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.

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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.

Justifying why India provided radars to the Sri Lankan government, Mr. Narayan said, "Radars are seen as a defensive capability. Hence, we have provided the Sri Lankan government with them."

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http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/06/01/front/01.asp

Cuba-Sri Lanka to Expand Cooperation in the Coconut Industry

Sri Lanka's Minister of the Coconut Industry, Salinda Dissanayake, arrived in the eastern Cuban province of Guantanamo on Wednesday to establish closer links between Cuba and his country.

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.

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http://www.cadenagramonte.cubaweb.cu/english/news/may_07/310507_03.asp

Athawetunewewa Village Indiscriminately Targeted By LTTE Mortar Fire

On thursday (31) Morninig, LTTE terrorists indiscriminately targeted ATHAWETUNUWEWA village area, WELIOYA, twice with mortar fire injuring Two females living in the area.

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