same time were also seriously injured.
One soldier succumbed to his injuries on his way to hospital while three were admitted to the ANURADHAPURA hospital.
Extracted from,
http://www.rnhit.com/mcns/fullnews.php?id=6018