Police in Nuwara Eliya Uncover Weapon Haul

FOLLOWING INFORMATION given by a civilian, the NUWARA ELIYA Terrorists Investigation Department (TID) reacted fast and recovered a large stock of weapons, explosives, detonators, ammunition from MAGASTOTA area Wednesday (11) around 10.00 a.m.

The recovery also contained two T – 56 assault riffle, eight packets of C – 4 explosives each contains 2 kg, 40 detonators, 300 Kg of TNT explosives, 10 riffle sling and large stock of ammunition.

Extracted from,
http://www.army.lk/morenews.php?id=13926

DMK Govt failed to strengthen coastal security: Jaya

Accusing the DMK government of failing to strengthen coastal security, opposition AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa, quoting the Centre, today said the country faced a threat from terror outfits like LTTE and Al-Qaeda through the Tamil Nadu coast.

In a statement here, she said a senior official of the Union Home Ministry and National Security Advisor have expressed apprehensions that terrorist outfits might carry out attacks through Tamil Nadu sea coast and wanted the State Government to immediately strengthen its coastal security.

She said the Group of Ministers on Reforming the National Security System, in 2005, had sanctioned for a Coastal Security Scheme to strengthen coastal security in nine coastal states, including Tamil Nadu and four Union territories.

Under the scheme, the Centre would provide Rs 400 crore as non-recurring expenditure and Rs 151 crore as recurring expenditure for setting up coastal police stations and for purchasing vehicles and boats.

While all the other states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, had implemented the scheme, Tamil Nadu, which was expected to set up 12 coastal police stations, did not set up even one, she alleged.

Extracted from,
http://www.uniindia.com/unilive%5Cunisite.nsf

‘Tooled up’ Tamil gangs

Gangs of violent men from Sri Lanka are "constantly tooled up" and "ready to go", according to police.

There have been a number of violent clashes involving groups of Tamil men in Croydon and other parts of south London in recent years.

They culminated in the murder of 28-year-old Prabaskaran Kannan in Tooting last year. He was chased by a group of four men from Croydon who stabbed and slashed their terrified victim 31 times outside a fried chicken takeaway shop.

The chief investigator in the case which became known as the "Chicken Cottage murder" said Croydon's Tamil gangs were causing concern among officers.

Detective Sergeant Mick Snowdon spoke out about the problems surrounding Tamil gangs after five men were convicted of Mr Kannan's murder at the Old Bailey.

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http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk

Sri Lanka Gets New Flour Brand From Dubai's Al Ghurair

Serendib Flour Mills, a unit of Dubai's Al Ghurair Group, Tuesday began distributing of its 'Seven Star' brand wheat flour to consumers and industry, ending a long-standing milling monopoly held by Singapore's Prima group.

The company commissioned a 1,000 tons per day single-line at its wheat flour mill built at a cost of US$56 million in Colombo port last month.

A company statement said it can blend wheat flour and develop various varieties such as All Purpose, Rotti, Atta and Biscuit Flour.

Its regionally based teams advice, provide consultations and guide bakeries and other businesses.

Extracted from,
http://au.news.yahoo.com/080611/3/17893.html

India losing tea export market to Sri Lanka, Kenya

While China might have overtaken India as the largest tea producer couple of years ago, it is now Sri Lanka and Kenya that seem to be giving India a run for its money in tea export market.

With a steady rise in tea consumption in the domestic markets, India is losing its share in tea export markets to these two countries.

The largest producer of black tea in the world, India is losing ground to other tea exporting countries such as Sri Lanka and Kenya, Western Tea Dealer's Association (WITDA) expressed its concerned today.

Tea exports from India has come down from 200 million kgs in 1998 to 157 million kgs in 2007. The industry player also estimates that in 2008, exports will maintain a status quo.

"As far as tea exports are concerned we are losing out to Sri Lanka and Kenya," opined Piyush Desai, chairman of WITDA. Till now Pakistan used to procure tea directly from India but recently it has turned to Sri Lanka. "We have also lost market to some extent in Europe.

read more,
http://www.business-standard.com

SLN Repulsed LTTE attack on a naval out post Errukkalampiddi - Mannar

SLN foiled an attempt of LTTE to attack on the naval out post at Errukkalampiddy situated in the island of Mannar about three kilometres off the mainland, Vedithalthievu, around 0215 hrs today (11.June 2008) .The LTTE cadres arriving by a cluster of boats from the un-cleared area in Vedithalthievu made the attempt of mounting an abortive attack on the out post.

The naval troops thwarted the attempt of LTTE effectively countering the attack and in the confrontation ensued five LTTE cadres had been killed including the senior cadre named Sirimaran. Four sailors died in action and three others sustained minor injuries.

Extracted from,
http://www.navy.lk/index.php?id=859