Air Force took timely action, Sri Lanka Minister says

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

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

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

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

SLAF helicopter forced landing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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